The Royal Puzzle
Catherine Nightingale
To Natali and Mary whom I have the pleasure to call my sisters.
Обложка Alekmag Ai, creater pictures
Иллюстрации Alekmag Ai, creater pictures
© Catherine Nightingale, 2024
ISBN 978-5-0065-1222-1
Created with Ridero smart publishing system
“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.”
– The Tempest,
“The royal letter playlist”
1. Thomas Newman | Spectre End Title
2.Thomas Newman | Secret Room
3.Thomas Newman | Westminster Bridge
4.Billie Eilish | No Time To Die
5.Sam Smith | Writing’s On The Wall
6.Ed Sheeran | Photograph
7.Ed Sheeran | Autumn Leaves
8.Ed Sheeran | Bad Habits
9.Ed Sheeran | Kiss Me
10.Sam Tinnesz feat. Yacht Money | Play with Fire (feat. Yacht Money)
11.Adele | Easy On Me
12.John Barry | The James Bond Theme (From “Dr. No”)
13.Shakespeare In Love – Stephen Warbeck | The DeLesseps dance
14.Lorne Balfe | Scholastic Sanctuary
15.Lorne Balfe | To Be Close To You
16.Lorne Balfe | Until The Day I Die
17.Lorne Balfe | Every Year
18.Joseph Trapanese | Final Goodbye
19.Matthew Morrison | We Own The Night
20.Florent Mothe, Camille Lou | Quelque chose de magique
21.Christina Aguilera | Anywhere But Here
22. Philippe Rombi; Frederic Chopin | Nocturne N°20 en do diese mineur op.
Prologue
– Dinner’s ready, dear. Come along.
– Yes, darling. I’ll be there in a minute.
A woman in her sixties was laying the table for dinner in a spacious dining room. It was six in the evening and the sun was about to set. The sky was coloured in pink and orange, colours which indicated that tomorrow it’s going to be pretty windy. The flames creaking in the fireplace warming up the room. Evenings in October tend to be quite cold here in Stratford.
A man in his early seventies walked into the room smiling at his beloved wife.
– How’s it going with the Leicester’s eastate renovation? – Eleanor Winters enquired her husband.
– It appears that it’s going to take more time than expected. – Mr. Winters replied.
– I’m just curious, why has the government decided to renovate it now? It has been in ruins for ages…
I know exactly why. I fear, the true purpose might attract all sorts of crooks, treasure hunters and smugglers. I can hardly imagine those outlawed people flooding the country. For God’s sake! Something has to be done…
– I suppose, the government cares deeply about our historical heritage, Eleanor.
– Yes, but why now? There are loads of other problems to deal with, rather than getting busy with these ancient estate remnants.
– Don’t be so hard on them, deary! After all if not for these remnants I’d be unemployed. – A light smile touched Kenneth’s features.
I hate lying to the ones I love, unfortunately I have to out of duty. I can’t put Eleanor at risk. Something has to be done, without getting my family involved.
– Kenneth? Kenneth? – Eleanor’s voice distracted Kenneth from his thoughts.
– Yes, honey? -Mr. Winters answered, confused.
– Is anything troubling you? You look concerned.
– There’s nothing to worry about, my love. This day was quite tiresome. That’s all. – He leaned forward kissing his wife to comfort her.
– Has there been any word from Katherine, since she last visited us? – Kenneth asked wearing a grim expression.
– She called two days ago promising to visit us in two weeks as there’s loads of work to be done on her Shakespeare paper. Weren’t you the same as a student? Please, don’t be so grim. She did what she had to do, darling.
– Refusing my name? Walking away from everything I’ve achieved throughout the years exploring the Tudors history? -Mr. Winters smirked.
– She didn’t go into your steps simply because she’s so badly in love with English literature and Shakespeare’s work, in particular. Besides, your name would have prevented her from achieving everything herself. You’re a well-known historian and the leading member of the Royal Historical Society above all.
– Is that a bad thing? – Kenneth shrugged.
– Not at all, my love. It’s just, – she hesitated, – she’s been independent for as long as we can remember, and all your ranks and titles leave no chance to enter the scientific world on her own. – Eleanor put her hand on her husband’s shoulder.
– May be you’re right. But I’m still certain that she’s made a childish mistake, besides our longtime dispute still bothers me. It was pretty disrespectful of her to leave the house in such manner. I wish, things could have been different. – Kenneth sighed.
– We both do, darling. Don’t beat yourself up. I’m sure time will come to make things right. – comforted Eleanor her sad husband.
– Your words go to God’s ears! -Mr. Winters sighed filled with fatigue.
– I think all this hustle and bustle exhausted me tremendously. It’s such a fine evening it would be foolish of me to stay home. Jackson, come here, boy! -Kenneth cried out calling the dog. A fluffy little corgi dashed into the dining room with it’s tail wagging. Mr. Winters patted the dog on the head adjusting a leash to it’s collar.
– Be sure to return by dark, dear, -Eleanor asked, her voice filled with worry.
– No worries, darling. I’ll be back before you know it. – Kenneth smiled leaving the house.
Fresh air has definitely brightened up Mr. Winters’ mood. He was walking around the neighborhood feeling cool breeze on his cheeks.
– The weather is truly wonderful, isn’t it, Jackson? -Kenneth marvelled looking at the dog. Jackson running smoothly beside his master with his tongue out breathing steadily.
Suddenly a huge black van appeared out of nowhere. Approaching Kenneth it came at a halt. He could have been killed! Two intruders turned out of the shadows: a bulked-up thug and a lanky short man, wearing black got out taking grasp of Kenneth.
– What is the meaning of this? Who are you? What do you want from me? -Kenneth exclaimed furiously.
– Keep quiet, old chap, or someone’s gonna get hurt! -the tallest of strangers roared forcing Mr. Winters into the van.
Jackson barking trying to chase off the two men.
– Shut up, you mutt! -one of the brutes blurted trying to hit the dog.
– Run Jackson, run! Save yourself! -Mr. Winters exclaimed.
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