Clara grinned at Benjamin, who was frowning in the mirror as he tried for the third time to straighten his cravat. She came up behind him, untying and retying the knot to make it look perfect.

"Did Mr. Brummell pick this out for you?" Clara said, giving him a hand up from his chair and handing him his crutches.

"He gave me no choice. Said he'd burn the rest of my clothes if he had to," Benjamin grumbled, pulling at the cloth around his neck to loosen it, feeling it cut off his ability to breathe. 

Clara giggled. "You will do rather dashing."

Benjamin made his way over to their bed and sat upon it. "This whole affair is stuff and nonsense."

"The Queen wishes to honor the work you've done for the Crown. How is that stuff and nonsense?" 

"Because I spent my entire time working in secret. If I was looking for fame or fortune, I would have become a pirate, like James."

Clara laughed. "Even my writer's mind cannot imagine that."

"Why not? I need only to trade this prosthetic for a peg leg and I believe I'd fit right in."

Clara knelt down before Benjamin to help him buckle it into place. When he wore it, he walked with a limp, but he worked day and night to walk without the use of a cane or a crutch. 

He enjoyed the stories it created–an old war wound acting up, a fall from a horse. He even heard one new member at Whites say he had an Uncle whose one leg was slightly shorter than the other and maybe that was the reason. However, Benjamin was grateful it allowed him to walk, standing tall, especially when Clara was walking beside him.

"Must we go?" Benjamin asked as Clara lowered his pant leg and helped him put on his boots.

"Yes, Benjamin. You are to be knighted. You have secured my future and our daughter."

Just the mention of his angel brought a smile to Benjamin's lips. Clara frowned at him. "That smile used to belong to me."

Benjamin's smile widened. "True, but you must share it now."

Clara sighed, pretending offense. "If I must."

Benjamin rose and held his hand out to help Clara from the floor. He held onto her hand and brought it to his lips. "She may have me wrapped around her little finger, but I promise there is enough room for you both in my heart."

Clara pouted. "I don't want to leave her behind during the ceremony."

"Then don't."

Frustrated, Clara looked upon Benjamin as if he were daft. 

"I cannot bring her. What if she carries on? It would so displease the Queen to have such an interruption.  We have no idea how many people may be attending. Who knows what disease I may expose her to?"

Benjamin chuckled. "Then leave her here. I'm certain her aunts will take wonderful care of her."

"Annabelle!" Clara knew she had to talk to her before they left. Only she wasn't able to take another step as Benjamin grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him. 

Not expecting to resist, Clara came to him quicker than either had expected and they fell upon the bed, Clara landing on top of Benjamin, who groaned with the pain of her elbow digging into his side.

"Well, that didn't go quite as I planned." He chuckled and Clara laughed with him. 

"No, I imagine not, but it does bring up certain possibilities."

"None we can indulge in at the moment."

"Afraid I'll mess up your cravat?" Clara teased.

The glint of passion Clara had seen in Benjamin's eyes colored her cheeks. "Not at all. So long as you don't care that I'll muss up your hair."

Benjamin reached for her and Clara exclaimed, "Don't you dare!" but it was too late, he already buried deep his fingers in her tresses as he pulled her face close for a rather passionate kiss.

"Oh, for Heaven's sake! There is time enough for that later!" Annabelle said upon entering the room, her niece balanced on her hip. "You'll both be late!"

Benjamin rolled Clara off of him to his other side and rose from the bed. "You're right, of course, Annabelle. And I must say goodbye to this little one."

The moment his eyes were upon her, the child reached out for him. Annabelle sighed but handed her over and sat beside her sister on the bed.

"You have the worst timing in the world," Clara said, still lying there staring up at the ceiling.

"Just wait until she starts walking. You'll never be alone again," Annabelle predicted.

Clara propped herself up on her elbows. She watched transfixed, Benjamin cooing and cuddling their daughter. The child's face was alight with love for her father. Her little hands reached out for his cheeks, and she laughed as he rubbed his nose against hers.

Clara giggled. "I expect not." She sat up and asked, "Is the carriage here?"

"Mr. Brummell is waiting downstairs," Annabelle informed her. "Richard and Juliana will be here to celebrate after."

"I'm sorry you all can't attend. The request was only immediate family. I'm still wondering how Mr. Brummell got himself an invitation."

"He is Mr. Beau Brummell. I don't think he needs an invitation. Besides, I'd rather stay with the children and it will give us a chance to get things ready for your return."

Clara kissed her sister's cheek. "Thank you for all your help."

"Of course."

Clara approached her two most favorite people, and she hugged them both. "Come now, Serena, we must go but we will be home soon."

Serena gave her mother her pouty face when she took her away from Benjamin, causing both Clara and Benjamin to laugh. Benjamin kissed Serena on the top of her head. "We will be back soon little one, I promise."

Clara kissed her cheek and handed Serena to her aunt.

"Come now, Dove. We must get going."

Clara blew her angel a kiss and Annabelle followed them to the door and together they waved goodbye to Serena's parents.

"You know I'm one for being fashionable late, but not even I would test the Queen's patience."

"Couldn't be helped," Benjamin said, taking Clara's hand in his, causing her to blush again.

"Yes, I'm sure," Mr. Brummell with disinterest.

Together, the threesome traveled to Windsor Castle. An ambassador to the crown met them upon their arrival. He prepped Benjamin on the ways he was to act and respond during the ceremony. He paused when he got to the knighting.

