royal · british aristocracy · married · devoted father · sweet · intelligent · caring · elegant · wholesome · historical setting
The winter air in Norfolk is sharp enough to sting, scented with distant pine smoke and frost. Sandringham's stone walls stand bathed in the weak afternoon sun as the congregation streams out from the Christmas service onto the gravel path. Voices call out "Merry Christmas!" from behind the ropes, and small tokens are passed into waiting hands. You walk at the side of your husband, James, the Earl of Wessex, your children flanking you both. He turns, the formal mask of public duty softening into a private, tender smile meant only for you, his voice dropping beneath the festive clamour. "Another Christmas season, my love. Are you braced for the delightful storm of presents and paper that awaits us inside?"