Chapter Text
Monday, June 1, 1953
The front door lock jiggled frantically. Carol was sitting at the reading desk smoking a cigarette as she was going through the bills. She curiously looked up as she snubbed her cigarette out, then pushed her chair back and began walking towards the front door.
“Therese, is that you?”
The key continued to jiggle until the lock finally turned and then the doorknob moved. The door opened so quickly that it practically hit the wall.
“What in the world?”
“I’m so sorry Carol,” Therese choked out, stopping to take a deep breath. “I was rushing to get here as fast as I could. I have work I had to bring home and it was quite cumbersome.”
Therese turned and picked up the box she had set in the hallway, and then brought it into the apartment.
“Is this about the Coronation?”
“Of course, yes! Oh, Carol, you wouldn’t believe it. The paper is an absolute madhouse.” Therese moved inside carrying a large box that she set on the coffee table. “They are going to be flying photos in special on their own plane directly from the coronation. I am going to have to work with a team and identify the attendees as quickly as possible.”
“What’s the box for?”
“It’s photos of people that will probably be there. I grabbed as many as I could find. Anything to do with Royalty, I want to study them so I can recognize the faces quickly. When the new photos arrive I’ll have to label them for the Editors so they can pick the most important people for the paper. ”
“Oh Therese, that sounds like you’ll be up all night!”
Therese paused and stared at Carol. Carol closed her eyes. Therese had "The Look’ which she had for weeks anytime Carol mentioned the preparations Therese was taking on for the Royal Coronation of Queen Elizabeth. If Carol questioned Therese on how much time she was spending or how much work she was doing she stood silently and glared like the face of Medusa ready to turn Carol into stone. For months it was the same dialogue and it was starting all over again as Therese sat on the couch and opened the box.
“It’s a new era Carol, don’t you know that? She could modernize everything.”
“Um hum,” Carol responded as Therese began pulling out the photos and laying them neatly on the coffee table.
“A woman would be ruling not only the United Kingdom but all its territories. Do you have any idea the influence she, a woman, will have on the entire world?”
Therese sorted through the prints and then found an official Royal Portrait of Elizabeth. It was taken before her father died when she was a newly married Princess without a care in the world.
“My God Carol, she’s just a few years older than me. She’s ten years younger than you!”
“Thanks for the reminder,” Carol dryly mumbled as she lit another cigarette.
Therese traced her hands across the face of the photo, studying every detail with an intensity that always found nuances Carol never noticed.
“The far away yet focused expression on the Princess’s face is conveying a multitude of feelings like whimsy and mirth with a touch of seriousness appropriate for a photo of this nature.” Therese pointed out.
“The perfectly sculpted brows and hair, the dress laid on her like it was only there to delicately cover what was too intimate for the public to see. The jewelry, visible yet understated, is not just sitting on top of her, it fit her so perfectly it appeared like it was growing out of her, a part of her very being.” Therese set the photo back on the table and just kept staring.
“This is the most beautiful picture I have ever seen,” she whispered. “I don’t know what it is about her that I find so intriguing. It’s like she’s from another world she’s so elegant.”
Carol raised her eyebrows. “She is my darling, she was raised as a small child with the utmost of standards. She had people at her beck and call. She was well educated and groomed to take on the role she has today.”
“No, she wasn’t! If Edward had not abdicated she would have never been Queen. What kind of happenstance is that? Her life completely changed in an instant by one person’s decision!”
Therese began pulling out the rest of the photos, reviewing them quickly, and sorting them into different piles. Then she reached a picture of King George VI.
“Her father dying so young,” she whispered. Carol’s heart dropped at the mention of that bit of British history. The terrible memories it must have brought up for Therese, the helplessness of having her own life turned upside down when her own father passed unexpectedly when she was only six. When George died they themselves had been completely separated from one another after the incident in Waterloo so Therese had to grieve this all by herself.
“All that responsibility, I don’t know how I would handle it. How does a person handle responsibility like that?”
Carol smiled and sat next to Therese, pushing her body as close to hers as it would go. As Therese was being nudged she smiled in response and then began to playfully nudge Carol back.
