“Oui, monsieur, it is. The lady is not one to carry a grudge. She would prefer this matter to be dropped.”
“Well then, if she is sure, I will take this to His Majesty and explain the situation.”
“It is, monsieur. Merci, monsieur.”
Antoine and Albert bowed and exited, hurrying back out to the stables on the other side of the palace.
“I do not know if that explanation will work with His Majesty.” Antoine still worried.
“The Marshal of France accepts it. God willing, so will His Majesty. What will you do now?”
Antoine sighed. “I need to make peace with a certain mademoiselle. If she will see me.”
“Very well.”
“Merci, my friend.” Antoine embraced Albert before climbing onto his horse. He needed to see Louise and could not put it off any longer.
* * *
Matthew knelt beside the bed he had slept in and began his morning ritual. Prayer, Scriptures, and then his journal. It was a routine that fed his spirit, nourished his soul. He put his mind on things of God and started to pray.
“It will do no good in this house.”
Matthew jumped to his feet.
Madame LeSuere stood in the doorway. “God does not hear the prayers from inside these walls.”
Although startled, Matthew determined not show it. “I beg to differ with you, Madame. God hears all prayers, in here and out there.”
“Think what you like, but I know better. I knocked, but you did not answer. It is time to break your fast.” She closed the door on her way out.
Dropping back to his knees, Matthew continued. “Lord, You know what has caused the pain in her heart. If it is Your will, help me to show her Your love that she might know You hear all the prayers of Your children. In Jesus’s Holy Name, Amen.”
He stood and brushed at his knees. Later he would finish.
She placed a bowl of porridge out for him and a mug of steaming tea.
He sat. When he bowed his head, she looked away. “Merci, Madame. It smells delicious.”
“It smells, but it will keep your stomach from growling.” She turned away.
“Have you lived here your whole life?”
“If you are desiring my life story, you can stop. I live here alone. Versailles gobbled up my husband and son, and I am merely waiting for God to get tired of tormenting me and let me die. Enough for you?”
Matthew put his spoon down. The weight of her pain staggered him. “I am truly sorry for your loss.” It was the most honest and only thing he could think of to say.
She appeared surprised he did not ask more.
He returned to his food.
After eating, he cleaned up after himself and then fetched water and firewood for Madame LeSuere.
She did not say anything.
He then went to the garden and made sure it was weed free. Bringing in fresh vegetables for her, he placed them on the table before going to visit Louise.
Matthew knocked on the door and Mademoiselle Bibi gave him entrance. “Monsieur de Crocketagné is not here. My sister, Mimi, is with Mademoiselle. Would you like to speak with the lady?”
Matthew nodded. “Oui, please.”
“I will go and let her know you are here. Please wait.” She hurried up the stairs.
A moment later Vivi raced through. “You wish to see Mademoiselle? She is upstairs with Mimi.” Vivi grabbed his hand and began to pull him along. “Mimi is another of my sisters. She is a twin, you know. Did you meet all my sisters? Papa gave us all special names because he says we are his special girls.” She continued breathlessly, pulling Matthew up the stairs as she went. “I bet Mademoiselle wants to see you too. Monsieur had to leave early this morning. Are you all friends?”
Matthew chuckled since he could not get a word in between her observations.
“It is something like that.” Matthew tousled her hair. By now he stood in front of the door. “Would you ask if it is permissible for me to see Mademoiselle?”
“But of course.” She knocked and opened the door at the same time.
Someone chided Vivi for not waiting for the knock to be answered. Vivi explained. There was a sudden rustle and bustle in the room and then the door was opened to him.
“Come, Monsieur. Mademoiselle will see you now.” Vivi curtseyed with formality and left the room. As soon as the door closed behind her, the women burst into quiet giggles.
“She dreams of working at the chateau,” Mimi explained. “We will leave you two to talk.” She and her sister exited, leaving the door properly ajar.
This time Louise sat in the chair. She wore a wrapper with a lap robe placed across her legs.
“You are looking much better, ma petite. How are you feeling?”
The smile on Louise’s face began to tremble. She looked at him and tears began to trickle down her cheeks. Before she could say a word, she was sobbing.
Matthew knelt before her. “What happened? Did that oaf say something? Where is he?” Matthew demanded. “Oh, dear one, do not cry. Here.” He produced a clean handkerchief and shoved it into her hand.
She threw her arms around his neck and cried all the harder.
What had that dolt done now? Un pied! He had no words and could only kneel, stunned.
The door burst open.
Someone grasped Matthew by the shoulder and hauled him to his feet.
Turning, he saw the fist just before it smashed into his mouth.
Matthew staggered backward. Gaining his balance, he charged in return and landed a punch to de Crocketagné’s eye.
Louise screamed.
He froze, fingers gripping Antoine’s collar, his fist in the air.
De Crocketagné, one fist full of Matthew’s shirt, the other cocked in the air, did the same.
Both men stared at Louise, who continued to scream.
People crowded into the room.
“Stop it, stop it, stop it!” She swiped her arm under her nose and pointed to Matthew. “He did not hurt me.” Hiccupping, she pointed at Antoine. “And he did not make me cry.”
