At home in Cardiff, the Brandons relaxed. No longer were they on display like fine pieces of meat, or the animals of the Majestic Menagerie. After a grueling three weeks of manners, meetings, and flaunting the wealth of England, they were finally able to be home sweet home. Home never felt so good.
Hapus House has become their anchor, port of call, and refuge from any storm of any kind. Like its name, the house is a happy place to dwell and be. Love lives there. Anyone who visits can feel it and leaves happy too. It's full of hopes and dreams of all sorts, and it's good to be there. It's good to be home.
True to her word, Mary went riding with Charles every morning. Although, instead of riding her own horse she held onto her husband as he guided them over the terrain. She could ride by herself, but she's not as skilled with horses as she is with a bow. When asked why he wanted her to go horse riding with him, he explained "The time we spend together are the moments I cherish most of all. Any time spent with you is priceless and I love it."
That made her heart swoon. She too loves spending time with him, even if it's taking nap in his arms. There's a peace and contentment in it that's not had anywhere else. Time spent together is the secret ingredient to making their relationship stronger. It's time well spent.
But little does she know, every time he's at court it never fails. He's always asked, by someone including his father-in-law, "Why are you so changed? What is it about your wife, that girl who made you want to change? Why not another woman?"
What may seem like an intrusive question is actually an opportunity to sing his wife's praises. So he's glad people ask him. A blissful expression becomes fixed on his masculine face. "That girl is the one who lights up my life. My sunshine in the dark. Ever since the day I married her, the beauty of her gentle spirit radiates strength, love, joy, and everything I've ever wanted. She has a captivating face and figure, but that's nothing compared to who she is as a person. I want that in my life forever. We're compatible together and exceedingly content with each other."
When he tells them about spending time together people can't believe it. Most of the men share with him they can't stand being alone with their wives. To Charles, that's very sad, because he was one of those men before. He understands where they're coming from, as he hated being alone with Margaret. It drained his spirits and sapped his energy. But he supposes the wrong person will do that, because never does he feel that way with Mary. The only time it even comes close is when they disagree, but even then it's not exhausting or depleting. If they happen to disagree with everything (which is a huge stretch, it's more like a few things here and there), they're still kind to each other.
His life is vastly different from three years ago. His life, his house, and his family are different from that of the King even. It's such a stark contrast. Sitting in the study, he reflected on these things while also thinking about their three-year wedding anniversary. There is nothing more lovely and charming than the company of a good wife and a great marriage. A happy marriage happens with the right person and Mary is his right person.
So what can he do to celebrate his wife? He's already given her the special tiara. This gift has to be a little bit more noteworthy than that. It has to be meaningful because this anniversary is meaningful to him. This is his longest marriage yet and his most fruitful, most successful union. After all, it's only his second one.
With this in mind, there's only one thing for him to do. It's a thing he dreads, but it must be done. Standing up, he put on his doublet and buttoned it up. Then he headed for the stables. On his way out, Mary stopped him in the hall. In her arms is his little princess wearing a pretty cream-colored headband, with a blue embroidered dress. "Where are you off to? I thought we were going to play cards with Paisley and William." Gillian reached for her father.
Letting his daughter hold his fingers, he told her "I will be back shortly, but there's something I need to do. Don't worry. I won't be gone long." He kissed both of his girls, although the littlest one began to cry for him. She and Owen are so similar in that regard. They always have to have their father.
In the stable, he patted and saddled up his horse whom he missed very much being away at court. Then off he rode to the Dowager Countess's house in Penarth. He rode hard to make good time. When he arrived a servant took the horse for him. Examining the stocky man who ushered him inside, Charles decided this must be Mr. Harris. He thinks he can easily pick him out from the descriptions Mary has given him over the years.
