By eight in the morning the main gate looked like a florist had burst. Buckets of roses lined the steps. Ribbons ran from one railing to the other. People stopped to take photos. Some came just to see the show.
Emma slowed when she saw the mess. She had expected something from Jonathan after the ball. She had not expected this.
Jonathan stood in the middle of it with his aides behind him. He wore a clean suit and a careful smile. When he saw Emma he lifted a bouquet and started toward her. The crowd hushed the way a class does when a teacher enters.
Caroline muttered, “Brace," from Emma's side, then faded back a step to stand near the door. She stayed close enough to help if needed, but she knew better than to answer for Emma.
“Good morning," Jonathan said. He held out the roses. “Thes
