Upon returning to the palace, I was put under the care of the King’s own physician. He told me I would need to stay off of my leg for six weeks. A chair with wheels was delivered, and I began my long recovery.

Over the next two days, I was visited by the King, the Emperor, Lafayette, and several other members of the nobility. They all lifted my spirits, and in return, I recounted the balloon trip to each of them in detail.

Then to my surprise, the Queen visited.

“Baron Blastfurnace, you gave us all quite a stir when we heard of the balloon accident and your injury. I am pleased to see you on the road to recovery.” The Queen said.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I was assured by the doctor that the break was clean, and I should suffer no long-term effects once it heals.”

“This is good news, indeed. Since you are confined to that chair for the duration of your recovery, I would like to invite you to visit my Hamlet as often as you wish. The sunshine and fresh air will do you good, and I would welcome the company. I would like to hear all about your flight.”

“It would be my great privilege, Your Majesty.”

“Good. Then it is settled. I will have a wagon sent for you and your chair tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

With that, she left.

The following morning, my wheelchair was loaded onto a wagon. And I was placed on the seat for the ride to the Queen’s Hamlet. Once there, I was welcomed warmly by the Queen, and we spent most of the morning touring the Hamlet.

“Tell me, Baron, why is there no Baroness in your life?”

“Ah. I am afraid I am an utter failure at romance, Your Highness.”

“You need not address me by my title. It gets quite tiring. Speak to me as you would a friend.”

“As you wish.”

“Good. You are young, attractive, and a Baron. Surely, you had eligible women showing you attention back home.”

“A few made their interest known. But as you are aware, I am simply a blacksmith wearing a Baron’s clothes. I am not yet comfortable with royalty or high-society. Although I have received coaching in the role of Baron, I am still as unpolished as a lump of coal, and uncomfortable around women of standing.”

“Does that include me?”

“You are the Queen of France. How could I not be intimidated? And it is not only your power and position that intimidates me but also your beauty.”

“Flatterer.”

“It was not my intention…”

“I am only toying with you. Although I was the daughter of an Emperor and Empress, I was still very much a girl when I was thrust into the role of Queen. A title doesn’t make a woman any more or less of a woman.

“And you are far from unpolished. You have an inherent quality that can only be described as charm. You have charmed the court and the King, which is no small feat. I have not yet accomplished this task, and suspect I never will.”

“I cannot imagine it.”

“Because you are naive. But that is part of your charm.”

I didn’t know how to reply to that.

“Let’s return to the chateau. I am in the mood to sing. Do you like singing?” the Queen said.

“Very much. I would be delighted to hear you sing.”

“I have taken my childhood music teacher, Christoph Willibald Gluck, under patronage. He is a composer of renown from Vienna, famous for his operas. He coaches me on my singing.”

We made our way to the music room in the chateau. The Queen sat at the harpsichord and began to play. That alone was surprising, but when she started to sing, I was astounded by the beauty of her voice. Had she not been a Queen, I am sure she could have been a famous opera singer.

Once she finished, I said, “That was truly lovely. You have a beautiful voice. And you are accomplished on the harpsichord also. I was quite moved.”

“Thank you, Baron. I also play the harp and the flute.”

“I am impressed. I recently acquired a guitar, but I am not yet proficient at it.”

“You must bring it with you next time. I would like to see it and hear you play.”

“I fear you would be greatly disappointed. I know only a few simple chords.”

“None the less. I would enjoy hearing you play.”

“As you wish.”

“I have enjoyed our time, but I will not keep you any longer. You are free to go.”

“I have enjoyed my visit as well. Good day, Your Highness.”