Ellie turned twelve today. It was sad really. Grandmummy was an absolute beast. We hardly see her except when she’s angry about something, and today it was Ellie. All through dinner Grandmummy kept saying things like, “Well, it’s clear the throne has to pass to this one,” and, “Since we’ve no other options for succession…” and poor Auntie Inge got so upset that she pretended she had a headache so she could leave. I don’t blame her. It’s not her fault she couldn’t have babies! And it only got worse. After dinner, Grandmummy cleared everyone out except Ellie, but of course I peeked through the door and saw Grandmummy telling Ellie she didn’t hold her fork well, didn’t sit properly, didn’t listen prettily enough, didn’t chew gracefully. (!!) Ellie stared at the floor. “Don’t be weak, on top of it all,” Grandmummy said. “We must toughen you up.” And then she made Ellie put a book on her head and walk back and forth across the room for thirty whole minutes, and Ellie didn’t say a word, she just quietly did it over and over. Mummy wouldn’t do a thing to stop it. I was so cross. El was sobbing in bed later, her neck was so sore. I climbed in and started to rub it for her and she said, “I’m going to fail at this,” and I told her that she won’t because she’s the strongest person I know. I’ve never seen anyone stand there and endure Grandmummy so well. I’d have thrown a tea service at the old bat! Ellie might be the toughest one of all of us. She can do anything. In fact, I

Eleanor stopped and closed the book with a thump. Her left pointer finger tapped the top of her right hand. She said nothing.

“This must be hard for you,” I offered.

“Frederick’s interview is today,” she said, instead. “With the BBC.”

“I know,” I said. “He sequestered himself to get ready for it.”

“You should be there. Both of you,” Eleanor said.

“Is it open to us?”

“My grandmother would have said a true sign of character is when you can weather something completely alone.” She shook her head, standing up and trying to stretch her right side without appearing ungainly. “I’ve done that. He’ll be by himself in front of that camera, but he’ll remember who stood in that room because they were paid to, and who came because they wanted to be there for him.”

“Is this what brought you all the way over here?” I asked.

Eleanor clucked with irritation. “Most people would be thrilled that the Queen showed an interest in their personal health,” she said. “And now I’ve done it. My time is valuable. I shall see myself out. Good day, Rebecca.”