As the weeks of my recovery wore on, I spend considerable time with the Queen at her hamlet. She had grown accustomed to my company and now talked to me as a friend. I also spent time with Lafayette in Paris. He introduced me to many noblemen and ladies, and we saw more of the marvels of Paris.

But I was growing more disenchanted by the day. Perhaps it was being chair-bound. Or maybe it was home-sickness. Or envy of the love Andelbert had found in Maria and Lafayette had in Marie. Whatever the cause, I had made up my mind. When my leg was healed, I would return to Kapri. It had been well over a year. It was time.

That evening, I asked Andelbert to join me in my room.

“Andelbert, the physician intends to remove my cast tomorrow.”

“That is most welcome news,” Andelbert said.

“It is. It will be a great relief.” I paused. “I have decided to return home.”

“I suspected you would,” Andelbert replied.

“I realize you have fallen in love with Maria. If you decide to stay, I give you my blessing.”

“I have, indeed. I am deeply in love with Maria and do wish to stay, but I also miss my home. I am torn in half.”

“You must speak with Maria and together decide what to do. I will support your decision, whatever it may be.”

“Your kindness and friendship only make the decision harder. But Maria is clever. Perhaps she will help me find a solution.”

“I truly hope so. Tomorrow, I will inform the King and Queen of my decision and start my farewells.”

The following morning I requested an audience with the King. Afterward, I visited the physician, and he removed my cast. We spent several minutes testing my leg. It had grown weak from lack of use, but soon I was walking on my own. It was a wonderful feeling. By lunchtime, I was granted my request and met with the King.

“Baron Britpop, it is good to see you up and about. Your leg is all healed?”

“It is, Your majesty. A little sore, but I am pleased to be out of that chair.”

“I can imagine. Is there something else you wished to discuss?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I am beyond thankful for all the hospitality you have shown me over the past months. You have made me feel welcome, and I will cherish the memories of my time here forever. But I have been away from home for a long time, and I feel I should return to my estate in Kapri.”

“I see. I have also enjoyed your time here. And I am grateful for your gifts of the silent horseshoes and Andelbert’s bread. You have provided the court with entertainment, companionship, and much enjoyment. I speak truthfully when I say I will be sad to see you go, but I understand your reasoning. A man must look after his own charge. As a token of my gratitude and friendship, I will arrange transportation for you and Andelbert to your home. Leave it to me.”

“You are most kind, Your Majesty. Thank you.”

“Join me for dinner tonight.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

My next stop was the Queen’s Chateau. I was more apprehensive about telling the Queen goodbye than the King.

“Britpop, I am delighted to see you walking.”

“Thank you, I am delighted to be walking.”

“We must take a stroll, then.”

As we walked around the hamlet, the Queen and I chatted about ordinary things. Meanwhile, I tried to build up my courage up to tell the Queen of my decision. When we arrived back at the chateau, I knew I had to tell her.

“Your Majesty, I have greatly enjoyed our time together. You have made me feel like a trusted friend. I will cherish the memories of our visits forever. But I have been away from home for a very long time, and I feel it is time I should return to my estate in Kapri.”

“I have also come to cherish our visits. How can I convince you to stay?”

“I am afraid I have made up my mind. I really must return home.”

“I am saddened by this news, but I accept your decision. When will you leave?”

“The King is making the arrangements. I have not yet heard.”

“Then you must spend as much time here as possible before you go.”

“I have many more farewells to convey, but I will visit as often as I can before I depart.”

“Then I bid you a good day, Baron.”

“Good day to you, Your Highness.”

The Queen turned and quickly left the room. I believe she was upset, but she had learned to mask her emotions well.

I returned to the palace and to my room, where I found a servant waiting by my door.

“A message for you, from the King,” the servant said as he presented me a letter.”

I took the letter, said thank you, and entered my room. Inside was an itinerary for my return trip to Kapri. I was to leave in three days. I had not expected arrangements to be made so quickly. I needed to let Andelbert know. And I wanted to tell Lafayette myself before he heard it from others.

I was already too late. I heard a knock on my door.

“Britpop, it is me, Lafayette.”

I let him in.

“I just heard that you are leaving. Is it true?” Lafayette said.

“It is. I leave in three days.”

“So quickly?”

“The King made the arrangements.”

“Why are you leaving, if I may ask?”

“I have been away for over a year. I feel the need to return.”

“Ah, I see. My friend, I will miss your company more than you know.”

“And I will miss yours as well. You are like a brother to me.”

“I feel the same.”

We hugged.

“You and Andelbert must join me for lunch tomorrow. I have news of my own,” Lafayette said.

“What is it?”

“I will not spoil the surprise. You will find out tomorrow.”

“I look forward to it.”

“Come, let’s go riding.”

“I would love to.”