BOOK 4: PREPARATION / CH. 30:READY... STEADY...
FRIDAY, 22ND DECEMBER. 7.30AM
“John, are you awake yet?” Sarah asked from the bedroom doorway.
“Mmmm uwug.” he mumbled, without any real commitment.
“Oh, that's good. Breakfast is served.”
John exerted himself greatly and forced one eyelid to open and turned vaguely in the direction of the clock. He didn't succeed in getting any information that way though. “What time is it?”
“Seven thirty.”
“It can't be.” he denied, “I'd need to be getting up if it was.” He rolled over onto his side, so his eyes wouldn't get any confirmation of such unwelcome news.
“Sorry, beloved. We stayed awake too late, didn't we?”
“When did we come to bed? One A.M?”
“Not quite. It needs to stop, doesn't it?”
“I've told you that.”
“I'm agreeing.”
“So what are you going to do? Appoint new trustees?”
“I don't think so. That would be denying my responsibility, I think. You know I'm not really needed full time at the institute. It's stupid me looking around for things to do for eight hours a day there and then having to stay up all hours of the night in order to try and get my head around GemSmith stuff.”
“You could always try to get your head round GemSmith a little slower.”
“I suppose I could. But I don't think that's a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Because I've really got to get my head around it before I make any changes, and I want to make changes. There's a couple of GemSmith companies that aren't in too great a shape, both in terms of morale as well as financial. Frank told me that he'd not been able to work out whether it was a management problem, a market problem or bad attitudes from staff. It's probably a combination
of all three plus some other factors only insiders know about. There's already been prolonged visits from GemSmith experts, and it hasn't seemed to make much difference. So, either I let things go from bad to worse, or I need to get involved personally, probably this side of the impact. And to do that, I need to know the situation and the people I can call on very well. Anyway, what do you think about me asking Kate if I can switch to working part-time?”
“Beloved?” John asked plaintively, “Do we need to make all life changing decisions before I'm really awake?”
“Sorry. I've just been mulling it over since I woke up.”
“When was that?”
“Too long ago.” Sarah said with a yawn.
John checked Sarah's health; she was incredibly tired, and worried. Concerned, he checked deeper, and saw that she'd only had a few hours sleep, and was filled with all sorts of different anxieties, everything from what her work was doing to their love-life, to all she wanted to do to GemSmith.
But uppermost in her mind, and the thing that'd made her wake up too early, was
the question about how she could tell Kate that she wanted to go part-time without it sounding like she was saying she didn't think her work at the institute was important. “Sarah, have you eaten?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Because I want you to come to bed.”
“Oooh, you say the nicest things.”
“And I might even give you a kiss if you promise to fall asleep. I'm going to talk to Kate.”
“You will? Oh thank you, John!” As she felt the wave of relief sweep over her she realised just how sleepy she was and let out another yawn. She waggled a finger at him “Have you been snooping?”
“Only because I was worried about you, love. Come on, you need some sleep or you'll not be fit for Karen's big day.”
“Only if I get my kiss first.”
“Far be it from me to deny you a kiss, love.” he said, kissing her hand.
“And do I only get one kiss?”
“That depends how fast you fall asleep, my sleepy beauty. But if you come to work before you've had enough sleep then I expect that Kate is going to just send you back home again.”
“I've got things to do at work, John.”
“You should have thought of that before you decided to spend all night worrying. Now, do I need to get out of the bedroom before you'll lie down?”
“Absolutely not, but I'm not ironing this again today, either.” she said taking off her dress. “And I have to be there before eleven, John, or I can't help set things up for the Christmas party.”
“That's still almost three hours sleep, Sarah, and I can see you need it in your face.”
“Am I getting ugly? There wasn't any feedback when you kissed me.”
“No, you're getting stress-silly. I hid. We do that a lot, remember? But if you want feedback to help you sleep, then your wish is my command.”
“I love you, John.” she said, finally getting into the bed.
John put aside the breakfast she'd brought him and shared with her how much he loved her.
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“Is Sarah sick?” Kate asked, seeing John arrive alone.
“No. But she is getting stressed and isn't sleeping well because of all the
things she's concerned about. It was almost one when I called a halt on things last night, and she woke up at something like four thirty.”
“That's not healthy.” Kate said.
“So, I told her to get some more sleep, and that I'd talk to you. She's got lots to do with her inheritance — the more she studies it the more situations she sees which probably need her personal attention, and she thinks she should switch to part time here, but was worrying about how to say that without without giving the impression she didn't think her work here was important.”
“She is in a worry cycle, isn't she?”
“Yes.”
“So, how part time? A day off a week, or something more like mornings only? I do want her around at staff meetings.”
“I don't actually know what she's thinking, and I'd rather not ask her right now, but I think she's thinking half time.” John said “I suspect that she'd really like having one clear day a week to concentrate on inheritance stuff, plus some part days. Would that work out?”
“So, she'd be with us for four mornings plus at least one afternoon? I expect we can cope. I certainly don't want her getting sick. Do you think this is long term, or just while she's sorting things out?”
“Honestly, Kate, I have no idea. From what I see, she's trying to be the ideal employer — you know, the most reliable person you know, who's aware of everything that's going on, very approachable and willing to help find solutions to the most awkward staff issues so that her workers thrive. I can't imagine who's given her such ideas.”
“One does one's best.” Kate said with a grin, accepting the compliment. “But it's not like I could say no to that sort of reasonable request, is it? As I'm sure she's noticed, she's not really rushed off her feet full time, she's an important person to a lot of us here, not to mention that she's the only one of us with the pain, so I've got the prime directive to back me up.”
“Thank you, Kate.”
“She is planning to get here to help set up for the party, I presume?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
“That's a relief. OK, John, go and meet your client. The computer tells me he's just arriving.”
“Oh. Thanks!”
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9AM
[George! I've just had a call from Eliza — the agent, that is.]
[Oh yes, what about?]
[If we can get to the capital at two instead of four, then she's found somewhere we can take the civics exam.]
[Oh! Wow. Urm, yes, I think I can make it. My last lecture's at twelve.]
[Great. My penultimate one should just be starting, no sign of the lecturer yet.]
[I'll not be good company on the way up to the city, love. I'm only half way through the text book.]
[Second half is pretty much a heap of case-studies anyway. Much easier reading.]
[That's good. You really think I'll be able to pass it?]
[You've done well so far, George, every time I tested you. ]
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“So, Sarah, John tells me you need more time to sort out your inheritance.”
“Urm. Yes. It's not that I don't love working here...”
“But our suspicions about not really needing a full time computer systems expert long-term were correct, weren't they?” Sarah nodded. “So, John said he thought you'd like a mixture of a complete day away from us as well as some afternoons. Is that right?”
“Ideally, yes.”
“That's fine, but I want you here for staff meetings, and I'd like you to be here on pizza-days too, if you don't mind keeping those up. Of course, if you think Friday would be a good day to concentrate on your inheritance stuff, then you could move pizza-day.”
“What! Shocking! I don't think we can move pizza-day. Would it work for me have all Wednesday off?”
“I think so, yes. Do you need all the other afternoons except Friday?”
“I'm not really sure, Kate.”
“OK, let's put it another way. How many days can you squeeze what you're doing at the moment into, without feeling that you're getting rushed off your feet or not having time to do everything you want to? And that includes being around to investigate what on earth is going on with the pain, and then add time taken for staff meetings.”
“Gulp.” Sarah said. “I think perhaps I'd need three or three and a half days to be comfortable.”
“And would a day and a half a week be enough to sort out your inheritance?”
“I really hope so. I don't know. It would certainly help.”
“Out of interest, how much have you been praying about it?”
Sarah hung her head and drew a long breath, and admitted “I suppose now might be a good time to start.”
“And while you were worrying about it all, I assume you never thought to seek the peace, did you?”
“They say seven prayerless days make one weak. I've not had seven prayerless days, but...”
“You're getting weak anyway?”
“Yes. For some reason I have a thought that I need to deal with this stuff on my own. That's not a very sane thought is it?”