Knowing what he's done to help his wife, and her ladies, he had to express his consideration. "Thank you for helping my wife with refreshing her etiquette skills. She has impeccable manners but you've freshened them up, and made her royally stand out at court. Her confidence has bloomed too. If you only knew how she was before you began helping her, a few years ago, you'd realize what a change you've wrought in her spirits. It means a lot to me," he told the man.
Mr. Harris tried to accept the compliment with composure, but his nerves got the better of him. In fact, he blushed and stammered out some words. "Th-th-thank you, Your Highness," he declared as he showed the Prince into Her Ladyship's sitting room.
Hearing him, Lady Flora called "Harris, what are you on about?" She looked up from her writing desk, surrounded by lots of correspondence.
He stood there wringing his hands. "My Lady, I was just thanking the Prince. His Royal Highness is here to see you."
The Dowager Countess turned around and stood up. Her keen eyes took in her favorite's husband. Sizing him up she noticed confidence mixed with an anxious tension about him. His posture is what gives it away. Taking off her bifocals, she specified to Harris "Don't just stand there. Do go get tea and biscuits." She shooed him off.
Once Mr. Harris rushed out, she motioned to the Prince to take a seat. "Please be seated. There's no need to stand around as if there are no available seats left in the room." She, herself, sat in the armchair she's most accustomed to when company calls. As soon as he was seated, the Countess mentioned "This is the first time we two have actually sat to talk. With that being said, I'm sure this is not a social call as your wife is known for. So what can I do for you, Lord Brandon, Prince of Wales?"
This woman makes him nervous, in effect he squirmed a little. However, Mary is very fond of her and he doesn't want to mess the friendship up. It's scary how the Countess seems to already know what he's on about before he even tells her. It's almost as if she can read minds or something. The whole thing is nerve-wracking. The only other person who he felt this way with was his beloved, deceased mother-in-law.
Running a hand through his chestnut curls, Charles spoke. "Your Ladyship, I feel I should start by thanking you. You have been a good friend, and an even better mentor, to my Mary. It's hard to find an honest lady of the court among the noblewomen, but you are one. You're very sincere and my wife needs that in her life, along with nurturing especially since her own mother is now departed. So, I thank you for caring for her."
Then he plodded along speaking as he told her his reason for the visit. "Our three-year wedding anniversary is this week. It's special to me because it's the longest relationship I've ever had. But my wife is precious to me as well. I want to do something noteworthy for her to mark the occasion. Before our trip to London, I had given her a new tiara. I had it custom-made. I'm at a loss for what I could do now. That's why I'm here. I thought perhaps you could help me."
Putting on her spectacles, Lady Flora got up and retrieved a maroon brocade-bound book from the writing desk. Its pages are crinkled from use. When she sat down her fingers began flipping page after page, until they landed on the one needed. Peering at the Prince over the bifocals, she told him "Thank you for your kind compliment. Your wife is a lovely lady who has been mistreated in the past, but because of you, she has reason to smile more often. It's a good thing you came to ask for my help. You can only be as good as your taste and I have nothing if not impeccable taste. I think you do, as well, by gifting her a tiara."
She looked back at her book, then back up again to him. "In one of our many conversations, Mary shared with me that she didn't have any tiaras which were solely her own. So you did a truly thoughtful thing by having one commissioned for her. And judging by your face you did not know that fact, which you wouldn't because the two of us knows she would never tell anyone about it. With this in mind let's discuss your anniversary. My gift-giving book, which I have consulted, states the third anniversary is the leather one. Did you know that?"
As he shook his head no, Mr. Harris returned with a tray of tea and biscuits. He set it on the coffee table, then poured Her Ladyship a cup and made it according to her longstanding specifications. Next, he poured another one and offered it to the Prince. Taking the delicate teacup, Charles added two spoonfuls of sugar.
Having sipped some of the tea, the Dowager Countess offered this suggestion. "Since the third anniversary is gifts of leather, a nice pair of leather gloves would work nicely. As would a leather headband embellished with jewels and gemstones, or you could get both items. In fact, I know a first-rate leather smith. I'd be happy to give you his name. He hails from Pembroke in Wales."
