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“Oh no,” said Elizabeth. “I don’t get between the two of you,you know that. I’ve got a blanket ban on keeping secrets from spouses. Anything you tell me goes to her and anything she says goes to you. It’s easier that way.”

“Not helpful,” Eleanor said.

“But less stressful,” said Elizabeth. “Any idea what it’s all about?”

For a second, Eleanor bit her lip, wondering whether to speak about anything so personal. But this was Elizabeth. “I think it’s the IVF,” she said. “The failed attempts have hit her hard, and even though she tries to act like she’s fine, I can tell she isn’t. I’ve suggested stopping or taking a break, but…” She hesitated, staring into her teacup. “I don’t know how to help her.”

Elizabeth raised a single eyebrow. “Considered asking her?”

“She just says she’s fine. But I know she’s keeping something from me,” Eleanor said.

Elizabeth set her cup down. “I see.”

“That’s all you’ve got?”

“It’s your marriage, Nor, I can’t get involved. All I can say is that I’m sure between the two of you, you’ll work things out.”

Eleanor groaned and flopped back against the cushions. “You are supremely unhelpful.”

???

“You’re sure it’s ready?” Danni asked, brushing a speck of dust off her best jacket as Samson wriggled uncomfortably in his tie.

“Keeping this whole thing secret from Her Majesty has been a bloody nightmare, but yes, it’s ready. Just don’t touch that last part of railing over there, the stain’s still a bit tacky.”

Danni looked over at the back railing of the gazebo. There were chairs in front of it, so it was unlikely that anyone would touch it. “It has to be perfect,” she said.

“We’re about to put the final decorative touches on,” Samson said. “Or we will be if you get out of our way.”

“I’m going, I’m going,” Danni said, looking at her watch. “I justhope everyone else does what they’re supposed to do on time.”

“You do know that Lady Eleanor is going to throttle you for keeping all this a secret?” Samson said.

“I know,” said Danni, eyebrows dancing devilishly. “But she’ll forgive me. We all get one grand gesture in life, and Eleanor’s already had hers. This is my turn.”

???

Eleanor had rather been hoping that Elizabeth would take her mind off things, would perhaps even suggest lunch. But she’d plead off, citing some sort of legal reason about court or something equally unimportant, and had scurried off after morning tea.

Leaving Eleanor uncharacteristically at a loose end. She tapped her mobile phone in her hand, wondering whether she should call Danni and demand a heart-to-heart. But she was probably busy at the farm. Talking would have to wait until later.

Instead, she called her grandmother.

Isabella answered on the third ring. “Eleanor.”

“Grandmama.”

“Is it something terribly important, my dear? I’m afraid I’m quite tied up at the moment.”

Eleanor frowned. “Um, no, not terribly.”

“Oh, good,” said Isabella. “In that case, if you don’t mind…?”

“No, no,” Eleanor said.

But Isabella had already hung up.

What on earth was going on? Was everyone in her life deserting her? All she wanted was someone to complain to. Perhaps that was the problem. Perhaps she needed to bear her own worries and frustrations, and not inflict them on others.