We walked through the door as Freddie called out to Phoebe, "We're back."
"I made lunch for the two of you. Sit down before it all goes cold." Phoebe said.
"Thank you Phoebe, it looks delicious" Carolyn said.
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"It's Freddie's mother's recipe, it's called chicken dhansak. It happens to be one of his favorites. It's a wee bit spicy" Phoebe said.
"Oh I know Freddie's fondness for spicy food. I tasted his lamb chops at La Gavroche and cried until Freddie made me "down" a whole glass of milk. Oh my goodness Phoebe, please pour me a great big glass of milk. "
Freddie was so silent since leaving the studio, he didn't even talk on the ride back and he usually is quite the chatterbox. He keeps on staring at me and when my eyes catch his, he looks away. What is going on as we ate in silence, although I did catch a small smile when I mentioned the milk. Even Phoebe narrowed his eyes questioningly looking between us as if to ask what was going on.
I couldn't stand it any more and determined to break the silence I said, "Freddie after lunch, I must speak with you, it's quite important." He just looked at me and nodded.
We finished quickly and adjourned to the Japanese room. Freddie asked Phoebe to bring in some wine.
The sun filtered through the tall windows of Garden Lodge, casting a warm glow on the eclectic blend of artwork and antique furniture. I sat on a plush armchair in the room watching Freddie flit around with his usual dramatic flair. Garden Lodge, after all, was his sanctuary, a home that reflected his larger than life personality. And for me it had become a temporary refuge from the pressures of royal life.
Freddie appeared in the doorway, balancing a bottle of wine and two glasses. "Darling, you'll adore this vintage," he said, placing the wine on the table. "It's as extravagant as I am."
I smiled faintly, but my heart was heavy. For hours I had rehearsed the words in my mind that I needed to say, yet each time the courage slipped away. Freddie had been so excited about our upcoming performance. His energy was infectious, his vision dazzling. How could I possibly tell him I couldn't keep my promise?
As Freddie settled into the armchair opposite her, his sharp eyes caught the tension in her face. "You've got that look, love," he said softly. "The one that says there's trouble brewing. Out with it." I took a deep breath. My fingers twisting nervously on the hem of my blouse. "Freddie," I began. I could hear my voice trembling. "I made a promise to you. A promise I meant with all my heart. But I can't do the concert."
Freddie blinked, surprised, but its expressions quickly softened. "What happened?"
"My father," tears brimming in my eyes. "His health has taken a turn for the worse, he's had a severe heart attack and I need to be with him. I'm so sorry, Freddie. I didn't want to let you down."
