Chapter 21
The fete was setup in a section ofBalfourPark that was adjacent to a local village. The fete was laid out on a flat, open area that could easily accommodate the various activities. There was one large tent where the investiture was to take place. Next to it was a smaller tent that housed the refreshments, and where the Royal couple would serve tea to the guests invited to the investiture. There were also two smaller tents where the flower and the baking competitions would bejudged.
And in the open space around the tents, there were pens for the animal competitions—a few carnival games and entertainments—and a field where there would be various games and sports engaged in by the locals in a fit of rowdy exuberance. And, of course, there would be open air stands that served plenty of beer andcider.
It was a very pleasant day with intermittent clouds, but with sufficient sunshine to be comfortable, and no visible threat ofrain.
The fete was well underway by the time the royal carriage arrived, followed by two of the Earl’s carriages. All other activity ceased as the locals crowded around to honor and welcome the royalcouple.
Two trumpeters played a fanfare as Victoria descended from the carriage and a spontaneous chorus ofGod Save the Queenburst forth from thecrowd.
Her Majesty waved and acknowledged the cheers before they went into the presentationtent.
The Earl, Amelia, the Brownings and other guests of the queen followedinside.
It was not a complicated ceremony. The Queen stood at the front of the tent as a page read out the announcement of the honor being bestowed on one Professor George Daniel Browning. The Queen handed the Professor a certificate and pinned a medal on his coat. He bowed and then the quartet struck up a Handel processional march as the Queen proceeded to the refreshmenttent.
“That was it?” Geoffrey asked of Diana. “Not much of a splash, wasit?”
Miriam chimed in. “Yes, I thought there would be more to it too. Flags waving, wild dancing, or at least a beheading or two. But this was just… bland. It was like paying the milkman once aweek.”
“Now, now. Her Majesty was very gracious,” Dianadefended.
“We are going outside for some fun,” Geoffreydeclared.
“Do not forget we are to judge the baked goods,” Miriam said. “The Earl promisedus.”
“I will find out about that. Maybe that has changed now that the Queen ishere.”
“I hope not, I was looking forward to gorging on all those cakes, tartes and roly-poly puddings,” Geoffreyinsisted.
Robert had gone up to her father to congratulate him. Diana joinedthem.
“May I see the citation?” Diana asked herfather.
He handed it to her. It was in a leather folder and looked quite official with the royal seal and the Queen’ssignature.
“It is lovely, Father. I am so proud ofyou.”
“Thank you, daughter,” her father saidshyly.
“Her Majesty will be expecting us for tea shortly. If you would like to follow me…” Robertsuggested.
Diana stopped him and asked, “Previously you invited the twins to judge the baking contest. Do you still want them to dothat?”
That took Robert by surprise. “Oh… yes, so I did. But I have already made other arrangements for that. It seems the townsfolk set that up and I completely forgot. Come, let me apologize tothem.”
Robert went over to where the twins werewaiting.
“I am so terribly sorry, but I misspoke when I invited you to judge the baking. Other arrangements have been made. But you are welcome to join us for tea with theQueen.”
Geoffrey and Miriam turned and looked at each other and shook theirheads.
Geoffrey answered, “No, thank you. We have had quite enough of the stuffy bits. We are ready to play. I want to do the welly wanging. I am sure I can toss a Wellington boot farther than any bloke inCambridgeshire.”
Robert laughed. “Very well. As you wish. Enjoy yourselves.” He turned to Diana. “But you will be joining us, will younot?”
“Of course, I am family, and would not miss tea with theQueen.”
