by T E Elliott
“Look at him blush!” Juliette teased.
“They really are quite perfect for one another, one barely speaks at all and the other hardly ever stops!” Léa joined in. The girls erupted in laughter again.
“Children,” their father had warning in his voice. “Be nice.”
Léa stood up and went to her brother. “I’m sorry, Jacques, we really were just teasing. I’m truly happy for you and Lisette.”
He turned his head down and laughed through his nose, then looked up at her shyly. “Do you really think she’d be interested in someone like me?”
“Of course she would, and a fine choice at that.”
His smile widened.
The weeks passed as Audric’s body recovered, hope spurring him on to health. Before long he was able to walk without aid and then, gently, Lisette taught him to dance.
“Now, don’t look at your feet, look at me,” she told him and started humming a few notes. Instead of moving in unison, their feet collided and Lisette giggled.
“Oh, I shall never get this. I’m too much of a bumbler,” he laughed.
“You’ll get it, I promise, try again.”
They did better that time and started moving in a small square.
“I think I love him,” Lisette blurted out.
“Hm?” Audric looked up from his feet to her face. “Are you speaking of Jacques?”
“Yes,” she groaned, “is it too soon? Do you approve?”
They danced into a wider arc and he decided to spin her around and bring her back.
“Have you written to Mother about it?”
“Yes, she doesn’t seem thrilled. I don’t know how she feels about another Du Bois invading her territory, especially after one nearly broke her son’s heart. I still haven’t told her about what happened in the village. I’m afraid what she’ll do and that she might ban Léa and Jacques from seeing us again.”
“I’ve thought to write to her many times, but I’m still struggling to forgive her, and I still fear she will smother the hope that has only begun to bloom.” He stopped moving and looked at her more fully. “But Lisette, I would appreciate it if you told her to come home soon.”
She quirked her head. “Why?” she asked.
“Because I have a plan, and if it goes the way I hope it will, a wedding will follow shortly. As angry as I am at her, well, she just shouldn’t miss it.”
“I will then. Audric? You still haven’t told me whether you approve of the other Du Bois we were just speaking of.”
“Oh, yes, of course!” he shook his head in thought, “I’ve found him to be a very honorable and steady fellow. Wait. You think you love him, or you do love him?”
She giggled softly, “I do.”
“Well, then, I’m afraid I don’t know much about how long these things should normally take. I suppose I just wonder, are you a bit young?”
“Not particularly, some of my friends are married by now, and Léa and her sisters have waited longer than most. After all, Jeanne D’Arc was my age when she led an army, surely being married is easier than that.”
“Hm, I don’t know about that.”
“You think I could lead an army, do you?”
“Oh, I’m sure you could, but anyhow, it’s not a fair comparison.”
“Well, perhaps we could be engaged for a time. To at least see you married and settled, then plan from there? Does that seem wise?”
“Yes, that seems a sound plan, I should think.” He smiled. “And I’m truly glad to see you happy, Lizzy.”
She hugged him tight, just grateful that he was alive and well. “Now, let’s keep practicing. You want to dazzle her, not squash her feet.”
Du Bois sought his youngest daughter out and found her sitting quietly in the forest. She’d done a lot of that of late.
“Daughter, do you mind an interruption from your old father?”
“Of course not, Papa, come sit with me.”
Before he sat, he gently ran his thumb over her cheek and bent to kiss her forehead.
“It’s good to have you back, my Belle.”
Léa smiled a little sadly and went back to staring in the distance.
“Though, I fear it will not be for long,” he added.
She looked back at him in question.
“Jacques told me he thought Monsieur Rousseau would want to speak to me soon and just this morning a messenger came to request my presence at the Rousseau estate tomorrow.”
Léa hid a small smile. “And will you go?”
“I’m none too pleased to visit the place again, I’ll admit, but whether I go or not depends on what you say.”
“I think you should go, Father.” She turned to face him.
“Do you now?” he said with a hint of sadness. “Will you be happy there, my Beauty?”
“Yes, Papa, very happy I think. And it won’t be like before, I don’t see why we wouldn’t be able to visit each other now, though of course Audric cannot leave.”
“And he’s worthy of you?”
“More than worthy! But you should decide that for yourself when you meet him.”
“Well, well, I shall have to do just that then.”
Devereux ushered Monsieur Du Bois and Jacques into the sitting room off the main entrance and left to announce their arrival to Monsieur Rousseau.
“I remember this room,” Du Bois announced with foreboding. “I never thought I’d return to it, if I’m being honest.”
“Now, remember what I told you, Father, and try not to be shocked when he comes in.” Jacques paced nervously.
“Why are you so nervous, boy, I thought he summoned us here to ask us something?”
“Yes, but I’d like to speak to him about something of my own, and, well, I find myself uneasy, that’s all.”
They finally took a seat and waited. Devereux opened the door fairly soon after and Audric strode in. The two men rose. Du Bois stared but made no obvious reaction. Audric extended his left arm to the man as the other was still splinted and bound.
“Sir.” He nodded. “Thank you for agreeing to come.”
Du Bois took his hand and shook it firmly.
