Invasion from the Appleverse

32. Public Holiday

Henri beamed as the little raspberry girl nervously approached him and handed over the bouquet of flowers.

'These are for you Herr Baron,' she whispered. 'From zer town in gratitude for all zat you have done for us.'

The goatee bearded apple crouched down and patted the girl's head. 'Thank you my dear.'

Mayor Melonbaum stepped forward clapping, as the camera flashes erupted. Henri stood straight, took the Mayor's proffered hand and they both turned to smile warmly at the press, as more flashes went off.

Then the Mayor stepped forward and raised his hand for silence. 'Good citizens, I thank you and so too does our beloved Master. Not only does his magnificence guide us with his just and benevolent hand, giving us rules and guidelines to live by so we may be our best and most efficient selves ... Not only does our most charitable lord look to the moral and physical welfare of us, his beloved subjects, stocking our largest lake with drink, feeding and housing our poor by his gracious charity, so that none may want for food or drink, but furthermore ... the Lord Henri has also recently brought to justice a fearsome murderer who struck here in our own sleepy little mountain hamlet of Applestadt! We are safer this day then before and we owe it all to the Baron.'

A massive cheer went up around the square. Captain Rudyard Bean's eyes scanned around, checking for his men, seeing that they were circulating and observing for malcontents and agitators - those who looked miserable and were not cheering for their lord and master. His gaze caught that of Igor and each exchanged a nod - The Captain's a respectful acknowledgment and Igor, equally respectful that the head of the Bean guards was carrying out his task with efficient zeal.

Back on the podium, various guests and dignitaries were coming forward to smile and shake Henri's hand before making a brief speech praising the Baron and his accomplishments.

To wild applause Henri declared today a public holiday and then brought his son Jean Pierre to the front, where he lifted the boy onto his shoulders after kissing both his cheeks and telling the crowd that this was his acknowledged son who he had only just found out about.

'The foul murderer Grapevyk kept this knowledge from me for a decade,' Henri related with heart rendering sincerity. 'Yet another of his monstrous crimes!'

As a sigh of sympathy went up from the crowd, Henri raised a hand. The silence was instantaneous. 'Thank you my beloved people. I must admit to my youthful folly. I am not perfect!'

Shocked gasps emanated from the crowd and several voices called out 'No my lord, no!!'

The goatee bearded apple continued. 'My son was produced from my love affair with the beautiful Gina. Yes, I knew she was married, but the heart wants what the heart wants.'

Women in the front row sighed in sympathy of their handsome young lord.

'I cannot stand here today and say that my affair was wrong, for without it, Jean Pierre would not be here.' He lifted the boy up again and the crowd cheered.

One blackberry shouted out. 'God bless and keep you master!'

Another shouted. 'Long live the little master.'

Henri held up his hand again. His eyes were teary and full of emotion. 'Thank you my dear friends. Your love and support means the world to me and now my boy will grow up as he was meant to be ... surrounded by family.'

He waved his hand to indicate to the crowd that the Dowager was sitting in her chair on the platform, with Cesare standing behind him. Several other cousins including Georges Apfel-Strudl stood close. All that remained of the clan with the exception of Henri's mother who had been committed by his father a long time ago and was too unwell in mind and body to attend.

The crowd knew that the Dowager's presence was significant. She was giving approval to the public acknowledgment of Jean Pierre, just by being here. What they didn't know was that Henri had made it a condition of his silence in the affair of the dead Count. Grandmere had decided to tactically acquiesce as part of her own designs. Significantly Lady Griselda Du Pomme, her mother the Lady Agnes and brother the Duc Du Pomme were standing near the Applestadt's on the platform and many women in the crowd were hoping for a romantic conclusion to the matter and that Lady Griselda would end up as the new mistress of the Schloss Von Applestadt.

Henri cleared his throat. 'And now we come to the apex of today's festivities. I would like to afterwards invite you all to a buffet feast at the town hall to celebrate my son's adoption of the name and title of the Hon Jean Pierre Von Applestadt.'

He knelt down by the boy and whispered. 'You know what must happen now my son. You will be strong as we discussed?'

Jean Pierre nodded. 'Yes Papa.'

Henri beckoned to the little raspberry girl. 'Come here my dear?'

She nervously stepped forward and Henri lifted her up. 'To this little one, shall go the honour.'

A sigh of affection went up from the women in the crowd and a cheer from the men.

The little girl approached the lever and at Henri's signal pulled it, opening the trap door and sending Gary Grapevyk plummeting down.

Henri lifted the girl up again and she beamed with delight as the crowd cheered.

The Baron set her down and turned to the mic one last time. 'Come my friends, watch as Applestadt justice takes place and then to the town hall. Eat! Drink! Be Merry.'

Twenty minutes later both square and podium were cleared except for Igor and the Captain.

The faithful retainer turned to 'Runner' and nodded again. 'The master has instructed that he swing until this time tomorrow. Post some guards and then join us at the buffet.'

The Captain inclined his head. 'As you say Mr Igor, as you say.'