The gentleman smiled back and accepted the handshake. “Nice to meet you, too. I'm Robert Chambleau. This is my wife, Madeline and our daughter Nicole."
Julian nodded to the two ladies, rising slightly to bow to them, as was the proper custom. He took Madame Chambleau's hand softly. “It is my pleasure to be graced with the presence of two such lovely ladies."
Madame Chambleau laughed lightly and said, “My, what a pleasure to meet a gentleman who knows how to treat a lady.” Nicole blushed slightly and lowered her eyes demurely as a small smile crossed her lips. Julian was taken aback by Nicole's pure beauty. She had smooth, light, blemish-free skin. Her dress was an elegant midnight blue, with a low sweeping neckline covered with thin lace. Her eyes matched her dress. She wore her raven-black hair up on her head, with wisps of curls falling down on either side of her face. He stared a little longer than he intended.
"Monsieur!” Nicole said sharply as she raised her eyes to meet his. Her voice fell on his ears like music.
"A thousand apologies, Mademoiselle. I meant no disrespect."
"You must forgive my daughter, Monsieur Valjean,” Chambleau said. “She is young and is still learning her way around society.” Nicole shot her father a hard glance. He did not see it.
Madame Chambleau, who Julian noticed must have looked very much like her daughter before the years had taken their unkind toll on her, said sweetly, “Will your wife be joining us this evening, Monsieur Valjean?"
"No, my wife died three years ago."
"Oh? I am sorry to hear that,” she said, and looked toward her daughter.
"Mama,” Nicole said, blushing slightly. “You are embarrassing Monsieur Valjean."
"No, not at all,” Julian smiled. “I'm flattered."
"My wife cannot help herself, Monsieur,” Chambleau said lightly. “She feels that she must shop for a husband for our daughter. But as you can see, one as lovely as she does not require any assistance in that department."
"Papa! Stop."
Julian smiled at Nicole. She looked away.
A second couple arrived, led by the maitrê d'. The gentleman introduced them as Monsieur and Madame Dumas. In contrast to the light friendliness of the Chambleaus, the Dumas were cold and haughty. Julian shrugged it off. It would be just that much less distraction for him. He found his eyes gravitating toward Nicole once again. He had to remind himself that he was there with a larger purpose in mind than being taken in by deep ocean-blue eyes.
His thoughts were interrupted by applause that rippled through the room, growing stronger as everyone became aware of the entrance of the members of the dais. Julian joined in the applause.
The party was led by a tall, well-dressed man. Julian assumed him to be Gerrard de Charny. He moved with regal bearing. Julian guessed him to be in his early sixties. Had Julian been in Ray Cutler's office a few days earlier, he would have recognized de Charny as the man who had offered Ray the crude bribe to retract his story about Angelino. He was joined by a woman, obviously his wife. She wore a long dark-green gown of exquisite design. Together, they emitted an aura of royalty. They were introduced as Monsieur and Madame Gerrard de Charny. They were followed by a younger couple, introduced as Monsieur and Madame Roland de Charny. Roland was the son of Gerrard.
The applause grew louder and there were a few cheers as an elderly man was rolled out in a wheelchair. He was introduced as Geoffrey de Charny III, the father of Gerrard. He was the patriarch of the family and bore the name of his famous ancestor who had been the protector of the Shroud almost six hundred years earlier. The old man bowed to the room, smiling broadly from his wheelchair.
The applause grew stronger and continued for several minutes. A handsome young man strode up to the microphone and waited for the applause to subside.
As the room quieted, he spoke. “Ladies ... gentlemen ... friends of France ... and honored guests. Welcome.
"Tonight we honor one of the great families of France, the de Charny family."
Applause broke out once again.
The young man continued. “Few families have meant as much to their country as the de Charnys have to France. During World War II, Geoffrey de Charny III fought at the side of General Charles DeGaulle, in resistance of the German Nazis."
Again, applause.
"Monsieur de Charny suffered serious wounds in a battle with German forces outside of Paris on the eve of the allied liberation of France. He nearly died from those wounds. For his valor he was awarded France's highest military honor."
More applause.
"The de Charny family also donated ten million dollars to the United Nations Relief Fund shortly after its creation."
Louder applause.
The speaker held up a large wooden plaque with a gold plate in the center of it and continued dramatically. “And so it is in honor of the ceaseless and long time efforts of the de Charny family, dating back over six hundred years, we present this First Citizen of France Award for distinguished citizenship. It is long overdue."
Gerrard stood and took a quick bow, then walked over to his father's wheelchair and pushed him up to the podium. His son, Roland, accompanied them.
The applause grew louder as they neared the microphone. All three de Charnys smiled broadly and waved to the audience in appreciation, while the applause continued. Gerrard stood by the microphone and waited for it to subside, still waving and smiling.
Julian took the opportunity to scan the room. The first thing that stood out was that the ladies were wearing enough jewelry to light up a football stadium. There was little doubt that the entire aristocracy of France was present in this room. Big money gravitated to big money and there was one huge clump of it all around him.
