Ada & The Queen (The Woodhouse Series #3)

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

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*Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire*

A maid stepped out of the way quickly as the Marchioness of Aylesbury threw a crystal ashtray across the room in anger.

Side-stepped...again.

There was always an excuse, someone or something that kept her away from the Queen. All she wanted was her favour - once she had it, she would be unstoppable.

But she would never get it if she was not given the chance.

Bertie had told her that his dear Mama would not allow it, trying to assure her position as his Chief Mistress was secure, regardless of his mother's support, but Venetia wanted more.

Today was the day of the Windsor vs Continent Polo Game, here on the castle grounds. She was supposed to be in the royal box and had prepared her outfit, hair and accessories to make a good impression.

But she had been replaced - by a nobody and she was not going to let them get away with it.

***

Tents had been erected on the East Terrace Lawn with a backdrop of the magnificent Windsor Castle. A platform for Her Majesty and her ladies was fenced off with an optimal view of the green to witness the Windsor vs Continent Polo Game.

Two teams - one of British noblemen and the other of sponsors of continental ambassadors as well as backups were ready to play the magnificent game of polo, raising money for charitable foundations.

A perimeter had been set up for spectators as well as tents for each of the players, set up on either side as footmen and attendants got to work. Ambassadors started arriving, taking their places in the VIP area - whether they were drawn to play today or not.

The sun was gleaming down as a concession stand was handing out food and drinks for the people who had already arrived.

Octavia, Maude and Lucy arrived with Christina and her mother, Catherine.

Colin was already present and Christina rolled her eyes as he approached them, greeting the ladies each with a bow and taking the Dowager Countess's hand and kidding it courteously. "Louis has told me so much about you..." Catherine replied, both realising it had been the first time they had seen each other, but already felt like they knew each other.

"I hope all good!" Colin remarked as Catherine nodded.

"If I had given you the dossier, it would have been a very different mood..." Christina added as Catherine rolled her eyes, laughing, Colin smirking as Catherine headed to greet a few more people, leaving Colin and Christina alone.

"So...you talk about me?" Colin teased as Christina laughed.

"Do not flatter yourself. If I talk about you, it is not anything positive."

"But you still talk about me..." Colin winked as Christina's cheek flushed red, looking around to make sure no one had seen him. "I guess this is a step in the right direction?"

"For what?" Christina asked as Colin offered her his arm.

"Some mutual respect between us..."

She hesitated, surveying the area, but then smiled, taking his arm as he escorted her across the green.