Next in Line (William Warwick, #5)(14)

‘How nice to see you again, William,’ the Princess said as William bowed. He was taken by surprise when she called him by his Christian name, although the protocol officer at Scotland Yard had told him she often did so to put her guests at ease. However, the PO had reminded him firmly never to become overfamiliar and to always address her as ‘Your Royal Highness’ or ‘ma’am’.

‘May I introduce Inspector Hogan, ma’am.’

‘We met at Scotland Yard, Inspector, but only briefly,’ said Diana, ‘when you accompanied my lady-in-waiting around the Black Museum. In fact, it was Victoria who suggested you might be suitable to take over as my personal protection officer.’

Ross didn’t comment as the butler reappeared, carrying a heavily laden tea tray, which he placed on the table in front of them. William admired the Herend porcelain tea set decorated with insects and flowers, knowing that Beth would expect him, like a good detective, to recall every detail.

‘Do sit down, both of you,’ said Diana. ‘I’ll be mother. China or Indian, Inspector?’

The protocol officer had mentioned how to bow – from the neck, not the waist, like a cabaret artist – but she hadn’t mentioned China or Indian.

‘Indian,’ said William, while Ross simply nodded.

‘I read your service record with interest, Inspector,’ Diana continued as she passed Ross a cup. ‘Two Queen’s Gallantry Medals and countless commendations. You sound like a cross between Sydney Carton and Raffles. Most impressive.’

‘More Raffles, ma’am,’ said William. ‘We spared you the three official reprimands, not to mention a temporary suspension.’ Diana laughed, while Ross remained silent. ‘DI Hogan is the still waters type, ma’am,’ added William, coming to his rescue.

‘That’s not what Victoria told me,’ said Diana, placing a slice of plum cake on a plate in front of Ross, who didn’t touch it. ‘I also read about you, William, and your remarkably swift rise through the ranks,’ she added as William picked up a pair of silver tongs and dropped a lump of sugar into his tea. ‘But after my brief encounter with Artemisia, that hardly comes as a surprise.’ She turned her attention back to Ross. ‘I understand you also have a daughter?’

Over the years William had witnessed Ross chat up several women he hadn’t even been introduced to, but this time he just sat there, bolt upright, his tea going cold and his cake still untouched.

‘What a magnificent Frith,’ said William, once again coming to Ross’s rescue as he looked at a painting on the wall above the fireplace.

‘Yes, one of my favourites,’ said Diana, without glancing around. ‘Ladies’ Day at Ascot. Not part of the royal collection,’ she whispered, ‘but a gift from my late grandfather. Do tell me, William, how is my new best friend, Artemisia?’

‘She tells everyone about meeting you, and the story becomes longer with each telling. She wanted me to let you know that she’s looking forward to seeing you again when you open the Frans Hals exhibition at the Fitzmolean. I fear she’ll be presenting you with another bunch of flowers.’

‘Which reminds me,’ said Diana, ‘I have a little gift for her.’ She leant forward and took a small box wrapped with a silk ribbon from the shelf below the table, handing it to William. ‘And I haven’t forgotten Jojo,’ she added, retrieving a second gift which she gave to Ross.

‘Thank you, ma’am,’ spluttered Ross, pronouncing it incorrectly.

‘Ah, you can speak!’ teased Diana.

While William laughed, Ross turned a bright shade of red, something else William hadn’t witnessed before.

‘No doubt,’ continued Diana, ‘you’ve already been fully briefed on what the job as my protection officer entails. But my bet is they’ve only told you half the story, and not the better half.’

This was a statement that left even William wondering how to respond.

‘There’s never a dull moment,’ she went on, ‘but I fear you’ll find the hours are unpredictable. I once had breakfast with Mother Teresa, lunch with Mikhail Gorbachev and dinner with Mick Jagger, all on the same day. No prizes for guessing which one I enjoyed the most.’

‘Mick Jagger?’ ventured Ross.

‘I think we’re going to get along just fine.’

Ross didn’t respond.

‘Can I pour you a fresh cup of tea, Inspector?’ the Princess offered, glancing at his untouched cup.

‘No, thank you, ma’am. But can I ask if you have any particular problems that you think I should know about?’

‘Now you mention it, I’d like to be able to visit the gym, swim or even go shopping occasionally without being pursued by a dozen paps.’

‘That might not always be easy, ma’am. After all, you’re the most photographed person on earth,’ Ross reminded her, ‘but short of killing them, I’ll do my best.’

Diana revealed that shy smile the public had become so familiar with, before saying, ‘I also have friends who don’t enjoy seeing their faces plastered across the front pages of every national newspaper: accompanied by articles about their past lives.’

Ross nodded, but didn’t offer an opinion.

‘And one or two of them might well visit me’ – she paused – ‘how shall I put it, outside of office hours.’