At first, the girls talked little, but as time went by, they opened up to one another and began to share their thoughts and feelings. They were a world apart in backgrounds, but they found common ground because of their age and their loneliness.
It was heaven for Lauren to giggle and exchange secrets with another girl. There had been no one since Simone, and once more she felt whole. For Eugenie the experience was different. It took her days before she could relax and contribute anything at all, but slowly she let her guard down. Ridicule about her deformity and years of slavery had taken its toll on her trust, but gradually the barriers eroded, and the girl opened up. The two would stand by the fire and chop vegetables or knead bread talking and giggling until Madame's bell would ring, and Lauren would have to leave.
Lauren continued to care for Eugenie‘s burns, and one evening when she peeked under the bandage she said, "We will see what Marianne has to say, but I think that you are almost healed.”
She ladled some water into a basin and gathered Marianne's medicines together, so she could dress the wound one last time. Eugenie's dark eyes followed Lauren as she moved around the kitchen talking and laughing. The girl marveled at the energy of her new French friend. It was not Eugenie's nature to be impulsive like Lauren, yet she gave as much of herself as she could.
"You would have loved the New Year dance at the Bernard home," said Lauren throwing a soiled bandage into the fire, "Oh, I wish I could go back to that night."
Lauren began to reel around the kitchen holding an imaginary partner. "It was the first time I ever danced, Eugenie. It was wonderful! Rene took me out under the stars and--"
"And you were caught by Monsieur Lupone," scolded Eugenie.
"You certainly know how to ruin a good story," said Lauren scowling. She dabbed a cloth in the basin of water and began to clean the girl's wounds.
"Rene was here to see you again this morning," said Eugenie.
"I suppose I was upstairs with Madame as usual," said Lauren.
"Yes, I think you were dressing her at that time."
"Oh," Lauren sighed, dabbing a poultice on the blisters, "I wish I could get away from here, even if it was only for an hour. I feel too young to be buried here."
The reflection from the fire danced over the girls as they sat deep in thought.
"I've been thinking, Lauren. Why can't Marianne and I take care of Madame while you go out some afternoon with Rene?"
"Oh, yes,” said Lauren sarcastically. “You have nothing better to do than to take on my work.”
“We could do it,” Eugenie protested.
“I won’t let you and Marianne do my work for me," she said indignantly.
"Then do our work sometime, so we can get away too."
Lauren straightened up and smiled, "Do you suppose we could do such a thing?"
"I don't see why not," returned the girl.
"Oh!" cried Lauren, grabbing Eugenie’s hands. “You’re brilliant! But what if Monsieur comes home?”
"Well--" Eugenie said, biting her lip, "Let's see. Of course! Take the dogs with you! We shall say you are walking the dogs, and when it’s our turn you can say we are at market."
"Oh Eugenie, you are wonderful!" cried Lauren, hugging her friend.
The following day Lauren finished her work as quickly as possible and settled Madame down for the afternoon. She removed her apron, put on a straw hat and tied the green ribbons under her chin into a smart bow.
Marianne was in the kitchen when Lauren burst in. The old woman stopped turning the spit and marveled at the girl. Lauren had chosen a flowered waist with a green skirt Anne had made for her. She wore a pale yellow linen neckerchief tucked smartly into the matching green bodice. She had tied her auburn hair into a loose knot at the back of her head and her cheeks wore a blush of excitement.
"Slow down, slow down girl! Don't you be getting into trouble now," warned Marianne. She could still remember how springtime filled a young girl with fancy.
“I won’t,” promised Lauren as she raced around the kitchen preparing an apple butter sandwich and pouring a mug of milk. She stuffed the bread into her mouth and guzzled down the milk as she ran out the door.
“Don't forget the dogs!" reminded Marianne.
“Oh! I was so excited I almost forgot," she said with her mouth full.
