Page 49 of Scandal Queen

“You’re welcome, enjoy the show.” I motioned her towards the manager who looked like he was about to have a breakdown.

I found Oliver and Daisy still waiting for me inside. Oliver’s smile was wry, but his eyes shone as bright as the stars. He leant in and kissed me causing a murmur to whisper around the foyer. “Anyone would think you were enjoying yourself.”

“Maybe I am.”

His wide smile said it all.

Twelve

“Mummy this hat is stuuupid.” Daisy pinged at the elastic around her neck. I couldn’t even disagree; I just didn’t have it in me.

Oliver swallowed his toast. “Do I need to dig out the pictures of me wearing it?”

“Yes please.” Daisy and I both said at once.

Getting off his stool, Oliver crouched down in front of Daisy and helped straighten up her new grey and red uniform. “It’s only to walk in the gates. Once you are inside everyone takes them off and puts them on pegs.”

I eyed him. “Twenty-five years ago.”

He waved his hand at me. “I’m sure nothing changes that much.”

I understood the need for security, I truly did. I mean I didn’t want to take any chances with Daisy’s safety, but sending her to St George’s, the same school the royal children went to seemed a step too far, to me anyway.

“If it makes you feel better, I’ll ask Mama if she still has mine and when I pick you up later I’ll wear it.”

Daisy and I both laughed.

“Are you going to pick me up at the end of the day too?” Daisy gave him her big blue-eyed stare, knowing full well he’d fall for it hook, line, and sinker.

“Of course? Where else would I be?”

“So, no Nana?”

Daisy missed Nana. In fact, I missed her too.

“Mummy and I want to come today, shall I ask Nana to collect you tomorrow?” Oliver slipped out his phone. I didn’t know how it happened, but Nana and Oliver seemed to have their mobile phones hot-wired to one another. “Anyway, I’m showing Nana that secret today, don’t forget.”

I raised an eyebrow. Nana was going to hate the secret. I knew that for sure.

Daisy pursed her lips. “Okay.”

“So, are we ready?” Oliver picked up his car keys. We were going to drive Daisy to her first day at St George's ourselves. Bill no doubt was probably having palpitations somewhere. I had other concerns; but I kept them buttoned up tight.

“Come, Mama and Pops want to see you before we leave.”

I held in a groan. Things were so much easier on the school run in Finsbury Park. It was a case of wake up late, rush out of the door, and then get to school the quickest route possible.

That little niggle of doubt speared my chest again.

“Pops said I could go ride again after school.”

I crimped my lips together but said nothing. I wouldn’t have known what to say or where to start anyway.

The headmaster waited for us at the gates while Oliver parked the Range Rover. The press were out, but remained a respectful distance away from the school gates.

“This is a school run unlike any other,” I grumbled under my breath. Oliver shot me a glance but then turned a smile in Daisy’s direction.

“You ready, princess?”