“I wonder what sort of king Prince Edward will be. He never seems to take his duties very seriously.”
“He hasn’t even married yet. He has no heir.”
“And he’s having an affair with a married woman.”
“She’s twice married! She divorced her first husband and is still married to the second while running all over Europe with Prince Edward.”
“It’s quite shocking.”
“And she’s an American!”
“That’s enough, girls,” the instructor said. “We must show respect for our new monarch.”
“Our new monarch.” What changes would he bring? The front door opened and closed, bringing gusts of cold air as more students arrived to chew over the news. Eve didn’t want to stay and digest this unsettling loss with them. Nor did she want to return to the boardinghouse, where the other girls would be laughing and giggling as they celebrated a few days off from classes. She tied her scarf around her neck again and ventured out into the January morning. Her breath fogged the air as she walked to the nearest Underground station and took a train across town to the Clarksons’ town house, hoping to see her mum. Lady Rosamunde lived in London almost year-round now, rarely returning to Wellingford Hall, even for holidays.
“Lady Rosamunde returned home very late last night,” Mum said after greeting Eve with a hug. “We’ll have plenty of time for a cup of tea before she wakes up.” She brewed a fresh pot and poured them each a cup. They sat at the table in the basement while the other servants bustled around with morning preparations. Mr. Clarkson’s morning newspaper had announced the tragic news, and the atmosphere downstairs had the subdued hush of a church service. The single, high window near the ceiling allowed scant light on this dismal morning, and the electric bulbs hanging on cords from the ceiling did little to chase the darkness.
“It will seem odd not to have King George on the throne,” Eve said. “Nothing will be the same without him.”
“He was wonderful to the soldiers during the Great War,” Mum said. “Did I ever tell you that he visited the frontline troops?” She had, but Eve wanted to hear the story again. “Your father saw him, and he said it cheered him to see His Majesty mingling with his soldiers. King George walked in the funeral procession when they brought the Unknown Warrior home to London.”
“Will there be a funeral procession for King George?”
“On January 23, according to the paper. I’m sure they’ll announce the route, too.”
“I want to watch it.” Eve couldn’t explain why but it seemed important. “Come with me, Mum. We should watch it together.”
“I’m not sure I can. Lady Rosamunde may need to appear at some of the funeral events, and she’ll need my help getting ready. I’m so sorry, Eve.”
“I understand.” But she didn’t. Over the years, hundreds of disappointments had contributed to a thick wall of resentment toward Audrey’s mother for commanding all of Mum’s time, expecting her to be at her beck and call. Before they had a chance to share a second cup of tea, the jangling bell summoned Mum to Lady Rosamunde’s room.
“Don’t look so glum,” Mum said as they hugged goodbye. “I’m sure the new king will rise to his duties. England will soldier on.”
Eve left through the servants’ entrance and walked around the row of town houses to the front. A taxi pulled up, the rear door opened—and there was Audrey. Eve might have mistaken her for Lady Rosamunde if she hadn’t known she was still in bed. Audrey looked slender and elegant, dressed in a fur-collared coat and stylish hat like the ones her mother wore. Even the languid way Audrey moved and walked was like her mother. But there was no mistaking Audrey’s amber hair glowing in the sunlight beneath her hat. Eve hurried toward her before she had a chance to disappear inside. “Audrey! Audrey, wait!”
“Eve? . . . Oh, hello!” She paused on the front step. “How nice to see you. How did you know I would be here?”
“I didn’t. I came to see my mum. Did you hear that King George died last night?”
“Yes. They closed school for a few days.”
“My classes were canceled, too.” Eve looked her friend up and down again, noticing her fashionable shoes this time. “You look really great, Audrey. And so stylish. Like a model in a magazine.”
“Thank you.” The new Audrey seemed cool and remote. Eve was about to say goodbye and leave, but then the old Audrey emerged with her shy, familiar smile. “It’s too cold and wet to stand out here and talk. Come inside so we can warm up with a cup of tea.”