We were sitting at the table the next morning, Abby and Sherry were off doing something, and John looked nervous.

  "John, you look like you are about to enter a pit of snakes. What is going on?" I asked.

  "Amos, I have something to ask. I expected to see a particular person here, and I have not. I am concerned that the person I sent never arrived."

  I knew exactly who he was talking about, but I kept a straight face. "You sent someone here. When? Who is it?"

  The color in John's face drained. "Then…then she never arrived."

  "We don't get many visitors here. I think I would know. Really, the only guests we have are Lady Katrina from Herron and her maid, Eliza. Lady Katrina was running away from a man whom she was supposed to marry."

  John's expression took a 180, and suddenly, he had a look of relief, "So they hid their true identity from you."

  "No, since our mutual cousin decided to ship her here to hide from the law, I decided it would be best to keep her identity hidden. I wasn't going to let the news of Catherine's whereabouts out to the public."

  John jumped to his feet. "Amos, you-you almost made me have a failure of the heart. You're a monster."

  "And you sent two people to me whose presence could have gotten my head removed from my body. That was not appreciated." I said, giving him a level gaze.

  We stared at each other for a bit, and then John laughed. "You are right, I did deserve that. Where is she? Also, you said she brought another person with her. I told her to head straight for the docks."

  "Well, apparently, she wanted to pick up my ex-betrothed." I shrugged.

  "Elizabeth! She brought Elizabeth. Well, that must have been awkward for you."

  I waved my hand dismisively. "Not really, those two were in Kimton when I went there. They came to meet me to break the betrothal. We actually parted on good terms."

  "Where are they now?"

  "They are down in Plimgus helping my steward run the place. I lost my baron, and so until I get a new one, I need some people who know how to run things."

  "Well, I have some more bad news for you then. The king is pardoning her if she agrees to marry the new Baron of Manticole. He sent me to…wait, if the king sent me, then of course she made it here. I totally fell for your joke, and I already knew she was here."

  I had almost forgotten about that missive I sent to the king after Arnold and Jewel Clarmont came here. But he wasn't supposed to give her title back. I need her here.

  "Ugh, seriously, you cannot do this to me. Well, I guess it is her choice. Is he a good man?"

  "I did a little digging before I came. If I had found out anything negative, I would have let her know. But apparently, the gossip is that they have met at a few court functions and dances before and are actually familiar with each other. If she likes him as much as he seems to like her, it will be a good match."

  "Well, that settles it. It looks like we need to get her hitched."

  "Hitched?"

  "Oh, yeah, um. It's like being hitched together on a wagon."

  John's mouth dropped. And then he grinned maliciously, "Did you just compare our cousin to a mule?"

  "John, don't you dare!"

  His smile only grew wider.

  *****

  I sat at the table with John, Sherry, and Abby, eating what may be our last meal before we departed. Sherry had still not forgiven me for my rudeness or for the fact that I had stolen Abby's attention. I mean, part of being a first cousin once removed is spoiling your cousin's children.

  So, every time we met in private, she contradicted what I told Abby. All her words were hid behind her devotion to the Endless One. Once, Abby asked what the stars were as we gazed up at them. I told her they were like our sun, only much farther away.

  Sherry, of course, had to be around anytime I was near the girl, so she immediately told me that it could not be true because the sun was the Endless One radiating his light down on us. I had never heard such a thing as doctrine taught by the Church, so I just ignored her and kept explaining.

  "So the sun is a big fire burning in the sky. It is so large that we can see it from far away."

  "If it is large, why does it look so small?" Abby said with a scrunched-up nose.

  "You can see the mountain over there, right?" I asked.

  She gave me an 'Of course' look that only children could pull off.

  "Well, when we went to the other side of the cove the other day, could you still see it?"

  She nodded.

  "How about if you were in Carok? Can you see it from there?"

  "No."

  "So the larger an object is, the further away you can be from it and still see it. So it is very big and very hot."

  "You blaspheme! And it isn't as hot as a fire. So it cannot be a fire," Sherry interrupted.

  I shook my head. "That just proves how big it is. If you stand right next to a fire, is it hotter than if you walk away? Also, if it is bigger, is it hotter? This proves that it is very large and very far away."

  Abby was looking at me in wonder. "How did you get so smart, Cousin Amos?"