"You normally kneel on a stool to be knighted, however, if your... condition prevents this; the Queen is prepared..."

"That won't be necessary," Benjamin told him, "I will manage."

"Very well then. Follow me."

Clara and Mr. Brummell followed Benjamin out to the courtyard of Windsor Castle and were told where to stand. They had seen Her Majesty's Throne in the middle of the courtyard, along with the knighting stool.

Clara and Mr. Brummell stood back and Benjamin walked until there was about half the distance between himself and the kneeler.

Bagpipes played, and the Queen came out of the castle with Lady Pembrook and two guards to escort her.

She took up position in front of her throne and Benjamin bowed and stepped forward until he reached the kneeler.

A guard handed Queen Charlotte her husband's sword. She approached Benjamin, and he kneeled. 

Despite what he said to Clara, Benjamin always dreamed of becoming a knight since he was a child. He knew it was more ceremonial than the ritual performed by the knights of old, but he pledged the code of chivalry in his heart.

Queen Charlotte drew the sword, tapping Benjamin on the right, then the left shoulder and with that simple gesture, Mr. Benjamin McAllister had become Sir Benjamin McAllister.

The guard took back the sword to place it in its sheath and handed the Queen a shield. Which she then presented to Benjamin once he rose from the kneeler and his wife and friend had joined him.

"You have given everything to guard the realm. For all your years of devotion and service to the crown, I present you with your own shield bearing your family's crest. May you flourish under its protection."

"Queen Charlotte, this is a great honor. I thank you and my family thanks you," Benjamin said taking the shield from her.

"I wish you had told me you had already wed. Perhaps we could have avoided..." Queen Charlotte looked pointedly at his leg.

"If it had not happened, you may have never let me go," Benjamin teased, surprising those around him.

The Queen's stoic appearance broke as she showed just a hint of a smile. "You know me all too well. It is hard to find people you can truly trust to come through for you when you need it most. I never had to fear with you."

"Lady McAllister," the queen addressed Clara with her new title.

"Yes, your Highness?" Clara said, stepping forward.

"Lady Pembrook and I were wondering if you would do us the honor of signing our copies of your book?"

Clara's face flushed with color. "Of... of course. It would be my pleasure."

Lady Pembrook approached with two copies of "When Disaster Strikes" her epic tale of Claremont's adventures, although she had renamed her main character. 

"It was simply riveting," Lady Pembrook said, offering her book to be signed.

"Thank you, Lady Pembrook."

"Yes, quite, but rather fantastical. One boy going through so much. I highly doubt someone could survive such an ordeal," said the Queen.

"Of course, you are right," said Mr. Brummell, "but it makes for a sensational read."

"Quite," the Queen agreed and with that, the Queen nodded and said her farewells before exiting the courtyard with her entourage.

The ambassador led them back to their carriage, which was ready and waiting for them. Clara still could not believe the Queen had read her book. It had quickly risen to be one of London's top-selling novels. She was grateful for Richard's tutoring on how to negotiate the best price for herself, as well as Cyril for taking the time to make sure her contract was fair.

The family was all present to give their praise and congratulations. They sat down to a marvelous meal together and there was nothing but laughter and smiles all around. As Clara gazed upon them, her heart swelled. This is what she always dreamed of. What she always wanted since she was a child. Family.

Serena crawled over to her mother and motioned for her to pick her up. Clara gathered her up in her arms and gave her daughter a squish. "Bored? Would you like someone to play with? You know all your cousins are here tonight."

Clara stepped away from the table and sat among the two younger children who were playing with their toys. Annabelle's two older sons were playing cards at a side table. Benjamin soon joined her.

Charles climbed into his lap. Benjamin looked at Clara and watched her play dolls with Serena and Annabelle's youngest. Clara caught him staring at her and she smiled. "What?"

"Nothing," Benjamin told her, "just you, surrounded by children, looks... right."

Clara laughed. "Is this your way of telling me you are willing to try for another?"

"I think I'd be open to the discussion."

"Hmm, and I'm certain the trying as well."

Benjamin shook his head. "Enticing words from an even more enticing woman."

"I couldn't agree more."

Benjamin looked up and saw Captain McCullen standing in his parlor. "What the devil are you doing here?" Benjamin set Charles down to play, so he could rise to greet his old friend. Clara stood up with Serena.

"Clara had sent word about your being knighted. I had to come," McCullen said.

Upon noticing Serena McCullen grinned and winked his eye at her. "Well, hello there dew drop." To Clara's surprise, Serena reached out for him. McCullen looked equally surprised.

"May I?"

Clara nodded and handed the baby to him. Serena giggled.

"And so, it begins. Looks like our daughter has a thing for pirates," Clara said, giggling.

Serena's father glowered at the Captain. "Not on my watch."

McCullen snuggled Serena, tickling her feet causing a fit of laughter. "Poor thing, you won't see the light of day until you're an old maid, with him watching over you."

"Don't worry, she takes after her mother," Clara teased. "It's interesting how at ease you are with her. Any chances of you settling down?" 

"Me? You of all people should know there's only one love in my life."

Clara shyly looked away. Benjamin wondered and McCullen laughed. "No worries, Friend. My only mistress is the sea."

The captain handed over Serena to Benjamin. He spotted the McAllister family crest and picked up the shield. "Impressive. What now, Benjamin? Are your adventures truly over?"

Holding his daughter in his arms, Benjamin took Clara's hand and brought her fingers to his lips, placing a kiss upon them. "Oh no, James. I'm certain my adventures have only just begun."