“John says you've not been sleeping enough; that, plus stress, is not a recipe for very sane thoughts. Come on, let's take it all to God.”
“Thank you Kate.”
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FRIDAY, 22ND DECEMBER. 11.50PM, I.H.M.
While they were putting the last of the streamers up, a glitter caught Sarah's eye. “I need my eyes tested.” she declared. “How long have you had that ring, Janet?”
“Ivan gave it to me last night.”
“Congratulations!”
“Thank you. It was a bit of a foregone conclusion, but the timing was right.”
“Have you set a date?”
“Yes. It was Ivan's idea. One year from when Ivan announced that his secret was out and he was undone, and we had our little chat.”
“What do your family think?”
“He's actually impressed them. They're firmly convinced we're both mad, of course, for believing in God, but his doctorate, papers and patents have at least convinved them that he's a worthy suitor.”
“They're really more concerned about those things?”
“Oh yes. Absolutely convinced that I need to marry well. I understand that there was some family member a long time back who didn't look at her prospective husband's career prospects and really, really regretted it.”
“What happened to marrying for love?”
“In her case, she was marrying someone who everyone was sure would end up as head of his political party, only the wedding happened just as the ban on parties was being drawn up. She was probably marrying him with her eyes firmly on power, prestige and such like, and then he ended up as just another politician. Plus, because he'd been so involved in his party, his constituency didn't really know him.
"They'd liked the idea of him being an important person in the party, but once that was gone, at the next election they swapped him for someone who was much more of an approachable and liked local figure. He never got reelected. Anyway, all prospective husbands since have to have at a fallback career. Preferably two.”
“I hope you don't mind me saying so, but that's very... calculating.”
“I guess it was traumatic for her, but my brothers heard the story when they were young and have been very concerned that it shouldn't happen to any of us.”
“So they've got backup careers too?”
“Yes. One really wanted to be an accountant, but he took a year out and got himself trained as a plumber. I can't really imagine that there'll suddenly stop being a need for accountants, myself.”
“I suppose it means that least he knows how to fix his own dripping taps.”
“Yes. The crazy thing is that he doesn't do it. He hates plumbing with a passion, but he's got the certificate, just in case.”
“Hmm. So not trusting in God, not trusting in the family, not trusting in anything but himself, he needs to make sure that he can survive even if the world goes crazy?”
“I guess so.”
“Has he taken it the whole way, and learned how to tan his own leather?”
Janet laughed “Quentin? He'd turn green at the thought. I expect he'd rather become a vegan than milk his own cow or catch a fish. He hates getting his hands dirty. That's part of why he hates plumbing.”
“Only part?”
“Yes. The other reason is that it caused a flaming row with a flatmate when he was at university and wouldn't try to fix the shower. The flatmate then went out of his way to wreck Quentin's romance with his sister. I don't know how serious she was, but Quentin certainly was about her by the end.”
“Ouch. But surely if she'd been serious, some false accusations wouldn't have hurt the relationship?”
“Not if they'd been false, no. Personally, I'm not at all surprised she dumped him — he was two-timing her for four months in the middle of their time together. That's not exactly trust-building.”
“No. And the truth got out with a bang?”
“Yes. For some reason he blames the whole lot on knowing how to do plumbing, not the fact that he was getting exactly what he deserved.”
“And therefore totally failed to learn any lessons from it other than not tell people he knows any plumbing?”
“Oh, almost certainly. Repentance and such like aren't exactly part of my family's motto.”
“You've got one?”
“Yes: 'Földem, házam, jogom, puskám.' The literal translation is 'My land, my house, my right, my rifle.' There have been different interpretations, for instance 'get off my land or I've got the right to shoot you', 'cross me or mine and you're dead', or 'I'll prove what's mine in your blood.' About the mildest I've heard is 'I protect what's mine.'
“Hmm. That's quite a self-sufficient attitude, Isn't it? It doesn't sound like Latin.”
“Oh, it isn't, it's Hungarian. My family moved here when the currency here collapsed, about the same time as Ivan's, in fact.”
“Why move somewhere when the currency's collapsed? That doesn't seem very sane.”
“They took the long view, I guess. Guessed the economy would rebound quickly enough, saw an opportunity and invested in what was ultra-low cost property
from their perspective, and made a killing when things got better.”
“With a motto like that, I hope you don't mean literally.”
“Not as far as I know. But it was in the age of chaos, so who knows. Family legend says they certainly did have the rifle ready at times, but I'm not sure if that was here or back before they moved. I think the stories have probably got confused.”
“Hmm. That happens. Anyway, are we finished with these decorations?”
“I think so. Let's go and see if Ivan and Horace need help down in the kitchen.”
“They're not using the helmet again are they?” Sarah asked.
“No, praise God. That took far too much cleaning.” Janet replied “Instead they've screened the oven and are squirting the radio frequency energy into that. Ivan says it ought to cook in half an hour, get a nice crispy skin, and not make too much mess.”
“And how long did it take them to set up their toys, compared to someone just coming in a bit early to turn the oven on?”
“I don't think that's the point, Sarah. I think the point is the boys wanting to do messy things with their toys, and say 'Look, I helped!'”
“Oh, I know. But... it's just a tiny bit immature isn't it?”
“Of course it is. But it's who they are at the moment, Sarah.”
“True.”
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2.45PM, THE CAPITAL
Karen, George and Eliza all felt rather conspicuous, queueing to enter the exam hall. They were the only ones there to start with.
“This brings back memories.” Eliza said.
“Do I want to know why school dining rooms all have that same smell?” George commented.
“Probably not. But... it's not quite true. Mine smelt of more spices than this.” Karen said. “But you're right. There's definately that same... food trampled into the floor six weeks ago odour.”
“Oh, thank you so much for sharing that.” Eliza. “Now I feel sick as well as nervous.”
“You could always bottle out and take it another day.” George offered.
“Not on your life. I want to be confirmed in my new post before someone changes the rules again.”
“Excuse me, will you be invigilating the civics exam?” asked a very nervous boy, about fifteen years old.
“No, we're here to take it.” Karen said.
“Oh. Do you know if we're allowed wrist units? I've got mine and but I don't think I should have it.”
“We're not. We had to hand ours into the office.”
“Oh. Maybe I should too.”
“It sure beats getting disqualified.” George said.
“It does. What about simple calculators?” he asked.
“I don't know. I didn't ask that one, but I certainly hope we don't need one.”
Karen said. “Have you got one, George?”
“No. It didn't occur to me that we might need one. Eliza?”
“Same here.”
“I'll ask at the office.” the boy said, and sprinted off down the corridor.
“I wonder why he's taking the exam now. It seems a bit early.” Karen asked.
“Get it out of the way, maybe?” George suggested.
A group of older students, clearly seventeen year olds, wandered along the corridor.
“Hello. You're the civil servants here for the civics exam?” said one boy.
“Yes.” Eliza said.
“What branch are you in?”
“Field operations.” Eliza said.
“What, like scalpels and things?” a girl asked.
“No. Like witness protection, criminal investigation, on-the-ground information gathering. Internal Security sort of field operations.” Eliza replied.
“Oh wow! You'd better watch out, Jim, she might arrest you for loitering.” the girl teased.
“With intent to take an exam, yeah. Caught any criminals recently?”
“Does convincing a van-load of almost-terrorists to 'fess up count?”
“What makes them only almost terrorists?” Jim asked, curious.
“They confessed everything, so we didn't need to get their crimes classified as a terrorist plot, and we could arrest all of their associates.”
“How did you get them to confess?”
“It was easy. I pointed out that if they told us everything, then it meant that they'd get to stay breathing, whereas if we got their plan registered as a terror plot then since they were looking for at five to ten years in prison already, they were dead men. They got the point immediately.”
“And that's all in a day's work?” the girl asked.
“Well, it doesn't happen every day.” Eliza said “I used to be witness protection. That was OK. It sure beat criminal stake outs.”
“And you're here to get a pass slip so you can get a promotion?” Jim asked.
