New to Baron Britpop Blastfurnace? You can read Books 1 & 2 here:
In the previous chapter, Britpop asked Elise to marry him. She told him she had to pursue her dream of being a sea Captain and couldn’t marry him.
I will resume my narrating duties.
I was sitting under a large Sycamore tree, wallowing in my sorrow, when Elise walked up. I stood.
“I thought you were leaving.”
“I was. I got as far as the Grand Duke’s. He is buying a new ship and has offered me the position of Captain.”
“Truly?”
“Truly.”
I tried to feel happy for Elise, but I could only think of my own misery.
“Congratulations. It seems you have achieved your dream.”
“It appears so. Which begs the question,” Elise said. “Can you live with a wife who is gone weeks or months at a time?”
My heart filled with hope. “I can’t live without you.”
“That’s a little dramatic, don’t you think?”
“Perhaps. But true. I have been in love with you since the moment I saw you.”
“That was infatuation, not love. When you have seen me at my worst, know all my faults, and still want me to stay, then you will truly love me.
“I am ready.”
“I think you are. Then my answer is yes. I will marry you, Baron Britpop Blastfurnace.”
“Truly?”
“Truly.”
I took Elise in my arms and kissed her. I can’t describe the joy I felt at that moment. It was overwhelming.
“Naturally, you will need to purchase rings. And we will need to set a date for the marriage,” Elise said.
“Why wait? Let’s marry as soon as possible.”
“There is the Britpop I know. There are many things that need to be arranged. I don’t even know when I start sailing for Grand Duke Goatbeard.”
“Let’s go find out. I can’t wait to tell him the news.”
“Don’t you think we should tell Andelbert and Maria first? And your staff?”
“You’re right. Let’s go.”
I took Elise by the hand and started pulling her toward the manor.
We found Andelbert, Maria, and Amelia in the kitchen.
“My friends. Elise has agreed to marry me!” I announced.
“How wonderful!” Maria said and clapped her hands together.
“My boy! I am so happy for you,” Amelia said, giving me a too-tight embrace. Then, she subjected Elise to the same treatment. “My prayers have been answered. You two are meant for each other.”
“Congratulations,” Andelbert said. “What made you change your mind, Elise? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“The Grand Duke offered me the position of Captain on a new ship he has purchased. I will be moving to Kapri, so now I am able to accept Britpop’s proposal.”
“That is marvelous news. What good fortune.”
There was much embracing and celebration that day.
The following day, Elise and I met with the Grand Duke in his office.
“Britpop and Elise. I am delighted to see you.”
“Grand Duke, I bring happy news,” I said. “Elise has agreed to marry me.”
“That is wonderful news. I couldn’t be more pleased. My congratulations to you both.”
“Thank you, Grand Duke,” we both replied.
“Elise told me of your offer to make her Captain of a new ship.”
“That is correct. She will also advise me on business matters and act as a liaison between me and her father.”
Elise made a startled face as she learned of her duty as a liaison.
The Grand Duke noticed and said, “I hope I haven’t overstepped. I assumed you would be best suited for the role.”
“No. It is a natural fit. I hadn’t considered it, is all.” Elsie replied.
“Well, it seems you may have to offer her more money,” I said and laughed.
I felt Elise’s elbow jab me in the ribs.
“Perhaps. It is a topic we have not yet addressed,” the Grand Duke replied.
“I am also wondering when Elise will start sailing?”
“Good question. The shipbuilders in Bordeaux assure me The Sea Merchant III will be completed in two months. It was well underway when I purchased it.”
Elise spoke up. “Grand Duke, I mean no offense, but would it be possible to give her a different name? The Sea Merchant III is a fine, sequentially appropriate name, but I thought something more adventurous might suit her better.”
“I assume you have a suggestion?”
“The Eternal Horizon. I have scanned those endless sea horizons countless times while dreaming of sailing my own ship toward them.”
“That is quite poetic. I will have to give it some consideration.”
“Thank you, Grand Duke.”
“Naturally, I want you to be in Bordeaux when the ship is completed. You will be in charge of inspecting her and overseeing her first cargo. You will also meet with my contacts there. Snoffduffle will accompany you and guide you through the necessary procedures. He will also be in charge of hiring a crew for the ship. Of course, you will have final approval as Captain.”
“I see I will be kept busy.”
“Yes, you will. It is a big responsibility. Are you up to the task?”
“I am. I won’t fail you.”
“Excellent. I am counting on it. Now, shall we visit the bakery for some celebration pastries?”
“That sounds delicious,” Elise said.
“Of course, once you tell Felix the news, it will be all over town in a matter of hours,” Goatbeard said.
I laughed. “More like minutes.”
“Possibly,” the Grand Duke said and then chuckled. A rare sight.
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I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, typo catches, etc. Thank you.
Mark
Waiting to see now if Britpop and Elise will sail off together and how he will fare taking commands from her. I love this line "When you have seen me at my worst, know all my faults, and still want me to stay, then you will truly love me." He will find out soon enough.