Author's note:

Welcome back everyone! I am back with a wonderful new chapter. Will our dear uncle Pierre finally accept Gaston? You'll have to read to find out. And thank you ImagineATale for your kind review. Hopefully you'll love this chapter as much the last.

And now on to...

Chapter 43

Maman! Maman!" Eliana shouted after returning home.

She had been guiding Gaston to her home but let go to run to find her mother. Her uncle had followed them in.

"What is it darling?" Amelia said as she hurried in. "Are you hurt?"

"Only my feelings, thank to uncle," Eliana said giving him a dirty look. "But that's not it. Gaston he...he..." Here she just squealed happily.

"He what sweetheart?" Amelia asked laughing at her daughter's antics. "I haven't seen you this excited in a long time."

"He asked me to marry him!" Eliana said excited as she took Gaston's hand. "Isn't it wonderful!"

"Oh darling," Amelia said tearfully and hugged her daughter. "I'm so happy for you!"

Next she congratulated Gaston.

"You make a wonderful couple, you are perfect for each other."

"I beg to differ..." Pierre said grumbling.

"Pierre!" Amelia said warning her brother. "You will congratulate them right now! And sound happy and encouraging."

"Congratulations Eliana," Pierre said through gritted teeth. "You couldn't have done better..."

"Thank you uncle," Eliana said. "I know you don't mean it, but I appreciate it. You will congratulate Gaston too?"

Pierre heard his sister clear her throat and reluctantly shook Gaston's hand.

"Congratulations..."

"Why uncle Pierre, thank you so much," Gaston said brightly. "I couldn't be happier to become part of the family."

"I have to go tell my sisters," Eliana said. "Please excuse me while I get them."

She ran away shouting their names in excitement.

"So Gaston," Amelia said. "Were you planning to stay for dinner? We must celebrate the occasion of course."

"I would be delighted to," Gaston said. "And I apologize for not asking for permission for your daughter's hand first, I was planning to do that this evening in fact, but the moment seemed right with your brother in attendance."

"That is alright," Amelia said. "We will have to make arrangements of course, not to mention ready her dowry."

"Madame," Gaston said. "I do not require a dowry for your lovely daughter. Please add whatever her dowry was to that of your other daughters. The compassion, friendship and love she's given me is all I require."

"Aren't you a most generous gentleman," Amelia said.

"What did we just hear?" Elise asked excited. "Is Eliana getting married?"

"She is," Amelia said smiling. "And Gaston has rejected her dowry, instead wanting it to be add to both of your dowries instead."

"That is wonderful!" Eloise said gushing. "Perhaps it'll be high enough now to marry into higher circles! Wouldn't that be great Elise?"

"It would," Elise said dreamily. "But a love match like our sister has isn't so bad either if you ask me."

"Nonsense," Eloise said. "To be treated like royalty, with servants surrounding you to help you with your needs...that would be perfect."

"And you are worth nothing less," Pierre said to Eloise. "You are a picture of perfect grace."

"Thank you uncle," Eloise said. "But at least my sister is happy with her choice and Gaston does know the most romantic spots. Perhaps we could go there again sometime to watch the deers."

"Perhaps if he is willing we could make it a family outing," Amelia said.

"I would be honored to take you there," Gaston said smiling.

"Wonderful," Amelia said. "Have you considered a date yet?"

"No," Gaston said. "But I was thinking, with Eliana's approval of course, perhaps when Belle and Adam's business here have concluded. Then we could have the ceremony at the church and reception at the estate."

"That would be wonderful!" Eliana said excited. "That wouldn't take too long and we could be married within weeks. I'll need a dress though..."

"We'll start arranging for one first thing tomorrow," Amelia said smiling.

"Oh mother, I can't believe it!"

"You better," Amelia said. "In a few weeks you'll be moving away from here. I'll miss having you around the house."

"I'll miss you too," Eliana said. "But I'll be happy at the estate. Everyone was so nice to me, and it's so big! And I'll have my own part of an entire wing! It looked so pretty."

"I can't wait to see it," Elise said hugging her sister.

"Perhaps there will be some rich suitors there," Eloise said. "You must introduce me to them then."

"I will," Eliana said chuckling. "I think it would suit you, marrying for fortune instead of love. As long as you are happy."

"I would be," Eloise said. "It probably sounds strange to you."

"A bit," Eliana said honestly.

"I for one think that is only sensible," Pierre said. "Love could lead one into ruin, as we've seen."

"Or it could lead to a life richer then money could ever make one," Gaston said.

"Well said," Amelia said while looking sternly at her brother.

"I suppose I better try then since I have no choice..." Pierre said. "How about I buy him a round at the tavern before dinner?"

"That is very nice of you," Amelia said.

"Let's go then," Pierre said and nearly dragged Gaston out.

"A little slower would be appreciated," Gaston said. "Remember that I can't see where I am going."

"Amelia would have my hide if I caused you to bump into things so you have nothing to worry about," Pierre said grumbling. Once they had arrived at the tavern and sat down he continued. "Do tell me what possessed you to fill my niece's head with lies."

