‘Well, that was fun,’ Aunty Gee said as the group, still resplendent in their dress-up clothes, descended the stairs into the front entrance foyer. She and Mrs Marmalade had been most impressed with the way the children tidied the room, particularly Caprice, who wouldn’t allow them to leave until every last article of clothing that they’d taken out was back in its rightful spot.

Even Millie had to admit that the girl was being far better behaved than usual. Although, it was only their first day alone without the rest of the guests.

‘Now, shall we have some lunch and decide what we’ll do next?’ Aunty Gee asked.

The group nodded.

Suddenly, Thornton Thripp rushed through from the back hall. ‘Excuse m– what on earth are you wearing?’ The words were out of his mouth before he had time to stop them.

‘Where have you been, Thripp? I thought you were going to play dress-ups with us, but I gather you have more pressing business on your mind.’ Her Majesty gave him a quizzical look. ‘You missed out on all the fun.’

Thornton wondered what she was talking about. ‘Actually, we have guests.’

‘Guests? I don’t recall that we were expecting anyone.’ Her Majesty glanced at Mrs Marmalade, who shrugged.

‘I’m afraid it’s the Prime Minister of Samoa.’

‘What’s he doing here?’ Her Majesty demanded. ‘He’s not due until next month!’

‘Yes, unfortunately someone sent the incorrect date on his invitation. I’ve just seen it now,’ Thornton said.

‘The wrong date!’ Her Majesty glared at the man. ‘Whose job was that?’

‘I believe it was Mrs Marmalade who was responsible.’ The man looked at Marian and pursed his lips. ‘But it doesn’t matter now. We need to get you changed and ready for a meet-and-greet and then some official photographs.’

Mrs Marmalade looked as if she’d been pricked by a pin. In all her years as Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting, she’d never once made such an error. There had to be a mistake. It wasn’t like her at all.

‘Good heavens, Marian, should I be looking for your replacement?’ Queen Georgiana snapped.

Mrs Marmalade blushed a deep shade of red.

Aunty Gee turned to the children. ‘I can’t believe this has happened. It’s just awful.’

‘I’m sure that the Prime Minister is very excited to meet you, Aunty Gee,’ Alice-Miranda said reassuringly. ‘And we’ve got you for the rest of the week, so please don’t feel bad because of us.’

Her Majesty smiled. ‘Darling girl, you are ever so understanding. I’ll organise for someone to take you on a tour of the grounds, shall I?’

Mrs Marmalade was about to offer when Thornton Thripp talked straight over the top of her. ‘Bunyan is proving most reliable,’ he said.

‘Yes, of course. That’s perfect,’ Her Majesty declared. ‘Have you told Langley that we have a State visitor? The man will be apoplectic. We’ll need rooms made up and a dinner this evening. Good heavens, what a muddle.’

‘It’s all right, Aunty Gee.’ Alice-Miranda grinned at the woman. ‘We’re very good at entertaining ourselves.’

‘We don’t need anyone to take us, you know,’ Caprice said, taking a sip of her lemonade.

‘For once I actually agree with you,’ Millie said, her mouth full of apple.

‘And for once you’re right,’ Caprice said sweetly, popping a grape into her mouth.

‘Aunty Gee said that Mr Bunyan would take us,’ Alice-Miranda reminded the group.

Millie pulled a face. ‘Bunyan’s weird.’

‘Well, I know a really cool place we can go,’ Caprice said, showing off.

‘Where?’ Jacinta asked sceptically.

‘The hunting tower,’ Caprice said with a glint in her eye.

‘But Mr Thripp said that it’s all locked up and they can’t find the keys,’ Lucas said.

‘That’s not true at all,’ Caprice said smugly.

Sloane eyeballed the girl. ‘And how would you know that?’

‘Because I’ve been there,’ Caprice replied.

Outside in the hallway, Frank Bunyan was listening to their every word. The children’s plan couldn’t have been more perfect. He’d let them go on their own – except that he wouldn’t, of course.

Sep shrugged. ‘I’m up for it.’

The rest of the group agreed. ‘But we have to make sure that it’s all right with Mr Bunyan,’ Alice-Miranda said. ‘We don’t want him to worry.’

Just as Alice-Miranda finished speaking, the butler appeared in the doorway.

‘What shouldn’t I be worried about?’ the man said. He looked around to check that Archie and Petunia weren’t around before he proceeded into the room.

‘We were just discussing whether to go exploring on our own, seeing as you’re so busy,’ Alice-Miranda explained.

Frank Bunyan frowned. ‘Well, if you’re sure,’ he said.

‘Yes, we’re perfectly capable of looking after ourselves. Perhaps we can take something for afternoon tea?’ the child said.

‘I’ll arrange that for you now.’ Bunyan nodded and walked out the door.