Epilogue

Once in her room, Trixie struggled to get out of her dress but realized she was going to need help since she couldn’t reach the buttons stretched down her back. She grumbled in aggravation that the dress had to be so complex and she wondered why she had agreed to it. She knew she would have been much more comfortable in a pair of jeans and T-shirt.

“Of course, she had to have a dress that had millions of buttons lining the back,” Trixie grumbled as she paced her bedroom. “There is no way for me to get out of it on my own. I have to either go find someone to help me or wait for someone to come up here. And that just adds to everything I’ve been through. And now I have to be queen.

“How can I be queen?” Trixie asked aloud. “I have no knowledge of what a queen does. I grew up working on a farm. I don’t know the first thing about ruling. And now, Jim is going to be forced to marry me. I don’t think that’s fair.”

Knock, knock.

Trixie moved to the door, grabbed the knob and yanked it open. She was ready to tell whoever was on the other side to leave her alone, but the words died on her lips.

Standing in the doorway was Jim. He was leaning against the frame, a tired look in his eyes.

“Are you okay?” Trixie asked.

“I’ve had better days,” Jim admitted. “I was wondering if I could come in and maybe we talk?”

“Sure.” Trixie stepped aside and ushered Jim into the room. She closed the door behind him. She watched as Jim took off his tuxedo jacket and draped it over one of the chairs.

As he turned to face her, she could clearly see the handprints on his neck and the dried blood from the cut on the side of his head. She just couldn’t believe it.

“Trixie, I’m all right,” Jim said. “The marks will fade.”

“This is all my fault,” Trixie said.

Jim stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.

“This is not your fault,” Jim said as he caressed her back. "You didn’t do any of this.”

“I invited all of you here and you got hurt.”

“You didn’t hurt me. This was all Ethan’s doing and he is the only one responsible. Not you.”

“I just feel so badly.”

“I’m just glad he wasn’t able to complete his plan. That would’ve been more painful than any of this.”

“But because of me, your whole future is ruined.”

“Why do you think that?”

Trixie leaned back and looked Jim in the eye. “Because you ended up dancing with me during that song and because of the traditions this country has you are now engaged to me. You won’t be able to continue with your dreams of opening your boys school. Everything is ruined.”

“I would give that all up for you,” Jim said.

Trixie stared at Jim dumbfounded.

“I’ve got an idea,” Jim said. “Let’s change into some more comfortable clothes because I think this conversation is going to take a while. Okay?”

“Okay,” Trixie said.

Jim let her go and quickly retrieved his jacket. He started for the door and Trixie said, “Jim, wait.”

He turned to look at her. “I’ll be right back.”

“I know. But…”

“What is it?”

“Could you unbutton the back of my dress?” Trixie asked, her face going red. “I can’t reach it.”

“Sure,” Jim said. “Do you have a shirt you can put on over your dress?”

Trixie nodded and quickly pulled out an oversized shirt. She slid it over her head and turned back to Jim.

She felt his hands begin to move methodically down her back, releasing each button. She could feel the color on her cheeks, a bit embarrassed Jim was doing this for her.

“All set,” Jim said.

“Thanks, Jim.”

“You’re welcome,” Jim said. “I’ll be back.”

“Okay.”

Trixie listened as Jim left the room, closing the door.

Once she was alone, she quickly slid out of the dress and pulled on a pair of shorts underneath the t-shirt. She took the gown and placed it on a hanger, fighting her initial urge to ball it up and throw it in a corner.

She took a quick look around the room to make sure there was nothing out that she didn’t want Jim to see.

When she was certain everything was fine, she began pacing, anxious for Jim to return.

As she paced, she thought of Jim and couldn’t get the picture of the handprints or the cut out of her mind. She went into the bathroom, put the stopper in the sink and then turned on the cold water. She took a washcloth from the rack. She soaked it in the water and hoped that the marks wouldn’t be too noticeable for long.

Knock, knock.

“Come in,” Trixie called out.

She left the bathroom and watched Jim enter the room. He had put on a pair of jeans, white t-shirt and a casual shirt that was unbuttoned.