“I've got the promotion. But with the pass slip then my promotion is validated and I get the pay-rise.”
Karen added “And we're here because we can't even get accepted into the service without the pass slip.”
“But you all know each other?”
“Yes.” Eliza said.
“Jim, Sparky's not here.” one of the other boys said. “What have you done to him this time?”
“Nothing!” Jim said “Why do you always blame me?”
“Your past record.” the girl said. “I don't suppose you've seen our boy genius of a class-mate have you? Fourteen, a stratospheric IQ. Probably nervous. Mostly because of Jim here.”
“School bullying is not a criminal offence, but it is a civil one.” Eliza told Jim. “A record as a school bully would prevent you from joining most branches of the civil service.”
“I'm not a bully!”
Eliza ignored him and said “If its the boy we met, he went to the school office to hand in his wrist unit.”
Jim fiddled with his sleeve. Trying, Eliza guessed, to hide his wrist unit.
“Is cheating in an exam a civil offence too, Maam?” the girl asked.
“No.” Eliza replied.
“I don't know if it depends on exam board, but there was someone in my school that got caught cheating.” George said. “They voided every exam he'd sat in the last year, and he had to re-take them wearing nothing but a sports vest and shorts, so he couldn't have anything up his sleeves you understand, and he was disqualified from taking any more exams for two years.”
Jim went white and took off his wrist unit, stuffing it into his bag.
[Was that true, George?] Karen asked.
[Of course.]
Eventually, the 'bright spark' arrived, followed by the invigilators.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the civics exam. I hope you're in the right place. Find the desk with your exam number on it. You may take two pens to the
exam desk. No wrist units, or other electronic devices are permitted.
Anything else may be left at the back of the hall.
Eliza raised her hand. “As an officer of the crown in my present post, I'm required to keep my stunner with me at all times. Will that be a problem? It'll stay holstered, of course, unless something really bad happens and I need to stun someone.”
The students edged away from her slightly.
“Ah. Urm. I don't believe the exam regulations mention stunners. I presume it has no memory, communication capabilities or display?”
“Nothing beyond a charge indicator. Would you like to examine it to verify that? I would, of course, have to keep hold of it.”
“As you are a crown officer, I would not doubt your word, Maam.”
Either at the mention of Eliza being an officer of the crown, or of her stunner, Jim's bravado had collapsed, and he'd moved to the back of the crowd, Karen noticed. She also noticed that all the time he'd been holding his bag tightly shut, as though it had a snake in it. She suspected that he'd got something in it he really wished he didn't in the present company. She saw Eliza noticing too. Good. It wasn't her problem.
The invigilators opened the exam doors.
[George, Eliza might want to talk to Jim later on. I think he's got something illicit or even illegal in his bag.]
[Probably. I've noticed it too. You're going to tell her?]
[I saw her noticing.]
[Great. So, we can concentrate on the exam, then?] George asked.
[I just hope Jim doesn't decide to leave early, or Eliza might have to too. But yes, we need to concentrate on this exam. And not communicate.]
[I love you, Karen.]
[I love you too.]
“The allotted time for this exam is one hour. You may turn over your exam papers, now.” the invigilator said.
George looked at the question paper. As he expected, from the mock tests he'd seen, there were sixteen questions worth five points each, and one question worth twenty points. He mentally split up his time. The long question was worth four little ones. Equivalent of twenty little questions, then. Five minutes to read the whole paper, two minutes to answer each little question, five minutes spare for any postponed questions, ten minutes to double check his answers.
He got down to reading, to get the feel for the paper. Easy questions to start with. Ooops, except number two was a trick question, he saw, and marked it as such. He saw that most questions had multiple choice components, but that he
had to show his reasoning. That was nice. The long question was one he'd
discussed with Karen, and they hadn't agreed. Or looked up the answer either, he now realised. Oh great, that wasn't so nice.
He started writing.
Halfway through the exam, Jim got up and left. Eliza, further back in the hall, heard and saw. Maybe it was nothing. But maybe it was some kind of stolen goods or drugs. Putting her hand to keep her holster closed, as she'd been trained, she signalled him to stop, and return to his desk. He understood the message, and turned back towards his desk. Then, passing a fire exit, he bolted through it, leaving his bag. That was good enough for Eliza, and she settled back down to her exam. The occurrence wasn't acceptable for the invigilator, however, who came over to her. “Maam, I don't fully understand what just happened, but I must ask you to accompany me from this exam room.”
She pointedly left her pen and her jacket at her desk.
Outside the room, he said. “You have made a threatening gesture towards one of the other candidates. That is not acceptable, maam. The rules are very clear.”
“From his behaviour, on hearing that I am a crown officer, I have good reason to believe that the candidate had an item or items in his bag which constitute stolen goods, drugs or other contraband. I gestured that he should return to his seat so that I could question him later. As you observed, he left the room by another exit, leaving the evidence in the exam room. I presume he will return later, at which time I will question him.”
“Your gesture included a hand on your weapon, maam. I must consider that as a threat.”
“No, sir. It did not. I would be derelict in my duty if I were to attempt to stop a potential criminal without ensuring that my weapon could not be taken from me, for instance by someone behind me. My hand being there contained no threat. If I had intended to threaten him, I would have drawn the weapon. Alternatively, I could have physically restrained him. That would have certainly caused a disturbance in the exam hall, far greater than your actions in asking me to accompany you here. May I please return to my place in the exam room?”
“No, Maam. You may not. I am sorry that you felt it your duty to interfere with another candidate, however my duty is clear. Having threatened another
candidate, I cannot allow you to return to the exam room.”
“As I said, sir, I did not threaten him.”
“And as I said, maam. I must consider your action as I saw it.”
“And may I ask what you saw, sir?”
If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
“You put your hand to your holster.”
“Like this?” She repeated her action.
“Yes, exactly like that, maam.”
“Very well. Please explain to me how this is a threat to draw my stunner.”
“I do not understand.”
“The stunner is held in by the strap here. As you see, I am holding that strap down. My fingers are in these holes, here, meaning that my hand cannot be knocked away, and I must extend my hand downwards to release them. The release for the strap is up here. If I wish to draw my stunner, I must place my hand on the stunner's grip, and then I could release the strap with a flick of my thumb, thus, and then move the stunner directly upwards.” She quickly replaced the strap, and then continued, “my hand where you saw it sir, is thus entirely non-threatening, My fingers are stuck through holes well away from the grip, my palm is exactly preventing the action of drawing the stunner. My entire arm position is wrong. I would need to complete three distinct whole arm movements to draw the stunner from this position. I can't imagine many other postures that make drawing the stunner more difficult.”
“I ... I now understand, maam, from a technical point of view, that your move is not a threat, but to the uneducated onlooker...”
“Sir, I am supposed to be answering a civics exam. Question twelve on the paper addresses this exact issue, asking what each of the three illustrated hand positions showed. The onlookers in that room, of all places, should not be uneducated, and neither should you be, sir. Now, if that's cleared up, I would like to return to the exam room and complete my exam. I will, of course, insist on being given the allotted time for the exam without this wholly unjustified intervention, along with the compensatory allowance of ten minutes to regain my train of thought, as is discussed in the civics manual, I believe it is on page twenty.”
“I am sorry, Maam, there is no point in allowing you to return to the exam room. My colleague will have destroyed your paper, on my instructions. I... I
apologise for this error in my judgement.”
“Sir, by that instruction you have wasted the time of a crown officer. If the evidence has been removed from the site during my absence you have also interfered with my completing my duty. You have further delayed my taking the exam and therefore directly affected the date of my pay-rise. I will be taking all appropriate action against you. You will not leave the building until formally charged, for which I need my wrist unit, which I was told I must leave at the school office. You will now enter the exam room and stay there until I'm back. If the boy comes and asks for his bag, you will refuse. Do you understand?”
“Yes, maam.” he answered, miserably.
