“Soggy… bottoms?” she said cautiously, as if deciphering a secret message.
Her expression was genuinely perplexed rather than impolite or contemptuous. It was the kind of perplexity we’ve all experienced when someone says something that makes perfect sense to them but sounds utterly bizarre to us.
Queen Camilla didn’t go into too much detail. She simply grinned, obviously amused but politely so; she wasn’t making fun of her, just relishing the occasion.
And all of a sudden, something was different.
The incident continued. The cameras remained in place. However, the atmosphere lightened. There was a slight release of stress.
Because in that little discussion, the occasion’s solemnity broke down and something genuine emerged.
As usual, Melania adapted swiftly. Her countenance softened and she regained her calm, but now there was a trace of comprehension. Perhaps even the start of a smile.
It wasn’t a particularly funny moment.
It was superior to that.
