“That is indeed the dream,” said Marj, sweeping in behind us and dropping a binder onto her desk. She sat down behind it and folded her hands together. “You are aware, of course, that Nicholas broached the topic of going on tour. Congratulations. The Prince of Wales and the Queen agree that it is time for our newlyweds to engage in a little diplomacy.”

She opened the binder to the title page, which read A Selective North American Adventure. “You’ll go in July, which gives us about five months to plan. You’ll start in Canada, and then pop over the border to Rebecca’s homeland. Strengthening the special relationship, and so forth. It’ll mean a lot of work, but we’ve procured help.”

She waved at someone in the hallway—I hadn’t even noticed that the door was open—and suddenly, standing beside Marj was Lady Bollocks.

“Bea?” I said, startled. “Are you, like, an expert on Canada, or something?”

“I did live there for five years,” Bea said.

“You did?”

“No,” Bea said. “But the fact that you didn’t know for certain is telling.”

“Everything is a quiz with this one,” I said to Marj, hooking my thumb at Bea as if we were some kind of vaudeville act.

“Beatrix was essential in our efforts to prepare you to join this family,” Marj said, “and so I thought she’d be ideal in this capacity. Which brings me to another announcement.”

At this, she closed the binder and looked at Nick with a lifetime of tenderness. “This tour shall be my swan song,” she said. “I’m retiring this summer.”

“What?” Nick sat bolt upright. “Marjie, no. How can we live without you?”

“My dear.” She beamed. “It’s been my honor to watch you grow from a sweet little boy into a fine young man, and a privilege to help you along that path.” She rested her hands in her lap. “But I’m tired. And I’m old. And I have a husband whom I don’t see nearly as much as I’d like. I plan to work in tandem with my replacement on this operation, and then hand over the reins.”

“Marj…” Nick shook his head. “I can’t believe it. You’ve been brilliant. I hope you know you’re irreplaceable.”

“I certainly hope not,” Bea said.

With growing alarm, I noticed a satisfied smile lurking at the edges of Bea’s mouth.

“Beatrix is the easiest hire I’ve made,” Marj said. “She’s trusted. She’s loyal. She’s already worked with Rebecca, and she knows the two of you very well but isn’t afraid to crack the whip, as it were.”

“With Bea that will probably be literal,” I muttered.

“And there’s her impressive resume, and all the crisis management work she’s done with major global organizations,” Marj said.

“She has?” Nick said.