Barrelhoop will continue the tale of The Jellyfish crew.

After we sailed out of sight of the pirate ships, we headed north. Once I felt we was far enough to evade pursuit, we dropped anchor to have a meeting.

“What are we going to do now, Captain?” Jonas asked me.

“Captain Peanut Butter left me in charge while he was gone, so I will answer to Captain. But I tell you this. I fully intend to rescue the real Captain of the Jellyfish, Captain Peanut Butter.”

There was a rousing chorus of cheers.

“How?” Stout asked. “We don’t stand a chance against three ships,”

“Aye, you’re right, there. So we will sail for Jamaica and recruit some help. Jennings has many enemies. We will make them our friends. Are you with me?”

Everyone shouted, “Aye.”

“Then let’s make this ship fly, Lads.”

The Apology

I will take back the telling of the tale.

I went to The Portbelly Inn searching for Elise and asked Dominic Keep if he had seen her.

“I am looking for Elise Boissonneau. Has she been in?”

“I have never seen the lass. Her case arrived yesterday, but Andelbert came and took it away. I suppose you are responsible for my lost room fee.”

“Sorry, Dominic. If she comes in, tell her I am looking for her.”

“Am I your errand boy now?”

“Here is a kronenthaler. I really need to find her.”

“If I see her, I’ll tell her.”

“Thank you.”

I left the inn and started walking through town, looking down every street. Eventually, I spotted Elise at the café, sitting with an older man I assumed was Duke Dottydum.

I approached her and quickly said, “Elise, I had no right interfering in your business. I am truly sorry. Please forgive me, and please come back to the estate.”

Elise stared at me, deciding.

“I’ll have Andelbert make more bread,” I added.

“I would miss Andelbert’s bread. And Maria’s company.” Elise replied, and her expression softened a little.

“I promise to keep my opinions to myself.”

Elise laughed and said, “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“I will try.”

“Very well. I shall return after tea. Have you met Duke Dottydum?”

“I have not. I am pleased to meet you, Duke.”

“Duke Dottydum, this is the famous Baron Britpop Blastfurnace. Inventor, pirate, Baron, friend of Kings and Emperors, and troublemaker.” Elise said with a touch of sarcasm in her voice.

“How fascinating. I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Baron,” Dottydum replied. “And I am pleased to see you two have reconciled. Now I have a matter I need to attend to. Will you excuse me?”

“Of course,” I replied.

Duke Dottydum will tell this part of the story.

I felt it was high time I met Grand Duke Goatbeard. When I arrived, his man, Snoffduffle, showed me into the Grand Duke’s office.

“Grand Duke Goatbeard, I am Duke Drury Dottydum.”

“I am pleased to meet you, Duke. I heard of your investment offer from Miss Boissonneau. You should know I have accepted her business proposition.”

“She informed me. I am delighted. I fear I have gotten off to a bad start here in Kapri. The truth of the matter is, I have grown weary of business and only offered to make an investment to help out that sweet, bonny lass. She reminds me of my dear late wife, and I let sentiment overcome my wit. I have no desire to make an enemy in my new home. Perhaps I could make an investment in your shipping company. As a peace offering?”

“I appreciate your offer, Duke, but I have no interest in taking on partners. Other than for the occasional game of chess and snifter of brandy.”

“Those are partnerships I heartily welcome, Grand Duke.”

“Excellent.”

Grand Duke Goatbeard Visits Elise

Elise will take up the narrative for this chapter.

After Britpop apologized, we returned to his estate. I was pleased to be returning. I had never experienced such luxury before this trip. I wanted to enjoy it as long as possible—although I kept those thoughts to myself. Britpop’s estate was a far cry from merchant vessels and port towns where I spent most of my time.

After dinner, I settled into my room to write my father. I had told my father I was going to visit my cousin, Sophie, in Vannes. Which I did. But I did not inform him that I was going on to Kapri to seek a business deal.

The news of a successful business agreement should be welcome, but I was not sure my father would take it that way. He is a proud man. And not a little stubborn. I worried he would reject the offer without serious consideration due to my methods.

I went through several drafts but could not find the words I desired. I decided to try again the following day.

The following day turned into two more days of frustration at my inability to compose what I wanted to say properly. Fortunately, I was spared the task altogether when Grand Duke Goatbeard visited.

Britpop and I were seated in the parlor when the Grand Duke arrived. As Andelbert showed the Grand Duke into the parlor, we both rose to greet him.

“Grand Duke, what a pleasant surprise,” Britpop said.

“Thank you, Britpop. I am pleased to see you also. Although I am actually here on business with Miss Boissonneau.”

The Grand Duke turned to me and said, “I have the documents pertaining to our business agreement.” Which he handed to me. “In addition, I have a proposal of my own. I have business in Le Havre that I must attend to in person. I would be pleased to have you accompany me on the trip and introduce me to your father. It should expedite the proceedings considerably.”

“That would be wonderful,” I replied. “I have been struggling to write a letter explaining the agreement to my father. Telling him in person would be far easier.”

“Very good. The Sea Merchant II sails in two days. Is that adequate time for you to prepare for the journey?”

“More than enough. I have but one case to pack,” I said, smiling.

“Then I shall take no more of your time,” Goatbeard stated.

“We would be delighted if you would agree to stay for dinner,” Britpop said.

“I am afraid I must decline. I have much to prepare for the trip. I would be pleased to accept your offer upon my return from France if the offer stands.”

“Of course. You are welcome any time,” Britpop replied.

“Thank you. Good day. I shall show myself out.”

“Good day, Grand Duke,” both Britpop and I replied.

“What a surprise,” I said. “I wish I could spend more time in Kapri, but I need to inform my father of the business deal as soon as possible.”

“Of course. We will be sad to see you go, but you are always welcome here. Visit anytime,” Britpop replied.

“I would like that. Kapri is a charming place, and everyone is so welcoming. And I will dearly miss Andelbert’s bread.”

Britpop smiled, although it felt forced.