  I smiled; she totally believed me more than my dear cousin Sherry. The point goes to me. "Well, when you are a Count you have to know these things," I said, in an off-handed tone.

  This conversation took me to our present situation, another argument with Sherry.

  "I don't understand why we have to always wash our hands before eating here, Cousin Amos," Abby said as she sat down at the table.

  "Because dirty hands can cause illness."

  "But I didn't have any dirt on my hands." She complained.

  "Not that you can see, but it is the dirt that you can't see that makes it dangerous. And I am not talking about the kind of dirt you're thinking of. I am talking about a type of microorganism I call germs. It is so small you cannot see it with the eye. It is why we boil water. We do it to kill germs."

  I knew she wouldn't understand most of what I said, but she was a little young for germ theory anyways.

  "That is not why we boil water!" Sherry shrieked. "It is boiled to make it holy so that we might be purified by it."

  "That is a misrepresentation of the church's doctrine. I guarantee that you will not find it in any of the manuscripts of the church. It is only taught by priests trying to explain the practice. The actual text is to purify the water. And if that is true, then what are we purifying it from? Why are there diseases in water? Boiling the water kills the germs that get inside our body and cause us to be sick."

  "Where do germs come from?" Abby said, now completely fascinated by the conversation.

  "They are everywhere, just like plants and animals. Germs can be on anything. Now, before you get worried about germs being everywhere. Not all germs hurt you, and those that can harm you are usually killed by the body before they get us sick. But too many, and then we get sick. Have you ever been sick?"

  She nodded.

  "That means you have too many harmful germs in you, and then the body fights them off. We just have to make sure we keep germs away from openings like our mouth, nose, and eyes. Also, we should clean and bandage cuts with boiled rags. Boiling rags makes them clean. So we put vinegar or honey on the wound and then cover it with clean rags.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  "This is ridiculous," Sherry said.

  My blood began to boil at that statement. I would not let my little cousin come to harm because of her foolish aunt.

  "I have been patient with you, cousin, but do remember that although we are family, I am a count. As such, you will treat me with respect as I have treated your beliefs with respect. There are consequences for pushing me too far. I know what I am saying is true."

  Because Abby was present, I did not threaten to chop off my cousin's head, but if she hadn't been...

  My tone of voice caught all three of my guests by surprise.

  John, who had been quietly enjoying his meal, spoke up. "You are very passionate about this, Amos."

  "Since I have instituted my principles of what I call germ theory throughout my county, the mortality rate has decreased by one-fifth and infant mortality by more than that. So yes, if this knowledge helps to keep my family members safe, I will not allow anyone to disparage it." I said this while giving Sherry a steely look. She shrank back in her chair.

  I noticed Abby looking at me with her mouth agape, out of the corner of my eye. The rest of the meal was silent after that, and when it ended, Sherry and Abby left so that John and I could discuss our trade.

  John sighed. "I cannot believe I came all the way here just as you sent a ship down to Carok."

  "Hey, at least you get a book and a few paintings out of it."

  "I wish I could sell all the paintings. I don't see why you had to do three of Abby."

  "She is just so cute, she fits in perfectly with the pictures. Besides, I am sure you could still sell them. Someone would pay for a picture of a little girl picking flowers."

  "And have Abigail kill me? No, thank you." He said sourly. "I will sell the ones without her in them."

  "Well, at least we have some other trade goods items for next time you come. And you said you will be able to sell the crocheted placemats and coasters at a good price."

  "I wish you had more of them. Also, I want your tablecloth, and the rest of those…what do you call them?"

  "Doilies."

  "Yes, I want those too. The placemats and coasters are unique goods that will become the latest fashion at dinner tables, and every woman is going to want a doily to cover any wooden surface."

  "Well, you get me food and some farmers, and I can move some of my people away from doing other tasks to increase production on all the goods you want."

  "You will need craftsmen, too. You need to produce rocking chairs. Those are incredible."

  I shook my head. "As soon as you sell the ones I am giving you, then people will be making their own."

  "Fine, just make sure you have five times the amount of the other things we discussed."

  "I will have more than that," I said with a smile.

