In a Dream

His Majesty of England woke suddenly and nudged his wife.

"Elizabeth? Are you awake?"

"I am now."

"I just had a dream. I was giving the speech again, but this time my father was there. He said, I'm proud of you."

"Really?" Elizabeth said.

"No. But he seemed pleased."

That's progress, Elizabeth thought. Usually, King George V only appears in Bertie's nightmares.

"I'm sure Lionel would know what it meant. Did I ever thank you for engaging him?"

No, but that doesn't matter. "Why don't we talk about this tomorrow."

He took the hint and said goodnight.