The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection

by Jennifer Lynn Cary

  “Oh, you do not need to leave right away. I will be returning with you. Make yourself comfortable since I need to pack something.”

  “As you wish.” He sank back into the chair.

  “What is your name, man?”

  “Bealieu, Claude Bealieu.”

  “Well, then, Claude Bealieu, I will return momentarily. Then we can pick out some fresh horses.” Matthew ran up the stairs.

  Claude had just finished the glass when, true to his word, Maury reappeared with a medium-sized bundle. He led the way out the door and around the back to a stable. Choosing three geldings, Maury saddled two, tying Claude’s horse behind one. The extra horse he tied behind his own. He mounted, and Claude followed suit, trailing the man out of the yard.

  Monsieur Maury spoke little as they rode. He could have had the decency to let Claude in on why he decided to ride back with him, but instead they just rode. After a time, they slowed and rested the horses. Matthew pulled out bread and cheese from the pack and offered some to Claude.

  Claude had scrounged for food on the trip to Alsais, so even basic bread and cheese looked to be ambrosia about now. He took the food and sat leaning against a tree.

  “How did you come to be the one to deliver the letter, Claude?” Maury’s eyes shone with interest.

  “My girl, she sometimes works at the chateau and your lady there asked if she knew of anyone. I was volunteered, I reckon.” Claude wolfed down bites between words. “So, what is this lady to you, anyway?”

  “A friend.”

  A short answer. Maury was not going to divulge more. Claude decided to focus on eating. For now. Yet he had to admit, his curiosity was piqued. He now wished he had looked at the letter before delivering it. Maybe he still could get a chance. If necessary, he could lift it long enough to take a peek. It would not be the first time, and he was pretty good. They had a long enough journey before them. If an opportunity presented itself before they reached Versailles, well, he could rise to the occasion.

  Claude slouched down against the tree he had been leaning on and, pulling his hat down over his face, he readied for a short nap.

  Something nudged his toe.

  Claude uncovered his eyes.

  Matthew stood over him. “Let us go.”

  Claude plopped his hat on his head, stretched, and stood.

  Monsieur Maury mounted.

  He, too, climbed aboard his own horse and followed the man once more.

  Chapter Fifteen

  26 July 1668

  I have not written in several days. Not for lack of activity or thought, though. My days with Antoine are sweet. He is attentive yet allows me to be myself. I do not have to follow conventions and pretend to always be the grand lady. We have been to the lovely glade several times. Each trip has been a delight. I know the reason is his company. Has there ever been a truer love? I have given him my heart and know I possess his.

  We have also spent several hours with Mimi’s family. They are kind and good, pampering the tender girl with sweets and stories to bring a smile to her face. Antoine has become friendly with Monsieur Roché. Mimi’s father is also a lover of horses, and it gives the men something to talk about while we women gather together in the house.

  The evenings have been quite exciting. On Sunday last we attended a masquerade ball. His Majesty set the tone by calling for clownish costumes. The whole court attempted to outdo each other, dressing with outlandish abandon. Antoine and I dressed as horses. It was our private folly, and one of the tamest of costumes present.

  Monday and Tuesday last we joined the nobility in the evening for appartement. I made a chance with the trictrac table and won quite handily, enjoying myself greatly until the Marquise joined my table. It was clear she expected to win. I would not throw the game to her and played to the utmost of my ability. As luck would have it, I won, but the Marquise let slip a thinly disguised accusation, and I was thus branded a cheat. Very few chanced to play at my table after that, and I confess I cried when alone. But Antoine proved the hero showing me other entertainments. In truth, I much prefer his company to any game.

  This evening a rumor spread that the Duchess of Montpensier should arrive on the morrow. La Grande Mademoiselle, as she is called, has led such a colorful life. I would like to meet her but am almost afraid. Like myself, she is cousin to His Majesty, and I heard that at one time it was thought they would wed. Antoine told me she had actually commanded an army during the revolt of the Fronde yet survived her period of disgrace to now be a great favorite at Court. Tante shared that not everyone is looking forward to her arrival, though. It seems Her Majesty and the Marquise de Montespan both see her as an interloper. However, the general consensus is that La Grande Mademoiselle is witty, fun loving, and brings joy to the Court. I believe I should like anyone with those attributes.

  I will close this entry for now and write more perhaps on the morrow.

  Louise

  * * *

  The riders stopped to water their horses by a stream and take a rest. Claude noticed Maury had been careful not to overwork the horses, not riding the same one each day. They still made good time by staying on a schedule. Neither spoke much on the trip, and that suited Claude. As a rule, he learned a lot from people who liked to talk, but he could tell that this man, when he spoke, wanted information rather than revealing anything about himself.

  With that as the case, Claude preferred the silence to the questioning. Still no opportunity presented itself to look for the note. It only increased his curiosity. A fact that made him more determined than ever to know what was so important that this man would drop everything to ride for days to see a woman, who by all accounts, was relative to the king and nobility of some sort.

  As usual, Maury undid the pack and broke out the bread and cheese. It had been a steady diet of such, and Claude did not feel as grateful as he originally had. Could not they have stopped somewhere and purchased something? But, no, they had to stay away from towns and villages where they could have gotten something else to eat. That was another thing Claude did not understand. Why had they stayed so far from others?

