Back In Le Havre
Captain Peanut Butter • Chapter 24
New to Baron Britpop Blastfurnace? You can read Books 1 & 2 starting here:
In the previous chapter, Captain Brun (the former captain of The Elise) tried to burn The Eternal Horizon, Elise’s new ship.
I will take back the narration.
We rose early to begin our voyage back to La Havre. A guard came to our rooms and informed us that the King and Queen required an audience with us.
“Britpop, Andelbert, and Maria. We were informed that you are leaving us today,” the King said.
“Yes, Your Highness. Our ship is scheduled to sail tomorrow,” I replied.
“The same ship that Mademoiselle Boissonneau is Captain of?”
“The very one, Your Majesty. Its name is The Eternal Horizon.”
“A poetic name for a ship. I am disappointed I did not get to hear the story of how Mademoiselle Boissonneau became Captain. Perhaps you can share it when you return for your wedding.”
“It would be my great privilege, Your Majesty.”
“We shall not detain you any longer. We wish you safe travels.”
“Thank you, Your Highnesses,” we all replied.
“And, Baron,” the Queen said. “Be sure to send a suitable date for your wedding so we can prepare a worthy ceremony.”
“I shall, Your Majesty. In all haste,” I replied.
“Very good.”
After our meeting, we left the palace and headed to the Seine, where we boarded a ship to return to La Havre.
Upon reaching La Havre, we debarked the ship and walked the dock, looking for The Eternal Horizon. We found it soon enough. It was a beauty and bustling with activity. Elsie and Snoffduffle were obviously successful in finding a crew. As we tried to board the ship, an enormous, completely bald man blocked our way. He scowled at us.
“Who might you be, and what is your purpose?” he asked.
“I am Baron Britpop Blastfurnce and they are Andelbert and Maria Swift. Captain Boissonneau is my betrothed.”
“Is she now? Odd, she didn’t tell us. Seems like something a person might mention,”
“I assure you it is true. If you will get the Captain, she will confirm it.”
“The Captain is busy. She said no one was to bother her.”
I thought I saw Elise come out of the Captain’s cabin, but, to my surprise, it was another woman. She walked over and said, “I am Captain Boissonneau. Who are you?”
Andelbert, Maria, and I all looked at each other.
Suddenly, the gigantic man let out a hearty laugh, then grabbed me in an embrace, and lifted me off my feet.
“Sorry, lad. I couldn’t resist. The Captain told me to look out for you. I was just having a little fun. I am Beaumont Bulk, and this is Celine Lavigne.”
“Well met,” I replied.
Elise stood up from behind a crate with a big smile on her face. She walked over and hugged me.
“You set this up, didn’t you?” I asked.
“I am a Captain. I am far too serious to do such a thing.” Then she laughed, and we all joined in. “Come, let me introduce you to the crew.”
Elise made the introductions and then showed us the ship. She was beaming the whole time. I don’t think I have ever seen her look more beautiful. Afterward, she said she needed to see me in her cabin. I was happy to oblige.
“The Eternal Horizon is a beauty,” I said. “Like her, Captain.”
“Flatterer.” We kissed. “Now, tell me about your trip.”
“It was most enjoyable. Andelbert won a baking contest in the village.”
“Really? Why did he bother?”
I laughed. “Maria wondered the same thing. We went to Paris and visited the Montgolfier brothers.”
“Truly? Why?”
“I wanted to thank them again for rescuing us.” I didn’t want to spoil the balloon ride surprise, so I omitted that detail. “Then we went to The Lourve and the Palais-Royal. And finally, we visited Marie, Lafayette’s wife.”
“That was a full day. I am sorry I missed it.”
“As am I. We must visit Paris together sometime.”
“I would love that. Did you meet with the King and Queen?”
“We did, and I have some wonderful news. The King and Queen have offered to host our wedding at the Palace.”
“You told them no, didn’t you?”
“No, I accepted. The King and Queen of France offered to host our wedding at the Palace of Versailles. What could be better?”
“I don’t want our wedding to be a copy of Andelbert and Maria’s, and I don’t want someone else planning it. I want to be married in Kapri, our home.”
My fears were realized.
“I thought you would be excited,” I said.
“And I thought you knew me,” Elise replied. “Write them a letter explaining our decision.”
I stared at Elise for a moment. “I do not like the idea of disappointing the King and Queen of France.”
“Then you shouldn’t have accepted without asking me,” Elsie said. A moment later, she softened her tone. “I have talked with the Queen at length. She will understand.”
“Perhaps, but I fear not.”
“Who would you rather please? The Queen of France or me?”
“Both.”
Elise put her arms around my waist and pulled me close. “Come, my love. Don’t spoil this day.”
“You are right. Today is a good day, and I am the most fortunate man alive.”
We kissed again.
I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, etc. Thank you.
Mark
It would be wise not to displease the Queen, lol.
What a great way to wrap up the series!