Andelbert will take the reigns for this portion of the story. As it is his story to tell.

I met with Maria in the gardens the morning after Britpop told me of his plans to return home. It was the day I had been dreading since I fell in love with Maria. I was conflicted and at a loss as to what I should do.

“You look upset, my love. What is it?” Maria said as I approached her.

“I am afraid I have some bad news. Britpop has decided to return to Kapri. He has given me his blessing to stay here if I desire. Maria, you know I love you with all of my heart, but I love Britpop as a brother and miss my home. I don’t know what to do.”

“I understand. You know my love for you is true. I would be devastated if you were to leave me. I also love my village. If you choose to stay, I am sure the King would allow you to stay on as a Royal Baker. The other chefs follow your recipe, but their bread is still not as good as yours.”

“I feel duty-bound to return with Britpop, but I am hopelessly in love with you. I am torn in two. I wish to leave, and I wish to stay. How I wish you could come with us. But I cannot ask you to leave your life working in a palace.”

“Try.”

“What?”

“Ask me.”

“You mean…”

“Ask me.”

“Maria, you are the love of my life. I can think of nothing I desire more than spending my life with you. Will you be my wife?”

“Yes, you silly man. Being with you is what matters to me. Here or in Kapri, I don’t care. I want to be your wife.”

After an embrace, I said, “Come with me to Kapri. Spend some time there. If you don’t love it, we will move back.”

“That seems reasonable. I have never been outside of France. It will be an adventure.”

“The adventure of a lifetime.”

Maria laughed. “You are precious.” Then she kissed me. “Now go, I have work to do. I will see you after dinner. We have a wedding to plan.”

My heart was full of unexplainable joy. I had found the love of my life, and she was coming home with me. I rushed back into the palace to find Britpop, but I could not locate him. I recalled that he had an appointment with the Royal Physician. I went to see him, and he told me that Britpop had already left, walking under his own power. He must be with the King or Queen, I thought. My news would have to wait.

Later that afternoon, I happened upon Britpop in the gardens.

“Britpop! Maria has agreed to marry me,” I shouted as soon as I saw him.

“Marry you? How wonderful.”

“I can scarcely breathe, I am so happy.”

“Will you be staying here, then?”

“No. Maria has agreed to come back to Kapri with us.”

“This is great news. I will inform the King that we will need passage for another passenger.”

“Yes, please do.”

“I hope I am not being presumptuous, but I would gladly welcome Maria as one of my staff in Kapri.”

“We have not gotten that far in our planning, but I appreciate it. Thank you.”

“It would be my greatest joy to have the company of you both daily.”

We embraced.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to go share the news with Lafayette.”

“Of course. Go, my friend. I will inform the King.”