“Britpop, you didn’t tell me you had written a chronicle of your adventures this past year. May I assume I was mentioned?” Elise asked.

I was surprised and began to blush. I attempted to collect myself and replied.

“As you and your father played significant roles in my time with Captain Peanut Butter, naturally, you are included.”

“Then you must let me read it,” Elise said. Then putting on a serious face, she added, “To assure its accuracy, of course. Not out of any sort of vanity.”

“Of course. For accuracy sake alone,” I replied.

Elise smiled.

My heart raced. If Elise reads the manuscript, my affection for her would be evident. I will have to win her heart before that happens, I thought.

“It seems I shall have to make yet another copy.”

We wandered through the palace taking in the opulence and made our way to the dining hall. As is customary, we arrived early to take part in the pre-dinner gossip and debate.

I was disappointed to see that Lafayette was not present. The Comtesse de Genlis was, and she quickly made her way over to our group. A man of striking appearance and dress accompanied her. He seemed too young to her husband.

“Baron Britpop, may I present Géraud Christophe Dieupart,” the Comtesse said.

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance,” I replied. “May I introduce my companions. This is Andelbert and Maria Swift. And this is Elise Boissoneau.”

“I am delighted to meet you all,” Dieupart replied. He looked at Elise, smiled, and said, “My Dear, are you from Scotland? I have recently returned from England, where I was active in the Drury Lane music scene. While I was there, I became fond of the poetry of Robert Burns.”

“My mother was from Scotland. I have never been there myself.”

“What a shame. It is a beautiful land. A bit wild, but I am no stranger to wild. When I visited the highlands, I was struck off guard by the auburn-haired beauties who populate that fair land. Imagine my delight in finding one here tonight.”

Elise smiled.

I did not. This man was far too handsome and charming for my liking.

“Géraud is a composer and a musician. He plays violin and harpsichord beautifully,” the Comtesse said.

Of course, he does, I thought.

“Have you been to the opera yet?” Dieupart asked Elise.

“I have not,” Elise replied

“You must all come as my guests. I have a new opera debuting Friday. It is a scandalous affair with far too much satire, but I am confident you will enjoy it nonetheless. I shall arrange it.”

“That is most generous. Thank you,” Elise said.

“Yes, thank you for the kind invitation,” Maria said.

I begrudgingly added my thanks also.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I have a patron I must lavish with compliments before dinner,” Dieupart said.

“It was a pleasure to meet you,” Elise said, smiling.

The rest of us added our polite farewells also.

“Isn’t he delightful?” the Comtesse asked.

“He is quite charming,” Elise replied.

“And I am sure you noticed, he is not unpleasant to look at either.”

“Indeed,” Elise said.

I sulked.

“I believe I have time to introduce you to a few other nobles and their hangers-on before dinner. Shall we?”

We followed the Comtesse into the crowd.

A servant entered the hall and announced the King.

The King said, “My guests, I welcome you, shall we dine?”

A refrain of “As you will, Your Highness,” rose from the room. We were seated, and the meal began. It was enjoyable to watch Elise experience the many courses of lavishly prepared dishes. It took my mind off Géraud Christophe Dieupart and his blatant flirtation with Elise.

After three courses, the King stood, and to my surprise, announced our presence.

“My guests, we have special visitors with us this evening. From the Austrian Netherlands, Baron Britpop Blastfurnace and Monsieur Andelbert Swift. The Baron is the inventor of the silent horseshoes that our own royal horses wear. Some of you may also remember the unfortunate balloon accident in which the Baron broke his leg and spent several weeks recuperating here at the palace. We are delighted to have him return all mended. I am also looking forward to enjoying the singularly unique bread-baking talent of Monsieur Swift. It is a treat I am sure you will find as delightful as I do.”

Andelbert and I rose and bowed.

“It is our great honor to be here, Your Majesty,” I replied.

With that said, the King sat, and the meal continued.

“Looks like you will be spending some time in the kitchens,” Maria said to Andelbert.

“I dare not refuse,” Andelbert said with a smile. I am quite sure he was thrilled at the thought of baking for the King again.

After several more courses and much after-dinner socializing, the four of us returned to our rooms.

Maria will take the narrative now.

Elise and I retired to our room. As we removed our dinner gowns, Elise said, “Géraud Christophe Dieupart certainly was charming. And so handsome.”

“Be careful with that one. Dieupart is a known rake. Rumors say he has worked his way through several ladies of the court. You would be nothing more than a conquest to him.”

“Perhaps I could tame him.”

“So thinks everyone he leaves in his wake. And what of Britpop?”

“I have not made up my mind about Britpop. He has many good qualities, and he is wealthy. But he can be infuriating. Plus, he was a pirate.”

“As was Andelbert. You and Britpop are both strong-willed. There will be clashes. It is to be expected.”

“You and Andelbert do not clash.”

“We have our moments. But Andelbert is not as headstrong as Britpop. Nor am I.”

“I am in no hurry to tie myself to any man.”

“I understand. I felt the same before I met Andelbert. But don’t wait too long. There are several young women in Kapri vying for the affection of Britpop. And they have no intention of waiting.”

Elise let out a heavy sigh.

I shall resume my narrating duties.

“Can you believe that Dieupart?” I said to Andelbert as we began to undress. “He openly flirted with Elise as I stood next to her.”

“We are in the court of the King of France. Maria has told me many stories of scandalous behavior among the nobility. Since you and Elise are not officially a couple, it is to be expected.”

“You are correct. It is my fault for not making my intentions known. I shall remedy that starting tomorrow.”

I put my jacket back on and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Andelbert asked.

“To the kitchen.”