Elise and I walked up the hill that leads to my Estate. I stopped about halfway.

“I often stop here. It is my favorite view. Elsie turned and looked at the village of Kapri jutting out into Lake Kapristat.

“It is beautiful,” Elise said.

“Yes, it is,” I said as I look at Elise. “Let’s continue. We don’t want to be late for lunch.

As we entered the gate and made our way down the tree-lined road, the stately two-story stone house came into view.

At the sight, Elise said, “My stars! I never imagined such a place. It is more castle than house.”

I laughed. “It is not truly a castle but is quite impressive. To think Emperor Joseph considered it of little consequence when he awarded it to me. It boggles my mind even now. Although it did seem to shrink a little after living at the palace of Versailles.”

“What? Are you saying you stayed at Versaille?”

“Yes. As guests of the King and Queen.”

“Now you are just mocking me.”

“No. I assure you it’s true. Andelbert and I stayed there for close to two months.”

She stared at me in disbelief for a moment and then seemed to find my claim trustworthy.

“Moment by moment, you continue to surprise me, Britpop. You must tell me all about it over lunch.”

My heart jumped when she used my given name.

“Of course. Although the full telling will take far longer than a lunch.”

“I have time,” Elise said.

We were greeted at the door by Andelbert.

“Miss Boissonneau, what a wonderful surprise. You may not remember me. I am Andelbert Swift. I accompanied Baron Britpop on his adventures over the past year and am now his butler.”

“I am afraid I do not remember, but I am delighted to meet you, Andelbert.”

“Please follow me into the parlor, and I shall alert Amelia that we have a guest for lunch. You are staying for lunch, are you not?”

“Yes, Britpop said I must sample your special bread.”

“Then you are in luck; I have a loaf in the oven as we speak.”

Andelbert turned and left for the kitchen. Elise and I sat down across from each other.

“Andelbert is quite chatty for a butler,” Elise said once Andelbert had left the room.

I smiled and said, “He usually isn’t. It may have been the shock of seeing you. Plus, I am not much for formality. I encourage my staff to speak their minds and call me Britpop. But Andelbert still calls me Baron when guests are present. Truthfully, he is more a brother than a butler, but he takes his role seriously despite our closeness.”

Elise looked around at the opulent decor and said, “I am trying to imagine why you would leave this to live on a ship with a bunch of pirates.”

I laughed and said, “It was not my intention to join a pirate crew. I only wanted a little adventure. I envisioned a few weeks in the French countryside and Paris. Instead, I got the adventure of a lifetime.”

“Which you promised to tell me over lunch.”

“And I shall.”

Andelbert returned and led us into the dining hall. I typically eat my meals in the kitchen while chatting with my head housekeeper, Amelia, or other staff members. It seems silly to sit alone at a table that could accommodate twenty-two. But Elise was a guest, so we sat at the dining table.

“Andelbert, you and Maria must join us for lunch. I plan to share some of my adventures with Elise and could use your memory. Plus, I want Elise to meet Maria.”

“As you wish.”

Andelbert left to get Maria.

“Who is Maria?” Elise asked.

“Maria is Andelbert’s wife. They met while we stayed at the Palace in Versailles. She was a maid at the palace.”

Elise laughed and said, “This all sounds like something out of a novel. Will Marie Antionette be joining us next?”

I was thrilled at seeing Elise laugh. She was even more beautiful when she smiled. “I am afraid not. I hope you are not too disappointed.”

“A little. Perhaps Andelbert’s bread will make up for it.”

“I think you will be surprised.”

“Why not? It appears to be a day made for surprises.”

I suddenly had a horrifying thought.

“Please excuse me for a moment,” I said.

“Of course,” Elise replied.

I rose and hurried out of the dining hall and walked toward the kitchen. I met Andelbert and Maria as they were bringing the food for our lunch.

“I must ask a favor of you both. Please do not tell Elise about our copy of my adventures. As you know, I shared my feelings about her in the tales. I would be horrified if she were to read them.”

“It seems to me you were never very skilled at hiding your feelings for her,” Andelbert replied.

“Even so, I would not like her to see them written out. Not yet anyway.”

“Have no fear. We will keep it to ourselves,” Maria said.

“Thank you,” I replied. “I am excited for you to meet Elise, Maria.”

“I am excited to meet her also,” Maria replied.