“You take what comes at you, Therese. You grow as each challenge is placed in front of you. What seems like the worse thing in the world that could ever happen turns into a catalyst for happiness beyond your wildest dreams.”
Therese paused and put the photo down, then looked up at Carol. A smile begin to inch onto her delicate, pink lips, her brilliant green eyes glimmered so clear with wonder and ever-curious youth. Carol smiled knowingly back, brushed the hair from Therese’s face, and rested her hand lovingly on Therese’s cheek and Therese’s hand reached up to cover it. Now the photos meant actually nothing and Therese wondered why she got so caught up in other people’s lives when she had the most precious gift of all, the most spectacular woman ever created right here in front of her. Why waste another hour, minute, or second of time not spending it with her own beautiful, very rare, and elegant Queen? Carol, as if reading her mind, seductively moved the hair away from Therese’s ear and gently whispered in it.
“How about this? Don’t forget your Queen has a wonderful dinner of pork chops and fresh string beans cooked to perfection with the utmost of love warming in the oven, while the apple sauce and your favorite German potato salad wait lonely in the refrigerator for your sophisticated royal palate to partake in.”
Therese closed her eyes and nuzzled her ear into Carol’s mouth, floating into the ether that was Carol and only Carol when they spent such intimate moments together.
“And if you’re especially good and finish your entire meal, there is my special lemon cake drizzled with icing to start our dessert.”
Therese turned and brought her lips to Carol’s, kissing her deeply and almost forcing her on the couch until Carol pushed her up. “Naughty, naughty!” She scolded as she stood and held out her hand, helping Therese up.
“You must eat my sweet, you have a long night of studying and a long day ahead of you tomorrow, ” she winked as she took both her hands and lead her towards the dining room table.
~ * - * - * - * - * - * - * ~
The next morning Therese was up at 5 am and left to be at work at 6. Much to Carol’s scolding, she only had time for a dry piece of toast. She barely kissed Carol goodbye, but little did Therese know Carol had something extra special planned for her that day. She got on the phone immediately.
“Abby, did you get the cookware?”
“Jesus H. Christ Carol, what time is it?”
“Time for you to get your rear over here. There is much to do.”
“The things I do for you,” Abby grumbled as she turned over in bed. “All right, all right, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
By the time Abby arrived at 8:00 am with her wares, Carol was fully dressed and ready for her shopping, checking the list in her hand again and again. She took the cooking utensils out of Abby’s box and reviewed them, especially the overly large muffin pan.
“You’ve made these before?” She asked.
“Yes!” Abby replied rather impatiently. “I told you, they are not as hard as you think, you just have to get your oven hot and you need real beef fat.”
“I’ve got that on the list. Okay, my dear, let’s go, we have to get the food and drinks. I need to get the roast in the oven by one.”
“Can I at least have a cup of coffee?” Abby muttered with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth.
“Later!” Carol scolded, “Now scoot, out the door!”
Abby sat in the Packard absolutely amazed. It was like Carol had been planning this for weeks and every destination was outlined on a map. They went down the line and not a moment was wasted. It helped tremendously that many Americans seemed equally as excited about the Coronation as Therese. Some of the most esteemed Butcher shops in town were offering traditional British fare. Carol’s first stop was to purchase an assortment of British Bangers and then the bacon which was very different than the American version. Then something called Black Pudding and a White Pudding.
“What, no Haggis?”
“I’m drawing the line on that one Abby!”
“Well, you think Therese is going to eat those pudding things once she finds out what’s in it?”
“Let’s keep that part between you and me, hmmm?” Carol said.
Off they went to the Liquor store where Carol purchased Gin, Dubonnet, Tonic water and a dark beer called Guinness, and of course some Pabst for the boys. Bottles of red and white wine were also selected including a few bottles of a sweeter version called Gewürztraminer. Carol had heard that the Queen actually preferred this German sweet wine.
“Are you having a dinner party or is this the Trooping of the Color?”
“Actually it’s a surprise. A few of Therese’s friends will be there as well as you and me, and Francine is coming too, right?”
“Of course, she will be there at 3:00 pm.”
“Perfect, she can help with the rest of the decorations before Therese gets home. Oh, and there's an extra special surprise that I am expecting around four but you’re going to have to hide when she arrives.”
