The Surgeon and the Princess by Karin Baine (ebook reader with android os .TXT) 📕

this.’ Georgiana’s mother placed the intricate silver tiara on her head. With delicate entwined vines and leaves, encrusted with tiny diamonds and sapphires, it wasn’t as ostentatious as some of the crown jewels but none the less beautiful.

‘Thank you. I look like a real princess now.’ She thought about little girls like Hannah who would be expecting her to look the part and she had to admit this was one perk of the job.

‘It was your grandmother’s from when she was young and beautiful like you.’ Her mother kissed her forehead and Georgiana felt the love radiating from her in waves. Being at home these days was so much more pleasurable now they were all doing their utmost to communicate and pull together as a family. Although tonight she was flying solo.

‘I’m nervous.’ This was her first official royal engagement but she also had the added pressure of introducing the charity for Ed. She didn’t want to mess anything up for him.

‘I still get stage fright about these things but such is the life of royalty. Anyway, I have great faith in you. You’ll dazzle everyone in the room.’ Her mother kissed Georgiana on both cheeks once she’d finished her pep talk as her daughter prepared to go into battle with her insecurities.

Georgiana was grateful for the support and would never dream of taking it for granted again when it had played such a huge part in her recovery so far. When she’d first woken after the amputation, she’d never have believed she could walk out onto a stage in a room full of people to tell her story. She hadn’t done it all on her own either.

‘I really want to make you and Ed proud.’

Her mother pulled her into a hug. ‘You’re the best thing in our lives. We love you very much and you make us proud every single day just by being you.’

She released Georgiana from her grasp again. ‘As for Edward, surely he’s as smitten with you as you are with him. How couldn’t he be when you’re so amazing?’

‘Mother!’ she spluttered. ‘I’ve told you, we work together, that’s all.’ Her conscience burned with the lie and the memory of their clinch.

‘Uh-huh.’ Her mother’s arched eyebrow said she wasn’t convinced by her protestation otherwise.

Deep down Georgiana knew what she was saying was true when she’d fallen hard for Ed.

‘I should probably go down.’

As per her mother’s advice she’d waited until all the guests had arrived before she made her entrance. Along with being protocol for the royal family to be the last to arrive, it meant all the gawping and gossiping would be over in one go.

After another hug and a deep breath, she descended the staircase and waited as her presence was announced to the assembled guests in the grand ballroom. She’d improved enough over the weeks that she was steady on her feet but she longed to be on Ed’s arm for that extra security.

‘Her Royal Highness, Princess Georgiana.’

She caught the end of the announcement, heard the clatter of chairs as people got to their feet as she made her way to the front of the room.

The number of curious faces staring back at her was overwhelming. She waved and smiled but she was close to walking back out. Then she saw Ed on the stage, handsome in his black tux and clapping her approach. She focused on him and glided past the round tables occupied by patients, veterans and possible donors. He met her on the steps and offered his arm, which she clung to gratefully.

‘You look amazing,’ he whispered into her ear, giving her that final boost before facing her demons.

‘Did you change your mind about the blue suit?’

‘I decided it wasn’t my colour. It looks so much better on you.’ He was full of much-needed compliments.

She took her place at the podium, her hesitation magnified at the microphone before she finally found her voice. ‘I may look a little different from the last time I saw you. I’ve had some cosmetic surgery since then.’

To illustrate her point she stuck out her leg and the cloud of billowy fabric slid away to reveal her prosthetic to the crowd. She’d chosen the sky-blue, off-shoulder number deliberately. It was embroidered down one side with silver flowers and sequins, which spilled down onto layers of chiffon. The intentional, sexy side split was on the right-hand side, effectively revealing her prosthetic leg to the world and facing the last of her worries. There was no going back now.

The combination of awkward laughs at her joke and gasps was better than dead air. This wasn’t about feeling sorry for herself and she didn’t want people to do it for her either. The event and the charity were about improving the lives of the children like her. It was supposed to be an uplifting speech so she remained positive about the things they could do for children who’d lost limbs due to accident or illness. She kept it short with only a small reference as to how she’d lost her leg to prevent any speculating.

Between her and Ed, they’d agreed she would give a brief introduction to the charity and her involvement, before the dinner. He was in charge of the later presentation complete with moving footage of patient stories and their plans for a national sports competition. So as she came to the end of her spiel she’d be able to enjoy the rest of the evening along with everyone else.

‘If there’s one thing Mr Lawrence and his clinic have shown me it’s that missing a limb doesn’t have to mean missing out on life. With your financial support, Love on a Limb can make this a reality for dozens of children who otherwise might not have the opportunity to explore their full potential. A donation tonight could be the making of a sports star tomorrow. Please give generously and support our children’s right to a future of hope. Thank you.’

Her mouth was dry as she gave