บท 417: Chapter 417: The Consequence of Delay
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Queen Elizabeth's face was marked by irritation as she confronted the issue at hand. Margaret had always been spoiled, a fact well known to George VI and his family, including her sister, Princess Elizabeth.
Margaret's recklessness had developed into a serious issue. If not handled properly, this situation could erupt into a major scandal that would disgrace the entire royal family.
"Elizabeth, you must manage this situation carefully," Queen Elizabeth instructed.
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The following day, Princess Elizabeth visited Margaret's palace. By ten in the morning, Margaret was still lying in bed, refusing to get up. Elizabeth settled beside her sister's bed.
"Sister," Margaret murmured as she opened her eyes.
Elizabeth gazed at her younger sister, who had once been the child following her every move. It was surprising to see her now facing such adult issues.
Yesterday, a royal doctor had discreetly confirmed that Margaret was pregnant. Elizabeth gently touched Margaret's cheek, speaking softly, "Do you understand what has happened?"
"What do you mean?" Margaret asked, her confusion evident.
"You might be pregnant," Elizabeth stated plainly.
Margaret's eyes widened in shock. "Pregnant? How could that be?"
Elizabeth explained, "You've been lethargic, nauseous, and missed your period for two months. I had the doctor test you privately, and it confirmed your pregnancy."
The realization hit Margaret hard, her face showing a mix of horror and disbelief.
"What should I do now?" she asked in a panic. At just 22, Margaret felt lost, having always relied on her sister for guidance.
Elizabeth, frustrated, retorted, "Is this something you didn't foresee?"
Margaret remained silent, unable to respond.
"Tell me who the father is," Elizabeth demanded.
Margaret hesitated, clearly reluctant to reveal the identity of the man involved. Elizabeth's frustration grew.
"Considering his reputation, it's not difficult to guess. He's well-known in Hollywood and has even fathered a child in Hong Kong," Elizabeth said, her words implying that Hardy was the father.
Margaret's shoulders slumped. She knew her sister had guessed correctly. "I, I really like him," she confessed.
"What's so appealing about him?" Elizabeth asked, her tone skeptical.
Margaret raised her head to meet her sister's gaze. "I like him because he brings a different kind of life. I feel happy and free with him. His presence, his soul—it captivates me."
Elizabeth sighed. "But now that you're pregnant, this situation cannot be hidden. What will you do next?"
Margaret was still unsure.
Elizabeth shook her head, clearly exasperated with her sister's indecision. "Rest for now. I'll contact Hardy to discuss this matter. He has a stake in this situation."
Margaret grabbed her sister's hand, her worry evident. "Sister, what will you do about him?"
Elizabeth paused before responding. "I don't yet know."
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After leaving her sister's bedroom, Princess Elizabeth walked through the palace corridors, reflecting on what to do next. Her impression of Jon Hardy was not favorable. Although he was of noble status, Elizabeth saw him as a quintessentially American character—charming yet unreliable. She worried about his ability to remain faithful and how his behavior could affect the royal family.
Despite these concerns, the situation was urgent. She sent a telegram to Hardy, requesting his presence in the UK for a critical discussion.
Hardy, puzzled by the royal summons—something that was not customary for his rank—decided to travel to the UK. He boarded a B-29 plane and arrived in London after over 20 hours of flight.
Upon arrival, Hardy checked into a hotel and, the next day, was informed to attend Buckingham Palace that afternoon.
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At Buckingham Palace, Princess Elizabeth's office was marked by an unusual formality. Hardy was struck by the gravity of the situation as he walked past the palace guards and entered the office.
Princess Elizabeth, dressed in formal attire, sat behind a desk. Hardy, feeling the weight of the atmosphere, approached and took a seat when invited.
Without preamble, Princess Elizabeth addressed Hardy, "Margaret is pregnant."
Hardy's eyes widened in shock. The root of the issue was now clear. Margaret must have confessed, leading to this urgent meeting.
Elizabeth's stern demeanor hinted at the seriousness of the situation. Hardy's mind raced. If he admitted responsibility and showed concern, it might mitigate the consequences. He adopted an expression of surprise mixed with awkwardness, striving to appear sincere.
"Ahem, Your Royal Highness, may I see Margaret?" Hardy asked.
"Margaret is unwell," Elizabeth replied.
"I'll arrange for the best doctors. The Hardy Group has top medical professionals and traditional medicine experts," Hardy offered, showing concern.
Elizabeth softened slightly, recognizing Hardy's genuine worry. At least he wasn't denying responsibility.
"Do you acknowledge the child is yours?" Elizabeth asked.
Hardy nodded, though somewhat awkwardly. "Yes, this is my fault. Since meeting Margaret at the palace reception, I've been in love with her. Despite our efforts to meet discreetly, our feelings grew uncontrollable."
"Did you discuss this before?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes," Hardy admitted.
"And did you use a housing project as a cover for your meetings?" Elizabeth inquired further.
"Yes," Hardy confirmed, understanding her point.
Princess Elizabeth, though still disapproving, acknowledged that Hardy had made considerable efforts to be with Margaret. This was not entirely without merit.
"Well, Viscount Hardy, Margaret is in her bedroom. You may go and see her," Elizabeth finally said.
A flicker of joy crossed Hardy's face, but he knew this was just the beginning. The resolution of this situation would require more than just meeting Margaret. He prepared himself for what lay ahead.
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