Ada & The Queen (The Woodhouse Series #3)

Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

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*Henley Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames/Woodhouse Residence, Belgravia*

"Familiar faces!" Theodore called, seeing Charles Cholmendley, Rupert Magnum and his beautiful Italian wife, Lucrezia Bianchi, approaching across the green.

Dressed in their best summer day suits, the friends greeted each other with delight over the wonderful weather and the fantastic day that was ahead of them.

"No Ambrose?" Rupert asked, having greeted Florence with a kiss on the cheek.

"He and Emily have gone to Wiltshire for a few days to sort out some wedding arrangements..." Theodore explained as Florence took Lucrezia's hand.

"At least I have one lady friend who can keep me company today!" She said as they walked together, the men strolled behind them as they descended the hillside towards the riverbanks where crowds were already gathering for the regatta.

At this tripoint of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, the Henley Royal Regatta took place every year, starting in the humble town of Henley-on-Thames. A festival was held on the banks of the Thames, stretching across the entire one mile and five-hundred and fifty yards of the boat race, upstream.

The competitors this year were the usual - Cambridge and Oxford Universities as well as international competitors from The Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Italy.

"I would have thought your navy brother would be here?" Charles said to Theodore as they found a spot to claim with a clear view of the river for a good portion of the route.

"He has chosen to stay home as Lady Buckingham has moved in!" Theodore replied and his friends turned to him in surprise.

"Lady Buckingham? Charlotte's mother?" Rupert said in shock. "The one that disowned her?"

"That exact one!" Theodore said. "Charlotte is unwell and she has chosen to stay with her until the baby arrives."

"And your brother is alright with this?" Charles asked as Theodore shrugged his shoulders.

"Well...he cannot exactly throw his mother-in-law out into the streets, can he? And Charlotte wants her to stay and she cannot face any stress..."

They got some drinks and sat on the grass together with a blanket, anticipating the start of the race.

"So, how come Adelaide is not here?" Lucrezia asked Florence, sharing some fruit they had purchased from one of the stalls.

"Boat races are not her thing..." Florence explained as Lucrezia smiled.

"I have not seen her in such a long time! Rupert was telling me she has caught the eye of the Earl of Nottingham..." Lucrezia said, looking at Theodore and Florence.

"No, no..." Charles shook his head. "The Earl is a very touchy subject." He teased as Theodore rolled his eyes.

"So...a proposal is not imminent?" Lucrezia questioned.

"Hopefully before the end of summer..." Florence replied as Theodore groaned.

"This is a very strange conversation to be having..." Theodore said, "Adelaide is still that doe-eyed baby girl we all fell head over heels in love with the first time we saw her. It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that she is all grown up. She has a job, her own income, her independence and education and now she has a gentleman caller..." Theodore exclaimed as Charles scoffed.