Baroness and Duchess were delighted to go for a walk in the warm afternoon sun. The Great Danes danced and tugged at the leash. With several sharp commands, the dogs settled right down. In spite of Madame's spoiling, Lauren had taught the dogs to respect her, and they knew that she would not tolerate insubordination. She opened the gate and turned to look back. There in Madame's window was Marianne waving to her. Eugenie was in the kitchen preparing afternoon chocolate, and Monsieur was at the lead mine. All was going as planned.
Summer had come at last to Kaskaskia, and it seemed like the whole village was alive. It was a grand day, and Lauren marveled at how fresh the air smelled. This time of year in New Orleans the atmosphere grew sultry and the fevers began, but here in Kaskaskia there was new life. There were gardens to tend, crops to plant and new babies being born.
Lauren took the dogs down through town directly to the Lupone home. Anne was on her knees weeding the garden when she came through the gate. She stood up and wiped her hands on her apron smiling broadly. "Well, well I didn't think I was ever going to see you again," she said hugging the girl, "We've all missed you terribly Lauren, but it is Rene who has been lost without you."
Lauren looked down. She had been cold to Rene lately, and she hoped that his feelings had not changed for her. Her heart raced at the thought of seeing him again.
Little Celeste Lupone was sitting at Anne’s feet smiling as she smeared handfuls of mud all over her face and gown. "Look at Celeste!" Lauren laughed and she bent down to pinch the fat cheeks of the toddler.
“Oh, Child!” scolded Anne scooping her up. "Come and sit with me on the porch, and we'll have some cider," the woman said taking Lauren's hand. "The children are scattered everywhere today, so maybe you and I can talk."
It was as if they had never parted, and they chattered about every little bit of news or gossip that came to mind. Suddenly Anne took Lauren’s hand, “My dear, can you ever forgive us? We had no idea what the Aberjon household was like. We never would have sent you had we known.”
Lauren shook her head. “I have grown to love Madame Aberjon, and it has all been for the best.”
Anne did not look convinced, but she allowed Lauren to take the conversation elsewhere. It was good to have the young girl back again, and she realized how much she loved Lauren. Lauren had missed Anne terribly too but never allowed herself to admit it until now. It was as if she had never left.
The dogs panted in the shade of the porch for an hour until at last Lauren stood up to say goodbye. "You must say 'Hello' to Gabriel and Rene before you go," urged Anne, "They are out in the commons."
"I had planned on it," returned Lauren closing the garden gate. She was anxious to see Rene. She waved farewell and headed to the fields holding up her pretty skirts as she walked down the dusty road to the fields.
Gabriel was the first to see Lauren. He smiled and waved. He liked the girl in spite of her careless impulsive ways. She was young and headstrong yet he pitied her lack of peace. He could see that she was restless and unsettled in her heart.
Rene rushed up and took her hands. "It's so good to see you again! You look wonderful! How did you ever get away?"
"I worked something out," she said with a shrug. "Now there will be more time for walks."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow and looked from Lauren to Rene. He knew what walks meant, and he groaned, "Now Rene--"
"Please Father?”
"Well--" he said wagging his finger. "You know the rules. Her cheeks are far too rosy today," and he smiled.
Calling to the Great Danes, they waved goodbye and went down to the river. They sat on the shore talking while eagles circled in the spring sky.
There were canoes and pirogues gliding downstream, and an occasional fish would jump snapping at a bug, but they noticed only each other.
Rene looked wonderful to Lauren. His hair had grown lighter in the summer sun, and his body had grown taut and muscular from tending the crops. She wondered how she could have ever been cold to him with those dimples and that lock of hair falling onto his forehead. It felt heavenly to be young and desirable again, and when Rene kissed her she felt alive once more.
"How often can I see you?" he asked running his hands over her hair and cheeks.
"I can meet you here every other day, at this time," she said.
Rene reached up and pulled the ribbon at her chin. He slid her hat off and began kissing her again, but this time Lauren pushed him away. "It's late. I must go," and she stood up, brushing herself off.
"I'll be here, day after tomorrow," said Rene putting his lips to her hand.
"I will too," smiled Lauren, and she called to the dogs.
