The Second Meeting
Elise Boissonneau • Chapter 30
Grand Duke Goatbeard will tell of his second meeting with Delmore Boissonneau.
Two days after our first meeting, I received a message that Monsieur Boissonneau was ready to meet again at my convenience. I wasted no time and made my way to his office.
“Good day, Monsieur Boissonneau. I received your message and would like to schedule a time for our meeting.”
“Good day, Grand Duke. I am free now if it suits you.”
“It does indeed.”
“Very well. Please take a seat.”
I sat and waited for Monsieur Boissonneau to begin.
“I have taken all we discussed into consideration and have concluded that the business agreement Elise brokered is indeed worth pursuing. Although I am not pleased with the Baron’s association with pirates, I am willing to overlook it for our mutual benefit. And for Elise’s sake.
“I am not as confident as you are that she will respond favorably to the Baron’s desire for courtship. If it comes to pass, I will need to make accommodations concerning the Baron. She is my only child, and I would not see our relationship severed over her choice of suitor. For rest assured, it will be her choice, not the Baron’s.”
“Elise has the strong will of her mother. And her intelligence. Fortunately, she is less prone to temper than I. The past two days have made me recognize that Elise no longer needs me. And that my role has changed. My concern for her remains as steadfast as ever, but I can no longer direct her life.
“I will sign the business agreement provided you give me your word that should Elise and Baron Blastfurnace marry, you will continue to mentor them and keep me informed on their welfare.”
“I have every intention of doing just that. And would be pleased to keep you updated on their welfare. You have my word.”
“Then we have paperwork to sign.”
“I welcome it.”
We spent the next half-hour reviewing the business proposal, and then both signed the agreement. I invited Monsieur Boissonneau to lunch at the Hôtel de Honneurto celebrate, which he gladly accepted.
I was relieved that the drama of the previous days was over. And that our business agreement was now in place. I hoped that my travel companions were enjoying their visit with the King. And wondered what adventures Britpop would get himself into this time.
Hi Mark, just catching up on your story today. : ) I'm guessing that Monsieur Boissonneau should say of Elisse that she is less prone to "temper" than I. Good stuff! - Tim