Matthew dropped his hand. “Then what is it, ma petite? Why are you crying?”
Annette grabbed Antoine by the ear.
Matthew chuckled until she grabbed his ear as well.
She dragged them both from the room. “The two of you put together have shown about as much intelligence as a flea.” Though she whispered, her words were quite clear. She released their ears and put her hands on her hips. “Do you not yet understand? That young lady is frightened. She has been through a rough morn, aside from what went on yestereen. She hurts in places she did not even know she had. And that, my dear friends, is why she is crying. She will probably cry again before this is all over.” Her finger wagged in Matthew’s face before doing the same in front of Antoine’s nose. “Stop using it as an excuse to make the other look bad. You will go in and be kind and patient with her. No more fighting—not in my house. Am I understood?”
“Oui.”
“Oui, Madame Roché.”
She left them alone.
Matthew pressed at his lip. “You have a strong right hook.”
“You have a powerful punch yourself.” Antoine touched his cheekbone. “This should make the other one black as well.”
Matthew sighed. “You honestly love her?”
“Oui.” There was no hesitation.
“Even after knowing about me?”
“Oui.”
“Then you had better tell her.” It was not what he wanted to say, but what he knew he must. “I think she needs to hear it. I will be downstairs.” Matthew laid a hand on Antoine’s shoulder and gave him a nod towards the room.
“Perhaps you are right.” Antoine opened the door.
Matthew turned and went down the stairs.
* * *
“Monsieur, might I speak with you a moment?”
Antoine pulled his gaze from Louise’s miserable face. He finally had words and courage all at the ready.
Yet, he nodded to Mimi.
The maid motioned him over by the window and spoke softly. “I do not know if you are aware, but Mademoiselle was attacked again this morn.”
The bottom dropped from Antoine’s stomach. “How? Who? I believed her safe here.” He did not attempt to hide the anger in his voice.
“She is. My sister rushed in. My mother and I stopped her. She has calmed, and I know my mother gave you needed information in exchange for protecting my sister.”
“If I had known…” Antoine’s fist clenched.
Mimi touched his arm lightly. “Monsieur, she had just heard her lover was dead. She was wrong, and she knows it. It will not happen again. However, that is why Mademoiselle is in such a state.”
Antoine looked over his shoulder at Louise. She sat staring into space like a lost little girl.
“I understand. You are not to let your sister near her again. Am I understood?” If he could only hit something.
Mimi nodded and patted his arm before leaving the room. She adjusted the door, leaving it open a crack. Her footsteps echoed down the stairs.
Antoine turned and stared at Louise. She looked so frail and small. It wounded him.
Kneeling in front of her, he took her hands in his. “Louise.”
Her gaze found his, revealing the fear that seemed to choke the life from her.
“Louise, my love. I am so sorry. I was wrong to think what I did.”
A tear trickled down her cheek.
“Can you ever forgive me, love?”
“Do you still love me?” She spoke so low, he almost missed it.
His jaw dropped. She thought he had stopped loving her?
Antoine gathered her gently into his arms and held on. “Oh, my dearest love, I will always love you. I never stopped loving you. I never will.”
She cradled into his shoulder and poured her tears over his coat. Her body heaved sobs, over and over.
His throat constricted. To think he had contributed to her pain. He had been an even greater cad than he imagined. “I am so sorry, Louise. So very sorry.”
Louise raised her head in an obvious attempt to garner breath. She tried to speak, gasping for air and hiccupping all at the same time.
Antoine looked for a cloth to wipe her face. Even with her eyes so red and her nose dripping, he could not help but think she was lovely. He saw her inner beauty and it held him spellbound.
Finding a handkerchief, he blotted at her eyes and face. When he handed it to her, she blew her nose.
“Would you like a drink of water?”
She bobbed her head and he poured her a cup. Her hands shook as he put the cup into them. She drank a few sips and calmed.
“Antoine, I—” She hiccupped. “I am—” Another hiccup. “Sorry.” She took a slow breath, and he waited while she gained control. “I never should have written to Matthew. He has been my friend since we were children.” Another hiccup. She paused. “I do not understand what he believes, but when I have a problem, he is very good at helping me sort it out. I am not a Huguenot. The Huguenots I know are kind, but then I know people who are not Huguenots who are kind. I could not betray Matthew, and I promise I did not betray you.” Her lip quivered.
“I know. I know.” Antoine pulled her close again. “I read your journal. You are the better person, my love.” He pulled back and tipped her chin up with his knuckle. “Do you believe me?”
She nodded. “I am just so frightened. I do not know what lies around the bend in our road. I do not know who will ride out to grab me or burst through the door and shove me to the ground.”
“No one will, my love. Never again. I will keep you safe, now and always.” He pulled her close. “Now and always.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
I will help you. Take one step at a time.”
Louise nodded and held tight to Antoine.
She had passed a better night, physically since she could move more readily and better emotionally since she trusted Antoine. Letting him take care of her problems lifted some of her fear.
