Arthur was adjusting his hat brim, trying to cover up the embarrassment of just being nearly crushed. Hearing Victoria's question, he was momentarily taken aback, then smiled.
"Your Highness, I didn't expect you to be concerned about the voyage of the Beagle's return. This afternoon when you were picking flowers in the garden, you told me the flowers were for His Majesty Leopold. Now I see, you were planning to surprise the sailors of the Royal Navy returning from their global voyage? How thoughtful of you."
Victoria listened to Arthur's response, momentarily unable to make sense of it.
Arthur's tone was calm, his eyes smiling, but Victoria always felt there was another meaning behind his words.
