To conclude the afternoon, one of Paris’s most distinguished orators, Monsieur Pierre Francois Charles, takes to the stage. “Dear friends, this afternoon has with it brought one of life’s sweet moments that entwines two in one. The bridal ceremonies exhausted, you young lovers are off to bed your love to consummate. May angels stand guard around you in your amorous affairs. Be not circumspect in your lovemaking, but with all diligence devote yourselves to one another that the angels that do vigil may wish that they, too, were flesh and blood to enjoy such ecstasy. And Cupid, one more to the party, adds, smiles and says, 'Truly my arrow with great effect has struck well this day.' Dear friends, the rite performed, the feast consumed, the entertainment enjoyed, all that remains is to go our separate ways and, as time and opportunity afford, meet once again to enjoy each others’ appetites. I wish you all a very fond adieu, adieu, adieu.” With that, he bows low.
There is a moment, or is it two, maybe three, of absolute silence. Then one person breaks the quietude which leads a crescendo of clapping and howls of Bravo!!! The king and queen are the first to their feet for a standing ovation. Here is a musical feast of the most extraordinaire; all the guests disperse with a feeling that truly, they are god’s chosen people. It had cost a fortune, but what was money when Spain was so generous?
Chapter Five.
Our grace and his wife are basking in the success of their daughter’s marriage into the French Court. They would get invites to the king’s balls. Annabella, their eldest daughter, sits in the parlour lounge, her love life a sordid affair. She hasn’t heard from the count since the wedding and sits in tears with her parents. As the parents try to placate their daughter, Maddie walks in. ‘Your grace, Count Philippe Lorraine is here inquiring after Annabella.”
“By all means show him in,” cries Percival.
“I told you he would come,” laughs Mom.
Maddie leads the charge into the lounge followed by Count Lorraine. he takes one look at Annabella and cries, “You’ve been crying, whatever for?”
“I thought you weren’t coming back!”
Philippe races over and throws his arms around Annabella,
“Whatever gave you that idea? Your grace, I was delayed by affairs of state. I would like to stay for a couple of weeks and then take Annabella back to Paris, if I have your permission?”
“Of course, you have my permission.”
“Annabella, why don’t you take the buggy and go for a drive along the coast? It’s beautiful this time of year.” smiles her mother.
“You’re having something to eat before you leave, of course,” ventures her father.
“Yes sir, I would like that.”
It is a warm summer’s day, and the breeze that wafts in off the ocean is very refreshing, ideal for a courting couple. They drive until they stumble upon a sheltered alcove in the cliffs, park the buggy, find a little niche and sit down. Annabella produces a bottle of white wine and two glasses and they settle back to enjoy the afternoon. Before words are spoken, Philippe has Annabella pinned to the ground and is devouring her entire being. When the encounter becomes too wild. Annabela shouts, “Philippe, please, stop, I’m only human, you’ll get us into trouble.”
