It was a very pleasant day with intermittent clouds, but with sufficient sunshine to be comfortable, and no visible threat of rain .
The fete was well underway by the time the royal carriage arrived, followed by two of the Earl’s carriages. All other activity ceased as the locals crowded around to honor and welcome the royal couple .
Two trumpeters played a fanfare as Victoria descended from the carriage and a spontaneous chorus of God Save the Queen burst forth from the crowd .
Her Majesty waved and acknowledged the cheers before they went into the presentation tent .
The Earl, Amelia, the Brownings and other guests of the queen followed inside .
It was not a complicated ceremony. The Queen stood at the front of the tent as a page read out the announcement of the honor being bestowed on one Professor George Daniel Browning. The Queen handed the Professor a certificate and pinned a medal on his coat. He bowed and then the quartet struck up a Handel processional march as the Queen proceeded to the refreshment tent .
“That was it?” Geoffrey asked of Diana. “Not much of a splash, was it ?”
Miriam chimed in. “Yes, I thought there would be more to it too. Flags waving, wild dancing, or at least a beheading or two. But this was just… bland. It was like paying the milkman once a week .”
“Now, now. Her Majesty was very gracious,” Diana defended .
“We are going outside for some fun,” Geoffrey declared .
“Do not forget we are to judge the baked goods,” Miriam said. “The Earl promised us .”
“I will find out about that. Maybe that has changed now that the Queen is here .”
“I hope not, I was looking forward to gorging on all those cakes, tartes and roly-poly puddings,” Geoffrey insisted .
Robert had gone up to her father to congratulate him. Diana joined them .
“May I see the citation?” Diana asked her father .
He handed it to her. It was in a leather folder and looked quite official with the royal seal and the Queen’s signature .
“It is lovely, Father. I am so proud of you .”
“Thank you, daughter,” her father said shyly .
“Her Majesty will be expecting us for tea shortly. If you would like to follow me…” Robert suggested .
Diana stopped him and asked, “Previously you invited the twins to judge the baking contest. Do you still want them to do that ?”
That took Robert by surprise. “Oh… yes, so I did. But I have already made other arrangements for that. It seems the townsfolk set that up and I completely forgot. Come, let me apologize to them .”
Robert went over to where the twins were waiting .
“I am so terribly sorry, but I misspoke when I invited you to judge the baking. Other arrangements have been made. But you are welcome to join us for tea with the Queen .”
Geoffrey and Miriam turned and looked at each other and shook their heads .
Geoffrey answered, “No, thank you. We have had quite enough of the stuffy bits. We are ready to play. I want to do the welly wanging. I am sure I can toss a Wellington boot farther than any bloke in Cambridgeshire .”
Robert laughed. “Very well. As you wish. Enjoy yourselves.” He turned to Diana. “But you will be joining us, will you not ?”
“Of course, I am family, and would not miss tea with the Queen .”
“Come then, let us escort your mother and father to the other tent.” Robert offered his arm and Diana took it .
*
R obert looked at Diana as he escorted her toward the refreshment tent following her mother and father. She looked even more beautiful than he had ever seen her before if that was possible. He had to keep reminding himself that she was engaged. Blast it. But with the Queen and guests in attendance, he felt certain he would be able to distract himself from her charms .
Within the confines of the refreshment tent, there was an area that had been set up as a reception area for Her Majesty. On one side of the tent, there were the tables where the tea, cakes, and sandwiches were being served. Opposite, was an area defined by an oriental carpet with two stuffed chairs on either side of a tea table where the Royal couple sat. Straight backed chairs and small tables lined other areas of the tent .
As Robert and Diana entered, he could see that the Professor and Mrs. Browning were already sitting in straight backed chairs chatting with the Queen .
“Might I get you some refreshment?” Robert offered .
“Yes, please,” Diana said, as she watched her father and mother, sipping tea .
“She is much lovelier and younger than I imagined,” Diana said to Robert .
“Remember, she became queen at a very young age, and although she has been on the throne many years, she is still in her prime,” Robert said as he led her to the tea service table .
Robert could see Amelia watching him from where she was seated with the Viscount at a table in a corner of the tent. But he ignored her as Diana was served her tea and a plate of sandwiches and cakes .
Robert did not take any tea but led Diana as far away from Amelia as possible. They sat at a table .
“You are not taking tea?” Diana asked, as she shook out her napkin and placed it on her lap .
“Not this afternoon. I am still a little bit nervous about hosting both Her Majesty and such a large event .”
“It all seems to be going very well. I hope I will be able to stroll around the rest of the fete with Mother and Father later. It looks to be well organized and a lot of fun .”
“That was the intention .”
“I hope the twins did not upset you by not wanting to come to tea .”
Robert chuckled. “Not at all. That is what is so refreshing about them. They are spontaneous and do what they like. Unlike a certain Earl I know who is too bound by traditions and responsibilities .”
They reached a pause in their conversation. Then Diana said, “I was able to read the first few pages of the galley proofs and your book appears to be most interesting. I am going to set aside some time tomorrow morning to get more deeply into the book before the celebration .”
“Oh, a celebration?” Robert asked. “And I am not invited ?”
“It is for my father’s colleagues at the college to celebrate his order. You are welcome to come if you like, but I thought you might have your hands full with your own entertaining .”
“Indeed I shall .”
“How long will Her Majesty be staying ?”
“She leaves tomorrow afternoon. And then I intend to collapse into a stupor for at least a whole day before I start getting the estate back to its normal order .”
“I wish I could assist you,” Diana said quietly .
Robert felt a rush of feeling for her. “As do I, Diana.” He reached over and took her hand .
She looked up at him a little startled and withdrew her hand .
“Forgive me. I became overcome by a moment of gratitude .”
“It is nothing,” she said looking shyly up at him. “I was just surprised is all .”
“It was careless on my part. I am most sorry .”
Robert could see that the Professor and his wife were leaving the Queen and he said, “Your parents are leaving. You must excuse me, I need to attend to Her Majesty now .”