Ada & The Queen (The Woodhouse Series #3)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

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*Woodhouse Residence, Belgravia, London*

"Congratulations!" A cheer from all my loved ones echoed in the guest living room as I grinned with pride. Balloons, banners, streamers and flowers everywhere as the most adored people in my life stood here, celebrating me.

On my shoulders, a black robe, around my neck a blue and gold stole and on my head, a mortarboard.

In my hands, rolled up with a red ribbon - my diploma.

I was officially a university graduate.

Bachelor of Arts in English and Comparative Literature.

Mama and Papa would be so proud.

The ceremony at Somerset House had been a beautiful celebration of all of our achievements as my family stood in the stands, cheering and applauding as I walked across that stage, greeted the dean with a handshake and took my place as a university graduate.

I should've known something was up when everyone but my brother, Theodore, had left. He was a famous detective after all, so he took the opportunity to meet as many people as possible, revelling in all the praise that they threw on him for his many accomplishments, before I reminded him that the day was about me.

He told me everyone had things to do, hence why they left.

A surprise party celebrating my success was not what I was expecting but boy, was I thrilled!

Even the staff were here and I was grateful for all of it.

Two faces I was not expecting but was thrilled to see were standing closest to the door. "Christina! Lady Nottingham!"

It had been a while since I had last seen them, but they still looked as glamorous and elegant as that last meeting when they returned from France after Easter and we caught up on everything, including all the madness that I had unintentionally got myself involved in while in Paris.

"We're in London for the social season," Christina explained. "And Florence let us know that today was a big day for you, so we, of course, had to come by!"

"I'm so happy you are both here!" I was gleeful as they smiled, as I greeted everyone else. Florence almost excitedly knocked my cap off as she engulfed me in a hug.

To be around my family and friends and celebrate my success was a feeling that could not be described.

It had been a whirlwind year - for so many reasons.

I was still at St. Margaret's this time last year, rebelling. I was told by the teachers that I would account for nothing.

The joke's on them as I'm now a university graduate.

Maybe I should put an announcement in The Times or send them all photographs of me in my robes?

"Your photographs will be developed soon and Rupert said he knows a framer who can get it framed and plaque it with your name and honours on it..." Theodore explained as I was offered some tea and cakes.

"Where will we put it?"

"How about in the foyer?" Charlotte suggested. "So whoever walks into this house can see your great achievement."

She caressed her burgeoning baby bump and I smiled, as Emerson handed her a cup of tea.

"My future niece or nephew is going to need someone to look up to, of course..." I teased as my family took offence before we all laughed.