"No lies," Gaston said. "Honest truth. Sir, I know you don't care much for me and I appreciate taking me separately so your words won't cause Eliana harm. However, I do love her and only want the best for her. I wish I could make you believe in my sincerity, but if it takes time I am willing to wait."

"And if I never accept you?"

"Then I am alright with that as well," Gaston said. "As long as Eliana is not hurt by your words. I would always be open for a round at the tavern so you can word your grievances against me."

"Perhaps you are right," Pierre said reluctantly. "This would be the most suitable solution to the problem. Very well, I will be nice to you whenever others are around and we'll separate ourselves for the harsher words."

Gaston felt a hand grasping his and a firm handshake followed.

"I am glad that has been settled," Gaston said. "So, what would you like to tell me now?"

"That you are an insufferable idiot," Pierre said. "One who is taking my family down with him, leading them into ruin."

"Thank you," Gaston said. "How about I buy next round?"

"Fine," Pierre said.

Gaston walked off and returned with two pitchers.

"This way we can refill while the women do whatever they must be doing right now," he said. "I'm sure the squealing will be going on for a while. I would like to say that I did talk to Adam to persuade him to not send a letter to have you removed from your position."

"As if he could," Pierre said.

"Well, he could," Gaston said. "He does hold sway in the upper circles all the way to court. Just apologize to Belle and he'll be appeased. Is your livelihood and reputation truly worth being this stubborn?"

"Problem is I don't believe you."

"If you don't believe me that is your choice," Gaston said. "Then ask Eliana, she's seen the estate and knows how high ranked he is."

"Fine," Pierre said. "I'll ask her. If only to hear how wrong you were about it."

"That is fine," Gaston said chuckling.

"Shall we head back then?" Pierre suggested an hour later. "The women must be ready setting up for dinner."

"Of course," Gaston said. "I will be celebrating at the tavern this evening, you are invited to join if you wish."

"Don't count on it," Pierre said.

"Oh I was not holding my breath," Gaston said. "Just being polite."

Pierre couldn't resist a chuckle at this.

"As long as you know."

The men next headed back for dinner. Eliana already stood waiting at the door when they entered.

"Gaston," she said. "I'm so glad you have returned."

"Why?" Gaston asked teasingly. "Afraid uncle Pierre convinced me to change my mind about marrying you?"

"More like chased you away," Eliana said laughing. "I know it is a strange thought but since he's been so vocal about you."

"He can be vocal all he wants and I think we reached an understanding at the tavern," Gaston said smiling. "So nothing to worry about."

"Is that true uncle?" Eliana asked with hopeful eyes.

"Yes, we've reached an understanding. Gaston and I, well mostly me, will be acting more civilized against each other."

"Thank you uncle," Eliana said and hugged him.

"You're welcome," Pierre said smiling. "Now where is dinner?"

Everyone laughed and sat down to enjoy.

After dinner Pierre returned Gaston to the tavern so his niece wouldn't be out late on her own. As soon as they had arrived however he left as quickly as possible.

"Gaston," Adam called from the back.

Gaston headed over with a big grin.

"Did things go so good with the headmaster?" LeFou asked confused. "Because you are smiling but he looked ready to flee when he left you."

"He and I have come to an understanding," Gaston said. "But first we need to make a toast."

"A toast?" Belle asked. "For what?"

"My upcoming marriage," Gaston said proudly. "I asked Eliana and she said yes. Though I did miss my sight, I'd have loved to see uncle Pierre's face when he saw it."

"You proposed..." Adam said.

"...with him witnessing it?" Belle finished.

"That must've gone over well..." LeFou said.

"It seemed like the perfect time to do it," Gaston said. "I was thinking about holding tge ceremony here at the church and the reception at Adam's 'estate'. After our business has concluded of course."

"I think that is a wonderful idea," Belle said.

"As do I," Adam said smiling. "Congratulations, I think she'll be a wonderful addition to the family."

"Perhaps someone should tell the staff about it so they can prepare the ballroom for the occasion." Gaston said. "I would like her family's first visit to be for the reception. So that they will be fully surprised on where she'll be living."

"I'll go tell them," Adam said. "Perhaps Belle would love to join me?"

"I do," Belle said smiling.

"When will you officially marry?" Gaston asked.

"We...it completely slipped my mind," Belle said. "We should."

"I think a small ceremony here could be arranged," Adam said. "With Maurice, Gaston, LeFou and probably Eliana as our witnesses."

"How about we ask Pere Robert before leaving tomorrow?" Belle asked. "It should be done soon, we haven't been chaperoned, but people thinking we married elsewhere is the only reason rumors haven't started."

"I agree," Adam said. "But the big celebration will be after Gaston's wedding. He asked Eliana first after all."

"You haven't asked me at all," Belle said chuckling.

"Then let me remedy my mistake," Adam asked. "Will you marry me?"

"Of course," Belle said smiling and hugged him.

"How sweet," LeFou said.

"It is," Gaston said. "But how about we celebrate my betrothal to Eliana?"

Everyone took their cups and toasted.