The following Saturday night, Talbot led Hannah through the bayou and then to the bank of grand Mississippi River. Through the trees as soon as Talbot could see some light in the distance he stopped and said, "Now is the time to put on your blindfold."
"My what?"
"Turn around. You will have to trust me." She did trust him. And she did turn around. He tied a silk scarf covering her eyes and he took her hand. Putting his other arm around her waist to make her feel secure. He walked slowly through the wooded area and to the shoreline of the grand river. She could hear water lapping up against the shore. He positioned her in one particular spot. "There." He announced. Then slowly taking off her blindfold he moved to stand beside her and take her hand.
Hannah shrieked in exaltation. For there before her eyes was a riverboat. Not just any riverboat. The most magnificent riverboat, undoubtedly, in all of history. It was lit by what seemed like a thousand candles and trimmed in fresh flowers.
On the deck was a table laid with white crisp linen table cloth, crystal, silver, china, and more candles and flowers. And one violinist. All waiting for her arrival.
"Table for two awaits, M'lady." Talbot gave Hannah his arm in mock formality, she accepted in mock formality also, beaming and they walked up the gangplank onto their waiting vessel.
Talbot teases, "This is not the largest vessel I have been in command of but certainly the most romantic." And they laughed together. Something that they did easily and naturally.
The huge wheel at the back of the vessel started to turn like the water wheel of a flour mill. The water rose and fell and the vessel started to move gently and slowly down the river. As the vessel moved away from shore the only sound that could be heard was the violinist.
Enchanting.
The entire affair was quiet elegance. Dinner was served quietly. The riverboat moved down the river silently.
"Guess what was arranged for dinner?" Talbot asked Hanna with humour.
"Steak!" She answered quickly clapping her hands together.
Hours later Hannah and Talbot sat across the small round table with the candles sparkling in their eyes, Talbot took Hannah's hand, without fanfare, without the ceremonial, down on one knee, but from the heart, asked one simple question,
"Hannah, will you be mine?"
With tears of joy on the edge Hannah responded with one word,
"Forever."
Said with passion and from the heart!
Talbot slipped the ten carat ring on her finger, this time with permanence. He stood up with her hand still in his and said,
"Dance with me."
In each other's arms sealing their love in an all encompassing kiss they danced.
