Page 29 of A Queen's Match

“I was joking, May.”

She looked over and saw that he was grinning, the relaxed grin of someone who feels truly at ease. She’d known Eddyfor years, but May realized that she’d never seen this side of him. Probably because most of the time she saw him, they were in a ballroom.

“Why is your boat called theMinnow?” she asked.

“Father named it when he gave it to me. I think he was mocking me, but I actually like the name. Minnows are quick and agile.”

“I see that,” May replied. The boat tipped slightly to the right, causing her to slip. Eddy reached out a hand to catchher.

May startled at the contact, but Eddy stepped back, hardly seeming to have noticed.

“Sorry, I know this is not the sort of comfort you’re used to. Grandmother should never have suggested I bring Ducky,” he added, “but once she did, I’m glad you offered to come instead.”

Here was May’s chance. “Are you and Ducky…?”

“Grandmother wants us to marry, but I won’t do it,” Eddy said quickly.

“I’m sure Her Majesty is disappointed.”

“Oh, she’s furious.” Eddy’s fingers drummed nervously over the tiller. “You know, Ducky has changed quite a lot. I thought I knew her, but I was mistaken.”

Because the Ducky you saw was nothing like the real Ducky.“I think we’ve all changed since we were children,” May said neutrally.

“I suppose so.Youhave certainly changed,” Eddy added with a sidelong glance. “I don’t remember you being the sort to climb into an elevator, or venture out onto a two-person sailboat.”

“I believe there are three of us on this sailboat.”

“Ah, yes. Lucas, our trusty chaperone.”

It was a good sign that he’d used the wordchaperone,wasn’t it? That word was usually employed in a romantic context, by couples who were courting. “It’s nice, seeing you like this,” she said softly. “You are so at home on the water.”

Eddy frowned into the distance. They were getting closer to the Isle of Wight, its rocky outcroppings stretching toward the sparkling blue waters of the Solent. Osborne House rose above it all, punctuated by a clock tower.

“I like it out here. No one is judging me, or trying to make me into something I’m not,” he said at last.

“I would never try to make you into something you’re not.” May’s heart thudded, her words coming out in nearly a whisper.

“Um—thanks.” Eddy sounded confused, so she tried again.

“Now that things are over with Ducky, are you…what will you…?” May was usually so articulate, but to her surprise, her words were slipping over each other.

“Grandmother has given up on Ducky, but that won’t be the end of it. Thora is coming next week,” Eddy said darkly, naming yet another of his cousins, Helena Victoria. “If I don’t propose to her soon, Grandmother is sending me on a three-year tour of the colonies.”

May had a wild urge to scream into the wind. Of course Her Majesty had another well-bred granddaughter lined up in case things didn’t work out with Ducky.Anotheryoung woman named Victoria, who went by an absurd nickname. Another princess to scheme against.

She felt so weary, suddenly, of all the subterfuge and manipulation. All the endless, relentless climbing.

“You don’t have to marry Thora,” she heard herself say.

Eddy shifted uncomfortably. “Remember what I told you in the elevator, that I’m in love with someone else? I just…I don’t know where things stand with her.”

He was still holding out hope for Hélène.

May knew she was venturing into dangerous territory, but she had to ask. “Forgive me if I’m intruding, but the woman you love: What is the problem? Does Her Majesty not approve?”

For a long moment Eddy said nothing. His hand tightened on the tiller as he guided them around the curve of the island.

“Grandmother approved,” Eddy said at last. “But the woman I love changed her mind.”