Jim closed the door and made his way toward her.

“You ready to talk?” Jim asked.

“Yeah,” Trixie said. “Have a seat. I need to grab something.”

Trixie went to the bathroom and retrieved the washcloth. After squeezing all the excess water out, she grabbed a towel and returned to the sitting area. She saw Jim had settled on the couch and took a seat beside him so she was sitting her knees. “Put this against your neck. This might help minimize the bruising.”

“Thanks,” Jim said and placed the cloth against his neck.

“I’m sorry all this happened.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” Jim said. “This was an unfortunate incident. You had no idea this was going to happen and shouldn’t feel guilty.”

“I just wish all this could’ve been prevented,” Trixie said. “No one needed to get hurt.”

“When some people have a plan, nothing and no one will stand in their way. Ethan probably saw me as a threat and wanted to eliminate me.”

“But he is going to lose everything because he was so greedy,” Trixie said. “I doubt he will be remorseful.”

“Some people just can’t accept that their lives are not how they pictured.”

“And now I’ve ruined your life as well,” Trixie said, staring at her lap.

“You haven’t ruined anything,” Jim said, dropping the washcloth and picking up her hand. “Trix, look at me.”

She lifted her head and looked at him.

“Trixie, I’m honored that I’ve been selected to be your husband,” Jim said. “True, I was shocked just like everyone else when the news came. I could have been knocked over by a feather. When I saw myself getting engaged, it was after a long time with the one person who seemed to have a hold of my heart. I figured I would have the school established and would be committed to a long-term relationship.”

“I’m sorry I messed up your plan,” Trixie admitted.

“You didn’t let me finish,” Jim said.

“What else do you have to say?” Trixie asked. “I know this is the worst thing possible and we are both going to be miserable.”

“I could never be miserable with you in my life because I love you.”

Trixie’s head snapped up. “What?”

“I love you,” Jim said. “I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you.”

“When you were pointing the gun at me?”

Jim nodded. “From that moment. You had a spark in your eyes as you spoke to me and I knew then you were a force to be reckoned with. I knew you needed to be in my life and you did all you could to make sure we were in each others’ lives.”

“But because of me you won’t be able to fulfill your dream.”

“The school is a dream of mine, but I have a lot of dreams,” Jim said. “And I’m quite certain those dreams can come true no matter what.”

“But how?” Trixie asked. “I’ve ruined it. We are both going to be thrust into the limelight and I’m just going to end up embarrassing you.”

Jim reached over and took her hand. “Trixie, you could never embarrass me. I’m proud of who you are.”

“But my whole life has been a lie.”

“Your life wasn’t a lie,” Jim said. “Your true parentage was hidden for your safety. When the time came, you found out the truth and were reunited with your birth parents. They probably had a hard time letting you go, but knew that your safety had to come first.”

“But there is no Trixie Belden.”

“To the Beldens, you will always be Trixie, the daughter they welcomed into their lives and loved dearly for the time she lived with them.”

“I just don’t think I can do this,” Trixie said. “I’m not princess material.”

“Come here,” Jim said.

Trixie moved closer to Jim. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she placed her head on his chest.

“I understand that you are feeling out of sorts because this is so out of the norm for you,” Jim continued. “I really do. I went from living with that monster to living in the Manor House with Mother, Dad and Honey. That is definitely culture shock. And you’re going through that now. You grew up in a quiet little farmhouse. Now, you are going to be crowned queen and will live in this mansion. It’s not something you adjust to overnight.”

“I don’t think I can do it,” Trixie repeated.

“I know you can. It may not be easy, but I know you will do everything in your power to do what it right for your people.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I know you and your determination. When you put your mind to something, you accomplish your goals.”

“But I don’t know anything about ruling a country.”

“I doubt William and Penelope will walk away and leave you struggling to find your way. I think they will help you learn everything you need to know to be a fair and just leader.”

“And you?”

“What about me?”

Trixie sat up and looked Jim in the eye. “Will you help me?”

“I would do whatever you needed me to do.” Jim reached up and played with a curl that had fallen loose.

“Really?”