The room finally quieted down enough for Gerrard de Charny to be heard. His voice shook with emotion as he spoke. “My friends and countrymen, on behalf of my entire family, I thank you.
"France has had a long and illustrious history. It is with great pride and gratitude that I am able to say the de Charny family has had the honor of serving France for most of that history. We stood against the legions of Caesar, marched in the great Crusades, fought in the streets during the great revolution, inhabited the trenches in the first world war, and defended the homeland against the Nazis in World War Two. We did all of this not for glory, but for love of country ... not for power, but to serve ... not for the sake of protecting our private wealth, but to preserve our ability to use that wealth in service to our great nation.
"In more recent times, the de Charny family has worked toward the noble cause of world peace and economic stability by championing the cause of a one-world government. We have done this by supporting the United Nations, Mankind's one great hope for a new world order of prosperity for all men and peace for all nations.
"It has become fashionable to speak against the idea that wealth must be distributed in a more equitable fashion among the peoples of all lands. But can we, with good conscience, sit back and watch the specter of starvation claim the lives of so many of the world's children, simply because selfish capitalists demand the right to eat caviar and drink expensive champagne? Is this the legacy we are to leave our descendants? I say with a loud and unequivocal voice, No, this we can no longer allow."
Loud applause of agreement erupted. Gerrard continued.
"There are obviously strong forces opposing the spread of this just and equitable economic order ... powerful forces with military strength by which they are able to preserve these injustices. But I reaffirm this pledge: the de Charny family will never rest, even if it should take a hundred generations, until social justice is not only the law of the land, but the way of life for every man, woman, and child throughout the world. Thank you and Viva le France."
Gerrard bowed to the audience as he left the podium. In one solid wave, everyone stood and applauded. The admiration for the man and his family was deep. It was clear that everyone present supported the sentiments de Charny had expressed.
Julian notic
ed one curious omission from de Charny's stirring speech. He had not mentioned the family's role as guardian of the Holy Shroud. That seemed important enough to Julian to have made the “de Charny greatest hits of history” list that Gerrard de Charny had enumerated with such pride.
"Well,” Julian said to his dinner companions. “That was certainly a stirring speech."
Chambleau concurred enthusiastically. “Indeed it was. France is fortunate in having such a great family working for its interests."
"Oh, yes,” Madame Chambleau chimed in. Then to Julian she said, “So tell us, Monsieur Valjean, what line of work does your family engage in?"
Julian took a sip of wine and answered, “I come from a long line of importers/exporters, Madame. Our business interests are headquartered in the West Indies."
"My, how interesting, Monsieur. What do you import and export, if I might be so bold as to inquire?"
"Oh, many things, Madame Chambleau. Our interests are quite diverse.” He hoped she wouldn't press too hard for details, and she didn't seem to be all that interested anyway.
He returned the question to Chambleau. “Monsieur Chambleau, what are your family's interests?"
His wife intercepted the question, “Robert serves France. His family fortune is at the disposal of her as she requires.” In other words, Julian thought, he's old money and has never worked a day in his life.
"My lovely wife speaks the truth. I am honored to serve my country at her discretion,” Chambleau said with an aristocratic bow of his head.
"France is fortunate to be served by such nobleness,” Julian said. Then lifting his glass, offered the toast, “Viva la France!" The others at the table lifted their glasses in response, “Viva la France."
* * * *
JESUS CLOSED THE Bible and sat in deep thought for a moment. If he had been disturbed by anything he read, his face did not betray it. Mathias bit his lip nervously, in anticipation of Jesus’ reaction.
"Steven,” Jesus said, “I do not understand something."
"What don't you understand?"
"This book is the religious book of your people, yes?"
"Of many of our people, yes."
"It is the book that you live by?"
"We don't always live by it as we should, but basically the answer to your question is ‘yes.’”
"This book would have you worship me,” he said with bewilderment. “Why?"
"Armand,” Steven said, “maybe you should field this one."
Mathias was delighted to oblige. “Jesus, in our culture we learn that the lessons you taught, as handed down to us in this book, are the true laws of God."
Jesus nodded. “Yes, they are."
"And we have been taught that you were the Son of God."
"Yes,” Jesus responded.
Mathias grew excited. Then it was true.
"Are you the Son of God, Jesus?"
"Of course, I am,” he said, matter-of-factly. But then he added, “And so are you.” He pointed to Steven and said, “...and you...” and pointing to John, “and you. You are all the children of God."
Mathias grew frustrated. “Yes, yes, I know. We are all God's children. But you aren't understanding me. Are you the one and only Son of God? God in the flesh?"
A quizzical look crossed Jesus’ face. “How could I be and you not be?"
Mathias was clearly agitated.
"Calm down, Mathias. There's no need to badger him,” Steven admonished.
Mathias took a deep breath in an effort to regain his calm. He knelt down next to Jesus.
"You told us that you were the ‘Anointed One', the Messiah, right?"
Jesus nodded.
"That means that you are the one and only Son of God, right?"
"No, Armand."
"What?” Armand said, almost breathless.
"That is not what Messiah means,” Jesus said patiently.
Mathias seemed unable to process this piece of information.