  There was a long pause, for John's face grew serious suddenly, "Amos, I know you like her, but you are going to have to get rid of your mistress. Out here in the North, that might be acceptable, but your new wife is not going to appreciate it when she finds out. She comes from an influential family, and if they find out about her, it will not be good for you or for the girl."

  "Wait, are you talking about Emily?" I said in shock. "She is just my friend."

  He looked at me questioningly for a bit as if trying to uncover a lie. "You are serious, aren't you?"

  "Of course, I am serious. I wouldn't ruin her life like that. What made you think we were…well, more than just friends? We don't even hold hands."

  John laughed, "Amos, are you really that dense. The way you dote on her, the way you smile when she is around, the way she is always looking at you out of the corner of her eye. You would have to be blind not to see it. Well, that or you would have to be Sherry. She wouldn't notice affection if it hit her with a stick."

  I laughed at that. "Well, I am not going to push Emily away just because I have to get married. It wasn't even my choice. I cannot refuse the king, and I am not going to offend Duke Herron either. I have to get married, it is a good match, and my wife will soon see that Emily and I are just friends. She may want more, but she knows I will never marry her."

  "I guess there is nothing to be done about it then. I was fortunate that I was able to have enough options that I could pick the one I wanted. I cannot imagine having to marry someone above my station."

  "Well, it is what it is. At least it will be a good connection." I sighed. I did not like being reminded of my future engagement. Or was I already engaged?

  "As long as there is nothing untoward in your relationship, then I guess you should enjoy the time you have. I doubt this will end the way you want it to."

  "Thanks for the confidence, John."

  While we had been eating and talking, the final preparations for our departure had been completed. We had sent a letter to Catherine a few days ago explaining that John was here and we were both coming to Oceanside to visit her.

  We made it to the beach, and Abby and Sherry were waiting on deck. Abby was waving furiously while Sherry was scowling.

  "Uh…Amos. Are you sure we cannot take that boat of yours?"

  "No, it isn't leaving the cove until we are completely sure it will handle the ocean, and even then, we won't be going down to Ocean Side with it until even more tests are done. The stretch of coast with the cliffs is dangerous for a ship that cannot make the sprint. But I do have a present for you. It is the last of a very strong alcohol we have made. There is only enough for maybe 80 drinks if they are small, and from what I hear, you want it to be very small." I tried to show him the approximate size of a shot glass, and John laughed.

  "The people of North Cove must not be able to handle their drink if that is all they can take."

  "I am serious. John. Do not squander this. Give some to your father and set a price for it. We were only able to make about ten fifty-liter jugs this year, and the Rabiss stole them.

  "Ok, ok, just give me the jug. I will be careful."

  ******

  The trip to Ocean Side only took six hours, and the seas were not too rough. I was less seasick than I feared I would be on the open waters, and I managed to keep my lunch down. As we approached the beach of Oceanside, you could see the reconstruction efforts that the road crew had done. I have no idea what it looked like before, but you could see how the layout had changed to meet North Cove Standard, as people had started to call it. The roads were now a grid, and the streets labeled. The homes had been turned into half-timbered structures, and some even had their thatch roofs on. When the people of Oceanside returned from Rabiss, they were going to be quite pleased.

  We beached the ship and went ashore. We were directed to one of the homes that actually had a roof on it. In it sat Catherine and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was scribbling in a ledger with a stack of papers next to her. Catherine was quietly reading a book. As I entered, both looked up and smiled. When John came in, Catherine squealed in delight and practically flew into his arms.

  Next, Sherry entered, and immediately Catherine's expression changed. Sherry's eyes burned with the same intense righteous fury as they always did when she saw anyone she disliked. I sighed inwardly, but Catherine's attention was already on Abby. She let go of John and knelt down. "Oh, you must be Abby. I haven't seen you since before you could talk. Have you had fun here?"

  Abby held a crocheted doll, clutched tightly to her chest as she nodded. It was one of the things that was becoming popular among the children. Previously, they only had straw figures. When I mentioned making dolls out of yarn, it started up a competition to see who could make one first. Once that was done, they went on to various creatures. My favorite was a stuffed dragon copied from one of my illustrations in a book.

  "That is such a nice stuffed doll. You take good care of it. Amos promised me one, and I am still waiting on it." Catherine said with a wink and a smile.

  "I also was promised a doll," Elizabeth said accusingly.