“Trixie, I want you to know you mean the world to me. I’ve wanted to date you for a while, but I had to wait until you turned 16. Mr. Belden thought that would be soon enough and I wasn’t going to argue with him. And on your birthday, I was going to ask you out on a date.”

“You were?” Trixie asked, surprised.

Jim nodded. “I have this feeling that we were destined to meet.”

“And now you’re stuck with me.”

“I don’t call it being stuck. I call it an honor.”

“Don’t joke.”

“I’m not,” Jim said. “I mean every word of it. Of course, I would’ve preferred to have dated for while, completed college and got the school established before being engaged, but I don’t have to stick with a plan.”

“So, you’re not mad this all happened?”

“I can’t be mad because neither of us have any control of the royal traditions that this country follows. While it was a surprise, I would not do anything to embarrass you. Tradition dictates that we are engaged and I will follow it.”

Trixie reached over and hugged Jim, feeling a sense of relief that she wouldn’t be facing the future with someone she didn’t know. Jim would help her as they embarked on this future together.

“Thank you,” Trixie said.

“You’re welcome,” Jim said, holding her tight. “I love you, Trixie.”

“I love you, Jim.”

The next morning Jim and Trixie made their way down to the dining room. As they stepped into the room, they saw everyone else was already seated, enjoying a warm breakfast.

“There you two are,” William said. “We wondered if you had a run away.”

“We tried, but decided we should stick around,” Trixie said. “We figured we wouldn’t have as much fun elsewhere.”

“Did you two get any sleep?” Madeleine asked.

Jim and Trixie exchanged looks as they sat down. Trixie asked, “Sleep?”

“What’s that?” Jim asked.

“You were up all night?” Matthew asked.

“We had a lot to talk about,” Jim said, taking his napkin off the table and placing it on his lap.

“Like what?” Honey pressed.

“Our wedding,” Trixie said.

Silence settled in the room as everyone looked at the two of them.

“You’ve been making wedding plans?” Madeline asked in a soft voice.

“We are engaged,” Trixie said. “Making wedding arrangements is the next step to the ceremony.”

“But you’re only 16,” Penelope said. “You don’t have to get married right away.”

“Well, we talked about it and figured if I was going to be crowned queen, it would probably be better if we were married from the start,” Trixie said. “That way no one can say Jim is marrying me for the title.”

“What about college?” Matthew asked. “You have at least two years until you complete your bachelors and several more years to get your masters and Ph.D.”

“I don’t need college if I’m going to be king,” Jim said.

Madeleine’s eyes rolled in her head and she slumped in her chair in a faint.

“Mother!” Jim exclaimed.

Everyone moved to her side as Matthew quickly dipped his napkin in his water glass. He dabbed at her temples and then at her wrists.

After a few moments her eyelids began to flutter.

“Mother, are you all right?” Jim asked, crouching beside her chair.

“What happened?” she asked, looking about dazedly.

“What do you remember, darling?” Matthew asked.

“We had just arrived for breakfast,” Madeleine replied.

“Maybe we should go back to our room,” Matthew suggested.

“I’ll help,” Jim said.

As they left the dining room with Honey, Trixie looked at the other adults. “Maybe we should talk.”

“I think that’s a very good idea,” William said.

“Try not to get into any trouble,” Peter joked as the adults followed Trixie out of the dining room to the study.

The adults settled in the chairs once the doors were closed. Trixie looked at all of them. “I’m sorry. My attitude and comments last night were inappropriate. My life has really changed in just a few months and it’s taking a lot out of me as I try to adjust.” She looked at William and Penelope. “I’ve been getting overwhelmed and I unfortunately took my frustrations out on both of you and I’m really sorry. You didn’t deserve that and you will never know how truly sorry I am.”

“We understand,” William said. “We really do. We know this transition was not going to be easy.”

“But I should’ve thought before I spoke and I hope you will forgive me.”

“You are forgiven,” Penelope said.

“And I want to let you know that Jim and I were only joking about the wedding plans. We were trying to lighten the mood and never meant to upset anyone.”

“So, you’re not getting married?” Helen asked.

