~ 48 ~

Thursday, February 12th London, England

From the very first night six months ago, Ted knew if things evolved as they’d predicted, he would need to arrange an audience with the Queen of England. Hank, Gloria and Elliot had seen this as the most difficult component of their idea. It was the reason they had approached him – before making their decision to try.

They were right, the Queen had to be consulted; history demanded it - the long history of England’s role in Canada, from the war between England and France waged on the plains of Abraham in Quebec, to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. This meeting must take place before more time passed or more events occurred.

Before leaving, Ted had made sure of the proper protocols to approach such a meeting. He knew from his contacts he must first speak with Colonel Nigel Bailey, Principal Secretary to the Monarch, at Buckingham Palace in London. Ted prepared a brief resume, and a short list of personal references, that he would present to Col. Bailey. He had also prepared a one-page summary as to the purpose of his meeting. Reaching under his seat, he retrieved his valise, lowered the aircraft cabin window shade to cut the glare, and pulled out the packaged information he had prepared for Col. Bailey to review, on the Queen’s behalf. He looked over the summary once again.

Reasons for this Request for an audience:

1. To provide the Crown with a brief summary of the events in Canada this past year.

2. To provide the Crown with a projection of anticipated events over the next six months.

3. To provide the Crown with information regarding the wishes for a New Canada.

As he reviewed his three points, Ted was sure of one thing. The Queen must be informed of these events, regardless of the final outcome.

After landing at Heathrow Airport, he took a London Cab downtown to an American hotel, where the suite sizes were more to what he was accustomed back in the States. From his room, Ted called the Palace, indicated who he was, and asked for Col. Nigel Bailey. After a short while, he came on the line.

"Yes, Mr. Underwood. May I ask the reason for your telephone call?"

"Col. Bailey, yes, thank you," Ted began. "I represent several parties in Canada and in the United States. With your permission and direction, I would like to present a brief outline of privileged information for your inspection, as well as several documents I would like you to review. After which, if I have your approval, I would like to offer some suggestions to you about a further meeting."

"Well, yes, I see, and I think I understand your request. Would it be possible for you to have the documents brought round to me, here at Buckingham Palace? I would like a chance to review the information in advance of any future discussions."

"Sir, that would be most appreciated. I will have them delivered to you as soon as possible, today."

After closing the conversation, Ted freshened up a bit, grabbed his valise and hailed a cab for Buckingham Palace. He delivered the package to Security at the main gate; they had been expecting it. Ted wearily returned to the hotel suite to wait.

The call came the following morning. Colonel Bailey could meet with Ted at two o’clock that afternoon, would that be suitable? Ted agreed immediately.

Arriving at the Palace ten minutes early, Ted was expected and was ushered into a magnificently ornate waiting room. Within a few minutes, Colonel Bailey appeared. "Ah, Mr. Underwood, please follow me."

Ted walked down the vaulted ceiling hallway to Colonel Bailey’s office. "Please have a seat. Would you like any kind of refreshment?"

"No, thank you. I’m fine," replied Ted.

"Very interesting reading, Mr. Underwood. Quite remarkable, all that is happening – everyone over here is watching with great interest. But let me not digress. If I may make an assumption, sir, your request is to have a private audience with Her Royal Highness – would that be correct?"

"Yes, that’s correct."

"Very good, then. I have had the opportunity to present your information and it was decided that you would be granted this opportunity. If you are ready – Her Majesty will see you now."

Ted nodded in agreement, suddenly lost for words.

Colonel Bailey escorted him down another hallway. turned and came to a small alcove and door. "This is the sitting room, there are two quite comfortable chairs, the one on the left as we go in – the one without the foot stool – will be yours."

As they entered, Ted smiled at the perfection of the room, tastefully done, old furnishings, warm polished wood; it had the relaxed atmosphere of a living room somewhere in the countryside of 19th century England. He pointed to the proper chair for Ted, and then asked him if he would like some tea.

"Yes, please, that would be very nice," he replied. Colonel Bailey went over to a small, what seemed very old, perfectly white tea pot with a cosy over it to keep it warm. "Milk or sugar, Mr. Underwood?"

"Neither, just the tea, thank you." After bringing Ted his tea, Colonel Bailey excused himself and left the room. Ted took a few sips, tried to gain his composure, and waited. After a few short minutes, the door opened and he looked up to see Her Majesty. Ted stood and bowed his head in acknowledgement.

Immediately the Queen said in a relaxed and quiet voice, "Good day to you, Mr. Underwood. Please, sit down. Are you quite comfortable? Thank goodness the weather is holding, it’s been very pleasant this winter."

Ted knew the Queen’s opening casual words were designed to make him feel at ease, he appreciated the gesture. "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you."

She walked to her chair. "Well, very good then. Shall we begin?"

He told her of recent events, all of which she was fully aware; he told her of anticipated events, most of which she had suspected; then he told her the primary reason for his request for an audience with her.

Ted described the idea. He described the three people that loved Canada and their desire for it to not be lost to history. He described, in brief detail, the things they had done, had put in place, with the extreme hope that they would succeed if the worst became inevitable - the loss of their Canada. He told her that he had been engaged to explore her willingness to remain Head of State for this new Canada, and that without it, they would fail.

As the Queen listened to his words, the delicate feeling of joy flowed through her. She had always loved Canada, and knew what Canada had meant to her parents. ‘If there is a way I can help this new nation,’ she thought, ‘I will.’

The Queen looked at Ted and smiled. "As you know, We have a great fondness and love for Canada. We remember the love and warmth that has always been extended to the Royal Family, especially during the war years. Mother and Father gained strength from the outpouring of love and affection shown during their visits. The importance and weight of your statements have not gone unnoticed."

"Thank you, your Majesty."

She continued, "Well then, Mr. Underwood, is there anything that We can do to help you to go forward with this plan?"

Ted took a deep breath, nodded and with a big smile on his face said, "Yes, Your Majesty, there is."