Read Online Alice-Miranda at the Palace 11 by Jacqueline Harvey - Free Book Online Page B

family?’ Freddy hissed into his wife’s ear. ‘Some would think she doesn’t like us at all.’
    Elsa shushed her husband. ‘Don’t be ridiculous, darling.’
    Queen Georgiana glared at the woman before continuing. ‘I do hope that you’ve enjoyedyourselves this afternoon in our secret garden. It’s always been one of my favourite places here at Evesbury. In about forty minutes we will reassemble on the east lawn for some games and further refreshments. I am sorry about the rush, but I do like to pack as much fun into these weekends as possible. At my age you don’t know how much longer you’ll be enjoying them. Anyway, there are team lists available as you arrive – I believe Mrs Marmalade and Mr Balfour have them.’
    Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting gave a decisive nod.
    â€˜And, Lord Tavistock, I’d recommend a change of attire – we wouldn’t want a repeat of last year’s unfortunate episode, would we?’ Her Majesty arched an eyebrow.
    There was a titter of laughter as some of the guests  recalled how the man’s suit pants had torn right down the centre seam during a particularly rowdy game of croquet. Lord Tavistock held his hand up to shield his eyes, his cheeks aflame.
    Queen Georgiana waved and stepped away from the microphone.
    Seconds later, Valentina Highton-Smith took to the makeshift stage. ‘Oh, no you don’t, Gee,’ shesaid, wagging her finger. ‘You’re not getting away with things that easily.’
    â€˜What’s Granny up to?’ Alice-Miranda wondered aloud. She and her friends were standing with her parents, aunt and uncle and Ambrosia Headlington-Bear.
    â€˜Your guess is as good as mine,’ Hugh whispered.
    Valentina cleared her throat. ‘I have known Georgiana since we were toddlers, which might surprise you to learn is quite some years ago now. I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate her on twenty-five years as our monarch. While most think it is an easy job full of fun and frivolity, the truth is often far more complicated, and I couldn’t think of anyone better suited to the role than this woman with an iron will and a heart of pure gold.’
    â€˜Valentina, dear, you do go on.’ Queen Georgiana gave an embarrassed grin and shook her head.
    â€˜And I will continue to,’ Valentina said, smiling at her friend. ‘So, Gee, on this celebratory occasion, I’d like to personally thank you for serving our nation these past twenty-five years, and I wish you all the very best for the next twenty-five.’
    A stream of waiters moved through the crowddispensing champagne flutes and glasses of lemonade for the children.
    Valentina raised her glass. ‘To the Queen.’
    â€˜The Queen.’ Crystal glasses filled the sky.
    Her Majesty grinned. ‘Thank you, Valentina, my oldest and dearest friend. Sadly, I don’t think we’ll be celebrating fifty years together, but it’s a lovely thought.’
    At the mention of Valentina being her oldest and dearest friend, Mrs Marmalade’s lips twitched.
    â€˜Another twenty-five years and I’ll never get my turn,’ Freddy muttered, garnering the glares of everyone standing within twenty feet.
    â€˜Steady on, Freddy, she’s not dead yet,’ Lord Tavistock tutted. ‘And, quite frankly, I hope the old bird lives forever.’
    Freddy slunk down, trying to make himself invisible.
    Marjorie Plunkett and Lloyd Lancaster-Brown were standing behind Freddy and Elsa and had also heard every word. But Marjorie wasn’t thinking about that. There were a million other things racing through her mind. She wondered how soon she’d be able to speak with Her Majesty and she was rattled about why Lloyd had lied to her earlier, though heseemed to be doing his best to make up for it. Lloyd squeezed Marjorie’s hand and gave her a tender smile.
    â€˜What are you looking at me