“Susan went to teach the sad prince’sdaughter.”
“He wassad?”
“He was at thetime.
“Poorprince.”
“And this poor prince had been sad for a long, long time until the magical Susan came into thehouse.”
“And she made him happy?” sheadded.
“She did. She made him very, veryhappy.”
“And she made the prince’s daughter happy too, didn’tshe?”
“What do you think? Didshe?”
“Yes. Yes. Shedid.”
“And the prince decided that he loved this Susan so much he asked her to marryhim.”
“And what did shesay?”
“She said yes, but only if the prince’s daughteragreed.”
“And didshe?”
“What do you think?” Johnasked.
“That’s a totally silly question. Of course, sheagreed.”
“Are you certain aboutthat?”
“Absolutely certain. And they married and lived happily ever after. Is that the rest of thestory?”
“One would like to thinkso.”
“I like that story, you have to tell it to me again,” Elizabeth said with anotheryawn.”
“Good-night. Sleep tight, sweetheart,” John said leaning in and giving her akiss.
But she didn’t answer as she was alreadyasleep.
* * *
“Haveyou written your parents that we’re coming for a visit?” John asked Susan as they were having breakfast together the nextmorning.
“I sent a note saying thatIwas coming. I didn’t want to mention you or what the reason was. If I told themthat,they would become frantic, trying to prepare a lavish welcome for you, and I don’t want that. I want them to get to know you for who you are—all they could see right now is the Duke,” Susanreplied.
“What would you think about taking Elizabeth withus?”
“Have you spoken to her yet about the marriage?” Susanasked.
John smiled. “Indirectly,yes.”
“And what did shesay?”
“As we expected, she supports us withoutreservation.”
