*
King Justinian was true to his word and within the hour they were gone from the castle of Glennmorley, bound for home. Octavius, Emmaline, Norman, Winifred and Gertrude watched the departure from the great hall’s entryway.
“Father, why did Elliot turn out the way he did?” Norman queried.
Winifred interrupted. “Excuse me, Octavius, my king, we have an old saying, ‘The seed may be good, but if the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, the apple will rot where it drops’. In other words…”
“Thank you, Winifred, I understand.” Norman smiled. “He definitely was a rotten apple.”
Just as the last trunk went through the door, Harriet came up into the great hall. She appeared to have some type of problem. The woman talked quietly with Octavius and Emmaline, smiling when she left.
Queen Emmaline smiled. “It appears that we have an overabundance of food that the cook had prepared for our guests, but now we have no guests. Winifred and Gertrude, we would be honored if you would join us for a family meal.”
“Dear Queen, I can not join you. I am not prepared for dining up here at the castle. I am in my work clothes and my hair was ravaged by the wind on the way up to the castle.” Winifred lamented. “Besides, Derry is keeping an eye on my father, and I do not want to impose on her kindness.”
“Nonsense! You look just fine, Winifred. As I said, this is a family meal.” Emmaline took hold of Octavious’ arm. “I have the pages preparing the dining hall as we speak. I have asked Harriet, our cook, and her husband to join us as well as all of the
others who helped prepare the food. Please say ‘yes’. It is the least we can do after the problems of this afternoon.”
Gertrude nudged his mother’s arm as he winked at Octavius. “I think it is best that we say ‘yes’, Mother. We do not want to offend our friends.” Gertrude tried to act stern, but a smile crept across his face.
“Yes, indeed, I would be offended.” Octavius sported a broad grin. “If it would make you feel better, I shall send a sleigh down to bring your father and Derry up as well.”
“I see that I have entered a battle that I am not going to win. Thank you for the invitation. We would be honored to stay.” Winifred grabbed hold of Gertrude, as they all walked back into the grand hall.
Octavius bid them to take some seats by the fireplace. He called a page over and gave him instructions to have a sleigh sent to pick up Grumps and Derry. Finished with that little bit of business, he poured them each a glass of sweet wine. “This wine is special because I only decant it when we have special guests”.
Winifred glanced around with a questioning look on her face. “Oh, I am sorry! I knew we shouldn’t have stayed if you are having special company.”
“You are the special company, my dear lady.” Octavius roared with laughter and the others joined in. He handed the glasses of wine to everyone. “A toast! May this friendship grow with the passing days. May it nourish our souls as this wine nourishes our spirit.” They all clinked their glasses together.
Winifred took a long drink from her glass. “This wine stuff is pretty good! May I please have some more?” She held out her empty glass and Octavius refilled it.
Emmaline watched Winifred down the next glass of wine, and smiled. “Winifred, do you have your gown ready for the ball?”
“Yes, it is all ready. I finished the embroidery on it this morning. I had to replace some of the tatting on the bodice as something had torn the threads. That wine sure is good!”
“It sounds absolutely beautiful, Winifred. I can hardly wait to see it.” Emmaline smiled and looked over to the dining room entrance to see Harriet waving at her. “I do believe our dinner is waiting for us. Shall we go and have a bite to eat?”
“My Queen, I do hope you will let us have more than one bite of food as I am quite hungry.” Gertrude’s mouth erupted into a mischievous grin. They all walked into the dining room and beheld a table laden with a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Gertrude and Winifred had never seen so much food.
King Octavius stood at the head of the table and asked the others to be seated. “Let this be a celebration of friendship and understanding. May we always have love in our hearts, friendship in our lives, and health to make them possible.” Octavius raised his glass and said, “For us all...”The night was a merry one. No one left the table hungry, and a good time was had by all. The day may have been a disappointment to some, but the evening was grand. Another day was almost upon them by the time everyone had left and the dining hall was readied for another day.