Part 3: The Journey to England

Chapter 31

"A Proclamation from the Palace"

So, Tarzan and Jane's honeymoon was over and life was beginning to return to normal for everyone. But, as the sun rose over the jungles, Archimedes and Renard Dumont, who had been spending the honeymoon at the trading post getting to know one another, were finishing up their time together. Archimedes thoroughly enjoyed being in the company of another civilized man who enjoyed listening to his stories about his new life in the jungle.

"I must say Professor," said Dumont, as they had breakfast and tea the next morning. "I've learned more about you and your daughter in a short time than most of my friends have from France."

"Well, I mean ever since we've started our lives here in the jungle," replied Archimedes. "I've had a desire to return home to England, but I feel like I shouldn't leave these magnificent beasts. Jane and I have waited for a long time to come here and to leave now means that I would be doing these creatures a disservice."

Dumont understood about Archimedes as he had his own life back in France that he longed to come back and check in on, but he wanted to help his new friend in any way possible, even if it meant putting his own priorities second to his friends.

"As a matter of fact," said Dumont, taking a sip of tea. "I was hearing the radio last night and that they are saying that a knighting is going to take place at Buckingham Palace."

Archimedes began to fill with excitement as it was not every day that a knighting would take place at Buckingham Palace. He remembered going to the knighting of his father when he was a young boy and was admired by the sight of Buckingham Palace and meeting Queen Victoria. In fact, Queen Victoria was admired by Archimedes' energy and as a result, she had become a friend of the Porter's and had always said that they were welcome at the Palace.

But, he wasn't prepared for what Dumont had to say next.

"And that's not even the good news," added Dumont. "The person they are talking about knighting…is you, my dear Archimedes."

"You don't say?" gasped Archimedes. "Me? Knighted by her majesty?"

"Indeed," laughed Dumont. "I have heard many things about you and your studies and I think that you are suited to be knighted by her majesty with your daughter, Tarzan and all of England observing."

"Wait a minute," said Archimedes, realizing that his new son-in-law would be accompanying them. "Are you saying that Tarzan should be coming with us?"

"Of course," replied Dumont. "It would give him an opportunity to learn more about human culture and didn't you say your daughter has been teaching him the ways of civilized life?"

"She has," said Archimedes. "I must say that it will be interesting for her majesty to meet the missing link."

The two men shared a laugh and proceeded to finish their breakfast and tea before Archimedes was to head back to the tree house. Archimedes was thrilled to be seeing his old friend again and was honored to be knighted for his dedicated work to the study of gorillas.

Meanwhile, Tarzan and Jane, who lying naked in bed, had just finished probably the best sleep of their lives as they were ready to welcome back Archimedes and return to their normal lives as king and queen of the jungle. They got of bed and threw on their jungle garments before cleaning up from their magical night. They set about picking the pieces of their best clothes and undergarments from the floor and putting away the phonograph and the records that they danced to and played their game of undressing.

"Oh, Tarzan," said Jane as she gathered her yellow dress. "This was the most magical night of my life and that I was able to spend it with you, my love."

"I am happy that you were able to enjoy this night as much as I have," replied Tarzan as he gathered his father's suit. Jane gasped upon hearing what Tarzan was saying as she knew that his countless English speaking lessons were paying off to an extent.

"Tarzan, I proud of you," she said excitedly.

"Of what, Jane?" he asked.

"Your speech," she replied happily. "It's improving."

"You are teaching me," said Tarzan as he looked at his wife. "I've always wanted to have someone like you in my life and I am forever grateful for that."

They shared a quick glance and then set about back to cleaning up the tree house. For they knew that Archimedes would be well on his way soon and that Tarzan had a game of flamingo chasing with Terk that he had to get to. Terk, Tantor and the rest of his friends were eager to hear of Tarzan and Jane's night of magic.

A little while later, Archimedes, still filled with excitement with the announcement of his knighting, returned to the tree house, looking forward to telling them the news.

"Daddy," said Jane, hugging her father while Tarzan was out doing his morning rounds. "Welcome home."

"How was your night together?" he asked. "Did you have fun?"

"I did Daddy," she replied. "We had a wonderful night of dinner and dancing together."

"Well, I am glad to hear that, Janey," said Archimedes. "I have some news that I have to tell you, but I wanted to wait until Tarzan was here. Where is he anyway?"

"He's out with the gorillas," replied Jane as she put the dishes away. "He'll be back shortly. What are you so excited about anyway? Did you like being with Monsieur Dumont?"

"I did," said Archimedes. "He is just like us; coming here to Africa to start a new life from Paris. He didn't give me the full details of why he was here to run a business. But, he said that he would provide us with anything we want for free of charge."

"He did tell us that Daddy," said Jane as Tarzan returned to the tree house after his time with the gorillas. "He seems very nice. Ah, you're back Tarzan."

"Splendid," said Archimedes. "I have some really big news that will affect all of us."

"What is the news, daddy?" asked Jane. "Is it good news?"

"It's even bigger that good," said Archimedes. "Dumont was listening to the news from England and I have been chosen by the king to be knighted for my works. Isn't that exciting?"

Jane squealed with delight as she hugged her father happily. Tarzan was unsure why they were so happy, but in due time, he would find out the truth for he knew that he would finally be on his way to England.

Only this time, Clayton and his men were out of the picture and that he would truly get to experience human civilization as he meant to have done so. Of course, none of them knew of the dangers that was waiting for him and his wife and father-in-law upon their return…