Affairs of State(41)

“I don’t believe you.”

“No? The estate isn’t his. It belongs to Her Majesty. That silly charity is funded almost entirely by the royal coffers. Simon’s role in the family is a job like any other. His employment is contingent on Her Majesty’s largesse, and can be rescinded at any time. Think about that when you kiss him.”

He hissed the word kiss, and spittle formed on his bulbous lips. Then he turned and marched away. She wilted like the mint in her Pimm’s. Was this true? Was Simon really a royal puppet whose strings could be cut at any time?

Part of her wanted to encourage him to tell them all to shove it and live his own life. Then she thought about how much he loved his home at Whist Castle. And how proud he was of the achievements of World Connect. Could she really be responsible for causing him to lose them both?

Her legs were shaking and her hand sweating around her glass. She hurried to the drinks tent and got another Pimm’s, then walked around the perimeter of the royal enclosure, pretending to watch the match. She cheered wildly, heart pounding with pride and happiness, when Simon scored a goal. Then glanced around, wondering if she should have pretended more disinterest. He looked so dashing and handsome on top of the muscled bay horse, who listened to his every move and galloped for the ball as if its life depended on it.

“He’s a fine player.” The distinctive voice startled her.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The queen must have walked right up to her while her eyes were glued on Simon and she hadn’t even noticed. Her attendants hovered at a discreet distance. “He obviously enjoys the game.”

“Simon’s been playing polo since he was about eleven. He’d already been riding for years at that point, of course. Do you ride?”

“No. I’ve never even sat on a horse. I suppose that seems funny when I come from Montana, but we lived in town and I never had the chance.”

“Ah. What did you do for entertainment in Montana?”

Ariella swallowed. This seemed dangerously personal. And she was to blame for bringing up her roots. “My dad used to take us to watch football games almost every weekend in season. And we went fishing at the lake.”

“How nice.” She didn’t seem especially interested. And why should she be? “Do you plan to go back to Montana?”

“I have a business in Washington, D.C., so I’m not sure if I’ll ever live in Montana again. Never say never, though.”

“And when are you returning to Washington?” A hint of steel shimmered in her voice.

“Tomorrow, actually.” Sadness mingled with relief. She’d have to leave Simon, but she wouldn’t be stuck trying to make small talk with a monarch. “I was here on business. Simon’s helped make it a wonderful trip.”

She looked at the queen’s face. She couldn’t resist throwing in that last part.

“Simon tells me you’re a party planner.” The cool blue eyes had narrowed behind her glasses.

“Yes. I’m here to plan the Duke of Buckingham’s wedding.” She had no doubt the queen and the duke were old pals.

“How wonderful. Everyone’s so happy to see him marrying Nicola at last. They’ve been chums almost since nursery school.”

“I’ll make sure it’s an event to remember.”

“I’m sure you will. Did Simon tell you he’ll be getting married soon?”

She frowned. “What?”

The queen smiled sweetly. “A similar situation, really. A childhood friend who we all love. Perhaps he can get some wedding ideas from you.”

Ariella’s lung capacity seemed to shrink until she could hardly breathe. The queen was warning her off Simon. Telling her he was already spoken for and that she was not wanted on the voyage. A roar of clapping rose through the crowd and she joined in enthusiastically, though she wasn’t even sure which team had scored a goal.

“I’m sure Simon’s wedding will be an affair to remember,” she managed at last.

“Indeed. Do have a good trip back to the States.” The queen smiled thinly, then turned and walked slowly away.

Ariella felt like she’d just been slapped. She’d now been warned off Simon by two members of the royal family. They must feel quite threatened by her, which wasn’t surprising given that Simon had allowed the press to get wind of their romance. Sophia Alnick was probably throwing a tantrum somewhere, too, if she was in on this whole aristocratic marriage scheme.