  Monsieur handed the bit of food to Claude and sat down under a tree. He looked preoccupied, bothered by something. Well, he could keep it to himself, for all Claude cared.

  If only he could find the note. Claude slid down under another tree and began to pick at the food. A pigeon braved close enough to peck a crumb. At least he would be back at Versailles quicker than if he had returned on his own. For that, he was almost grateful.

  He finished off the cheese and left most of the bread for the birds.

  “I will be back.” Maury’s statement broke the stillness.

  Claude looked up to see him head into the trees. This was the perfect chance. He hopped up. Stealthily moving to the horses, Claude scanned the area. No sign of the man. The pack on the back of Maury’s gelding was not that big. He opened it, feeling around quickly. It should not take that long to find the note. Yet the note did not seem to be anywhere in the pack. Claude rummaged more overtly.

  “May I help you?”

  Claude jumped, spilling the pack over the ground. He stooped, quickly shoving everything back in place. “I thought I would have a bit more cheese, if you do not mind.”

  “Help yourself. Are you ready?” Maury’s voice held no rancor nor suspicion.

  “Oui. Let us go.”

  Claude mounted up and followed on. At this rate they would be at Versailles by the morrow’s morn. The letter was not in the pack. Therefore, if Matthew brought it along, it was on his person. Did he want to see it enough to take that gamble?

  Of that, he was not sure. If the opportunity presented itself, perhaps he would chance the risk. If not, then he would not. He had learned to be patient over the years, and he could wait this out.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Give it back!” Louise jumped, reaching as high as she could. “Do not read it. Please. Give it back.”

  “Hmmm, I am not sure I sh
ould.” Antoine grinned, turning this way and that to keep away from Louise’s outstretched hands. With broad gestures, he began to open up the book.

  Louise jumped and grabbed again.

  Antoine cleared his throat. “Let us see. It says here on the first page that this journal is an account of a visit to Versailles and is the private property of one Mademoiselle Louise de Saix, begun this sixteenth day of July in the year of our Lord 1668. A nice introduction, my dear. Shall I turn the page? I wonder what wonderful and terrible secrets you have shared with your journal.”

  “No! Do not! Antoine, please!” Her heart lodged in her throat.

  She noted the twinkle in his eyes had been joined with a gentle caring look. He returned the book with great exaggeration.

  Louise took it, hugging it to herself. A part of her did want to share some of it with him, but she had written of Matthew in there. That was not her secret to share. She hoped her note had found its way to him and that he would meet her at the glade. She would know soon enough. Though she wondered about Momo’s ability to carry out anything Louise desired. She had no way of knowing if Momo hadn’t just opened the note herself. She never should have trusted Momo. But what choice did she have? Please, Lord, let no harm come to Matthew due to my actions.

  Antoine touched her arm. “You know, I would not have read it without your permission. I only teased.”

  “I know.” She stared down at her beloved journal. He had no way of knowing how it held all her intimate thoughts and feelings. Things she could not even voice were recorded for safekeeping. She was not ready for Antoine to see that deep into her soul.

  “Do you really?”

  Looking up, she met his gaze. “Oui, I do know. Antoine, I have always been a very private person. If I were to choose anyone to read this, it would be you. I am just not ready yet.”

  “Have no fear. As I said, I merely teased.” He grinned mischievously. “I will have to remember you have no sense of humor.”

  “Antoine!” Louise squealed and attempted to punch him. However, she could not hold back a laugh.

  They continued their little dance of her trying to hit him and his moving just out of reach. Both laughed, scrambling among the garden mazes. Louise made an extraordinary leap to which Antoine jumped backward.

  Louise gasped, covering her mouth just as Antoine fell back onto another couple.

  “So, this is how you treat my guards. Or, perhaps is Antoine the culprit? Shall I have him arrested and put on the rack, Louise?”

  Unable to hold it in any longer, Louise broke into nervous giggles.

  Antoine seemed to quickly recover.

  “Your Majesty.” Pulling off his hat, Antoine made a sweeping bow.

  Louise tried to curtsey but still shook with giggles so much Antoine had to put a hand under her elbow to steady her.

  Glancing first at Antoine, Louise got her voice under control. “Merci beaucoup, your Majesty, but not at this time. Perhaps if Monsieur de Crocketagné does not behave himself, though, I will consider Your Highness’s offer.” She then turned to Antoine and smiled.

  “Have we disturbed you?”

  “Oh, no, your Majesty, it was, ah it was…” She looked to Antoine, who merely grinned back.

  “Never mind.” The king laughed. “I would like to introduce you to my guest. Anne Marie, may I present my lovely cousin, oh, excuse me, our lovely cousin, Louise de Saix. And, of course, her escort, the second in command of my very capable palace guards, Monsieur Antoine Desaure Permonette de Crocketagné. Antoine, Louise, this is Anne Marie Louise d’Orleans, the Duchesse de Montpensier.”

  Louise curtsied again, this time with perfection. Antoine bowed over the lady’s hand saying, “My pleasure.”

