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In the previous chapter, Grand Duke Gruston Goatbeard offered Elise Boissonneau the position of Captain of his newest ship. She accepted and then accepted Britpop’s proposal of marriage.
Elise and I made the news of our engagement known in Kapri and began planning our wedding. I suggested we marry on a barge in the canal and received a look of vexation in return. Elise decided that an outdoor wedding on the grounds of our estate would be a better alternative. In truth, I was happy to let Elise and Maria handle the details, as Elise suggested after the barge idea.
A week after our engagement, I was woken by Andelbert.
“Britpop, wake up. There is a French soldier at the door.”
“What?”
“There is a French Soldier at the door. He insists on seeing you.”
I wiped the sleep from my eyes. “They cannot take me back to France, can they?”
“No. At least, I do not believe so. The French army has no authority in the Austrian Netherlands.”
“Then I suppose I must see him.”
I dressed and made my way downstairs.
I opened the door and found a French soldier standing at attention.
“I am Baron Britpop Blastfurmace,” I stated.
The soldier spoke. “I am here as a representative of The King Of France, Louis XVI. It is my sworn duty to deliver this letter to you.”
He handed me a letter with a wax seal bearing the signet of the King. I took it, and he turned and started walking away.
“Will you stay for breakfast? I asked.
“I must return to France and report back,” He replied.
“Surely you have time to eat a meal before you return. My cook makes the best waffles in Kapri.”
The soldier hesitated, then said, “In truth, the ship I am to sail on will not return to Kapri for a week.”
“Then you must join us.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Baron.”
“Call me Britpop.”
We entered the dining room, where Andelbert, Maria, and Elise were seated for breakfast. Maria quickly stood and said, “Hugo!” Then she walked over and embraced him. Andelbert didn’t seem too happy about it.
“Hugo is one of the guards at the Palace. He is like a brother to me.”
“I had hoped to see you,” Hugo said to Maria.
Andelbert frowned.
“Hugo, this my husband, Andelbert.”
“Well met, Sir. You are a fortunate man,” Hugo said.
“Indeed, I am. Well met, Hugo.”
“Isn’t this a pleasant surprise? How is it you are here in Kapri?” Maria asked Hugo.
“I am on an official duty. To deliver a letter for the King.”
“And here it is,” I said, holding the letter up. “Shall we see what it says?”
“Read it aloud,” Elise said.
“As you wish.”
I took a knife from the table and broke the seal on the letter. I looked at the signature at the bottom of the letter.
“It is from the Queen. It says:”
Dearest Britpop
I pray this letter finds you alive and well. My heart could not bear the thought of any less. I have joyous news. As you know, the Emperor is my beloved brother. And as is within my rights as family—and Queen of France—I have written him seeking a pardon for you and Andelbert. With great delight, I wish to inform you that it was granted. You both have been pardoned for your service to the French Crown. The Emperor would not tell me what that service was, but it is of no concern. You are no longer wanted as a pirate in the French Empire.
Naturally, there will be no pardon for the pirate Captain Peanut Butter. I urge you to sever all ties to him.
My precious Britpop. You are now free to return to France at will. I trust that if you do, you will bless the King and I with another visit. The last was so unpleasant. I should like to see you under kinder circumstances.
With all my affection,
Marie Antionette
Queen of France
“She seems a little too familiar for a Queen,” Elise said.
“Fear not, my love. The Queen and I became fast friends due to my being Austrian. As she is.”
“Yes, I am sure that is it,” Elise said sarcastically.
I laughed. “Are you jealous?”
“Not as long as you remain in Kapri.”
I smiled.
“I wouldn’t trade you for any Queen. I much prefer Baronesses.”
“You better. Well, that is good news. It means you can accompany me to France for the Eternal Horizon’s maiden voyage.”
My eyes brightened. “Yes. That is a grand idea. Now let’s eat.”
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I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, typo catches, etc. Thank you.
Mark
Enjoying each new chapter, Mark. I would love to be there for the waffles!