In short order, he was talking to my banker who was at his home. When he identified himself and told him the amounts requested I had to get on the line and give the codes to prove I wasn’t under duress.
The Duke was told that I could write a personal check for that amount. The Duke as an afterthought asked if I was good for a hundred million. He was told it would take time but they would advance me up to one billion pounds.
When the Duke told me that, it was the first time I knew I was in the Billionaire ranks. They were very few of us in the world.
“No wonder the Crown wasn’t afraid to ask you to help with my problems.”
I was a little bit in shock still about being a Billionaire. I did write him a personal check for one million pounds to take care of the property lien in Spain. We both then made nice and I left as his daughter was expected in at any time.
His parting words in the driveway, were, “Are you certain I can’t marry you off?”
Since he was smiling I just shook my head and left as quickly as I could.
On the way home I wondered about my new properties in Spain were. When time permitted I would have to check them out.
When I got home I shared all with Grand Mum. She asked if she could update Queen Mary. I saw no reason why not.
After dinner, she gave the results of her phone call with the Queen Mum. Apparently, I was in good odor at the Palace not for what I had given, but for being able to take a hint.
Then Grand Mum about floored me, Mary told me he is a very nice looking chap and that I should meet him.
Grand Mum! Too much information!
On Sunday I made my weekly call back to Jackson House. All was well. I told Mum about the Duke and his daughter and what I had done.
“Rick, that is the sort of thing you will be expected to do from now on behind the scenes from now on. We are loyal to the Crown and the Crown is loyal to us.”
“Will it always cost me a bunch of money?”
“No, sometimes it will bring you a bunch of money. For example, this trade deal with China could result in you having almost a monopoly between the UK and China. That would be worth many millions.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I just want to know what I’ve gotten into.”
“It will be fine.”
“What about Grand Mum and the Duke?”
“She deserves some fun in life. Just like your Dad and me.”
Mum! Too much information!
The kids were all fine, after the call, I went for my second run of the day. I had to clear some pictures out of my head.
Chapter 30
Monday was a school day like any other. I had really settled in to attending the lectures, doing my readings, and working with tutors.
Everywhere I went on the Oxford campus I was accompanied by at least one of the many military personnel. One thing had changed they now wore their uniforms. Before they tried to hide in the crowd.
It was enjoyable walking with them. I learned about the different branches of services in many countries. I got insights into the cultures of the same countries.
Most of all it was fun and relaxing to talk to my peer group. We would have lunch together. It was an ever-changing group so we all got to know each other. I wondered how that would work out in years to come as these students gained in rank and had international duties.
The contacts made here would pay off in many ways. Very much like the rest of the students attending a prestigious school.
On Tuesday I received by messenger two scripts from Pinewood Studios. Both were romantic comedies. We called them ROMCOMs.
The first with a working name of Edgware takes place in an upscale neighborhood on the north side of London.
James Fletcher the owner of a dilapidated bookstore looks up as the bell on the door rings one day and the most famous movie actress in the world walks in.
I’m proposed for the role of James Fletcher if I’m interested. The actress hadn’t been cast at this time.
She is in Edgware as a movie is going to be filmed there. On her downtime, she enjoys browsing through eclectic bookstores. She and James take a look at each other and there is obvious interest on both sides but nothing happens at that point.
Later the same day in a tea shop next door they run into each other again. Literally, run into each other spilling his tea all over her. It is summertime and she is lightly dressed in a polo type shirt and jeans.
Since he got her wet he invites her to clean up in his room above his shop which is just next door. They continue their interest in each other and on impulse she kisses him as she leaves.
He is stunned as she walks out.
Two days later she walks back into his store and a relationship is started. All scenes meet the censor's requirements, including one of them keeping one foot on the floor if they are in bed together.
Since she is so famous the news people are all over their relationship. It is a lot for James to handle. Some people may not buy into this part of the script but I had lived through it with Judy King. I wonder how she is these days.
Anyway, the famous actress finished up her movie and goes back to Hollywood, and James resumes his reclusive bookstore life. That is until
