“I understand.” He stood up and pulled me with him. “Let’s go get some breakfast, I’m starved.”
We went downstairs and were met with the sound of voices in the kitchen. Alex laced his fingers through mine before lifting our hands to his mouth and kissing my knuckles. Whoever had picked up the clothes by the door had to know what had happened. Or at least had a good idea. There was no reason to try to hide it.
Chadwick was sitting at the island, a plate full of food in front of him while Margie moved about the kitchen. Margie was the first to spot us and smiled.
“Good morning, Samantha. Sir.” She dipped a quick curtsy. “I wasn’t sure what you like for breakfast so made a little of everything.”
Chadwick looked over his shoulder at us and smiled. “Good morning.”
I grabbed a plate off the island and picked out some food. “Thank you, Margie. You didn’t have to make breakfast.”
“I like to cook and I love that I have new people to cook for.” She smiled as she cut up some fruit. “Chadwick did tell me you enjoy fresh fruit for breakfast.”
“Thank you.” I sat next to Chadwick and he pushed a cup of coffee in my direction.
“Where’s the normally grumpy Samantha this morning? Is there a coffeepot in your room?” He took a bite of his toast and looked at me with innocent eyes.
“It’s a pretty morning.” I shrugged and sipped my coffee.
“A very pretty morning.” Alex sat across from me and smirked. I glared at him over my cup, but that just seemed to amuse him.
“Spring is definitely on its way,” Margie said. Her back was turned to us, so she didn’t notice the looks that were being passed around.
“I believe I heard some birds this morning,” Alex said as he ate his pancakes.
“I wonder when the bees will make an appearance,” Chadwick said thoughtfully. “Pollinate a few flowers and such.”
“Really?” I shot them both looks.
“Ignore them, Samantha.” Margie looked over her shoulder at us. “Do you think you’re the first people to fall into bed together? Or the first people that had a lot on the line?”#p#分页标题#e#
I closed my mouth and set down my cup. Alex cleared his throat and turned to look at the older woman. “I’m sorry if we’ve put you in an uncomfortable position, but this is something we would like to keep to ourselves if possible. The less people who know about us, the better.”
“Oh, I understand. That’s why I folded up your clothes and set them next to your room.”
“You had clothes all over the house?” Chadwick chuckled. “Jess would be very proud.”
“How did you know Alex was here?” I asked. He hadn’t seemed surprised in the least.
“His Land Rover is out front.” He shook his head and looked at Alex. “And Ned called me. I told him that I thought you had come over early to make sure Samantha was settled.”
“Thank you.” Alex nodded his head.
“Of course, I didn’t tell him that you were the one doing all the settling.”
“I’ve created a monster.” I groaned. Chadwick winked at me.
“I should have turned my phone on this morning, but didn’t want to deal with it yet.” Alex polished off his food.
“Why do you have to go to Paris?” I hadn’t asked him earlier. There had been more pressing things at hand.
“One of the head chairs was hospitalized last night and he was scheduled for a large appearance. They need me to cover for him this week.” He leaned back in his chair. “It’s mostly promotion.”
“Parties and fund-raisers?” I pushed the food around on my plate.
“There’s a gala and a few plaque unveilings.” He sighed. “Get used to the idea of unveiling plaques. You will lose count of how many you’ve done before this year is over.”
“Plaques?”
“To commemorate one thing or another.” He scratched at his chin. “For some people the monarchy is an outdated institution. We hold a little more sway than some of the other remaining royal households because we have retained ownership of the lands that made our country what it is. However, we do so much more than some people notice. We’re the ones sent to rally people for events, to congratulate someone on a job well done. In a time where real, honest successes often go unnoticed, we are the ones who make sure they don’t. If someone has spent fifty years of their life dedicating work to a charity or an important cause, we honor them. If the people feel they are being neglected by the government, they can petition us to bring their troubles to parliament.”