“Please, have a seat,” he motioned. Audric watched Du Bois with some uneasiness of his own. Would the man accept him after all his daughter had been through on his behalf? Since being seen by the mass of villagers, he was less concerned about being seen by Du Bois, but he was very much concerned with how he would respond to his upcoming request.
“Monsieur Du Bois, please let me first apologize to you for the pain that my family has caused you over the past months,” he started. “I wasn’t privy to my mother’s schemes until your daughter informed me of them some weeks ago. Had I known, I would not have allowed them to proceed.” Audric realized all of this would not recommend him as a suitable husband for the man’s daughter now, but to not acknowledge it at all…what could he do? “I know my ignorance is a poor excuse, that I should have probed further…”
“Son,” Du Bois stopped him, “what’s done is done, say what you want to say.”
“Yes, sir.” He lowered his head and swallowed, then continued directly to Du Bois, “The truth of the matter is I’ve come to care very deeply for Léa over these past months. I love her. And I would be honored if you would consider allowing me to marry her.” He paused. “I realize I should have done so some time ago and am aware of the discredit it has been to Léa…”
Jacques cleared his throat and shook his head.
“Right, all that to say, I’d like your blessing to propose marriage to your daughter.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Du Bois took in the young man’s bearing and what his children had told him about his character. He considered his daughter’s behavior of late and what she might be thinking and feeling. He also looked at the splinted arm and what the man had risked just to speak with his daughter. Finally he spoke, “Monsieur, I have heard nothing but good things about you from my Beauty as well as from Jacqu
es. The turbulence of the past months not withstanding, you have been very generous to my family. I am willing to give my blessing,” he held up a finger, “upon my daughter’s acceptance of your proposal, and as long as it is without interference from anyone. However, I must ask you, where is your mother and what will be her hand in the future of my daughter moving forward?”
“Thank you, sir.” He smiled in relief. “My mother and I have had a falling out and we have not spoken in some weeks; however, I’m afraid I will always be dependent upon her and those of my household to some extent. I am the heir to my father’s estate and title, but not being able to freely leave my home prevents me from having complete control of my own life. I cannot say my mother won’t be present, but I can guarantee you that she will have no power of decision of any sort in the life of my wife. And forgive me for saying so, but the estate is large enough that they need not see much of each other if they so choose.”
“Very well. If my daughter is willing, then I have no objections.” He extended his left hand which Audric took with vigor and a hearty smile. “Now, I believe my son has something he wishes to speak to you about as well.”
“Before we get to that—forgive me, Jacques—I have a request to make of you. Do your travels as merchant take you as far as Switzerland?”
“Not as yet, but it would not be difficult to extend my route. Why do you ask?”
“I have a commission for you, if you’re willing.”
Audric laid out his plan to the man, who agreed to the wisdom of it. Du Bois smiled and sat back as his son and soon-to-be son-in-law discussed another impending proposal.
Chapter 27
Three weeks later, all was prepared. Audric's splint was removed and, although a little weak, his arm healed soundly. His mother would return the following afternoon. A messenger was dispatched to the Du Bois household, inviting them to a dance to be held the following evening at the Château Rousseau.
A carriage was sent to receive the ladies of the house of Du Bois the following morning so they could be aided in their preparations. Marguerite was ecstatic to have so many ladies to help prepare, along with the help of a few other maidservants, of course. Juliette and Marie were in their element, Pierre’s wife was a little lost, and Léa enjoyed soaking in the joy of the others. The women hadn’t been there long before Lisette was summoned to her brother’s room.
Audric was in a panic and needed her council. She found him sitting before the dressing table mirror.
“Lisette, thank God you’re here. Please advise me, I look ridiculous.” He gestured to the mirror. An attempt had been made to smooth back his hair, but there were still patches that were uneven from the village incident.
Lisette came around to face him and ran her fingers through a few places on his face.
“Have you never thought to shave, Brother?” she asked.
“Hm, Father forbade me from attempting it and I didn’t understand why until I tried, against his wishes, when I was twelve. I nearly killed myself. Neither you nor I understand how a straight razor works,” he sniffed. “I asked Édouard about it later on, he said there’s too many crevices across the rest of the face to do it well, and my skin would likely become irritated. Needless to say, he didn’t advise it.”
“Hm,” she thought and put a finger to her chin, then asked, “How much do you trust me, Audric?”
“Well…” he shrugged and gave her an uneasy look. “I suppose if she doesn’t love me as I am, then there’s no point in changing anything.” He let out a discouraged sigh.
She came around to his back and hugged him around the neck, “Oh, dear Brother, that is true, but is she not at this very time preparing herself, altering her appearance for you? Just let me try. I promise she will still see you. After all, you are more than your hair, are you not?”
“Very well,” he took in a deep breath. “Have your way, dear Sister.”
Lisette looked a little too eager as she picked up a small pair of scissors and went to work. Eventually she sought Édouard’s help with the details. It took some time, but at long last, they finished and stood in front of him admiring their work. They blocked the mirror so he couldn’t see the damage just yet. Francine came in to see how the preparations were coming along and stood before him with a shocked expression on her face.
