Britpop Acts
Captain Peanut Butter • Chapter 8
New to Baron Britpop Blastfurnace? You can read Books 1 & 2 here:
In the previous chapter, Britpop and Andelbert finally made it home to Kapri. Andelbert and Maria shared a tearful reunion.
I couldn’t read the look on Elise’s face. Was it anticipation or dread? It didn’t matter. I had to follow my heart. I had been through too much to let this chance pass.
“Elise, I have had plenty of time to think about life the past few weeks, and I am certain you are the woman I want to spend my life with. I love you. Will you marry me?”
“I have feelings for you, Britpop. Perhaps it is love. I am not certain. I have never been in love. But I made up my mind long ago never to marry. I want to be a sea captain. I have spent several weeks here at your manor and found myself missing the sea more each day. As much as I want to, I cannot settle down as a Baroness and be content. I am sorry, but I must say no. I would only make us both miserable.”
I felt a crushing pain in my heart. My worst fears were realized.
“But how will you become a sea captain? You are a woman.”
“I am well aware of that,” Elise snapped. “My father opposes the idea, but he will eventually see reason. I will be a sea captain, whatever it takes.”
“Then let me go with you.”
“That is ridiculous. You are a wanted pirate. If you are smart, you will never leave Kapri again.”
Elise’s voice softened. “I am truly sorry, Britpop, but I cannot marry you.”
I stood there silent. Convinced I would die that very moment of heartbreak.
“I have to go,” Elise said, then headed toward the manor.
Maria walked over, took my hands, and said. “I am so sorry, Britpop. Perhaps she will change her mind.”
“She won’t,” I replied. “Elise is the strongest-willed woman I have ever met. Once her mind is made up, there is no changing it.”
Andelbert touched my shoulder and said, “I am so sorry, my brother.”
“Excuse me, I need to be alone,” I said and walked away.
Andelbert looked at Maria and said, “I am at a loss. I don’t know what to do.”
“All you can do is be his friend. He will need you now more than ever. I will go talk to Elise.”
Elise will take the telling of this portion of the tale.
Maria found me in my room packing.
“Are you leaving?” Maria asked.
“I must. I have hurt Britpop deeply. To stay would only add salt to the wound. I have been away for a long time. I need to get back to my father and back to the sea.”
“Are you sure about Britpop? He is a good man with a good heart. He cherishes you.”
“I realize that. And I think I may love him. I also know that marrying Britpop and living here would be a dream for most women. But I will be a sea captain. It has been my dream since I was a girl. To give it up would make me miserable, and Britpop deserves a wife who wants to be a Baroness.”
“I disagree. Britpop doesn’t want a Baroness. He wants you.”
“Maybe so, but I am not ready to give up my dream.”
“Instead, you are letting this dream slip away.”
I scowled. “This conversation is over. If you will excuse me, I need to pack.”
Maria left the room. I sat on the bed and let the tears flow.
arrived at the Grand Duke’s office later that day.
“Grand Duke. I would like to book passage on your next ship to France.”
“Leaving so soon? Britpop just returned.”
“I am afraid he is the reason I must leave. He proposed marriage.”
“May I deduce that you did not accept?”
“That is correct.”
“I am sorry to hear that.”
“It is for the best.”
“Hmm. Well, there is a ship leaving for Bordeaux in two days. But before you leave, I also have a proposal for you. Thanks to the business arrangement with your father, I have decided to invest in a new ship, and I will need a Captain. Would you consider the position?”
“Are you serious?” I replied.
“I never jest about business. I offered the ship to Captain Desmet, but he prefers to stay on The Sea Merchant II. He was her first Captain when she was new.”
“Yes! Yes. Being a Captain is my dream.”
“I am aware. But there are conditions.”
“What conditions?”
“You must also act as my business consultant. I value your insights.”
“I would like nothing better. I have lots of ideas.”
“That is what I am counting on. And, of course, you will need to move to Kapri.”
“I can do that.”
“It seems we have an agreement. I will have my lawyer draw up a contract, and we can discuss the terms at a later date.”
“Thank you so much, Grand Duke. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“I am confident it is in both our best interests.”
“I agree. Will you excuse me, please? I have something I need to do.”
The Grand Duke smiled. “Of course.”
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I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, typo catches, etc. Thank you.
Mark
Maybe Elise dreams now, but it might be her regret later in life. Love is powerful if you find that soulmate you cannot forget.🙏Mark
Ah... decisions, decisions. Ultimately, Britpop wouldn't want a woman who gives up on her dreams, would he? Contrary to popular opinions, love is not all. They'll figure it out.