does a lot of hands-on work with the FBT, so I’m sure if I want to help out here, no one would say otherwise.”
“And that’s why you’re America’s Duchess.” He gave a throaty laugh and I felt myself cringe again. So he thought I would do what I wanted just because I was American? I guess he had a point, but it still seemed rude to bring that up while I was invited here as a Lilarian duchess.
“So, what other animals does the zoo house?” I walked toward the door, not acknowledging his comment.
“A lot of the basics: lions, apes, antelopes.” He jumped ahead of me and held the door open. “We had a baby elephant two days ago. Would you like to see her?”
“I’d love to.” And I meant it.
“Right this way,” he said.
The baby was still ungainly and stayed close to the mother, but I was in love with all the adorable wrinkles and clumsy feet. “Chadwick, look at its legs! They’re all wobbly.”
He laughed. “Looks a bit like you when you got off the plane!”
“Hey!” I slapped his shoulder, even though he was probably right.
“Samantha would be a great name for her!” Jeremy nodded his head. “You both arrived in Lilaria the same day.”
I looked over at Chadwick, who had covered his mouth with one hand. I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or insulted that he wanted to name an elephant after me. He seemed to understand my inner dialogue because he smiled.
“I believe there is a rhino named after the queen.”
“Oh.” I smiled at Jeremy. “That would be sweet.”
“I’ll have to put it up for discussion, but I have a feeling that it will stick.” He leaned against the railing. “She is a cute little thing, though.”
He cut his eyes toward me and I looked away quickly. Jeremy was cute enough, but obviously not really interested in me.
He showed us around the other exhibits. A few of the people visiting the zoo would stop and ask for pictures, and there were members of the press, but the security detail kept them at bay for the most part. By the time we had completed a full loop, I was ready to hit the road.
“Would you like to grab some lunch? Maybe chat a little about raptors?” Jeremy leaned close.
“I’m sorry, I believe that I have another engagement soon.” I shot a glance at Chadwick who cleared his throat.
“Yes, we need to leave shortly to stay on time.”
“Maybe another time?” Jeremy touched my elbow and I could hear cameras clicking away.
“Thank you for the invitation, but right now I’m so busy I barely have time to tie my shoes.” I smiled at him and moved out of his reach.
“Okay.” He stepped back and let his hands fall to his side. “I wanted to ask if you would consider throwing in your support for the television show. If we have someone with your background we could get a lot of financial help. I think you’d make an amazing host.”
I stared at him for a minute, flabbergasted. I had been expecting him to ask for a donation, to write a check for something, but to be on camera? He was trying to capitalize on my newfound public interest.
“I’m really not good at public events. Being in front of cameras makes me nervous.” As if they knew they were being discussed, the cameras following us clicked away intensely. “You’re very sweet, but I think I’d be a terrible host.”
“You’d be great. The media would eat it up and so would the public. They’ll love your American accent.”
“You mean they’ll love seeing a duchess.” I frowned at him. “I’m not the one for the job, but I wish you the best of luck.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He ran a hand over his jaw. “Would you be interested in donating to the program? We’re always looking for people who have a genuine interest in wildlife.”
“I’ll think about it. For now I need to focus on my lands and the people there. Once I know more, I’ll look into donating to worthy causes.” I held my hand out to him. “Thank you for inviting me, Jeremy. It was nice to see the zoo. I enjoyed the aviary and especially the baby elephant.”
“It was nice to meet you as well, Samantha.” He looked disappointed, but I wasn’t about to offer any money. I could barely understand the amount I had, and I still didn’t know what my responsibilities would be when I