She deserved your farewell, sir, Evans replied, his voice equally low, his eyes now fixed forward as the coffin approached their position. For three heartbeats, no more, they stood together, the young guard and the ancient servant, as the Queen’s coffin passed before them. Shaw managed to straighten his stooped posture for that brief moment, his hand coming up in a final salute that spoke of decades of devoted service.
Then, with the same military precision that had marked his departure, Evans guided Shaw back to a secure standing position among respectful bystanders and returned to his post. His movement back into position was so flawlessly executed that it seemed almost a continuation of his earlier action, a perfect ceremonial circle now complete. As he resumed his stance, the enormity of what he had just done settled upon him like the weight of the bearskin cap he wore.
He had broken the most sacred protocol of the guard during the most solemn ceremony imaginable, yet his face betrayed nothing as the procession continued past. From his peripheral vision, he could see Shaw now standing comfortably with a clear view, supported by the considerate spectators. Captain Croft remained at his position, but the fury in his expression had crystallised into something cold and immovable.
The remaining guards maintained their perfect formation, though Evans was acutely aware of the subtle tension that had spread through their ranks. The procession completed its solemn journey down the route. Only when the last official participant had passed and the crowds began to disperse, did Captain Croft finally approach, his movement stiff with contained fury.
Lance Corporal Evans, he said, his voice pitched low but carrying the weight of authority. You will report to headquarters immediately following the conclusion of today’s ceremonial duties. Your attendance is required at a disciplinary hearing.
Yes, sir, Evans replied, his voice steady, his eyes forward. When the final ceremonial duties concluded three hours later, Evans found two senior guards waiting to escort him to headquarters. As they turned onto the quieter street leading to headquarters, Evans caught sight of Shaw in the distance.
The elderly man was being helped into a black cab by a younger gentleman who bore a familial resemblance. Before entering the vehicle, Shaw turned and caught Evans’s eye. No words were exchanged, but the elderly man raised his hand in a gesture that was part wave, part salute.
The headquarters building loomed ahead, its Georgian facade usually a source of pride for Evans, but now appearing somewhat forbidding. Inside, Evans was led to the regimental conference room, where Colonel Richard Hargreaves, the commanding officer of the entire regiment, awaited with Captain Croft and two other senior officers. At ease, Lance Corporal, Colonel Hargreaves said, his voice carrying the quiet authority that had earned him the respect of every guard under his command.
I have received Captain Croft’s preliminary report regarding your actions during today’s state funeral procession, Hargreaves continued. Before we proceed further, I want to hear your account of the events in question. Evans explained his history with Shaw, detailing the elderly man’s decades of service, his declining health, and the significance of his promise.
Mr. Shaw is suffering from late-stage pancreatic cancer, sir, Evans concluded. His doctors have given him perhaps two months. Today was his final opportunity to pay respects to the monarch he served for his entire adult life.
You willfully abandoned your post during a state funeral, Captain Croft interjected, his voice tight with controlled anger, the most significant ceremonial event in decades, and you chose to break formation for a personal matter. Captain, Colonel Hargreaves cautioned, raising a hand slightly. His attention returned to Evans.
You understand, Lance Corporal, the seriousness of this breach of protocol? Yes, sir, completely, Evans replied. I accept full responsibility for my actions. I do not regret fulfilling my promise to Mr. Shaw, but I understand and will accept whatever consequences the regiment deems appropriate.
Evans was dismissed to the anteroom while the officers deliberated. Nearly an hour later, he was called back in, surprised to find a new addition to the gathering, a woman in a tailored navy suit whom Evans recognised as Lady Victoria Hamilton, Private Secretary to the Royal Household. Lance Corporal Evans, Colonel Hargreaves said, please be seated.