Murder Most Royal — читать онлайн бесплатно полностью

Last year’s present from Catherine to Harry, a grow-your-own girlfriend kit, had been a particular hit. Harry himself was a master when it came to cheeky presents. The Queen greatly enjoyed the ‘Ain’t Life A Bitch’ shower cap he had given her. He admitted that this time he had bought William a bald wig with an inch of hair fuzz around the edges, and was hugely disappointed not to get to see him open it.

Catherine’s grow-your-own present to Harry would not have worked this year. His very-much-real girlfriend was in Canada working on her TV series, so he was here on his own, but he was so obviously in love it was cheering just to look at him.

The tips of his ears turned pink whenever her name was mentioned. William would inevitably have teased him mercilessly about her, as an elder brother’s right, so perhaps it was easier in that way at least that he wasn’t here.

The Queen appreciated Harry’s latest present to her, which was a floppy waxed fishing hat designed to make her look like a famous lady detective from the television.

‘You’re the spitting image,’ he assured her. But actually, it was also very practical for bad weather, and reminded her pleasantly of her mother, who had a whole collection of hats such as these. ‘I’ll wear it when I solve my next case,’ she joked, and everyone grinned at the absurdity of the idea. Which was rather reassuring.

Her favourite gift, though, came from the absent little Prince George. Along with a framed, indecipherable crayon drawing was a mug that made her laugh out loud as soon as she opened it.

‘What is it?’ Anne asked.

‘Ha! Well done, Catherine,’ Anne observed. ‘I sense a mother’s hand in this.’

‘I think, actually, that drawing of his is supposed to be a pigeon,’ the Queen reflected. ‘I thought it might be a giraffe at first.’

‘Definitely pigeon,’ Anne agreed. ‘A man after your own heart.’

Afterwards, they all retired upstairs. The children were prepared for bed with the help of an assortment of nannies and stockings were hung in anticipation of a visit from Father Christmas, while the adults dressed for dinner.

Tonight was the big occasion: black tie and evening gowns, diamonds and silk shoes, a chance to let loose in relaxed company, which was precious and rare.

Philip, showing enormous fortitude and the power of ibuprofen, arrived in the saloon for cocktails looking like a fashion plate.