Leaning over to take another cookie, His Highness agreed. "I would appreciate it. Also, Lady Falkirk—"
She briefly interrupted him to say "Please call me Lady Flora as your wife does. Lady Falkirk is my daughter-in-law and only reserved for those persons I don't care for."
With one of his trademark smiles, he nodded. "In that case, please do the same for me. All my friends call me Charles. As I was saying, I also want to do something romantic but I'm all out of fresh ideas. I don't desire to do the normal thing, I wish for some big gesture to go along with the anniversary present. Perhaps you have some ideas on this too?"
A light laugh proceeded out of the Dowager Countess's mouth. "I may not be a romantic by nature, but I do concede the heart not only lives to pump blood but to also make one swoon. Speaking of making one swoon, you don't have to try to make Mary do so. She already does just by the fact that you take the time to notice her. So often she's felt invisible like a speck of dust floating around the air only being seen when the sunshine pours in through the window. Painfully ignored by those who were closest to her."
How well he knows that to be true. He spoke surely and without question. "And now all eyes are on her picking her apart like wolves at a carcass, or trying to gain her favor to use as a stepping stone to get what they really want— power or position. I want my wife to know true friendship, surrounded by people who care for her because she hasn't had that in her life. She deserves the world. "
A motherly smile graced her face. "Spoken like a man in love, as you should be. For who wouldn't love Mary, once they know her? But Dear Charles, it's not about giving her the world. It's about making her feel like she's the only woman in it that matters." On the side table, she picked up the bell and rang it.
This gesture amused Charles as the older aristocratic woman is one of the most affluent women he has ever encountered, much less engaged in conversation. They have usually snubbed him in the past. And what she said about making Mary feel so special that she's the only woman in the world that matters, well that hit him hard like an arrow in the heart. That's what he aims to do- make her feel like she's the only woman in the world.
Mr. Harris reentered the room. "You rang My Lady?" He stood at attention waiting for her request.
Addressing her butler, Lady Flora asked him "Yes Harris I did. Do you remember a few years ago when Lady Amelia did that game with the cards going from room to room? What was that called?"
Harris conveyed to her it was a scavenger hunt. Then she asked him to explain it to the Prince. With is his stately, though slightly snobby, voice he explained. "A scavenger hunt is a game played by clues. One leaves a series of clues around a set location. The one playing the game tries to find the clues. When the person finds one, then the card leads them to another clue, and so on and so on. Until the final clue is found, which is most usually accompanied by some sort of big prize."
As the precise butler spoke, his description sparked His Highness with a great idea. He could do his own version of a scavenger hunt, but with romantic clues and himself as the final prize. In fact, it all started to take shape in his mind.
"Thank you, Lady Flora and Mr. Harris. You have provided me with many things to think about, as well as good ideas. I don't want to overstay my welcome. I have a scavenger hunt to plan and a card game to attend with my wife. So I think I'll take my leave. I have enjoyed my time with you this afternoon," he stated. Upon getting up, Lady Flora rose too. She never rises for most people, but she did for him.
Pulling the Prince into a motherly embrace, she patted his back. He too can use the tender touch of a mother's care, he's just too stubborn to admit it. His Highness reminds her of her oldest son, who thinks he's too aged for motherly affection. She sat back down in the armchair.
Before he left the room she told him "Just remember, love does triumph and conquer all Your Highness. This coming from a realist like myself." She gave him a wink and he bowed his head to her in acknowledgment, which he didn't have to do but wanted to out of respect.
Mr. Harris showed him out. His horse was already pulled around. On the ride home, he planned the whole scavenger hunt out. Everything was done by the time he arrived. He returned his stead to the stables and walked into the house. He was met by Lady Enid informing him that Her Ladyship was having dinner sent to the music room.