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8PM, IN THE CAPITAL
Karen looked round the hotel function room and checked that everyone was there. The two Mays were chatting, Sarah was talking to Arwood and Hannah. George was talking to Hilda and Ray. Pris... where was Pris? Ah! Deep in conversation with John, she saw. Good. Ben, the best man was there too. Eliza the agent was nominally guarding the doorway, but since there was an agent on the other side she was also enjoying half a litre of apple juice.
“Hi, everyone.” Karen called for attention. “A very big thank-you for coming. I hope you've all found your hotel rooms in order?” There were murmers of agreement. “First off, I'd like to introduce my Daddy, Tonight is at least partially his idea and he's paying the bill too, so please be nice to him. His second duty when he takes over is to let you in on an official secret or two, so that you're not surprised by anything tomorrow. His first duty is to tell you how you ought to address him tomorrow. I've grown up with people calling him your Excellency, but I don't think that's appropriate here, is it, Daddy?”
“No. Not at all. 'Your Excellency' is for when I'm at work. Here at home I'm just James Gibson, please call me James. It might surprise some of you to hear me say Gibson, since Karen's been using the surname Grantchester at university. That was for her protection, but we can't have her getting married under a false name; that wouldn't be right. My beloved wife's name is Maria, by the way. Some of you know that Sarah here is Karen's third cousin. Not all of you know that Karen also has a first cousin, who'll be joining us soon. Since there's been a rift in my wife's family, we didn't actually know about Karen's first cousin until the summer, but while we're still not really on good terms with Maria's brother, Roland, we're very happy to call his daughter, Eliza, family. Tomorrow, Eliza and Sarah will help Karen getting into the dress, but we thought it would be a bit too attention-grabbing for Eliza to be Karen's bridesmaid, so she and prince Albert will just be wedding guests.
“In case you haven't worked it out yet, the dress Karen will be wearing once belonged to 'princess Sarah', and will be the one Eliza wears for her wedding. The press in general don't know this yet, but there are a certain portion who know at least some of the facts. Of course they all know that at some point Eliza and Albert will be at Eliza's cousin's wedding, and that that's going to be their first chance to see the dress. So, it won't take them long to come up with all the facts.”
“I'm pretty sure I told my interviewer my wedding date.” Karen added, “So we certainly expect a full team from NWN. I very much doubt that they've told other channels about that though, so they're needing to guess.”
Maria took up the tale: “Prince Albert and Eliza's official diary are published, but Eliza's visit tonight was a last minute decision and doesn't count and tomorrow is down as 'meeting visiting head of state', which of course will happen at the reception, and maybe in the church too. Next Saturday, it just so happens, is down in all truth as a 'family event', so the reporters are unofficially speculating that that is when the much-anticipated wedding is planned for. Including the ones who know better, for the sake of protecting their scoop. Are there any questions?”
Hilda raised her hand. “Is there any hope of the bridesmaids practicing holding the train out of the mud?”
“It just so happens that we've got a piece of fabric the right size with us.”
Karen said. “So yes, we'll be practicing later on.”
“Wonderful!” May Kray responded.
Sarah said: “I forgot to ask, are there any particular risks apart from getting you out of the car?”
“Getting out of the car and the steps into the church are the main risk. The good news is that there's not any bad weather on the forecast.”
“The better news is that the piece of fabric you're going to practice can be laid between the car and the church, just in case.” Maria said. “It's been treated so it won't even pick up much mud.”
“It's a shame we can't do that to the dress.” Pris said.
“Actually...” Sarah replied “I was told that it does have some kind of protective coating on the fabric. It's not something they use now though, and it's likely to react badly to modern coatings. So, it's better than it would be as raw silk, but not totally impervious. But, on the other hand, while it'd be far better to keep it clean, it can be washed.”
“The problem with washing it is mainly one of wear then?” Hilda asked.
“Yes. And drying it so that there aren't any marks left, though the coating helps there, apparently.”
“Is there anything to stop a few extras helping you out of the car?” John asked.
“Mummy?” Karen asked.
“I think that's a very good idea.” Maria agreed. “Of course, it would have to be James and me, so of course we'd help. The rest of you would all be waiting inside anyway.”
“We ushers could help, couldn't we, Jim?” Simon, one of the two ushers suggested.
Jim obviously wasn't so sure “Urm, they used to call me fumble fingers Jim. There's a reason for that, as what's left of my parent's best tea set bears testimony.”
“The good thing about fabric is it doesn't shatter, Jim.” Karen said, encouragingly.
“I'd hope that six to help you out of the car should be plenty, Karen.”
Sarah said “Too many people and we'll all be getting in each other's way. The top of the stairs is probably going to be the most complex bit, actually, where we'll need to hold the train up higher than normal. I guess we'll just have to go slowly.”
“Slowly is something I can manage.” Karen said. “Just don't make me run.”
“Problem?” Sarah asked.
“I twisted my ankle yesterday.” Karen replied.
[Are you ready for us, Karen?] Eliza asked.
[Yes, I think so. We're just talking about how to negotiate the train from the car and into the church.]
[OK, we'll be there soon.]
----------------------------------------
6PM, ANCHORAGE, INDEPENDENT KINGDOM OF ALASKA
Madeline had been trying very hard to not to show any excitement at the thought of seeing Robert, since her parents hadn't actually said anything to her yet. But she felt she couldn't keep it in much longer. If only there would be some kind of preparation happening! She'd kept here eyes open all the previous evening, and before she'd gone to work. Her parents had gone into a huddle once or twice, but that wasn't so unusual that she could ask about it. Now, finally, half an hour after she'd got home, her mum called her.
“Maddie, where are you? Give me a hand in the kitchen will you? We've got a guest coming.”
“Anyone I know?”
“Yes. We'll talk while we're cooking. Come on girl.” The Kitchen was Mum's territory. Admission was by invitation only, except for little ones, of course.
“Yes, Ma.”
In the kitchen, Maddie looked at the work surfaces. It looked like everything was all done already. “It looks all ready for royalty, Ma, what do you need help for?”
“You need help. Oh Maddie, I know you've not been doing any sewing recently, not since Bobbie left for foreign parts, and I was patient, but girl, you're going to bring such shame on us if you don't have your eight dresses ready for your wedding. So, I know it's not really right, but come on, let me help a bit, girl.”
“There's no need, mum.”
“What do you mean there's not need? Robert's going to get here this evening! He's the honoured guest. They got him his ticket home, or at least this far. He'll be talking to your Dad real soon. You've got to get sewing, girl, and at least if we're in here then you dad won't see that I'm helping with it.”
It was their custom. A girl needed to hand-make eight dresses before her wedding day. She'd actually wear four of them: one before the ceremony, one for during, and then one for the party afterwards. The fourth... that would be the dress she'd wear the next day. Madeline wasn't sure what the others were for, except to demonstrate that she could sew. They'd be on display somewhere, and the other women would ooh and ah over them, or pick fault depending.
“I don't need to do any sewing, Ma.” Maddie insisted, calmly.
“Oh Maddie, don't tell me you've still not changed your mind! Please! Oh the shame of it! Everyone knows you've been promised to him since you were six! Maddie, if you really can't accept Bobbie before God, Dad won't force you, that'd be wrong. But, oh the shame! You wouldn't refuse him and dishonour your father so, please! Unless you've found someone else, is that it? After that row and him abandoning you like that, and then not writing, he's treated you shamefully, that's true. So, I suppose it wouldn't be too bad.... I guess I could have a word with your Dad if you're certain? It's still a bit shameful, but I guess Bobbie will have to live with it, he should have treated you better, silly boy. Should I talk to your Dad, make sure he doesn't make any promises? But you can't just stay single, so you need those dresses in either case.”
“Mum, what are you going on about, me changing my mind? I said I'd marry Bobbie when I was ten! I've not changed my mind. You can talk to Dad if you like, but make sure he talks to the pastor. I don't want any mess like Meggie had with them all about to go to the church and finding the pastor was away that week. And I don't need any help with my dresses, Mum. They're done.”
“They're done?”
“Yes, Mum. I finished them before he visited last time.”
“But... you always call Bobbie a blithering idiot.”
