I shall resume my narration.

I was truly happy for Andelbert and Maria. But I couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry for myself. I had let loneliness get the best of me the past few weeks. But I pushed those feelings aside and went to my room to draft a message to the King humbly requesting passage for an additional passenger. I completed the task and gave the letter to a valet.

An hour later, I was summoned to the King’s chambers.

“Baron Britpop, am I to understand that Andelbert is to marry one of my staff? And remove her permanently from my service?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Do you realize the effort involved in finding servants to serve at the palace.”

“I am sure it is considerable.”

“And yet you expect me to release one of my best servants? And pay for her passage? Your brother has done me a great disservice.”

“I am sorry, Your Highness. We had no idea this would happen when we arrived.”

The King suddenly began laughing.

“I have made you squirm long enough. You are in no danger, Baron. I was only jesting.”

“That is a relief, Your Majesty.”

The Queen entered the room, laughing.

“Britpop, You looked so scared. I fear we may have been too cruel,” the Queen said.

“I was growing quite concerned, You Highness,” I replied.

“Set your mind to rest. I am not happy to see one of my best maids leave, but we will endure. And I am delighted to arrange for her passage as well,” the King said.

“As I shall be delighted to arrange for Andelbert and Maria’s wedding tomorrow. I think a garden wedding would be wonderful this time of year. Don’t you agree, my King?” the Queen added.

“I do. It will be a fitting farewell.”

“I don’t know how to thank you, Your Highnesses,” I said.

“You have already,” the King said.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of activity. Maria was removed from service and sent to the Queen’s Chateau to be fitted for a gown. Andelbert and I were fitted for suitable garments of our own. The services of a priest were arranged, and preparations for the wedding began in the garden. The kitchens were alerted, and plans were made for a wedding feast. Andelbert and Maria were being given the royal treatment. It was entirely unexpected.

In the evening, Andelbert, Maria, and I were allowed a moment of peace to eat.

“Britpop. If I may be so forward, why have you not courted any of the ladies here in Versaille or Paris? Surely some have expressed interest in a young Baron,” Maria asked.

“The Queen asked me the very same question. There have been introductions and pleasantries exchanged. But I have been out of sorts since I… was rejected by a girl recently. I am afraid my heart is not ready for romance just yet.”

“Well, I am sure, with time, you will regain an interest. Perhaps someone in Kapri will stir the flames.”

“I would like that very much. I hope you are right.”

“I am sure of it.”

“But enough about me. Could you have ever imagined being married at the Royal Palace? In the presence of the King and Queen of France?”

“It is beyond imagining,” Andelbert said.

“Every girl dreams of being a princess. I feel as though I am one in everything but title. I can hardly believe it. It seems like a dream,” Maria said.

“I agree.”

The following day, shortly after noon, the wedding took place as planned. It was a grand affair. The King and Queen attended, as did many of the nobility. Some we did not even know. Lafayette and Marie were given seats of honor. I don’t believe I had seen Andelbert any happier, and Maria was radiant. The service was brief but impressive. A full orchestra and a choir performed two songs.

Afterward, there was a wedding feast with tables set up along the banks of the Grand Canal. Andelbert and Maria were seated at a table on a barge-like ship that was decorated with flowers. They cruised along the canal for all to see. Then they debarked from the ship and wandered from table to table, greeting the well-wishers. All the while, the orchestra played fanciful music, and many danced.

Eventually, the celebration wound down, and Andelbert and Maria made their escape back to Andelbert’s room. It was a joyous day for everyone.

An Invitation To Further Adventures

During the wedding feast, Lafayette and Marie once again asked us to join them for lunch the following day. Naturally, we accepted. So the day after the wedding, the three of us made our way to Lafayette’s home.

After a pleasant meal with lively conversation, Lafayette asked Andelbert and me to join him on the porch. There he shared the surprise he had told me about two days earlier.

“Lads, I am off to the American Colonies. Independence is imminent, and I desire to be a part of this just cause of freedom. They intend to create a citizen-run government. No monarchy to dictate decisions and horde riches. Only elected officials who will serve the people.

Their declaration of independence will undoubtedly result in war with the British, of whom I have no love. I will be glad to fight against the empire that caused my father’s death.

I have purchased a ship for the voyage and named her Victorie. I will sail soon for the Americas. I invite you to go with me. I realize it not a good time for you, Andelbert, as you are newly married, but perhaps I can persuade you, Britpop, to join me on this adventure. We will be witnessing history being made, and have an opportunity to be a part of it. What say you?”

“My dear friend and brother, I am honored by your invitation. But I have been on a remarkable adventure of my own for quite some time. I desire nothing more than to return to my home.”

“I am sad to hear it, but I understand. I will miss you both tremendously. It is rare to have such good companions.”

“It is indeed. I shall also miss you greatly,” Andelbert said.

“I think you shall have other things on your mind,” Lafayette said, and we all laughed.

“I have no such distractions, and I will miss you dearly. If your travels ever bring you to Kapri, you always welcome at my estate,” I said.

“I hope I can take you up on that offer someday.”

“As do I.”