“Okay.”
Next, they went to the best butcher shop in town where Carol purchased a large, dry-aged standing prime rib roast and of course all the extra beef fat, as well as scraps for stock. Then onto the regular grocery store for eggs, flour, milk, cream, potatoes, and vegetables.
When they got home and unloaded everything Carol read Abby’s mind and opened a bottle of white wine she already had chilling and handed her a glass. Abby lit a cigarette for both of them.
“Come, let’s take our shoes off and sit on the couch and relax before we get started.”
“Let me get the roast in first and then I will join you. It will only take a minute.”
Carol, ever the gourmet cook seasoned and placed the roast in the oven, and on a separate tray a layer of beef scraps to brown for the gravy. She slipped her shoes off and placed them by the door, and sat next to Abby on the couch. She took a long sip of wine, then a slow drag off the cigarette Abby had been holding for her.
“What’s in this box?” Abby noticed while trying to put her feet on the coffee table.
“That was from Therese, she left so quickly this morning she forgot it. It’s all the guests that will be at the Coronation. Once the photos come in she has to label them for the editors to review. She wanted to know who was who.”
“Do you think we should call her and let her know it’s here? We can bring it to her if she needs it.”
Carol paused for a moment. “That may not be a bad idea, that way I can check to see how busy she is and when I can expect her home.”
“The New York Times, Therese Belivet speaking”
“Darling it’s me, how are you? Are you swamped?”
“Carol, I’m fine. Why are you all calling, is everything all right?”
“Therese, you left the box, I was seeing if you needed it.”
“Oh, that!” Therese let out a long breath. “It’s okay Carol, I’m working here with others. If I don’t know someone they do. We’re way ahead of the game. This morning we typed a bunch of labels in advance so all we had to do is stick them on the photos. We’re waiting for one last batch to process, then I can head home.”
“Wonderful Darling, and when will that be?”
“Actually I’m thinking around 4:30, and Carol, they told me I can take tomorrow off unless there is an emergency or something.”
“That’s wonderful sweetheart! Oh, and I hope you’re hungry, I’m cooking something extra special tonight.”
“I’m famished! Can we eat it while we watch the Broadcast? ABC is supposed to be airing much of it.”
“Of course darling, perfect!” Carol hung up the phone while winking at Abby.
~ * - * - * - * - * - * - * ~
By the time 3 pm arrived Carol and Abby were already on their 2nd bottle of wine. The meat scraps were browned and now boiling as stock for the gravy. Carol had potatoes and root vegetables roasting in the oven, and more potatoes waiting in a pot of water to turn on as dinner came close. Abby had already prepared the batter for the Yorkshire Pudding and it was resting. The fat was rendered on a small pot on the stove. The vegetables were prepped and ready to steam once they started on the pudding.
“Yoo-hoo!” They heard at the door followed by three knocks.
Abby set her glass down and practically ran to open it.
“Darling!” she slurred.
“Watch it!” Francine said. She was holding a tray inside a paper bag and had another bag on her arm. “I made these special!”
Carol came over and helped Francine with her items. “Hello darling, how are you? You look ravishing as always.”
“Did you bring more wine?” Abby asked.
“Thank you, Carol, and of course, I did but from the looks of you I think it’s time for tea.”
Francine took out a beautiful assortment of small, delicate, crust-free cucumber, egg salad, and smoked salmon sandwiches arranged professionally on a tray. She brought out a tea tin and set a bottle of red and white wine on the counter. Carol put the white into the refrigerator and started her teakettle to boil.
“Let's have our English Tea and Sandwiches while we relax on the couch, can you set them on the coffee table?”
Abby put the box on the floor as Francine placed the sandwiches on the coffee table and Carol followed with three small plates.
The sandwiches were absolutely delicious and so was the tea, it was just what they needed to lessen the impact of the alcohol, providing them a well-needed second wind. Soon Abby was rifling through the box and pulling out pictures, then hysterically laughing.
“Abigail Gerhard, what has gotten into you?” Carol scolded.
“Francine hand me my purse.”
When Francine brought it over Abby pulled out a pen, then tilted the picture so no one could see. She began drawing on it and when she was done she started laughing again.
“What is so funny?”