That is perfect since he has time before dinner to write down all the plans he thought over on the ride back. After this, he still had time to craft three letters: one to the King, one to the leather smith, and a final one to the jeweler. When all was said and done his ideas are taking fruition and he can't wait for Thursday to arrive.
But he did have to wait three whole days. Three days filled with knowing looks from his wife. She just knows he's up to something. Three days filled with cryptic messengers carrying the commissioned bejeweled leather headband and gloves. Three days filled with probing questions like "Why do all of these messengers keep visiting you?" Three days filled with waiting and wanting. Until, at long last, Wednesday arrived.
Before he left, for the seaside town of Pwllheli in northern Wales, he placed a note on his pillow. It's the first clue. When Mary woke up her hand instantly reached out for Charles, but he wasn't there to greet her. Rolling over, she squinted her eyes open. On his pillow is a letter. She took it and read what it says.
Happy Anniversary Darling. We've been married three years, although it seems like only yesterday we wed. I have many fun things planned for us, but first, you have to find me. In order to do so, I'm sending you on a hunt. You know me, I love a good hunt. Except this one involves you hunting me. Strategically placed are clues that will ultimately lead you to where I am. You have to find the clues to find me. So I ask you wife, are you as good of a hunter as I am?
To retrieve your next clue, I love it when you wear anything sleeveless but especially...
Oh! She was not expecting this, at all. A game and a hunt for her husband. This may be the best anniversary yet. Excited to start the day, she threw the covers back and head to the wardrobe. Inside she thumbed through dress after dress until...
In the back, there's a gown she's never seen before. It's of a printed blue and purple, silky fabric with black lace ribbon embellishment. And it's sleeveless! Taking the lovely creation out she saw a piece of paper attached to the front with a pin. But as eager as she is to read it (because she just knows it's a clue) it will have to wait. First, she wants to put on this beautiful new dress.
She had Scarlet, the room maid, send for Joan. When she arrived, she helped Her Ladyship dress as she spoke about the anniversary scavenger hunt. The gown fit her figure perfectly! Taking the note in hand, the Princess read it. She did so out loud so Joan could enjoy the fun with her.
It simply said your scent intoxicates me. "My scent intoxicates him? What does that mean, unless he's talking about my fragrance," she stated. Over to the jewelry table, she went. It also houses her lotions, perfume, and scented oils. Picking up her bottle, of the special blend fragrance, a note had been attached to the bottom. A gleeful squeal left her mouth.
Pulling the message off, after spritzing herself with the scent, she studied it. You don't need a crown for your gorgeous head because your hair is a crowning glory. But in case you wanted something new, wear this in your hairdo.
Both she and Joan headed to the hair station, which is a small desk with a chair. All of her hair items are there: brushes, combs, hair oil, pins for pinning it up, jeweled hair combs, fabric rollers, a hair scarf to sleep in, and many hair accessories. Opening drawer after drawer, she came to the final one that houses informal headbands. The minute the drawer was pulled out a box could be seen. All at once it was snatched up and opened.
Inside is a wide, black leather headband with stunning, large diamonds set upon it. Those diamonds were surrounded by smaller ones. It's gorgeous! Joan thought so too and began styling her hair. Left down in waves, with the headband nestled in it, Mary admired the final effect in the mirror. Her hands, however, felt around the box for the next clue. She found it inside underneath the paper.
This clue says: With the touch of your gentle hands, your soft caresses of my face and hair, your sweet words and kisses, and your beauty drive me wild. The word drive was emphasized. "Joan, what on earth could that be? Drive... I don't drive anything," she declared.
But her kind maid thought of something. "Perhaps it's not you driving, My Lady, but maybe someone is driving you somewhere."
With a huge smile, Mary remarked "Joan, you're brilliant! It has to be either his horse or the carriage." Out of the room, she dashed, with her maid not too far behind. Down the stairs and out to the stables, where she checked out his favorite horse. She looked at him from top to bottom, and even in his ears, but nothing was there. So, she concluded the clue must be for the carriage. Both she and Joan went to where the carriage is kept when it's not in use. The only problem is, it's not there!
