2

That same morning, in Spain. A young man was arguing with his father about getting married.

    "Father, I do not wish to marry so soon. I am only twenty-three years old. Why the rush anyway, you are still a young guy, yourself."

      "Felipe, please, for once don't question me. I'm not telling you to go propose to the first girl you see on the street. I know you don't want to give up your girls, so you can have as many mistresses as you like. Huh, look, Felipe, you need to marry. It's what's best. But, I'm sending you off. You can take Carlos and Emilio and go wherever you like. There's a catch, though, don't you dare come back unless you have a lady you plan to marry. Is that understood?"

     "Yes, father. I understand. I will let the boys know. Do I have a time limit on my wife hunting?"

“One year.”

    "Okay, father. I'll try. See you in a year then."

Felipe left his father and left to find his two friends, Carlos, and Emilio. He couldn't believe his father was rushing him into getting married. At least with this opportunity, he'd go to the place he's always wanted to go, France. Maybe they'd get lucky and there would be a ball that night. He could only hope. And perhaps he would find a special someone in France, then again, maybe he wouldn't. He could only wait and see. He was lucky to find Carlos at Emilio's place, so he could tell them at once. This way, they could be on the road for France in a few hours. When he entered the house, he was shown to the parlor room where Carlos and Emilio were. 

   "Hey, how the talk with your father go?"

   "You're not going to believe this, but he wants me to get married."

    "What!!? All right, what did you tell him?"

    "I told him there was no way I was getting married. But get this, instead of getting mad like he usually does, he made me a deal. It involves all three of us."

    "Oh no. You didn't get Carlos and me in trouble too, did you?"

    "Of course not. Boys, we are going to France. After that, anywhere we want. Father said that I have one year to find a wife and I can go anywhere I want. He said I can take both of you with me. "

    "I'm up for a road trip. Get away from here for a year. What do you say, Carlos?"

    "Yeah, I'm up for it. Just don't let Maria catch wind that you’re looking for a wife, Felipe."

   "Maria is one mistake I wish I could undo and forget. Lord help me if she finds out I'm looking for a wife."

   "When do we leave, Felipe?"

   "A few hours. We will have a carriage to put our things in and for Carlos; since he's scared of horses. Emilio, you and I will ride."

Felipe left, and Carlos left not long after. All three friends packed, got as much money as they thought they would need, and waited for the carriage. Felipe was so excited that he was finally getting to go to France. When all three friends had everything ready and packed, they left and headed for France. In less than four hours, they crossed the border into France. Everyone kept talking about a Lord Simon De Grace and the ball he was throwing tonight for his daughter. Felipe was the only one that could speak fluent French. Carlos and Emilio spoke it, but not as well. They were taught English as well, just in case they might need it one day. They came to the first town, which was buzzing with activity, and decided to rent a small house. They wanted to go to the ball tonight, and they had to get ready.