Now, by this second day of recuperation, Louise was anxious to try navigating the stairs.
She was not all that steady on her feet yet but, with Antoine by her side, she ventured all the way to the table.
Vivi applauded her, and Annette brought her a plate of ragout and some brown bread.
Grateful to get out of the bedroom, every little thing seemed a thrill to Louise. Even food tasted better while seated at the table.
“Now that you are safely in your chair, I will go look after the horses. They tend to want to be fed daily.” Antoine winked and kissed her cheek before leaving.
Mimi sat across from Louise.
The girl’s presence brought about uneasiness. Finally, Louise had no other recourse than to just say it. “You have been so kind and patient with me. Your whole family has treated me as one of their own.”
Mimi’s open face registered confusion. “That is how it ought to be, Mademoiselle. I already know you would do the same for me.”
“But I behaved badly the day of the accident…the day before yestereen.” Was it only two days ago? Louise looked down at her food. “I owe you an apology and am very sorry for my behavior when you have only offered kindness and help.”
Mimi’s hand covered hers. “Consider yourself forgiven if you feel you need to be. I hold no grievance.
Louise smiled as more weight lifted from her shoulders.
“Monsieur Maury and Monsieur de Crocketagné seem to be getting along better today.” Mimi pulled her hand back and leaned on her elbows, fingers weaving a rest for her chin.
“They are? Oh, I hoped Antoine and Matthew would become friends.”
Mimi laughed. “I would not call them friends as such, yet, but at least they are behaving in a civilized manner toward one another. That is something.”
“They probably talk about horses all the time.” Louise snorted and giggled behind her hands.
Mimi’s eyes twinkled, but she patted the table next to Louise’s food. “You need your nourishment, mademoiselle.”
Louise picked up her spoon. “It has been good here.” She paused and smiled. “Most of the time.” She set the spoon back down on the table. “I almost wish I did not have to get better so I could stay on. I envy you your family.”
“There are days I would sell them to the first gypsy I found. Yet most of the time I am very grateful to have them.” Mimi cocked her head. “You have no family?”
“Only my father. Since I started traveling, I have not seen him. I have no brothers or sisters. Tante Marie, though, is a dear.” A dear who would be ready to leave for home as soon as she returned from Vichy.
“I cannot imagine having no sisters, mademoiselle.” Mimi sighed.
“Mimi, please. Enough mademoiselle. It is stuff and nonsense. You are my friend, and I am Louise.”
“I thank you, and I understand. However, if I get into the habit of calling you by your given name, I might slip and use it at the wrong time.” Mimi folded her hands and pulled them below the table.
Louise shook her head. “There will be no wrong times or slips. You are my friend and I will defend the right to have my friends address me as I choose. Are we agreed?”
The question hung in the air.
Mimi paused before nodding. “I agree.”
“His Majesty’s entourage will move back to St. Germaine by the end of this week. Today in fact. When I can move about better, we should plan something. Perhaps a meal in the palace gardens. Antoine and you and me.”
Mimi shook her head. “I would just be in the way. It would feel very awkward. I am happy to chaperone but not participate.”
“What if we ask Matthew to come along?”
“What if we ask Matthew to come along to what?” Matthew inquired as he strode into the room. He kissed her on both cheeks and sat on the bench next to the wall.
“I think we should have a celebration when I can better move. I want Mimi and you to come
along.”
“I do not think that will work, ma petite.” His smile looked sad.
“Why?” Her bottom lip protruded as if it had a mind of its own. She thought better of it, though. It was time to grow beyond being a pouting child.
“I think you know.” His look was quite pointed.
Louise received the reminder.
“Aside from that,” he squeezed her hand, “I need to leave for home soon. I notice you made it down the stairs. You must be feeling much better.”
“I am, but that does not mean you need to leave right away.” She reached for his hand.
“It is time. I will most likely depart on the morrow. That is all the time I can afford to stay.”
“But Matthew…”
He stood and coming close, he drew her hand to his lips. “No ‘but Matthews.’ We had a nice visit, once we got through the drama. For the sake of everyone, I must return home. I know you understand.”
“I do understand. I do not like it, but I understand.” She held his hand against her cheek. “Merci beaucoup for all you have done. I have missed you and our talks so much. You must come and see me before you leave.”
He pulled his hand back but did not meet her gaze. “I will, I promise. Now I will let you two talk while I go to find your Romeo.” His chuckle did not reach his eyes.
“Oh, men.” Louise smiled, though she could not help but worry about Matthew while she watched him walk away. Her silly letter had placed him in grave danger. She would not again do something so frivolous. Turning back to Mimi, she resumed their conversation. “Now what do we do for a fourth for our celebration?”
“Do not worry about me. You do not need to include me in the plans.” Mimi looked uncomfortable, but that only made Louise want to convince her. She needed to do something for her in a way that proved she was a true friend.
“Oui, we must include you.” Who could she invite who would convince Mimi to come not just as an attendant? “I know, that friend of Antoine. Monsieur de Grillet. He has seemed lonely as of late. He is nice. Would you be comfortable if we asked him?”
The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Page 17