“Well? He is, isn't he? Running off to a country where he can't tell anyone about Jesus without losing his job, and then staying there until he can't get home? Anyway, you told me that all men are some sort of idiots. And why did he need to go before my birthday anyway? I was all ready for a birthday wedding, and he said he was going away! The idiot could have had me with him to keep him out of trouble!”
“We all thought you hated him, Maddie!”
“Not you too, Mum! I'm not that good an actress, surely!”
“Me too? Who else?”
Madeline shook her head, not daring to speak, but her mum wasn't stupid.
“Bobbie's not got much respect for the traditions. And you didn't act surprised at all when I said he was coming. Maddie, answer me girl! Did he write to you, tell you he was coming?”
“He did mum.”
“And he thinks you hate him?”
“He did mum.”
“But he doesn't now?”
“He's a kind idiot, mum. He said he wasn't going to force me into a marriage, he didn't know Dad wouldn't. So, he said he'd get away from the area as soon as he could, so Dad wouldn't know. He was going to try and hide out in a barn or something. I had to reply, you see mum? I had to. I wrote to him telling him not be be such an idiot, and tell Dad he was coming properly.”
Her mum looked at her apprasingly. “I dare say you wrote more than that, but I'll not press you. So, I can tell your Dad you're ready?”
“I was hoping he'd ask Dad early, Mum, last time he was here. Of course I'm ready!” then realising what she'd said she added “But don't tell Dad that.”
“Of course I won't. Maddie, you had us all fooled. Even your sister.”
“No, mum. Sandra knows. I just swore her to silence.”
“Ha! Your Dad is trying to work out how to persuade you into this marriage everyone thinks you don't want, and you've been dreaming of having him in your bed for the past two years? You are an actress, all right, Maddie.” She shook her head at a thought that crossed her mind. “Crazy thought. Well, it'd solve one problem. All right, I'm going to talk to your Dad.”
“What'll solve a problem, Mum?”
“Never you mind. Just you make sure your dresses are ironed at least.”
Madeline looked at her mother in shock.
She'd expected at least a couple of months wait before the wedding. Ironing her dresses was something that happened in the last days before the wedding. The last hours, even. Did her mum think she'd be taking vows this weekend?
“Mum! I can't iron my dresses before the date's set! What'll Gran say?”
“Good idea. You go tell your gran I've told you to iron your dresses. You can't very well do it if Bobbie's hanging around in the house, now, can you? He'd see them!”
“But, Mum!”
“What? It's what you want, isn't it? Go on! Ask your gran to help.”
“Yes, Mum.” Maddie went, pale with shock, to her grandmother's room. The video was on as always — Gran was traditional like that.
“Gran?”
“Yes, Maddie? You look like you've seen a ghost.”
“Mum just told me Bobbie's coming. She said I should iron my dresses.”
Her gran got the implication immediately. “They're ready then? I didn't think you'd finished them. I've not seen you sewing since Bobbie left.”
“They're ready, Gran. At least, they were.” she admitted “I hope they still fit.”
That earned her an appraising look. “Oh, that's the way of it? No wonder you called him all those things when he said he was going away. Well, you've hidden your feelings right well then, girl. Not even your mum knew? That's very well done. You've done that right good and proper, and made me proud.” she glowed approval. “Come on, girl, let's see if they fit and then we'll get them ready for when your man comes for you. If not, well, we'll do some adjusting. Better to do that before they're ironed, eh?”
Gran approved! Gran had never said she approved of anything as far as Maddie could remember. Maddie nodded, not trusting herself to speak, and ran to her room. She quickly dialed the combination on her chest and looked at the precious bundle — years of her work. If they didn't fit, then she'd be glad of the extra seam allowance she'd put in.
Gingerly, she took them out and carried them to her gran's room. She wasn't sure. “Gran, should I just hold them up to myself, or actually put them on?”
“Oh, Maddie, you're going to wear them soon enough! Let's see you in them! Start with the white.” Madeline did as instructed.
Without comment, her grandmother told her turn round, then to put on the next and then the next, until she'd put them all on.
“Well, Maddie, you made a mistake.”
“I have?” Madeline was terrified.
“Yes, dear, your bra straps show, either on the shoulders or at the back. But that's OK. You don't need one, not with the way you've shaped the dress. Otherwise, they're a perfect fit, and from here the embroidery looks beautiful. I hate to think what the fabric cost your Dad. The white needs the most ironing, of course. Now, you've got to wear the white; what are you going to wear afterwards? I imagine you want that flame one for before the ceremony, to make sure he doesn't change his mind?”
“Gran!”
“What? Isn't that what it's for?”
“I just thought it was such a lovely fabric... I'm not going to wear that before my wedding! What will people think of me?”
“They'll think you've wanted your man a long time, girl. But you're right, can't have that, can we? Let it be dress four. So, you're thinking of the blue for beforehand?”
“Yes. You really think the flame for number four?”
“I expect it's for the best, Maddie. Go for it. It'll sure help keep him by your side. But you'd better not wear it as number three, you'd never live it down. And as number four you don't need to have it on public display either.”
“That's true.”
----------------------------------------
While Karen was walking up and down and all over the stage, letting the bridesmaids practice not dropping the train, she checked up on her fiancé [George, you haven't said much all evening. Nervous?]
[I... I just feel a bit like a spare part here, Karen, you know? Not needed until tomorrow.]
[Not as far as I'm concerned, George. Eliza's coming soon. Let's slip into a corner for a bit, when she does, OK? There's some things I want to talk about.]
[About tomorrow?]
[No. Next week.]
[I thought we'd agreed not to talk about honeymoon stuff.]
[Not really honeymoon. Just... a request from Sarah if we could look into something. I expect the answer's no, but don't want to respond without talking it over.]
[Oh. OK. Sorry for being out of things, I guess I'm just unsure about passing that exam we took today, not to mention all that mess for poor Eliza.Sorry. I do love you Karen.]
[That's good. I love you too, why don't we get married?]
[Oh, all right then. How about tomorrow?]
[Sounds like a plan.] Karen agreed. [By the way, Eliza sent a message. The boy had drugs in his bag, the invigilator is in deep deep trouble for shredding her exam paper before hearing her side of things, and she's being allowed to sit the rest of the test this evening. Lucky for the invigilator, the only contents of the shredder bin was her answer sheet, and it was a cheap on that just made strips, so they were able to piece together her answers. She gets thirty five minutes to answer the rest of the questions.]
[With a nice chance to check up on anything she didn't know?]
[George, she wouldn't do that!]
[What was the right answer to that long question? I ended up writing an essay on why none of the answers was fully satisfying without more data.]
[Well done! That's the right answer.]
[What?]
[I looked it up after we'd disagreed. Didn't I tell you?]
[No.]
[Oh. Sorry. It was based on a real case that went for a retrial twice. It's a apparently a classic test case of what to do or what not to do when two equally strong rights conflict.]
[Oh. So we didn't have enough data to decide?]
[Exactly. Happier?]
[Yes. Much. Thinking I'd lost twenty percent of the marks on one question didn't make me feel happy. Have you heard what the pass mark is, by the way?]
[No.] she replied, then asked over her shoulder, “Had enough practice yet?”
“We've finally had one circuit without a hitch. That transition at the top of the stairs gets us almost every time.” Sarah replied.
“One out of ten?”
“Yes. But we've been improving.”
“I take it you'd like another few tries then?”
“Yes, please.”
“George, can you help John?” Sarah asked, seeing that he wasn't talking to anyone. “I think we really need another spotter.”
“Of course!” George agreed.
[Told you you weren't surplus to requirements, George.] Karen said.
----------------------------------------
7.45PM, ANCHORAGE
Robert's honorary uncle stopped the car as close to the airport as he could, and Bobbie sprinted to it. They'd met earlier, and Jack had realised Bobbie had no coat.
“You didn't even a take a summer jacket?”
“I took one, but I was so hot there, Uncle! I never needed it, and there was this guy I knew who said he was from somewhere even hotter, and he was freezing all the time. I gave it to him.”