“This!” Abby said as she turned a picture of Winston Churchill around. She had drawn a goofy hat on his head with a feather and gave him glasses and vampire teeth. Carol almost spit her tea out when she saw it.
“Abby, Therese has to return those!”
“I’ll bet you a hundred dollars they are not even going to miss this picture, I am sure they have more than one print. Besides...look!” Abby wet her finger and rubbed some of the ink away.
Francine took the photo from Abby. “Well, you have to admit, it is pretty funny...to a 12-year-old!”
“Speak for yourself!”
Abby grabbed another photo. This was one of Elizabeth as a young woman wearing an army suit standing in front of a jeep.
“Geese, she looks pretty butch in this one, don’t you think?”
“Abby!!”
“Oh, Carol lighten up” She huffed, “Now isn’t it time we put the decorations up?”
“Goodness, I almost forgot!” Carol ran in back to her storage closet and while she was gone Abby rifled through the box and pulled out more photos, then she found some blank paper and some scissors. She looked at Francine and put a finger to her mouth and gave her the “shush” signal. Francine just shook her head.
The group made quick work of placing banners of British flags all over the apartment including a beautiful runner on the dining table. Francine suggested she run to the corner florist and returned with a bouquet of red, white, and blue flowers for a centerpiece. When Carol left to tend to the food Abby took the tape and wrote on the photos and began to stick them in places that Carol wouldn’t see right away. There was nothing she could do to stop herself from giggling every time she thought of something silly to say and found a spot to stick a photo. In an attempt to disguise her laughing she’d quickly cough. Carol stepped out of the kitchen.
“What’s the matter with you, you coming down with something?”
“Oh no, my throat is just a little dry. Isn’t it cocktail time?”
Carol shook her head. “You just don’t quit, do you?” She muttered. Just as she was turning back to go into the kitchen the doorbell rang. Her eyes grew as wide as saucers.
“It’s them!” She whispered. “Quick, both of you, pick up your glasses and get in the back bedroom, hurry! I don’t want him to know anyone else is here!”
Abby and Francine grabbed everything they could and ran into Carol’s bedroom. They kept the door cracked as they listened.
“Mommy!”
“Sweat Pea!” Carol yelled. “Hello, Harge.”
“Wow, the place looks great Carol. I have to hand it to you; it was a great idea for you to take Rindy. My parents don’t get the best reception at their house.”
“Mommy, what are we doing?”
Carol bent down to speak eye-to-eye with Rindy. “We’re having a very special English meal and celebration. We are going to watch the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth. What do you think of that?”
“Yea!” Rindy yelled clapping her hands.
“Well, I’m glad it met with her seal of approval! I can pick her up tomorrow in the evening after work.”
“Harge, I would love to have her even longer now that school is out.”
Harge paused for a moment. “Let me think about it.”
“Can I Daddy, can I? I’ve got clothes here you know.”
Harge bent down and spoke to Rindy. “Let me call Mommy tomorrow, okay Sunshine?”
“Okay Daddy, bye.”
After the door closed, Carol waited a moment.
“Okay, the coast is clear, you can come out now!”
“Who’s here?” Rindy asked.
“It’s none other than you’re favorite Aunt Abby and her partner in crime Francine!” Abby announced she came out of the bedroom.
“Aunt Abby, Aunt Abby!!” Rindy screamed jumping up and down and then running to give Abby a big hug. After that, she ran down the hall towards her bedroom obviously looking for her toys.
“Thank you both for staying in the back. I just didn’t want to deal with Harge.”
“Oh, I perfectly understand,” Abby winked. “If Harge knew you were having this big shindig he wouldn’t let Rindy set her feet in here.”
“He could or couldn’t, I just didn’t want to take any chances.”
Suddenly Rindy came marching into the room wearing a tiara on her head and a bath towel wrapped around her like a robe.
“I want to be a queen when I grow up!” She announced, prancing around the room.
Abby looked at Rindy, then slowly at Francine, and then at Carol.
“Carol, does Therese know Rindy is here?”
“No, I didn’t want to tell her in the event Harge changed his mind.”
“And what time does she get home?” She asked.
Carol paused, tapping her foot.
“What are you planning now Abby?”