A Royal Affair

Part 1

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to begin our final descent…” The Pilot’s voice jarred Evelyn from sleep.

Finally she had arrived. Outside, the sunny London day beckoned her. Today would be the beginning of her six month writing research stay in England. At the age of 24, she had become a well established new romance novelist. Luck had definitely been on her side with the success of her first book published 6 months prior. While its story had been set in the American West, success had brought on the want for something new and challenging: A story set in period England. She was ready to dive in and fall in love with a new set of characters and a completely new country.

“Evie!” Stepping into the hustle and bustle of London’s Heathrow Airport, Evelyn glanced around looking for the source of voice calling her by her nickname. Of course, it was none other than her friend, Rose, who she would be living with during her time in country. They had been good friends since college and it had been too long since they had seen each other last.

“Rose! It’s been too long!” They both embraced each other.

“You look amazing, Evelyn. For a while you had me worrying that you were going to turn into a plump, hermit writer!” Rose had always been one to be blunt. But that’s why they were friends.

Laughing Evelyn said to Rose, “No way, you know I can’t stay cooped up indoors writing forever!”

“Well thank god! Let’s get your bags and then hit the town! I can’t wait to show you around the city. You are going to fall in love.”

“Well, that’s exactly what I need! You know how badly I have wanted to travel here. God, I actually can’t believe I’ll be here for 6 months. It’s too exciting.” Evelyn was getting even more excited by what the next few months would bring her. “And all the old houses, estates, historic buildings, and a royal wedding! So much to see and do.”

“Well Evie, you may just find it hard to leave after all.”

“As enchanting as a land I’m sure it is the future King of England himself couldn’t even get me to stay here forever.”

“It amazes me how a romance writer can be so pessimistic when it comes to love. But you do have a point. The man is engaged to be married in a month.”

“Exactly, Rose. There you go.”

“But, he does have a sexy, dark and handsome younger brother. Sadly, he manages to escape the press and stay out of the limelight by devoting his time to the Royal Air Force so the press stays clear away from him. Tragic. The man is very easy on the eyes. Like a good hearty mix of Ian Somerhalder, Hugh Jackman, and Clive Owen. With the wedding so close, he’s bound to be in London soon.”

“Mmmm Yes! Now you have my attention! Oh Rose, you are such a hopeless romantic.” Laughing, they walked out of the airport and into the sunny London afternoon.