“Not right now,” Trixie said. “We spent some time talking and we came up with a  proposition if all of you would agree to it.”

“What kind of propositions?” William asked.

“Before Trixie could respond, there was a knock on the door. She moved to the door and pulled it open to reveal Jim.

He stepped into the room and said, “Mother and Dad are coming down.”

“Is your mother all right?” William asked.

“She’s okay,” Jim said. “She knows the wedding isn’t for a while.”

Matthew and Madeleine entered the room, closing the door behind them.

“Sorry,” Trixie said as she looked at Madeleine.

She smiled in return. “It’s all right.”

“So, since Matthew and Madeleine are here, what is this proposition you have?” William asked.

Trixie looked at Jim who nodded. She looked back at the adults.

“Last night, Jim and I did a lot of talking. We are both aware that the traditions of this country need to be upheld, from the engagement to me taking the crown. Knowing how important our future role is, we were hoping that you all would agree with us on a way to better prepare for what is to come.”

“What do you have in mind?” Penelope asked.

“I was hoping you would allow me to graduate from high school and attend college with a degree in political science so that when I do take my place as queen, I will have plenty of knowledge to be successful in leading our people to even more greatness.”

“And I would continue with my education, making sure I have my degree when she is done,” Jim said.

Trixie and Jim looked at the adults, wondering what they were thinking. They could not read the expressions on their faces. They glanced at one another fearing the worst.

“So, you both want to continue your education and put the duties and needs of the people on the shelf until you’re ready to rule?” Penelope asked.

“That’s not it,” Trixie said quickly.

“That’s right,” Jim said. “We’re not blowing off our responsibilities. We want to have a hand in the running of things, but we know that to be most successful, we need to finish our education.”

“But what happens in the meantime?” William asked.

“We were hoping you would continue on as rulers until I finish my education,” Trixie said. “That way there wouldn’t be a lapse in a governing body.”

“This is something we are going to need to discuss at length,” William said.

“We understand,” Trixie said. “And we will accept whatever decision you make.”

“All right,” William said. “Why don’t you let us talk this over?”

“Would it be all right if we went out for a bit?” Trixie asked.

”Go ahead,” Penelope said. “We’ll talk again later.”

Trixie smiled. “Thank you.”

Trixie and Jim left the study.

By early afternoon, Trixie was exhausted. They had seen some of the historic buildings and tried some of the native fruits and dishes. They had fun interacting with the people knowing they were only being seen as tourists, not the future leaders of the country.

But the events of the previous day and the lack of sleep were catching up to her.

The other Bob-Whites offered to return to the mansion with Trixie, but she told them to continue their sightseeing. She said she’d call for a car for herself and head back. Jim claimed fatigue as well and promised he’d see the others later.

Once the others were off, they called for a car and purchased a couple drinks while they waited.

“I wonder what they have decided,” Trixie said as they sat at a table with a blue umbrella at an outdoor café.

“They have a lot to think about,” Jim said. “What they decide affects both of us. It can’t be easy.”

“I’m just afraid they won’t understand what finishing my education means to me,” Trixie said. “I don’t have the knowledge to lead yet.”

“I think they understand that and hopefully realize that getting the basics would help.”

The car arrived at that moment and they climbed into the back seat. Once their seatbelts were secured, the car pulled away from the curb.

Trixie turned in her seat so that she could face Jim.

“I’ve been thinking that if they decide I can’t continue my education in the states they would maybe agree to let the wedding wait until your education is complete.”

“Trix, if they don’t want you to go back to school, I’m not going to leave you behind,” Jim said. “We are engaged and we are in this together.”

“But I don’t want you to miss out on your degree.”

“I can always find a college here and complete my degree.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to, Trixie. I’d do anything for you.”

Trixie offered Jim a small smile. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

Trixie turned back and Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, feeling safe and secure with Jim.

That evening, Trixie made her way down to dinner. She didn’t recall getting back to the mansion or making her way into her room. She had a feeling Jim had settled her for a nap.

She wondered if they adults had come to a decision. She hoped so because she didn’t think she could wait. Reaching the first floor she saw Jim waiting for her.

“Are you ready for dinner?”

