ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 110

Ned Barker was quite irritated. He had awakened that morning as per his schedule and was unable to locate the prince who had gone out last night for dinner in the city of DC. Unfortunately apparently his royal highness had failed to return and Nanny did not consider it serious at all.

( " Oh , let the dear boy have a bit of fun, Neddie. " )

Ned made a face as he entered the foyer from the kitchen area, hoping he would not happen upon that quite obnoxious butler Saunders. There was something about the man he just did not care for. Maybe it was exactly how he had caught the servant looking at the prince when Saunders assumed nobody was watching. Ned was always watching. And, the last thing the royal family needed or wanted right now was another scandal from the nuisance called Cedric. He sighed as he peeked out of the curtained window in search of a sighting of the young man. He was not sure as of yet how to dispose of the man accidentally but it would have to be done very soon. Cedric could not be allowed to continue blundering around having " a bit of fun". He just could not. He also recalled suddenly that he needed to rent an automobile for the prince today in order for him to travel about without engaging taxis and such. At that thought he began to smile as an idea flickered in the steel trap that was his mind.

He was still smiling quietly as Natasha Volkouva swept down the stairs.

" Hello , Ned, is it ? ," she asked in her brisk cultured voice as her brown eyes swept over the tall good looking man who seemed so much more manly than Maxim. Although, she mused, even Alexi and Nigel were more manly than her husband. " Is there something you require? "

Ned turned at the sound of the oddly attractive and bird like creature that stood before him in a dark gray business suit and low heeled pumps. His smile increased at the sight of her. She reminded him of a young woman he had once very briefly escorted to dinner on occasion in Eldermere. A very elegant and dignified woman she had been. "No , Madame, there is nothing I require. I was merely wondering about the whereabouts of the prince. "

Natasha smiled at him. His accent really was very charming, she thought. " Are you going to breakfast with the rest of us? Since the prince has requested it of his old governess. "

Ned smiled bitterly. " No. I am afraid not. I shall be dining in the kitchen with the staff for my meals. "

Natasha shook her head. " Nonsense. If the old lady can dine with her betters why can't you? You seem to be a step above her if I may be so bold to say. In fact, you may join us for all meals as my ..... and Maxim's special guest. "

" Thank you, Mrs. Volkouva. You are very welcome. "

Natasha came closer to the young valet. " It is my pleasure. And , do call me Natasha, Ned. "

From the top of the staircase Josephine observed Maxim's wife smiling at the prince's handsome valet and she smiled coldly. This could be extremely beneficial to her , the governess thought to herself.