“Well, Bobbie, my boy, It's been dark a while now, it's almost Christmas, the stars are twinkling in the sky. Whereas you've been getting used to a hot place, and now you're home and you're in shirt sleeves. You'd better take my coat.”
“I'll be fine, uncle.”
“Boy, it's below minus twenty out there!”
“Oh. I can't take your coat, uncle Jack, you'll catch your death of cold. Could you bring the car close and I make a run for it? I'll put some more layers on. I've got a couple more shirts.”
“Why didn't you say something boy? I could have brought a coat, easily.”
“I didn't think of it, Uncle. I'll be fine.”
“The car heater doesn't work too well, either.”
“I'm sure it beats minus twenty, uncle. I'll be fine.”
“I'll go home and bring you a coat. That's the best thing.”
“Uncle, I'm sure I'll be fine. The policeman's been looking at me funnily, and I really don't want to be accused of vagrancy here too.”
“I bet he thinks you're some kind of smuggler. Want me to tell him you're just an idiot?”
Robert laughed. “Oh, it's good to be where people know me, Uncle.”
“I'm sure it is. I hope you've got that wandering out of your system, lad.”
“I knew there was a risk uncle. But I felt I had to go, while I was still single. I didn't want to expose Maddie to risk. Speaking of her... she's not found anyone else has she?”
“No, lad. She's not. She doesn't say your name much either, and I can't remember her once saying it without calling you an idiot in the same breath.”
“Well, Uncle.” Robert laughed “Now you know she's right.”
“You don't need to prove it, boy!”
“Well, I'd like to show her I've got some good points too.”
“I've seen some of 'em lad, even if she hasn't. Giving your coat away to someone who needed it, for instance, that was the right thing to do. Sure you won't take mine?”
“Uncle, I hope you're driving. You need your fingers working. I'll just keep mine under wraps. I'm not going to get frost bite on the way to your house. But Maddie, she's of age now. Can we set a date? I was thinking maybe a month or two's time, so I can get a job.”
“Well now, Bobbie. You know she's not happy with you, but she's an obedient daughter, and it's been promised a long time. So, she says she'll wed you since she's not found anyone else. I can't promise you an easy time, and she's sure not going to welcome you with open arms.”
“I understand that, uncle. But like you say, it's all been arranged a long time and I've never had eyes for anyone but your Maddie. I hope she'll grow to appreciate my care for her.”
“Answer me something, Bobbie. How are you planning to look after her when you can't even remember to ask me to bring a coat here?”
Bobbie laughed. It was that or cry. “I've got a place at the university, Uncle. I've got the grades, I've got a bursary guarantee. It won't be easy but the bursary should feed us both. I'm going to be a teacher. It's what I did out there, sort of, and it confirmed it to me. I loved it. I've got the brains for it, Uncle. Maybe not the common sense, but I've got the brains to teach.”
“I see it, lad. What are you going to teach though?”
“Amare shib. I'm going to help give our kids the chance they need to do well. Teach them to read and write in a language they really understand! I'm going to be a witness to the gadjo that almost all of their stereotypes are rubbish.”
“Have you been talking to Maddie?”
“Not since I left. Why?”
“I've heard her saying the same sort of thing.”
“It's not rocket science. People have known it for a long time, centuries. It's what my dad always wanted to do, but he couldn't get the qualification. With the bursary, I can do this. I think Maddie could too. She's got a brain too.”
“You'd have her be a wage slave like you?”
“I'd have her working beside me, if she's willing.”
“Ha! I dare say she'd be willing. And I say you're mad the pair of you, fixing yourselves to some gadjo's idea of a working week. Good job I've been talking to the pastor, it sounds like you're well suited, no matter what she says.
Pastor's says he's free tomorrow. Your folks won't be coming down no matter what, will they?”
“No, I don't think so. Mum doesn't travel, not since Dad's accident.”
“What did happen there? All I heard was there'd been an accident and he'd lost his legs.”
“Truck he was working on fell off the jack. He'd forgotten to put it in gear, and it just rolled forwards onto him. It didn't kill him, but he lost his legs. And he couldn't take the regrowth pain, and being away from home. So, he came home. It all hurt too much. You know how he loved trade and travel. He just got thinner and thinner one year to next, in his wheel chair. He taught Matt so he could take over the business, but really, he just pined away. But mum said she'd vowed to only ever drive the road with him, and so without him she's not going anywhere. I don't think Matt will come either, not with leaving Mum.
"But tomorrow? You're sure?”
“Bobbie, there's not much space in the house. Madeline's the only one with a room of her own. So, she'll leave that for you and sleep in her sisters' room.
"But she can't move all her stuff out, and she needs that desk for work sometimes, with the door shut so she can concentrate. So, she'll need to be going in and out. And staying to work. Maybe even when you want to sleep. She's a good girl, but that's not right, her shutting herself into a man's bed-room.
"And especially with you engaged and all, tongues'd only wag. I won't have her dishonored. Better you two get hitched properly.”
“It's awful fast for her. Does she even know I'm coming?”
“Her mum told her. She's ironing her dresses right now, and I dare say my mum's filling her with all sorts of advice. She'll accept you, lad, maybe she'll even like you in the end. Especially if you let on about her learning to teach too.”
“And my Dad's hunting cabin isn't so far out of town is it?”
“Now lad, that's a good thought. I've kept an eye on it. It's still there all right. Take her away and let her do her screaming and crying out where it won't disturb the neighbours. We'll give you some warm blankets, of course. But right now, I'd better stop jabbering and get you home. You put on every bit of clothing you've got, OK?”
“I will. I won't freeze.”
----------------------------------------
By accident or possibly by design, when Jack opened the door to Robbert, Madeline was there.
“You didn't even have a coat! You total blithering idiot, Robbie. Are you planning to marry me before or after you die of pneumonia? What a crazy plan! Ruin my life twice over, why don't you? Leave me a widow before I'm twenty! You left with no brains, how could you get worse?”
“It's nice to see you too, Maddie. You look really stunning, by the way.”
“Madeline, if you're so concerned about him getting pneumonia, why don't you let him into the house?” her father chided.
“It was just occurring to me that if I kept him outside then I might not need to go through with marrying such an idiot, Dad.”
“I doubt he's going to die that quickly, girl, so you look after him if you don't want to be a widow. I spoke to the pastor, and he's free tomorrow.”
Madeline drew breath for another torrent, but Robert got in first.
“Madeline, your Dad tells me you're interested in teaching. Is that right? Because that's my plan, and I'd really like you to study beside me, assuming you'll really take me as your husband. I'm not doubting your parents word about what you've told them, but I'd like to hear you say it.”
“And you can't wait until tomorrow, is that it?” she asked, but he'd seen her eyes light up when he mentioned her studying with him.
“Well, call me stupid, but I was thinking that it'd be less embarrassing all round if you turned me down now rather than in front of the whole church.”
“You really want to study as a teacher? I thought you were going to be a mechanic, like your dad.”
“Matt's the real mechanic. I've got a place lined up, complete with bursary. They told me they need teachers who can speak Romanes. If you say you're thinking of studying too, I bet they'd give you one.”
“Did Dad put you up to this, just to win me over?” she asked accusingly.
“No. I can even show you the letter if you'll let me in.”
“Come in, Robbie.” she said. “I said I'd marry you, back when I was ten, Robbie. I'll marry you.”
“Thank you, Maddie.” he said entering the house at last.
“As long as I can call you a blithering idiot whenever you deserve it.” she added as he passed, with a wicked smile.
“Like now?” he asked, taking his life in his hands and giving her cheek a kiss.
“Mum, do I allow him to get away with that?” Maddie asked.
“In the circumstances... I think it might even be appropriate. But don't you go taking liberties with my daughter again, young man.”
“No, maam.” Robert said.
“Until you're married, of course.” Madeline's father added, “then, what liberties you take when are a matter of ongoing marital discussion, aren't they, dear?”
----------------------------------------
There was a knock on the door of the function room. Eliza opened it, and was surprised to see Nigel there. “Surprise!” he said,and stood to the other side of the door.
Prince Albert and Eliza entered, followed by Bella.
