‘I do, ma’am, but apart from perhaps being away for a few days to marry in Scotland, my life here will remain exactly the same. I would make sure of it.’

‘In which case, there is little need for you to marry immediately. You must postpone your arrangements until the time is right. Please explain this to your fiancé. I am sure he will understand.’

The Queen folded her hands in her lap. The conversation was finished.

Crawfie had been stopped. She knew there was nothing she could do. She found she could hardly speak. ‘Of course,’ she made herself say. Her voice sounded quiet and hoarse. ‘We shall wait until our timing is better suited.’

The white and gilded doors opened again, revealing a footman and a smartly dressed woman in a scarlet hat. ‘Mrs Robert Bingham, ma’am.’

Crawfie curtseyed and left the room, determined not to cry.

In her room she wrote to George.

Darling George,

I don’t know quite how to write this letter, so forgive my just diving in.

I am most awfully sorry but I find we must postpone our wedding – just for a little while. The Queen, while delighted by our news, apologizes profusely; what with the coronation just gone and all the new pressures on her and the King, she rightly feels that any disturbance of routine for the girls at this time would be disastrous for their happiness and education. The last year has certainly been a whirlwind for them all, what with a new home and new jobs, in a way. I am feeling the effects myself.

I am so disappointed because more than anything I wish to be your wife. Nothing will change my feelings for you. Please, please understand.

I do feel the short delay might be helpful for us. It might give us time to organize an unrushed and heavenly wedding, and a chance to work out where and how we live after our marriage.

I have been thinking, perhaps the bank would offer you a permanent job here in London. Wouldn’t that be marvellous? We could look for a little home of our own here. That way, perhaps I could continue to work and bring in a second wage, which I think you would agree would be most useful. Of course, I don’t expect to stay in London forever. I can picture us in a little Scottish house, nappies on the washing line, your pipe and slippers by the fire, and being terribly happy. I will buy you a pipe for Christmas so that you can start practising!

Please write to let me know you understand. It will not be a long wait.

How is Scotland? The scent of the heather you brought for me that time in Windsor still lingers, but how I wish I were out on the moors, walking next to you.

It would at least get me away from all the talk here of Germany and Mr Hitler. Apparently he is all for lifting the Germans out of the depression and poverty of the last war, by making jobs and building roads. The Prime Minister and the King talk about him rather a lot, I am told. The Prime Minister is worried about the fascist movement in Italy and thinks it could spread through Europe. I had to look up the meaning of fascist and if it means having an organized country, I can’t see how that would be all bad. I am sure it will resolve itself without anyone coming to blows.