The Duchess in the Dorm

Copyright © 2017 J.C. Gunn

In the elegant library of an old English estate a mother and daughter met. Both were dressed very fashionably; the mother was visibly upset. "Elizabeth, you will attend and that is final! The Prince will be there as well as his fiancée Ms. Middleton. Someday they will be our King and Queen."

The younger woman looked down at what she considered to be a ridiculous costume from early in the last century and sighed. "Yes mother, I will attend and say all of the right words."

From behind her, Lizzie Windsor's mother adjusted her only child's elegant outfit. She gently kissed the back of her daughter's neck. "You look lovely my dear, your father would be proud."

Lizzie turned and made eye contact with her mother. She was very sincere when she quietly asked. "Really, do you think so mum?"

"Yes, I do. Your father would be very proud of you."

Lizzie tried to hide the tear in her eye and her mother touched her gently on the shoulder. "My love, I miss him too. I know that you don't understand how I could have loved a man so much older than I, but I did. Elizabeth, I loved your father with all of my heart and he gave me you, and that is all that matters in the end. Don't you agree?"

Lizzie smiled genuinely for the first time that afternoon. "I really do miss him, my father that is. Thank you for reminding me about how much you and I loved him. Mother, he made me promise that I would go to university and complete my degree, and I will."

Jane, the mother of Elizabeth who was not a Windsor by birth shrugged and answered. "Yes, my love. I know that he always planned that for you. But a Lady of your station needs not concern herself with such things. Your second namesake, Lady Diana was not able to finish with her teaching degree, nor should you worry about your business degree."

Lizzie turned her back to her mother to hide her exasperation. "But I do and I will!"

Jane Windsor looked at her lovely daughter; her only child and sighed. "Elizabeth you do look spectacular, quite the catch I am sure."

Lizzie rolled her eyes and looked up to the ornate ceiling of her lavish dressing room. "Mother, I know that Princess Diana was your friend, but I don't really remember her. I find her sons to be fine young men. I especially respect Harry for his service in Afghanistan, but neither of them or their cousins are for me. It is just not to be!"

Lady Jane smiled wryly and thought. "Yes my dear, but I will find you an acceptable match for a young lady of your station."

Lizzie sighed. "Not if I can help it."