  "Ladies, I am not the one making the dolls. All you had to do was ask while you were up in North Cove."

  "That isn't the point," Catherine said.

  "Yes, it was supposed to come from you." Elizabeth finished.

  John chuckled.

  "Ok, sorry I kind of forgot," I said defensively.

  Unfortunately, that statement didn't help my situation as the two girls' stares intensified.

  John shook his head, "Have I told you that you are terrible at speaking to women?"

  "Yes," I said flatly.

  "John, would you hurry up and tell her?" I am quite done with this place," Sherry said.

  John sighed, "Seriously, Sher."

  Catherine became nervous. "Tell me what?"

  "The king has pardoned you, on condition that you marry Baron Pape's son, Gregor, and help him bring order to Manticole.

  Catherine just stared at John for a moment, trying to process his words. Finally, she spoke, trying to put words to her thoughts. "He wants me to marry Greg. But…but I…Greg."

  "Do you not like him?" I asked. Now concerned that I may have to hide my cousin.

  Catherine's reaction was immediate. "No! No, I just never thought…Greg." Catherine's face turned bright red, and I smiled in relief.

  Catherine turned to Elizabeth and grabbed her hand. "We get to go home," she said excitedly.

  Elizabeth bit her lower lip. "Perhaps I should stay here. John said nothing about me, and what if… And besides, this barony is a mess. Benjamin and Jacklyn need my help to straighten things out. We already got rid of that repugnant steward, and now there is even more work to do to get it up to North Cove Standard."

  Apparently, the phrase North Cove Standard had spread beyond village layouts. Now our bookkeeping had to be NCS compliant.

  "You can't be serious, Elizabeth. I am sure the king will pardon you." Catherine said pleadingly.

  "No, I am sure she is right, Lady Catherine. Why would a king pardon a mere merchant's daughter? I am sure he only reserves that for the nobility." Sherry said spitefully.

  I was fed up with this lady. "Cousin, please do shut up. You are constantly walking around with a chip on your shoulder, waiting for a fight."

  Everyone stared at me. Most of them in shock at telling her to shut up, but John voiced the other thought. "Chip on her shoulder?"

  I thought quickly. "It comes from an ancient culture where boys would put a small chip on their shoulder when they wanted to fight. They dared people to knock it off. It was just stupid kids being angry at everything and everyone."

  "There are plenty of nobility who treat us as lesser."

  "And how about you?" I shot back. "I saw the way you quickly pulled Abby away from the children of my people. I held my tongue, but I will not allow you to speak with such hypocrisy. You accuse the nobility of looking down on people, and yet you treat my peasants with disdain."

  "These children just assumed that Abby would be interested in playing with them without even asking; it was completely rude."

  "I have done everything in my power to show kindness, and you have rejected it. You are a plague of discontent. You are just a bitter individual looking for any excuse to be offended. And you are to leave now, get on the ship, and never return to North Cove. If I see you here again, you will be punished for disobeying the orders of a count. I am sure I do not have to tell you the consequences for disobedience. A person of your character is not welcome here." I said, steel in my voice.

  She looked as red as a tomato but said nothing. Finally, she spun on her heels and grabbed Abby. "Come, Abby, apparently, we are not welcome among nobles."

  "You will leave Abby right where she is. She is with her father, and I have not had a chance to say goodbye yet." I said firmly.

  She froze for only a moment before releasing her niece and storming out of the home and back towards the ship.

  "Thank you, Amos," John said.

  "For what?"

  "For shutting her up. What did I do to deserve such a sister? Also, thank you for not hurting her. If you were any other Count, she would have gotten at least five lashes."

  "I am not against corporal punishment, but it would do her no good. She is set in her ways and will always see the world through hateful eyes. Besides, this was a private meeting; if it were public, I would have had to lash her. Fortunately, she was not that stupid."

  "Well, Catherine, it is best we get ready," John said. "We will be leaving at tomorrow's tide."

  Catherine sighed, "How long will the trip be?"

  John grimaced, knowing what she was thinking. "Three days. Four at the most." He looked towards the ships. "Four long days."

  "Relax, Kate, you are now a noble again. If she acts up, I am sure there are plenty of men on the ship who will lash her for you." I said with a grin.