“Is it that bad?” Audric asked.
“No, Master,” Édouard turned to Francine.
“It’s magnifique!” Francine squeaked and she covered her mouth with her hand in excitement.
Together, they all stepped aside to reveal the transformation.
Léa entered the Great Hall, her stomach twisting with nervousness. She hadn’t seen Audric for several weeks now and wasn’t sure he’d found her gift outside his door. If he had, she wasn’t certain whether he’d understood her meaning. She knew he’d spoken with her father, but the anticipation was playing with her nerves anyway. The servants filled the room, having been invited as guests rather than to serve. Much of her family, as well as Madame Beaumont, were standing across the room. They were talking with Audric, whose back was to her. As she approached, she noticed his hair had been neatly trimmed to the nape of his neck and lightly greased with pommade to capture the wave in his dark hair.
“Audric! You’ve cut your hair!” she exclaimed, smiling.
He turned and Léa’s hands shot to her mouth as she gasped and staggered back. He smiled and something fluttered around Léa’s heart.
“Oh, Audric, you’ve cut your hair.” She was completely bewildered, and pressed a hand to her stomach. Everyone behind them snickered at her surprise.
He approached her and led her away from the group a few paces, then held her arms.
Léa couldn’t keep her eyes off his face. The hair was completely trimmed down creating a thin, even layer across his face and forehead, allowing her to fully see his face for the first time. His straight nose and high cheek bones were almost exactly like the picture of his father, though Audric's eyes were softer, and at the moment, filled with love and delight. He smiled again and her breath caught. How had she not noticed what a distractingly charming smile he had? It had always been there.
“Audric, you’re…beautiful!” she managed.
“You sound disappointed,” he teased.
“No,” she answered breathlessly, “It’s just that, I’ve discovered that I love you and I wanted you to know that I loved you as you were, but now…” she shook her head, “I’m not sure you’ll believe that I don’t just love you for your beauty.”
They looked at each for a moment then burst out laughing. He pulled her into a hug and said, “I already know, I got the message you left outside my door.” She hugged him tighter and closed her eyes. As they separated, Léa reached up and brushed her fingers along his forehead and down his cheek. “Still soft,” she whispered. Audric took her hand from his face and kissed her fingertips. The unmistakable love in her eyes, yes, love in all its fullness, overwhelmed him. He’d hardly dared to hope that this day would come before, and now he realized that his hope had to die in order for her love to bloom in full force now. Like one of his pruned-back plants. His throat closed as tears threatened, but he blinked it back, this was not a day for tears.
“Shall we dance?” He spread out his arm toward the dance floor and nodded to the servants standing in as musicians at the end of the room. The music began to play as Audric placed his hand at the small of Léa’s back. As he slid his arm around her, she relished the safety she felt, and at the warmth of her hand in his, she wondered how there could have been a time when she wasn’t attracted to this man. He rested his cheek against her temple and she closed her eyes at the pleasure of his nearness. He led the dance smoothly, effortlessly.
Audric brushed his lips across Léa’s temple. She pulled her head back gently and stopped dancing. He lowered his head, afraid she was displeased, until she pushed up on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the lips. She laughed, it still tickled. Audric smiled and took her fac
e in his hands to deepen the kiss. All around them, the room erupted in cheers. Audric and Léa moved apart, embarrassed but laughing joyfully.
Other couples filled the dance floor after them, Lisette and Jacques, Du Bois and Marie, Pierre and his wife, as well as a score of servants. Juliette found herself without a partner, so she pulled François into the fray.
As they continued to dance, Léa noticed Édouard and Francine dancing together.
“Oh! Édouard and Francine, wouldn’t they make a lovely pair?” Léa remarked.
Audric tried to hide a smile, “Yes, yes, they would.”
“I was jealous of her, you know.”
“Oh? Why would you be jealous of Francine, my love?”
“Young love can sometimes be hard to forget.” She gave him a teasing smile and shrugged a shoulder.
“Ah, well, I think Édouard might have something to say about that.” He smirked, humor dancing in his eyes.
“Why do you say that?”
He chuckled, “Édouard and Francine have been married for several years, I thought you would have caught that by now. You met their five children, in fact, when we visited Grand-mère Helene.”
“Five! Well, now I feel foolish,” Léa laughed at her error, then wrapped both her arms around Audric's neck. “Well, I for one am glad to hear it!” she told him.
He laughed again and hugged her, kissing her cheek. “Do you mind my asking now, what else Grand-mère Helene whispered to you that day?”
Gazing lovingly into his eyes, she said, “She wanted me to give you a chance because she said you had so much love to give. And she was right!”
“She was right about a lot of things, wasn’t she?” He pondered that further, then looked around. “Come, there’s something I have to do.” Taking her hand, Audric led her to the grandmother who had been more intuitive than anyone had given her credit for.
Devereux and Villeneuve, along with a few grandchildren, were all gathered close to where the older woman was sitting. Audric approached the group and shook Devereux’s hand, hugged Madame Villeneuve, patted a few heads, then knelt in front of Grand-mère Helene herself.