Chapter 55
“If you liked the outside,� Auguste told them, “you will love the inside.� He took the two of them around the back of the house through a small tunnel, which was led to the front entrance. It was designed for the cold winter months or the sweltering heat of the summer.
They approached the manor, which resembled a small stone castle. It had two turrets, one at either end.
“It doesn’t look large enough, Princess,� Henry whispered in Danielle’s ear.
“Do not let the size of the house fool you,� Auguste said, turning to them. He was not close enough to here what Henry whispered in Danielle’s ear.
Henry and Danielle again exchanged glances and followed him inside.
As they entered, the foyer that surrounded them was unbelievably large. It was made entirely of oak and formed a complete circle.
Danielle and Henry looked from one side to the other. “This is beautiful,� Danielle said, still looking around. “Nothing as I had expected,� Henry said. “I wonder what the rest of the house looks like.�
“Here’s the kitchen,� Danielle said, gesturing to the left.
“And,� Henry said, “I believe I have found another door. He opened it and entered through the door.
“NO,� Auguste cried out, but it was too late. Henry had walked through.
“SURPRISE.�
It is Henry in the face like a punch. He didn’t expect it.
They were all crowded around the drawing room table, no one knew how many. Henry turned toward the door as he heard Auguste and Danielle’s footsteps behind him.
“What is this, Papa?� Danielle asked.
Auguste looked at her in surprise. Henry turned around smiling. “I had almost forgotten, Princess. This must be a celebration of our twelfth wedding anniversary.�
Danielle turned to face him. “You had nothing to do with this, did you?�
“No Danielle,� he smiled, then looked around the room.
“What are you two babbling about?� Francois asked as he approached his cousin. “Come,� he said, let me introduce the two of you. Many more surprises await.