§ § § -- August 11, 1991
Most of the rest of the evening passed by fairly quietly, with plenty of entertainment and some dancing as well. During one such occasion, Roarke, with Leslie as his dancing partner, looked around and spotted Errico and Michiko just a couple of feet away. "So I see your fantasy has been fulfilled at last, Your Highness," Roarke spoke up, smiling.
Errico and Michiko looked around; he beamed, and Michiko grinned shyly, turning pink. "Yes, indeed it has, my dear Mr. Roarke, and once again I extend my sincerest and most heartfelt thanks to you. And as well to you, Leslie, for having the exquisite taste to befriend this lovely lady who now possesses my heart."
Leslie laughed. "All in a day's work," she kidded. "Seriously, I'm really happy for you two. And I'll consider it an insult if I don't get to come to the wedding."
"I'm trying to talk Errico into having it here on the island," Michiko said, "but there has to be a ceremony on Arcolos too—you know, to make it official. If we can work it out, then I hope you'll agree to perform the ceremony, Mr. Roarke."
Roarke smiled. "I would be honored," he said. "I wish you both much happiness."
They thanked him; then Michiko's face went slack with disbelief for a moment before shifting into wariness. "What's wrong, cari mie?" Errico asked urgently, while Roarke and Leslie both looked around and spotted the cause of Michiko's distress. Russell St. Anthony was worming his way between dancing couples, clearly headed in their direction.
"I really don't want to talk to him…" Michiko murmured, clinging to Errico. "Can we leave, please, or at least sit down somewhere?"
"He'd catch up," Leslie said, scowling at the actor. "I can't imagine what he wants."
St. Anthony bumped into her seconds later and tried to squirm past her. "Excuse you," Leslie grumbled in his direction. He didn't seem to hear; all his attention was on Michiko, whom Errico gathered into a protective embrace.
"My good sir," Errico said, "pray tell what it is you want from us. You're distressing my fiancée, and I find that very disturbing, I must inform you. State your business and then be on your way."
St. Anthony shot him a dismissive look and focused on Michiko. "I thought you were lying to me about coming back to this island to see your family," he said.
Michiko snapped suddenly to life. "It's over—you put an end to it yourself, remember? Just leave me alone, Russell. I don't ever want to see you again."
"Mr. St. Anthony, I suggest you honor the lady's wishes," Roarke put in then, his tone polite but carrying a clear warning. "Otherwise either the prince or I may be forced to take security measures, and that would create a very unpleasant disturbance."
St. Anthony stared around him, for the first time noticing the hostile looks from Errico and Leslie, the unusually furious gleam in Michiko's eyes, and Roarke's cold, stern expression. Finally he flapped a hand in Michiko's direction. "It's not worth it," he snorted and mercifully left them. Michiko blew out a breath and wilted against Errico.
"I think it's time we took a little break from the dancing," Errico decided. "Please do excuse us, Mr. Roarke and Leslie, and thank you for your assistance." They nodded and watched Errico escort Michiko off the floor and back to their table.
Leslie shook her head and turned to Roarke as they resumed dancing. "So did St. Anthony show up on time this morning?"
"Yes, he did," Roarke said. "He does indeed have a fantasy, and what's more, he has managed to get the mansion he demanded earlier this weekend." His gaze grew contemplative and drifted from hers, settling somewhere over her head. "His problem grows more serious every day, much more quickly than I had first realized. Time is of the essence and very rapidly running out."
She stared at him, trying to figure out this cryptic observation, but then the dance ended and he returned to the moment, smiling at her. "I believe it's time for the actors to perform," he said, guiding her back to their table. "Have you ever seen Mr. St. Anthony in character? I am told that, despite all his faults, he is exquisitely talented."
"The jury's still out on that as far as I'm concerned," Leslie said skeptically. "I might not say that normally, but I think he got a real shock when Errico announced his engagement choice. Either he's upset that she went on to a much better choice, or…"
"Or perhaps he truly was in love with her," Roarke broke in, stopping long enough to gently grasp Leslie's chin and turn her head to face him. "As I said before, my child, beware of snap judgments. In two weeks you will learn more."
§ § § -- August 12, 1991
"Have I thanked you enough for all the amazing things you have done?" Prince Errico V of Arcolos asked, stepping out of the car and handing out Michiko. "Granting my fantasy in a most wonderful and unexpected fashion, providing truly stupendous accommodations, the marvelous work on my engagement gala…you are an exceptional host, Mr. Roarke, and I shall highly recommend your island to anyone considering a vacation." Roarke nodded, smiling broadly, bowing slightly in acknowledgement.
"And we'll be back as well," Michiko promised with a grin. "I'll still be recording, just directing my career from Arcolos. But I promise I'll stay in touch with you and the other girls, Leslie. I don't know how you pulled it off, but I'm so glad you introduced Errico and me to each other." She glanced at her prince, eyes shining.
"As am I," Errico agreed and lifted Leslie's hand to kiss it.
Roarke grinned, watching while Leslie smiled and shrugged. "You two are going to be very happy together. I can tell." She hugged Michiko. "All the best—you deserve it."
Michiko squeezed her, then stepped back and grinned impishly. "Do me a favor, Leslie, and tell Maureen I'm the one who secretly delivered her invitation to the gala, will you? She probably tossed and turned all night last night wondering where it came from."
Leslie burst out laughing. "I'll let her know," she said, and at last they all made their farewells. Roarke and Leslie returned the final waves of their departing guests, then looked at each other and out of nowhere breathed huge, perfectly synchronized sighs of relief.
Obviously Russell St. Anthony's story will be coming next! Meantime, I note here that I borrowed two characters, Edmond Dumont and Susan Lohmann, from the episode "Crescendo / Three Feathers" (first story arc), original air date December 20, 1980, which starred Monte Markham and Toni Tennille.