* * *
Life held new appeal for Lauren now that she had a diversion. She was more patient with Madame, more attentive to her duties and above all more carefree. She hummed when she picked up the bedroom, cajoled Madame when she threw a temper tantrum and even carried treats in her apron for Baroness and Duchess.
Eugenie was happier too. On the days Lauren stayed home, she would go out, and the brief escapes lightened her heart. There was a world of news for them to share and Marianne took great joy in seeing her girls so happy.
"Eugenie, what did you do yesterday on your afternoon out?" whispered Lauren as the girls were in the scullery stirring a batch of soap.
“I walked to market. I like the smells from the baker's shop, and the fruit at the grocers stand always looks so pretty in the baskets."
"So you are always alone?" asked Lauren.
"Always."
"Sometimes you take Monsieur's supper to him at the mine. Do the workers ever flirt with you there?"
"No, of course not," Eugenie stated avoiding Lauren's eyes as she stirred the soap in the crucible.
Lauren noticed that whenever she quizzed Eugenie on the topic of boys, the girl froze. This time Lauren decided to press the girl, her youthful curiosity getting the better of her.
"Surely there is someone you like."
"No," said Eugenie flatly.
"Oh come now. You will never tell me anything. There must be someone," said Lauren with a devilish smile. "Have you ever been kissed?"
"I don't want to talk about this," lisped Eugenie. She turned and started for the house.
Lauren followed her into the kitchen and watched her chopping turnips. "I know there is someone, and you are keeping it from me,” she teased. “I can feel it. We are best friends and I will not go until I find out.”
Suddenly, Eugenie slammed the knife down on the table and barked, “Mind your own business! Now leave me alone!" The girl’s voice was shaking and her fists clenched.
Lauren was dumbfounded. Her mouth dropped open and she stammered, "I--I’m sorry Eugenie. I was just teasing."
She reached out to touch her shoulder, but Eugenie jerked back. “Well, don’t tease me!" and she left the room.
Fighting back tears, Lauren returned to Madame's boudoir. There was a side to Eugenie she would never understand, and she realized that today she had asked too much of the girl. Lauren would have to accept that there would always be ghosts between them.
* * *
All summer long Lauren met Rene by the river. They would walk hand in hand along the banks of the Kaskaskia whispering confidences and sharing caresses until they found a secluded spot and would drop down into a passionate embrace. Gabriel was unaware of how often the two met, and he would have been alarmed had he known the direction their relationship was heading. Lauren's impulsive nature and Rene's ardor were a dangerous combination, and their visits began to take a serious turn.
"I wish we could run away together, Rene," sighed Lauren as she rolled over onto her back to look at the clouds one fine afternoon. "We could go to Paris or Vienna. It wouldn't matter as long as we were away from here."
A small, red ant crawled up the sleeve of her gown and carefully Rene picked it off turning his attention to her neck and breasts. He slid his lips along her skin, up to her ear and whispered, "Every night we could sleep side by side and awaken to each other in the morning."
"Oh, that would be wonderful," she murmured.
He kissed her and said, "Let's go Lauren. I mean it, just you and me together. We can marry and take the convoy to New Orleans in the spring and from there to Paris."
"Do you mean it?" Lauren said sitting up, looking into his blue eyes. "Do you really mean it?"
"Yes I mean it, Lauren because I love you." He eased her back and pressed his mouth onto hers as he had a hundred times before, but this time something was different. Lauren felt herself losing control. She would not have the strength to refuse his advances this time. Why should I ruin the moment? This is the man I will marry. Nothing matters but Rene.
Chapter 11
It had been a year since Lauren had arrived in Kaskaskia. She marveled at how quickly the months had gone by and how drastically her life had changed since that stormy day in New Orleans. Rene had awakened passion in her, and she felt as if she had left all her schoolgirl notions behind. On rare occasions the guilt of the nuns would haunt her, but she would remind herself that it was fine because Rene was the man she would marry.