"I ... I don't understand,” Mathias finally said, overstating the obvious.
"Messiah is what all men can become,” Jesus explained. “I was but the first, the one who showed the way for the rest. To be ‘anointed’ means that one has learned and showed that God dwells within them ... that they are the physical ... what is the word ... showing? ... no ... manifestation, yes ... manifestation of God."
Mathias fell back off his knees onto the seat of his pants as if hit by a hammer. “I don't believe it,” he muttered.
"Armand, are you OK?” Jesus asked him.
"Yeah, I'm terrific,” Mathias mumbled.
Jesus continued, “Messiah was to be the first, but not the only. What I was to do was to teach all men to be one with God. That is what I told my disciples. They were to follow me once I was gone."
John had been taking all of this in and suddenly started laughing uncontrollably. Steven was startled by that. Mathias was still too shattered to notice. Jesus seemed unaffected.
"John, what's so damn funny?” Steven demanded.
He continued laughing, unable to catch his breath to talk.
"John, dammit. Stop it.” Steven said angrily.
Finally, John was able to compose himself. “I'm sorry, Steven,” he said, wiping away tears of laughter from his eyes. “Don't you see the humor here?"
"No, I can't say I do."
"All these hundreds of years we've had it so completely wrong. Instead of seeking out what we are within, we have mindlessly worshiped the one who spelled it all out for us. Don't you see how typical that is of people? We will do practically anything except look within ourselves."
Jesus said, “John is right. You have wasted all of this time worshipping me. It is God who you must worship."
John pointed to Mathias, who was beginning to come out of his shocked stupor. “Our religion has produced the likes of people like him, who use religion to aspire to power over others."
Mathias heard that. “That was uncalled for,” he said indignantly.
John ignored him and turned away, then walked outside, shaking his head.
"Is there no one who has done what I showed you all how to do?” Jesus asked.
Steven answered, “There have been some great men who have lived very good lives ... men like Mahatma Gandhi, for instance. But, on the whole, no, Jesus, no one has done the things you have done. No one has even come close."
Jesus shook his head sadly. “How many years has it been since I lived?"
"If our history is correct, close to two thousand years,” Steven answered softly.
"I am not surprised,” Jesus said. “This book has the truth, but it is so twisted and confused that it is practically impossible to find it. Who did this? Who is responsible for this?"
"It was put together by a group of religious men over three hundred years after your death. I don't know the details, but I could find out for you if you would like.” Steven said.
Jesus shook his head. “No. It is not important.” He stood and said, “I must walk for awhile ... alone.” He stepped outside and walked past John into the woods. Mathias rose to follow him but was stopped by Steven.
"Let him go, Armand. He'll be back. Let's respect his privacy for now."
Chapter 11
ANGELINO WATCHED FROM the door of the cabin as Susan stood staring off into the orange and blue sunset. The mountain breeze blew her hair about and pressed the long loose dress she was wearing tight against her body. He smiled and decided not to interrupt her.
Susan was lost in thought, so much so she hardly noticed that the sunset was particularly artistic. She had not told Father Angelino, but she had been having serious doubts about remaining so deeply hidden from the rest of the world. Angelino was very attuned, though, she knew. It was unlikely she had been able to hide her concerns from him, even if she had not voiced them. He had told her to be patient, that they were there for a purpose, and that the purpose would be revealed to her soon. All of that was nice and all, but it didn't really allay her do
ubts and concerns.
Susan's thoughts were interrupted by a rustling in the woods off to her left. She froze, undecided whether to take cover. When she had been there as a small child, her parents had warned her about bears which sometimes wandered in this part of the mountains, but she had never seen one in all her times there.
The branches of a tree moved and a man emerged into the clearing. He stood just over six feet tall and had long flowing hair. He wore a full beard and was dressed in a red plaid shirt and jeans. They both stopped short, equally startled by the presence of the other. He quickly turned to re-enter the woods. Impulsively, she called out to him.
"Please. Don't run off."
He stopped and turned around. She started walking over to him.
"Are you lost? Do you need any help?"
The man shook his head and said, with an accent she could not identify, “No, I do not think so."
"Do you live near here?” She did not remember any nearby cabins.
"Yes. A few miles that way,” he pointed behind him.
"Well then, it appears we are neighbors,” she said cheerfully. “We were just about to eat. Would you like to join us?"
"I do not wish to impose,” he said. “I should be returning."
"Please. It's no imposition at all. In fact, it would be nice to have some company for a change."
"We? You are not alone here?"
"Oh, goodness, no. I am staying here with a friend of mine.” She laughed, “It's kind of a complicated situation. Please don't ask me to explain it."
"Ok, I won't.” The stranger smiled.
Susan took his hand in his and started leading him toward the cabin. “Please. I won't let you say ‘no'."
"As you wish."
She opened the door and yelled out, “Father Angelino, I've brought a guest for dinner. This young man was wandering in the woods and I asked him to stay for dinner."
Angelino turned around at their entrance. Susan did not recall ever seeing Angelino surprised by anything, but for a brief instant she was certain she saw surprise cross his face. It was only for a flash. He recovered quickly.
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