well, looks like there is going to be more than one more chapter…went on longer than i thought..enjoy…
Chapter 53
“Sit down, children,� Auguste said, gesturing to the two chairs in the manor study. “There is something important that I must discuss with you.�
Henry and Danielle looked at one another and sat down.
“Monsieur le Duke?� Henry asked his father-in-law. “Is there something wrong?�
Auguste laughed. “On the contrary, Henry. Everything is fine.� He looked at the both of them. “You know that your parents own half this land.�
“Yes,� Henry nodded. “That part that Uncle Antoine was going to build his manor on.�
“That’s right,� Auguste answered, “except that nothing was built on it. Well, not yet anyway.�
“What are you talking about, Papa?� Danielle asked.
Auguste turned to Danielle and shook his head, still smiling. “I am surprised at you Danielle. I would think you had already guessed by now.�
“If the two of you want it, as a wedding present, we have commissioned the finest workers to build a house for you on that piece of land. It will be small manor and not too far from the castle or from me. There will be room enough for all your children and a few guests.�
He looked from Danielle to Henry then back again. “Well?� he asked, “do either one of you have anything to say?�
“Why, Papa?�
“Danielle, I know how much you love this house. You are just like your mother in that regard.�
“Does my father know?� Henry asked, looking into his eyes.
Auguste smiled wider. “Of course he knows, Henry. It was his idea. He wanted the two of you to be happy. He knows that you are bored in that castle. This was a hard decision to make.�
“A wedding present?� Danielle asked. “Papa, we have been married for eleven years now.�
“A little belated, I admit. Besides, I thought you could give a wedding present to anyone at any time.� He looked at the both of them again.
“Are you sure that you don’t want this? Your father and I thought that…�
“Oh, Papa,� Danielle cried out, tears in her eyes. She put her arms around him. “Of course we want it. This is a complete surprise to us. Why has it taken that long?�
Auguste smiled. “Because,� he said, looking at the two of them. He watched their faces. “That was how long it took to build the house. That and few extra touches.�
He smiled at the two of them as he stood up.
“Come, I am sure the two of you would love to see the place.