By now, her figure had grown to its full maturity. Her limbs were long and graceful, and she was slender and willowy. She was now a young woman capable of giving and receiving pleasure, and she began to realize the power she had over men. Simone had been aware of this power long before Lauren, and she had used it to manipulate the hired boys back at the convent. Simone was born knowing these things, thought Lauren, and she marveled at how advanced her sister had been.
Lauren's thoughts were frequently with Simone, and she longed to see her sister again. Many nights she shed tears of loneliness for her twin, struggling to understand why Simone would want to remain buried at the convent when there was a wide world to explore.
Rene felt as if he knew Simone, Lauren spoke of her so often. He promised to take her to the convent before they left for Paris, and it eased Lauren’s mind to know she would see Simone once more.
A year passing also meant another convoy journeyed to New Orleans. For months, the wives and mothers felt the strain of waiting and worrying, but today they could put their fears to rest. The convoy was downriver and had returned safe and complete, every bateaux in attendance. The whole town rejoiced and turned out to greet the men.
"Are you going down to meet the convoy?" asked Madame the afternoon of the arrival.
She sat in her favorite pink armchair twisting a lace handkerchief anxiously.
"No, I have no one to welcome," Lauren replied tucking in the sheets and shaking out the pink bed curtains.
Josephine Aberjon reached over to her nightstand, opened a drawer and pulled out a letter, "Well I do. This is from my son. He is returning home from his studies in Paris, and he will be with the convoy. I need someone to meet him at the docks and escort him home."
Lauren straightened up staring at Madame with surprise, "I didn't know your son was coming home. Why didn't you tell me?"
Madame looked down and said, "My son is not a topic we discuss in this house. Jean-Baptist and Claude do not see eye to eye. They never have, and I did not want Jean Baptiste to know of his return until the last minute."
"I see," said Lauren as she continued to arrange the bed, "You would like me to go now?"
"Yes, please, dear. Go to the stable and talk to Toussaint. He will get the carriage ready for you."
Lauren went down to the kitchen, took off her apron and put on her straw hat. Marianne looked up from her cooking and said, "Madame is sending you out?”
"Yes, I am to pick up her son from the convoy. He has returned from Paris."
Th
e old woman's jaw dropped. "He has returned. Mon Dieu!"
"Why has no one told me about him?" asked Lauren.
"He is not worth talking about," said Marianne, shaking her head. "He is bad for this family. He is bad for us all."
Lauren stood staring at Marianne, unable to comprehend what she was saying.
"You better go quickly. He won't want to be kept waiting," the woman warned.
Toussaint drove the carriage down to the docks, and reluctantly Lauren stepped out into the afternoon sun. It was a lovely autumn day, but she did not notice the colorful leaves or the fresh crispness to the air. The noise and confusion of the docks bombarded her instead. Men loaded barrels onto carts, tearful wives embraced their husbands, children darted in and out playing tag and slaves laboriously unloaded the bateaux. There was shouting and crying, and the noise was deafening. Lauren wrapped her cloak around herself as if it would protect her from harm and stood by Toussaint, trying to stay out of the way.
"Do you know what he looks like?" she shouted to the old man.
The slave nodded. He remembered Claude Aberjon too well. He could never forget his face.
"I'm right here, Toussaint."
Toussaint turned around, and there stood a tall, thin pimply-faced young man with a cane. When Lauren turned around, his eyebrows shot up. "Well, I see father has refined his tastes."
"I am Madame Heathstone," said Lauren. "I am your mother’s companion. She has asked me to meet you."
With a sarcastic sweep of the arm, Claude Aberjon indicated that Lauren should step into the carriage first. He climbed in after her. Toussaint climbed onto the driver’s seat and snapped the reins, sending the carriage off with a jerk.
Claude sat back and ran his eyes over Lauren's figure saying with a smirk, "Spare me the pretense. You take care of my father, not my mother."
"No," explained Lauren, not understanding his insinuation. "It is your mother who needs the help. Her fits are growing more frequent. She has increased to ten outbursts a day."
The Pride of the King Page 6