“Your Highness! Welcome!” James said “A most pleasant surprise!”
“Well, I thought it would be good to meet everyone informally.” Albert replied.
“How's the practice going?” Eliza asked Sarah.
“We're getting better.” Sarah replied. “Can we take a break? I know I'd like a drink.”
“Me too.” Karen said, “OK if we do drinks first and then introductions?” she asked Eliza.
“Of course! Can I get you something?”
“Urm, I've got a glass somewhere.”
“I'll get it, Karen. You don't want to trip over your train, even if it's only a practice one.”
“That's how long the real one is?” Albert asked.
“It is.” Karen agreed.
“Eliza, maybe you need eight bridesmaids.”
“Nonsense. If Karen can make do with four, then I should be fine with six.”
“Actually...” Karen said, “For the steps, and getting out of the car, we're getting help from my Mum and Dad. So I'd say I six is necessary for the top of the stairs, and that's with practice.”
“With seven it would be easier.” Sarah agreed. “Or a nice clean carpet, of course.”
“I think I get one of those, don't I Albert?”
“Yes, you do.” he agreed.
“You lucky thing.” Karen said, in half-serious envy.
“At least you get to choose how many you'd like to be at your wedding. I don't think I'm going to even see half the people I'm inviting, there's going to be so many. And there I was thinking that ideally I'd like a little family wedding without much fuss.”
“I think you're marrying the wrong man then.” Karen said.
“Not from where I'm standing.” Eliza retorted.
“Not from here, either.” Albert agreed. “Eliza, it looks like there's orange juice, pineapple juice, apple juice, and flat or still mineral water.”
“Or there's mineral-free water if you prefer.” Karen added.
“Pineapple juice please.” Eliza said.
“Karen, Sarah?”
“I think George is getting me something, thank you.” Karen said.
“Thank you, but I think I'll mix my own concoction.” Sarah said.
“Ooh, secret recipe?” Eliza asked.
“No, an experiment. I wouldn't want to blame anyone but myself. I also want to get closer to John.”
“Problem with the pain?” Karen asked at a whisper.
“There shouldn't be. There's not that many of us, but, yeah, it's not great.”
“Sarah, just how are you going to manage tomorrow?” Karen asked.
“I'm going to hide as we go up the aisle, and you've made sure the seating plan puts John close to me during the sermon, I hope.”
“Right beside you.” Karen agreed.
“Then I'm going to stay wrapped up in his protective nature and I ought to be fine. If I'm not, then I'll grab his hand and that's even better.”
“And for the photos?”
“For the photos... I guess John stays close, or I hide.”
“Do that too much and you'll get stuck.”
“I know. But I can tune into the peace too if it gets bad. Oh, I'm stupid!
I've just remembered something you two need to know.”
“What?” Eliza asked.
“We were told that going to the peace gets you unstuck. I'd totally forgotten. I've never actually tried it, but that's what Mama told us.”
May NgBila came over from where she'd been talking to the other May and touched Sarah on the arm [Your voice is carrying a bit far, Sarah. At least, I heard you say you're stupid, 'you two need to know', 'the peace', and everything between 'unstuck' and 'Mama'. Which makes me think you're giving away big big secrets.]
[Oops. Did May hear?]
[Want me to ask?]
[No!]
“Eliza, Albert, let me introduce May NgBila, who I've just employed as my truthsayer cum personal assistant. And she's filling that role already by saying I wasn't keeping my voice down enough.”
“Truthsayer's actually in your contract?” Eliza asked, surprised.
“Yes.” May agreed.
“Wow, that's brave.” Eliza said.
“I wasn't planning on wearing a T-shirt, though.”
“Some kind of veil or mask normally goes with the title though.” Karen said.
“I can't imagine that'd help anyone agree to the process.” May said.
“Then they're not desperate enough.” Sarah pointed out. “May's truthsayer role is going to be part of a screening process for people who need help with paying off crippling loans. Just for employees of companies I own, not the general public.”
Albert was bewildered “Companies you own, Sarah? I thought you were a humble employee of ... somewhere Eliza's been?”
“The trust my parents set up has just been dissolved. I now have the misfortune to figure on the country's richest list.”
“And feels responsible to know everything about everything and solve the misfortunes of everyone her companies employ, even if it makes her sick.” May concluded.
“Hey! You can't say that!” Sarah protested.
“As your personal assistant I'm supposed to look after you.” May answered primly “I'm talking to your trusted relatives. So why can't I express my concerns in a clearly exaggerated and light-hearted way?”
“I think she's got you there, Sarah, at least partially. Plus of course, you're the one who hired a teenager.” Karen pointed out, then she said “May, even if it's true, you still shouldn't have said it quite that bluntly, and not on your first day at work either. Say sorry.”
“Sorry, Sarah.” May said.
“You're forgiven. I'm going to get myself that drink.”
“Can you help me get this straight?” Albert asked Karen, “Sarah's parents left a trust and it's been dissolved?”
“Yes.” Karen replied “It was all a bit of a surprise to her, she thought she had until next summer. But, having made a massive profit on a little idea she had, which could easily turn into a lifetime income, the trustees decided that their job is done, and that Sarah can look after her own business interests now.”
“Only she started getting involved before she knew everything and almost made a couple of mistakes, so she's determined to understand everything now.” May added.
“And this thing about the loans?”
“I'm not sure how much I should say....” May said. “She met someone who had taken out a long-term loan for a relative's life saving treatment and could hardly repay the interest on it, and realised there are probably more, lots more among her employees. But she didn't want to be inundated with trivial cases, or people who wanted to just have a free meal ticket.”
“So this is a debt cancellation scheme?” Albert asked, fascinated.
“I think she started out thinking of that. But then she worked out that wasn't going to be feasible for more than a handful of people, and also, unless she cancelled everyone's loans, then it became really unfair on the people who didn't quite qualify. So, at the moment the idea is she arranges to pay the interest for ten years or so, so that there's a real chance for the person to pay off the capital.”
“So, while not cancelling the loan, she's making it manageable, and giving people hope?” Albert asked.
“Yes. That's a good way of putting it.” Sarah said, feeling a lot better now that she'd had a drink and John was with her.
“And you've got some idea of how many people need this?”
“Not really. I sent out a questionnaire to the personnel offices of some of the companies yesterday. The responses so far have been 'We don't have any record of that information. We'd refer someone to a debt counselling agency, but it's considered a personal matter.'”
“Where does that leave you?” John asked.
“Sending around a little note to all employees, I guess. At least that way I know that everyone who needs it hears. The problem is everyone hears at once, unless I do it in phases by surname or something.”
“You can't do it by company?” May asked.
“I could. But it sort of smacks of favouritism.”
“Oh. Well, you could say we need to start off slowly, so smallest ones first.”
“Yes, but I think I need to know who might be in this sort of need before I go committing myself, that's the problem.”
“Letter to all employees, saying 'Register now, I'll get round to you I promise!'?” Albert suggested.
“Or just cheat.” Eliza said.
“Cheat? Oh, count dots? I'm guessing there's more than I want to count.”
“Well you could just see if there are, then at least you'd have some idea.”
Eliza pointed out far too reasonably. “And Sarah, I've got another question for you.”
“Yes?”
“You're restricting it to your workers because you feel a responsibility for them, is that right?”
“Yes, pretty much.”
“I'm wondering about other people. You know, people in your church?” [And have you checked on the others? I mean, we know that Enoch and Rose aren't exactly well off.]
[It didn't occur to me.] “Thanks Eliza. I don't know of any, but it's a good thought.”
“Are you actually planning to give all your money to the poor, Sarah?” Albert asked.
“Not exactly. To do that, I'd need to sell the companies I own and that'd hurt a lot of people.”
“We're more thinking of living on our earnings and giving Sarah's income from the inheritance to the poor.” John said.
“While still using some of it to help people with bright ideas and no money turn their ideas into jobs.” Sarah said. “I'd much rather have some total losses on investments I approve of than have the money sitting in the bank for someone else to invest in things I don't like.”
