Page 67 of The English Queen

“Ghosts? Is the house haunted?”

Beth giggled. “No. Although, we need to discuss the house in the near future because I have comments.”

“Comments?”

“I will discuss it later.”

She was irresistible.

Louis kissed her, “Okay. But I want to hear about the ghosts.”

“Martin is moving to Amsterdam as he said. But he will be performing La Colibri in Brussels and I assume we will be obligated to attend.”

Louis groaned.

“It’s after the wedding–in July for what it is worth. He was kind as always. He sends his regards. This isn’t a power play. I thought I would mention it.”

“I suppose I will go with my wife,” Louis agreed.

Martin would never fade far in their memory. Louis was not threatened by the musician, but knew Martin would never disappear. Beth had been his great love. Louis may have won her heart in the end, but it was clear Beth would always care about Martin. Martin would always love her. Louis couldn’t blame him. There was no one in the world like Beth. She was a tour de force.

“Yes, your wife,” Beth ran her finger around Louis’s collarbone. “Well, she will be glad to attend as your wife—finally.”

“I love you, Bethany. I can understand. You’re just… wonderful.”

“You are too kind.”

“I am too honest.”

Beth blushed.

“So, it was only Martin?”

“No. I saw Phillipa.”

Louis’s blood ran cold.

Beth read his expression well. “She was kind. Calm down! She also sends her regards.”

“So, there is no drama?”

“No, but I think she is still hung up on you. She was near tears. She said she believes you deserve happiness. She said I was perfect, in the end. I disagree with her, of course. I’m a liability. However, she can say what she feels. She is obviously sad.”

“She’s the one who left.”

“I think if you were a normal person, Louis, she would have married you in a heartbeat. I understand it,” Beth said.

Louis shook his head. “It never would have worked. She didn’t get me the way you do, mijn maanstraal. You are the one. I had to wait. It was worth the wait. There is no one more perfect for me.”

Beth blushed. “I agree with you, of course. You are the one. The only one. Marie almost fell over when she found out about the provenance of La Colibri. Marta told her. She met Martin, too She wondered why I was with you. I, of course, couldn’t imagine not being with you. Symphony or not.”

Louis gave her a long kiss. “If I had it in me, I’d write you a symphony.”

“Your words are more than enough I know your heart is true. It means so much to me. Sappy or not, all I want is you. And I will die happy knowing you never doubted us. I did. I am ashamed to admit that. I didn’t think I could love you the way you deserve. My friends are surprised.”

“They must think you are crazy!”

“Veronique does not. She understands. She could only be happy for me. Vanna and Rita don’t doubt it. Even the holdouts believe me. They don’t have to understand it. After all, how can anyone understand how much either of us loves the other?”

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