Andelbert and I whiled away the afternoon watching the crew get the ship ready to sail. The seas were relatively calm as we finally set out. A brisk wind filled our sails nicely and carried us out to sea.

I stood on deck, taking in everything as the shore faded into the distance. If every day at sea were like this, I imagine all men would yearn to be sailors. By the expression on Andelbert’s face, I assumed he felt the same.

Eventually, I broke our silence and said, “Andelbert, I have no intention of traveling as a Baron accompanied by a servant. Once we reach France, I would like you to pose as my brother.”

“Lord, I do not think I can do that.”

“Of course you can. It will be far more adventurous. And brothers do not call each other ‘Lord.’ You must call me Britpop.”

“I will try.”

“Excellent. Now tell me all about yourself. Things only a brother would know.”

“There is very little to tell. My Pa was a school teacher, but he died when I was ten years of age. My Mum said he was killed in the streets for his pay. He taught me to read and write. My Mum went to work in a tavern after he died. She taught me to sing.

I had hoped to learn the violin, but we could never afford one. Sometimes Mum would let me sing with her at the tavern, and folks gave us a few coins. I worked what jobs I could but never made much, so we struggled.

Mum eventually remarried. A banker from Anderlecht. But he wanted a wife, not a son. So I stayed here when they moved away. Mum wouldn’t leave, though, until she had convinced the baker to take me in as an apprentice. The baker let me sleep in the back of the bakery. I had plenty of old bread to eat and a place to stay. I was content.

Then one day, the course of my life changed again. One of the Baron Raspberry’s young maids came into the bakery and wanted a loaf of special bread the baker makes. It was a personal favorite of the Baron.

The baker said, ‘Sorry, Lass, I sold the last one not five minutes ago. But I will bake another loaf for you.’

She said, ‘Please hurry. I have many errands to complete, and I will be in terrible trouble if I don’t have the bread in time for dinner.’

In a spark of boldness, I said, ‘Fret not. I will run the bread to the mansion and give it to the cook, freeing you to finish your errands without worry.’

She was thrilled with the idea and said, ‘You would truly do that? I could kiss you.’

I blushed and said, ‘A kiss is not required, but a copper would be appreciated.’

She laughed and said it is was worth it to save her good standing with the cook and the Baron. As soon as she left, I realized I had not consulted the baker.

‘May I run the bread to the Baron’s Mansion? I will be quick,’ I said.

‘It’s not a problem at all, clever boy, for you will be splitting that copper with me.’ Then he laughed.

I didn’t realize I was so funny.

The cook at the mansion also liked the idea and said he would pay me a copper every day if I brought him a freshly baked loaf of the bread at mealtimes. As you might expect, I became quite a fast runner with great endurance.

One day the Baron saw me running to the mansion with a bread delivery and asked the cook who I was. The cook told him. The Baron’s valet approached me to ask if I would consider a position as a footman. So I ended up working for the Baron of Kapri. My first…”

I interrupted Andelbert. “Tell me more about Baron Rascon Raspberry.”

“He was a kindly older man. Although I was just a footman, Baron Raspberry treated me more like a son than a servant. Perhaps, it was because he had lost his wife and child to disease at a young age. I cannot say. The Baron never remarried, though I understand he had many courtships over the years.

One day Baron Raspberry discovered I could read and gave me free access to his library. It was liberty beyond imagining, and I spent every free moment I had in there. It was an endless supply of discovery. I would have been quite content to read every volume. But alas, Baron Raspberry passed on, and the Baron’s brother took possession of his holding.

The Baron’s brother said he had no need for luxuries such as a footman, although he was kind enough to put in a word for me at the Emperor’s estate. I took my position there roughly a year before you arrived.”

I smiled and said, “It seems we have both exceeded our expectations. You see, we were meant to be brothers.”