New to Baron Britpop Blastfurnace? You can read Books 1 & 2 here:
In the previous chapter, Britpop and Andelbert were sailing for home aboard a Dutch merchant ship. Andelbert won over the crew with his bread-baking skills.
Steady Winds lived up to her name, and less than two weeks after departure, we were docked at Kapri Harbor. I felt a feeling of relief I cannot put into words. We said fond farewells to the crew and disembarked the Steady Winds.
As we walked down the dock, we were unexpectedly greeted by Snoffduffle, Grand Duke Goatbeard’s right-hand man. “Good day, Baron. Mr. Swift.”
“Snoffduffle, what a pleasant surprise,” I replied.
“There has been considerable anxiety these past weeks concerning your fate. Everyone will be pleased to learn you are alive.”
“We are quite pleased with that fact, ourselves.”
“Allow me to transport you to the village on the Grand Duke’s barge. He will want to be informed of the news.”
“That is very kind. Thank you.”
We rode the barge up the canal into Lake Kapristratt. As the village came into view, my heart soared.
Andelbert put his hand on my shoulder. “Is there a more beautiful village in all the world,” he said.
“I cannot imagine it.”
With the barge docked, Snoffduffle led us into the Grand Duke’s office.
“I have welcome news,” Snoffduffle said.
The Grand Duke looked up from the paperwork he was working on.
“My boys! You are alive,” he said with an uncharacteristic smile. He rose from his desk and gripped each of our arms. “I cannot tell you how relieved and pleased I am to see you.”
“I am equally pleased to see you and to be home,” I replied.
“As am I,” Andelbert added.
“We must celebrate. Snoffduffle, Would you be so kind as to fetch the brandy from the barge?” The Grand Duke said.
“As you wish,” Snoffduddle replied.
“As much as I would like to celebrate with you, we must make our way to my manor as soon as possible. Maria and Amelia must be sick with worry. And I would like to ease their minds.”
“Of course. What was I thinking? Snoffduffle, bring the carriage around.”
“Very good,” Snoffduffle replied.
“Thank you, Grand Duke,” I said.
“It is nothing. While Snoffduffle takes you to your estate, I will visit the bakery and tell Felix the news. It will spread throughout the village in no time.”
I laughed and said, “That is for certain.”
We walked through the door to my manor and made our way to the kitchen. Amelia saw us and dropped the soup ladle she was holding. Then she grabbed me in an embrace and began kissing my face.
Andelbert chuckled until it was his turn.
“You two will be the death of me,” Amelia said. “My heart can’t take it.”
“I apologize. It couldn’t be helped. The channel was filled with British warships, so we had to sail to Spain, where Andelbert and I got passage on a Dutch ship.”
“Where is Maria?” Andelbert asked.
“She is outside with Elise. She started a vegetable garden, hoping to take her mind off worrying about you.”
“Elise is still here?” I asked.
“Yes, she stayed to keep Maria company.
“Where is the garden?” Andelbert asked.
“Out back. You will see it.”
Andelbert nearly ran out of the kitchen. I kissed Amelia’s cheek and took off after Andelbert.
We found Elise and Maria tending the garden. When Maria saw Andelbert, she jumped up and ran into his arms, tears streaming down their faces.
“We didn’t know if you were alive. I feared the worst,” Maria said to Andelbert.
“I know. I am so sorry. The British filled the channel with warships, forcing us to sail to Spain.”
“It doesn’t matter now. All that matters is you’re alive.”
They kissed.
I walked over to Elise, not knowing what to expect. She smiled and took me in a warm embrace. “I am glad you are alive,” she said softly as we hugged.
“I am happy to be home. And even happier to see you.”
She pulled away and gave me an odd look.
Next Chapter:
I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, typo catches, etc. Thank you.
Mark
Last line of the chapter raises questions — good reason to start the next chapter!
Everyone will be pleased to learn you are alive.” “We are quite pleased with that fact, ourselves.” Hah! Ah, home sweet home, kisses and hugs all around. But... what is Elise's "odd look" all about? ...hmmm? I loved the name Snoffduffle. It would be a fine name for a hound.