  “Louise, how beautiful you have grown. I was there at your christening, although I was still a child myself. It is nice to see you again—especially now that we are both grown enough to remember.” La Grande Mademoiselle took Louise’s hand and looking at her, spoke to the king. “Your Majesty, whatever else the history books may say of us, they will have to admit we are a very pretty family.”

  “I believe that would be considered bias coming from you, my dear. Antoine, would you care to comment?” His Royal Highness winked at Louise.

  “I believe the duchess is correct in her assessment. I have no argument.”

  Antoine’s intense stare caused Louise’s cheeks to flame.

  “There we have it, a non-biased opinion. It appears, my dear, you are correct.” His Majesty smiled.

  “You will be at the opera with us this evening, will you not? Louise, my dear, we have much to catch up on.”

  “Of course, they will be, my dear.” The king responded first. “I will make a point of seating you two so you may chat between acts.”

  “Oh, merci, Your Majesty.” Louise smiled. It would be nice to have a woman here closer to her age with whom she could talk. Someone who was open, friendly, and warm. Plus, she was family.

  Now, more excited than ever, anticipation for the night mushroomed. She had questioned up until now whether she was in fact invited. Nothing official had been mentioned to her, but now, it was allowed, and it would be a night to remember. Of this, she was sure. “I cannot wait.”

  * * *

  Soon after, Antoine walked Louise to her room and left her there to rest and prepare for the coming evening. She entered humming a tune and saw Mimi placing the bowl of fresh fruit on the night table.

  “Mimi, how lovely.” Louise could smell their sweet scent as she entered the room. “How did you know strawberries were my favorite?”

  “I did not know. They looked good. I am glad you like them. They are from Momo too. We want to say thank you for all you have done.”

  “I have not done anything, really. You are the one who is always doing. Here, let us both have some.” Louise tossed a strawberry to Mimi.

  “Oh.” The surprised girl fumbled to catch the berry.

  Louise bit into hers and motioned for Mimi to do the same. “I have met a long-lost cousin, just a few minutes ago.”

  “You did?”

  “Oui. She was as pleasant to me as the Marquise is not. Apparently, she has seen me before, at my christening. We must be related on my mother’s side. Anyway, she is the Duchess de Montpensier. Have you seen her here before?”

  “I have not served her, but, oui, I have seen her.” Mimi looked away.

  Louise recognized the answer had been worded with care. “What is it that you are trying to keep from telling me?”

  “Mademoiselle, it is not my place to gossip.”

  “I do not ask for gossip. Just what is it that you are hiding?”

  “I will not try to sort out all the rumors or the reasons, but I can say that neither Her Majesty nor the Marquise de Montespan is very fond of the Duchess. However, His Majesty seems to be genuinely happy when la Grande Mademoiselle arrives for a visit.”

  Louise ate another berry. Squinting her eyes, she chewed and swallowed. “Something that Her Majesty and the Marquise agree on. That is very interesting.” She wiped a drop of juice from her chin. “His Majesty said he would have us seated close together this evening so we might chat. Do you think that will cause problems with Her Majesty?”

  “I do not know. My understanding is that she will be attending. I do not think she is spiteful. The Marquise on the other hand…”

  “Oui, I presumed she would be displeased. The question is what will she try to do because she is displeased?” Louise wiped her hand across her mouth and tossed the stems onto a tray. It was time to rest for the evening’s festivities.

  * * *

  After Mademoiselle de Saix lay down for a short nap, Mimi arranged everything she needed to help mademoiselle become ready for the evening. Surveying the room and the time, she realized she had a few moments for herself.

  Mimi eased the door closed behind her and went to the chapel. It had become a place of a refuge over the last few days. She would light a candle for her Pierre a
nd Madame LeSuere. Then she would pray at the altar. After a while a quiet peace would come, and she would gather a bit more strength to see her through a few more hours. Often the gentle priest was there, and they would talk when opportunity lent itself.

  Today, the priest was not around so Mimi began her routine. It was not long before she sensed another person in the room. Assuming it was the priest, Mimi continued her prayers.

  When finished, she stood to speak with the cleric. Deep shadows cloaked the little chapel. She could just make out the form of a man down at the other end of the altar. She walked to him and put her hand on his shoulder.

  Mimi withdrew her hand quickly. It was not the priest. Embarrassed, she stepped back and hesitantly studied the man. There was something familiar about him. He had lit two candles and knelt in silent prayer.

  She should not stare. It violated the privacy of the refuge. Mimi turned to retreat.

  “Mademoiselle.”

  She stopped, slowly turning to look into the saddest eyes she had ever seen.

  “Oui?” Now she remembered the man. He was one of the guards who had brought Madame LeSuere home.

  “I …” He paused. She could see in his face he needed to say something to her.

  “I recognize you.” She wanted to help. “I remember you from Madame LeSuere’s home. You want to speak with me?”

  “Oui, if you do not mind.” He stood and stepped closer.

  Mimi’s heart could have broken again from the sadness in his eyes. If she still had a heart to break.

  “Not at all. Do you want to speak in here or perhaps outside?”

  “Would you mind if we went outside?”