After consulting with Maria and Andelbert in the hallway, the three of us entered the dining hall. Andelbert and Maria placed the food on the table. Afterward, I took the opportunity to make introductions.

“Elise, I am pleased to introduce Maria Swift, Andelbert’s wife and former maid at Versailles. She now graces us here with her talents and charm.”

“Maria, this is Elise Boissonneau. Daughter of Delbert Boissonneau, owner of Boissonneau Exports. Elise is in Kapri seeking a business deal with Grand Duke Goatbeard.”

“I am delighted to meet you, Maria. I would love to hear about your time at Versaille. Plus, I have had precious little female companionship over the years. I hope we will become good friends,” Elise said.

“I would like nothing more. And I look forward to learning more about you and your adventures. You are obviously a woman of courage and determination to make such a business trip alone.”

“I have traveled between France and The New World repeatedly since I was a child. A trip to Kapri was not that bold of an undertaking.”

“Perhaps not for you, but I can assure you that my trip here was the most adventurous thing I have ever done.”

“But you worked in a palace for the King and Queen of France. That is beyond my imagination. I suppose it is all perspective.”

“Indeed.”

“You see? You both will have plenty to talk about during lunch,” I said. “Shall we eat?”

“Please. I have found my appetite again,” Elise said.

We dined on a meal of cold meats, cheese, and warm bread. All eyes were on Elise as she took a bite of Andelbert’s bread.

“Heavens! Andelbert, this bread is divine. I do not believe I have ever tasted bread as flavorful.”

Andelbert smiled and said, “Thank you, Miss Boissonneau. I am pleased that you enjoy it.”

“I love it! And you must call me Elise.”

“Very well. Thank you, Elise.”

“The pleasure is truly mine. Why haven’t you opened a bakery?”

Andelbert and I laughed.

“I apprenticed at the town bakery. As well as living there for a time. It was there that I learned to bake bread. While I do love baking bread, I prefer my life here,” Andelbert said.

“Oh yes, Britpop told me you apprenticed there after we visited the bakery. So how did you end up here?”

Andelbert looked at me as if he needed permission to tell the story, so I said, “It is one of my favorite stories. Please share it with us, Andelbert.”

Andelbert told the tale of how he began running fresh bread to Baron Raspberry’s estate and was offered the position of footman. Which eventually led to his job at the Emperor’s Estate, which, in turn, became my estate.

“Remarkable. A blacksmith and a baker turned Baron and Head Butler. And we haven’t even gotten to your adventures in France.”

“Quite so. There are many more tales to tell,” I said.

“Surely, you have many adventures of your own to share, Elise,” Maria said.

“A few. But I think I need a walk first. I am afraid I ate too much bread. It is impossible to resist.”

“It is that,” Maria said. Then she looked at Andelbert and said, “So is the baker.”

I laughed as Andelbert blushed.

“Allow me to show you the grounds. They are quite beautiful,” I said.

“Lead the way,” Elise said.

Maria and Andelbert began clearing the dishes while Elise and I walked out into the gardens. We strolled down a stone walkway that winds through several flowerbeds which were in full spring bloom. As we walked, Elise’s eyes wandered, taking in the beauty of the grounds.

She looked at me and said, “I feel as though I have entered a dream. None of this seems real. I remembered you as a bumbling pirate. And now… You really are a Baron? This not some sort of ruse?”

“I assure you, it is neither a trick nor a dream. As hard as it is to believe, it is real. I am a Baron, and this is my estate.”

We walked a little further and arrived at a large gazebo where we took a seat.

“Thank you for today. Andelbert and Maria are charming. And lunch was a special treat. As was everything,” Elise said sincerely.

“It was my pleasure. I am delighted you agreed to spend some time with a bumbling pirate.”

“Well, you do smell a little better now.”

I laughed. “I imagine I do.”

“I suppose we should head back to town so I can reserve a room for my stay.”

“Why don’t you stay here? It common for guests to stay at the estates they are visiting. The house has more rooms than the inn, and Maria can be your chaperone.”

“I don’t know.”

“It would be good to have a guest in the house. I need to practice hosting.”

“That is very generous of you. I suppose I could help you out with your host practice. As long as Andelbert bakes more bread.”

“There will be fresh bread at every meal.”

“Very well, I shall stay. Thank you.”

“Excellent.”