Where can the carriage be? Wandering back indoors, the duo were met by Lady Enid, Lady Paisley, and Lady Ashdown. Paisley stopped her, a huge playful smile on her face, and spoke. "Mary, I was requested to give this to you." She did a mischievous curtsey and presented the Princess with a folded piece of paper.
Eyeing the paper suspiciously, Her Highness unfolded it and read aloud. "So you've found the final Hapus House clue. If you ride in the carriage, then perhaps you'll find me too." Still holding the clue, her hands went slack to her sides. A thoughtful expression came over her face.
Before she could say anything, Lady Enid gave her a big basket. "Mrs. Evans packed it full of breakfast and a little extra in case you get hungry for a snack." The same huge smile was on her face as it was on Paisley's.
After that Lady Agnes talked. "Lady Mary, do not worry about the children. They will be fine." She wore a smile too.
The only thing left to do is say, "Well it seems everything has been taken care of by my mysterious husband. Is there anything I need to carry with me?"
Paisley told her "No. His Highness has everything you need. Now you must go or you'll never find him in time."
They all three ushered her out the front door and into the carriage. As she waved goodbye, Mary wanted to tell Paisley her words are true. Charles is everything she needs and never knew she wanted, three years ago. The ride to wherever she was going didn't seem that long. Perhaps it's due to the fact she reflected on their marriage during the journey. It wasn't love at first sight for her. It could have been if she let it because he's handsome enough. No. It was much deeper than that. It was a sense of belonging to a place, a person, a home that came with a heartbeat. He's her home.
When the carriage stopped, she stepped out in wonderment. For there before is another massive manor house. It's almost the size of Hapus. Dear Lord. Do they own another one? It's surrounded by woods, from the quaint little drive in on the dirt road. And is that a peacock? Yes, it is. She loathes a peacock, especially after one chased her trying to attack her as a child. The gardens are gorgeous, but she's not here for them. She's here to find her husband.
At the front door, the housekeeper, Lady Beca, gave her a paper. It said, Your smile brightens me up. You're the light of my life. Interesting clue. Bright and light stood out. So she entered a bright room and checked oil lamps and candles for the next one. There is nothing on them, but she did see a paper attached to a big window. Taking it, it says My heart bubbles over with love for you. Bubbles over... wine.
Turning to the housekeeper, she asked "Lady Beca is there a wine cellar or wine bottles anywhere?"
With a motion of her hand, Lady Beca took her to the kitchens where a stash of wine is stored. It was there she met the cook, Mr. Alan. After making his acquaintance, she inspected the wine bottles. Sure enough, a paper is attached to it. This clue read We make beautiful music together. Perhaps I'm here. There's only one way to know.
Her heart sped up, as she thought of him. Taking the wine bottle, Lady Beca showed her to the music room. The doors are closed, but when she opened one all she could see is her husband. Standing tall, staring out the window. He wore a brown brocade overcoat with gold embroidery trim with black pants. She could detect a cream-colored brocade doublet underneath. Without delay or hesitation, she ran to him.
Turning around he held his arms out and into them she flew. Wrapping him up in love, tears fell as she anchored herself. He whispered, "I love you, My Mary." She's never felt so safe, so cherished, and so loved ever in her life. Then he told her "Happy Anniversary My Darling. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. You are the best person I know. Meeting you was unique because there's no one like you. Which makes you special. Because for me you're the only woman. You're all there is. You calm my mind and set me on fire. You're proof that there is beauty and loveliness in the world."
At that moment all she really knew is that she loves him more than anything. It's amazing to have your best friend and your true love all wrapped up in the same package. "I love you too," she whispered amid her tears. They spent the rest of the day loving each other and making truly beautiful music together in a house by the sea. It was a very fantastic anniversary.