The Royal Scandal | Prince William |

Whispers in Corners

"Anything not focused on the Trooping?"

"Local Manchester papers are still talking about your visit to the hospital."

She nods, grimacing at how conceded she sounds, and how heartless she feels. These are lives she's dealing with, and while she means every gesture sincerely she can't deny the fact that each one is calculated and thought through. These are her battles, but still others always get swept up with her.

"And People released an online article about your best moments with kids."

She sighs, already knowing the story as it came up on her phone's suggested page that morning. "Your doing I assume?" But Catherine just grows sly and shrugs, brushing back strands of nearly white hair from her sharp eyes.

Neither of them can deny that the whole thing reads as a ridiculous fluff piece. It might as well have PR stamped in big red letters across the front.

"Mentally Healthy Schools is launching in three months. We need all the publicity we can get."

Behind her Jaclyn can feel her kids laughter from outside as her mom chases them through the garden. The great glass windows hum happily with PJ's subdued giggles and Amelia's shouts of joy, and she doesn't have to turn to see the scene. She can picture it perfectly.

"I know how important the launch is," she says, hoping her sincerity comes through to Catherine. They're still getting used to each other, and her new secretary is nothing like her last. The older woman with her shortly trimmed hair and mahogany rich eyes is hungry to prove her worth. More so she's hungry for Jaclyn to prove her worth.

Over the years the men who watched over her reputation were more than happy to sit back, something she enjoyed at the time. But year after year more people wanted more from her. They wanted interviews and engagements and hard hitting programs that rivaled Crown Princess Mary's in Denmark. They were tired of sweet walkabouts and listening and learning projects.

Within the last two years rumors started to float around that she was being controlled after one too many oddly aggressive stories were printed about her. First, she wore the wrong color to an event with no color theme, then she was under fire for her father's work, her dress was too frumpy, her eyes too depressed and so on and so on. It was nothing that warranted a response, but it was clear her secretary was not fighting for her to be equally represented.

So quietly he was let go and Catherine Quinn was brought in.

Sensing her apprehension Catherine continues. "I don't write anything, ma'am. I simply whisper suggestions for your own good." And before Jaclyn can question her further she bows her head and starts to make her way from the room. "Oh, don't forget Mrs. Davis will be here in an hour."

Right, now that Trooping is over she can put her plan into action.

-----

The corner is quiet, tucked into the least frequented part of their apartment. A white vase with a painted lilac sits on a long table up against the wall. A room sits at the end, a guest room that's never used, but is still done up and ready.

Natania's steps slow until she's surveying the hall quizzically, shooting Jaclyn a confused look, but the duchess isn't paying attention. She's pacing the hall slowly, methodically, glancing into the bedroom that's only lit by the sun shining through the windows.

Jaclyn waits only turning back to Natania when she's caught sight of Rose's silhouette making the bed.

"What are we doing?" Natania asks, trying to peek into the bedroom, but Jaclyn pulls her along without so much as stopping.