Chapter 43

Mary met Bash outside the stables. He just came back from his riding lesson with Daniel, and helped him to dismount from his horse.

"Your new friends are waiting for you." she said to the little boy, smiling, and stroked his head.

"Fabrice, Adrien and Alain?" Daniel asked excitedly.

"And John." Mary nodded. "Go and meet them in the playroom at the Castle!"

Daniel looked at Bash, questioningly. "Can I go?"

Bash stroked his hair. "Of course, you can go. The stable boy will take care of the horse."

"I promise. I'll do it next time."

"Go and run to your friends!" Bash gave him a bottom smack, and Daniel ran towards the Castle.

Mary laughed. "He already knows exactly how to get what he wants. He is such a cutie!"

Bash nodded. "Yes, he is. So, you met Emeline?" he changed subject.

Mary nodded. "When I arrived, Lola and Emeline greeted me first. Lola informed me about Kenna's condition, and Emeline added the rest, so that I could get an idea of the situation." She sighed deeply. "I'm blaming myself, that I was not there when she needed me. When I imagine, what could have happened!"

"I don't want to think about it." Bash skimmed over his dark hair, sighing. "When I found her and she collapsed before my eyes, I thought for a moment, she was dead. Her breathing was shallow and she was white as a sheet." He closed his eyes as the memory resurfaced.

"It's over. Kenna is strong! She will recover soon." Mary said reassuringly.

Bash nodded. "I don't know what I should do, if I lose her again."

"You won't." She put her hand on his arm, gently. "But that's not the reason why I'm here. I followed you, because I wanted to discuss something else entirely."

Bash looked at her curiously. "And what is that exactly?"

Mary took a deep breath. "I would be more than happy, if the wedding could take place at the Castle."

"I'm not sure this is such a good idea." Bash objected frowning. "There are too many memories of the last wedding."

"But it would be the perfect location! We could invite everyone and make a big celebration after the wedding ceremony." Mary said enthusiastically. "I have already talked to Kenna about it."

"And she approved of that?" he asked surprised.

"Well, I haven't discussed any details with her yet, but I told her of my plans to arrange the wedding."

"If it is Kenna's wish. How can I deny her this?"

"It could be a chance for you, to start your marriage fresh." She smiled. "You cannot compare your first wedding with this one. Henry has forced you, back then. Now you're getting married, because you want to, out of love."

"Maybe I should thank my father, in retrospect." Bash smiled. "I mean, I knew Kenna before, as your maid. And I didn't have any interest in her. If my father hadn't imposed this marriage, she probably would still be a stranger to me."

"That means, you agree that the wedding is going to take place here, at the Castle?" Mary asked hopefully.

Bash sighed. "If Kenna wants it, that's fine by me, too."

"Oh Bash, thank you!" Overwhelmed, Mary embraced him. "You don't know, how much that means to me! A celebration! Just like in old times."

Bash returned the embrace and smiled. "Don't thank me. I would do anything to see Kenna happy again. But I think, we should wait until she is completely recovered."

"We don't have much time, because Kenna..." Mary stopped. Almost, she had revealed Kenna's secret. But it was true. They didn't have much time. If she already could see the physical and mental changes, others would notice soonish, too. Kenna wouldn't fit into her wedding dress, and everyone would see that the bride was pregnant. And she could do without any gossip and scandal at the Castle.

Bash looked at her, frowning. "Did she say anything?"

"Only that she wants to marry as soon as possible." Mary replied.

"If she feels strong enough." He grinned slightly. "I am ready at any time."

"Very good." Mary nodded satisfied. "I will discuss the details with Lola and Greer. I'm sure, that Kenna would like to have them as bridesmaids. And perhaps, Emeline can also help us. I take care of the invitations and the preparations for the meal. We also need a wedding dress for Kenna and decoration."

"It seems you have planned everything." Bash said smiling. "What can I do to help?"

"You can go to your future wife and do everything she needs to recover sooner." Mary grinned mischievously. "I'm sure you will find something to please her."

"You bet!"

Mary looked after Bash with a happy smile, before she returned to the Castle, to bring the good news to Lola.