“I’m starving,” Trixie admitted as she took Jim’s arm.

“Well, from what I heard we are in for a feast tonight.”

“Is everyone else already in the dining room?”

“There’s something different tonight.”

Trixie gave Jim a quick glance, confused at his words.

They stepped into the dining room and saw the long table had been replaced by a small round table. There was a blue tablecloth with a three piece candelabra set in the center. The lights were turned down low.

Jim turned to face her as he backed into the room. “May I have the honor of your company for dinner tonight?”

Trixie smiled in return. “I would love it.”

Going over to the table, Jim pulled the chair out and allowed her to sit. He pushed the chair in and then settled in the seat across from her.

Taking her napkin, Trixie put it on her lap and asked, “Did you arrange this?”

“I wanted us to have our first date.”

“Oh, Jim, that’s so thoughtful of you.”

“I figured this would be perfect.”

“So, what are we having?” Trixie asked.

“Something special.”

At that moment one of the servants entered the dining room carrying two plates covered with lids. Once they plates were in front of them, they lids were taken off.

“Hamburgers!” Trixie exclaimed.

“I thought a favorite from home would be a treat.”

Trixie reached over and squeezed Jim’s hand. “This is perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

They dug into the meal and talked about inconsequential things.  They kept the mood light, not wanting to discuss the topic that was forefront in their minds.

When dinner was over, they left the dining room and went into the gardens. Torches had been set up along the patch, lighting the way.

Trixie walked with her arm in Jim’s, comfortable at just being with him. She was certain she could face anything that came her way with Jim.

It was a beautiful evening and the stars seemed so bright. Trixie felt everything was going to be perfectly perfect.

The temperature began to dip, leaving them both chilled. They made their way back to the house and continued along the first floor.

They neared the study and heard laughter from the adults. With a quick glance at one another, they stopped in the doorway.

“What’s so funny?” Trixie asked.

“There you are,” Penelope said.

“How was your day?” Helen asked.

“It was nice,” Trixie admitted.

“We had fun,” Jim admitted.

“That’s good,” Penelope said.

“And we’re glad you stopped by,” William said. “We were hoping to talk to you both.”

“You’ve made a decision?” Trixie asked.

“We’ve done a lot of talking and think we’ve come up with a solution that will be agreed upon by everyone.”

Trixie looked at all of the adults, trying to gauge what their decision was. But she couldn’t read their faces and feared the worst.

The silence was palpable. “Well?”

“While we understand your desire to continue your formal education, we know that the skills that you need to learn cannot be obtained in a classroom,” William said, and Trixie felt her heart sink.

“The role of princess and future queen can only be learned while being actively involved in the daily processes of the nation,” Penelope said.

“I understand,” Trixie said. “But I do hope you will allow us to wait on the wedding until Jim finishes his degree. Having his education will be a benefit to me and this country.”

“Trixie, I said I would stay with you. We are engaged and we will do this together.”

“Actually, son,” Matthew said. “You will be returning to the university to complete your education.”

“You decided this without any input from me?” Jim demanded.

“Son, you need to let us finish,” Madeleine said.

“What else are you going to tell us?” Jim asked. “The wedding is tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow is too soon for a wedding,” Penelope said. “Next week is soon enough.”

“What?” Jim and Trixie asked simultaneously.

The adults laughed.

“We’re kidding,” Helen said.

“Jim, you will return to the university and finish your degree,” Madeleine said.

“As will Trixie,” Penelope said.

“Really?” Trixie asked, staring at the queen.

Penelope nodded. “Your education is important and it will be a benefit to you when you are crowned queen.”

“So, you will return to the states and attend school,” William said. “But during your summer and holiday breaks, you will return here to focus on the customs and traditions dear to this land.”

“I understand,” Trixie said, trying to control the happiness in her voice. “Thank you so much. This means a lot to me.”

“To both of us,” Jim said. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” William said.

The happiness bubbled forth and Trixie moved over to the adults. Without warning, she hugged William and Penelope first. Then Peter and Helen, with Matthew and Madeleine last.

She had a feeling her future was going to be all right.