“I get it. Thank you. Now, can you introduce us to your fourth bridesmaid, Karen?”
“Of course!” She looked round to see that May was taking an interest in the
ceiling.
“See anything of interest?”
“We need Dirk, or someone similar.” was her unexpected reply.
“The room's been swept, May.” Karen replied.
“I thought it should have been. But there's a familiar looking dot up there.”
“You've got good eyes.” Karen said, and guided her towards Albert and Eliza. “Old habits die hard, you know?” May said as they were in transit.
“Albert, Eliza, may I present May Kray, George's cousin, who's just spotted what looks rather like a bug on the ceiling. I'll go and talk to our smartly dressed friends.”
“I'll signal Bella instead, Karen.” Eliza said.
[Bella! Suspected ceiling bug.]
[End of party for you, then, sorry.] Bella tapped an emergency code on her wrist unit.
“Albert?” Eliza said.
“I know, If the room's possibly compromised, we don't stay. Nor does your mother, Karen, sorry. I'm sorry May, you've got a useful skill there, but it's cut our conversation short.” he ushered Eliza towards the exit.
“They swept the room!” Karen protested.
“Maybe it's battery is dead then. But if it's near the light, it could be powered from it, and they might have swept the room with the lights off.” Albert said.
“It might even be on a delay circuit so it only activates an hour after the lights come on.” May added, then blushed at her boldness.
An agent ran up and asked Karen “Where is it?”
“I spotted it.” May admitted. “Near the third light on the left.”
“She's got plenty of experience spotting them.” Karen said, when the agent looked surprised at a sixteen year-old girl spotting such a thing.
“Then lead on, maam, if you will.” he said.
Eliza saw that May was clearly torn between wanting to help and wanting to talk to her and Albert. “We'll have time to talk tomorrow, May.” she reassured her.
“Until tomorrow then, your highness, Maam.” she said politely and led the agent to the suspicious dot.
Albert and Eliza were ushered out of the room as she got there, and Karen saw her mother was already gone.
The agent fiddled with his scanner for a bit then walked round the room in a search pattern.
“Active?” May whispered.
He nodded.
“Transmitting?”
He nodded again then said “Enough data around for there to be multiple video feeds too from somewhere.”
May looked around. Where would she put a video camera? It was obvious, really. “Try in the shadows just above the curtain on the stage.”
He looked. Yes. It was an obvious spot. His signal peaked in that direction, certainly. He made his way there, with May checking the ceiling as she followed. She spotted some more.
“Management, criminal or spy?” May asked
He shrugged.
“Three more on the way here, by the way.”
“I'm guessing someone with staff connections then.”
“Me too.” May agreed.
“You're right about the curtains. Three cameras.”
“Watch the audience as they're watching the stage.” May said. “Can you track the receiver?”
“The vans will be doing that.”
“They'll have seen you prowling with your antenna.”
“Yes. They're probably doing a runner right now.”
“Never run. It attracts suspicion.” May said.
“Views from the lobby cameras.” He said, unfolding his wrist unit. “Do you suspect anyone?”
May looked at the display. Four pictures. Not incredible detail, of course, at that size. “Receptionist one is relaxed and chatting, receptionist two is replying, but looking tense. Guy in the suit on the left is pretending not to be terrified.”
“How do you know that?”
“Look at his hand. He's facing the tourist information board as though he were reading it, but his hand keeps twitching, and his head movement's wrong for reading. He's looking to see if he's being watched.”
“You're good at this.” He tapped her observations. “Credit where it's due,
What's your name?”
“May Kray. As in, unwilling underage participant in the crime syndicate, like my cousin.”
“Oh. Yeah. I suppose these guys look like amateurs compared to your relatives?”
“No. Just as obvious, really.”
“That's a relief.”
“Why?”
“Gives me hope that before I retire I'll be able to spot the bad guys as easily as you seem to be able to.”
“You just need more practice.” she said, encouragingly.
“Yeah, right.” he replied and she realised he was probably older than she'd taken him for. His hair-roots showed that the lack of grey was chemical, not natural.
“Have you considered a career in Security?” he asked.
“I'm only sixteen, I'm too young to make life-long decisions like that, I need to finish my education first.” she quoted. Then laughed at his confused expression. “Sorry, that was a quote from my boyfriend when I told him to get used to the idea of marrying me. It's all in the plan, don't worry. Do worry, he's leaving.”
The man had stopped pretending to read the tourist information and was walking towards the hotel doors.
“No one else suspicious?”
“He waited until receptionist two had closed her position. She's putting on her coat now, I expect she's going to join him outside.”
“I expect she's going to be joining him in custody.”
“Well, I should hope so. Ruining everyone's evening like this. I'd better go and talk to my foster-parents.”
“It's been nice talking to you, May.”
----------------------------------------
It had been a tense few minutes for Ray, when he'd seen May pointing out bugs to the security man and seen the prince and Eliza hustled out. But Karen didn't seem too concerned, he saw.
“What's going on?” Hilda asked.
“May's found some bugs.”
“Oh no!”
“Hence the rapid departure of our honoured guests, just in case, I guess.”
Ray said.
“What, of an assassination plot?”
“Probably more like encroaching journalists.” Karen supplied.
“But someone might have got your father's announcement?” Hilda asked.
“It's entirely possible.” Karen agreed. “If they have, then there's nothing we can do about it now. If they didn't then there's nothing to do.”
“May's just helping the guys from Security do their job.” George said, coming over with a drink for Karen. “From the snatch I just overheard, it sounded like she had a willing apprentice.”
“George, don't joke.”
“I wasn't actually. She's got very good observation skills, Hilda.”
“So what happens now?” Ray asked.
“Armed gun-men bursting through the ceiling: none. Assassins lying in wait: none, camera-men pointing lenses through the curtains: none. security guys collecting evidence: a few. Bugs and hidden cameras still in operation: possibly. So, I think we just carry on chatting, and then when they've finished their work we can try a bit more practice. It's a shame Eliza and Albert had to leave.”
“It sure is.” May said coming over from her chat with the man with the scanner.
“Solved the mystery, May?” George asked.
“Not quite. But I think one of the receptionists was in on it, as was
a guy in a smart suit. Security are just talking to them now. Apparently the receiver for the bugs was actually on the reception desk.”
“So this was just some sort of security system?” Ray asked.
“Not officially.” Karen said. “The hotel security system is wired into the hotel's A.I. No humans involved unless it calls the police. Or that's what the official declaration says. I had to check before booking this place.
This is something extra.”
“Oh.”
“It could just be some kind of ill-conceived magic-show type setup for all I know. We'll just have to wait until our friends in Security tell us something.” George suggested.
“I really resent the fact that my one chance to hob-nob with royalty has been ruined by someone leaving bugs where I could find them.”
“Don't worry, May. I'm sure you'll get another chance to talk to royalty. If nothing else when you get your reward.” Karen said.
“My reward?”
“Yes. Alerting Security to a possible threat to the heir to the throne? I bet there's a reward for that sort of thing. Plus there's tomorrow of course.”
“Everyone's going to be too busy to talk tomorrow.”
“Oh I don't know. You might be surprised.”
“What by? I don't really like surprises.” May said.
“You might be surprised at how long and boring everything is tomorrow.” Karen said.
“Are you sure?” she asked suspiciously.
“Punctuated by moments of extreme business, yes, fairly.”
“I can't wait.”
“You can't wait? I'm not sure if I'm going to sleep.”
“You'd better.” George said, “We don't want you falling asleep in the middle of the reception.”
“We'd better practice some more then.” Karen said.
“If it gets dirty there is time for it to get cleaned, Karen.”
“Oh, I'm not worrying about the dress. Well, not really. I'm more worried about being distracted by the dress so that I trip over or something equally embarrassing.”
“I'd love to say I'll be there to catch you, but I'm going to be standing nervously at the other end of the church, waiting for you to arrive.”
“You doubt I'll turn up?” Karen asked.
“Not really. Just.. I'm looking forwards to it all being over.”
“Me too, George, me too.”