our love blooms (like flowers in the spring)

status quo

status quo
[ˌsteɪ.təs ˈkwəʊ]
: the existing state of affairs

Jack sits down on the breakfast table. He sat on the head of the table as man of the house. His mother sat on his right side.

"Good morning, Mother." He greets her quietly.

"Good morning."

Jack looks at Mrs. Hanson. "Have you obtained any response?"

"It is still too early for correspondence to arrive, my lord. Perhaps this afternoon." She explains calmly.

"Correspondence for what exactly?" His mother asks curiously.

Jack looks at her. "The king. I have requested a meeting with him." He says it casually.

Kristin looks taken aback."Why are you meeting with his highness?"

"Worry not; all will be revealed in its due time." He reassures as he picks a grape.

"I fear you are becoming... unruly. You do not sleep in your bed. There were..." She looks away from home, "noises coming out of your office last night. If you are to..." she struggles to find the right words, "indulge yourself, do not do it so shamelessly in the house."

Jack clears his throat as the tips of his ears turn red. "It will not happen again. I will make sure of it."

"I understand you are still young and an eligible bachelor. However, this would not be happening if you were already married."

The Viscount sighs. "I will marry this year. It is certain." He confirms. "I have been working in that direction." And succeeding.

Kristin raises an eyebrow. "So you have found a wife?" She asks.

"I have not found a wife. Again, all will be revealed in its due time. It is still far too early to bring some things into light." He tries to settle her nerves.

She sighs. "I beg of you to refrain from doing anything that would jeopardise our status."

Jack scoffs. "Our status has been jeopardised ever since you married your husband."

"Do not speak of Darrin that way!" She raises her voice.

"Please, let us not pretend he is an example of class and good manners." His tone is sarcastic as he crosses his arms. "I doubt anybody considers him a proper Baron. And you speak of me? Jeopardising our status?"

"Jack Robert, that is enough."

"Even if I jeopardised our status, I could do it far more graciously than he ever could." He stands up. "Prepare yourself for major news. Things will change drastically in his household."

***

Jack sat in his office working when a knock on the door was heard. "My lord, may I enter?" It was Mrs. Hanson's voice.

"Yes, Mrs. Hanson." He sends the governess in.

She enters the room and clears her throat. "A letter has arrived for you. From the palace, my lord."

Jack immediately stands up and stretches his hand out. He opens it as fast as he can.

"Dear Viscount Torrington..." He trails off. "...you are meet with his royal highness, tomorrow the twenty-seventh of march eighteen sixteen." He pauses as his eyes widen. "Today is the twenty-seventh!" He exclaims.

"I shall send the maids to get your finest suit, my lord."

"Immediately, please. A carriage, too!" The woman lifts her dress and runs.