Affaire de Coeur

by Stephanie O’Hanlon

  I turned as Colette approached the doorway.

  “Oh, there you are.” She walked up to me, looking me over. “Why is your face so red?”

  “Hmmm? It is?” I put my hand to my face, the feeling of fright still in me from her sudden appearance.

  She nodded. “Yes…maybe we should leave. It is getting late, anyway.”

  I followed her out as she found Rose, telling her that we should probably leave. Rose protested, saying the storm was much too fierce and showed us a letter that just had arrived a few moments before from Colette’s mother. Apparently, the courier received the note nearly two hours previous, and it took him that long to make the journey because of how badly washed out the roads were.

  Colette seemed upset at this, but agreed. We shouldn’t make a journey as such in a fierce storm. I only thought of Lucien waiting for me in that bedchamber.

  The gentlemen that lived in town, which were all of them, decided it was time for them to part. All of them thanked us for such a lovely time and dashed off to their respective carriages and homes.

  Colette and I went to the salon, which was the room Lucien and I had our passionate embraces in earlier. We sat at the little table in the middle of the room and drank tea. I burned like that tea, thinking of Lucien, thinking that soon I would be in his arms, and we would be one room away from Colette.

  Colette closed her eyes as she took in the tea, holding the cup up to her face and breathing in the steam. “That thunder is so relaxing. Don’t you think?”

  I nodded. “Yes, it is. Hopefully, tomorrow will be cooler.”

  She nodded. “Hmmm, yes.”

  Rose ran into the room. “Well, now that Armand and Philippe left, that rain is really coming down. Such thunder and lightning as well! What are you girls up to?”

  “Thinking of retiring, actually. After all, it is nearly two,” Colette said, her demeanor around Rose still offhand, even though it was obvious Rose was preoccupied with other men, and not Armand.

  Rose looked at me, winking lightly. “I think that would be lovely. I shall show you to your rooms for the night.”

  We all stood up. Rose grabbed our arms, and linking on either side, nearly skipping through the hallway beside the three sets of rooms. She turned to the first bedchamber, being welcomed by lacy gold and burgundy.

  “This is where you will sleep, Colette. I hope it is to your liking.” Rose smiled, her arm still linked with mine.

  Colette looked around. “Will Maddy be staying in here as well?”

  Rose shook her head. “No, no. This is all yours. The next bedchamber is mine, and Maddy darling. You will have the furthest one. I hope that is all right?”

  “Oh, yes. Of course.” I couldn’t help a smile that tugged at my mouth. I loved the idea of a room all to myself.

  “Absolutely marvelous!” Rose called out, patting Colette’s hand. “Now, we should all get some sleep. Early rise, tomorrow.”

  She turned with me, leaving the room as one of Rose’s maids started to help Colette undress. She closed the door and shut Colette out as we walked past the next room.

  “Hmmm, isn’t this marvelous? I love all these secrets. Absolutely delicious!” Rose led me over to the door of the last bedchamber.

  I turned to her before I dared enter. “Thank you. Thank you…so much. You—”

  “There is no need, Maddy darling! Now, go. Have fun!” She winked, pushing me through the door. “Don’t worry. I will tell the maids I helped you with your couchér, and there are some of those assurance caps in my secrétaire.”

  She closed the door, and a lock sounded. She actually locked us in! No one could come in or out. No one would know Lucien was in there with me unless Rose let them in herself!

  I turned to Lucien standing before me in his blouse and breeches. The collar of his blouse hung loose around his shoulders and made me shudder.

  “Felt like you were never going to come,” he said. His voice was hushed, throaty, and made my whole body shake with desire.

  I ran toward him and into his arms. As he caught me, our lips met almost painfully, it was so passionate. His hands pulled at the material of my gown.

  I pulled away from him as he began unfastening my gown. His hands fumbled around, which was a first for Lucien. Especially considering how calmly and easily he disrobed me the very first night we made love.

  As he pulled off my petticoat, he looked me in the eyes and worked on taking my panniers off.

  “Wait,” I said. His hands instantly stopping, and he stood upright.

  “What? What’s wrong?”

  “How will you escape in the morning?” I asked, looking toward the door.

  He stopped. “Humph. I never thought of that.”

  “Rose didn’t think of that?” I smirked. “You and your co-conspirator?”

  He couldn’t stop the smile. His dark eyes looked over me, and my own gaze getting caught up in it.

  “I shall hide in the hidden boudoir when Colette rises. Rose is going to wake you. We will be able to spend as much time as we possibly can in each other’s arms.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  I awoke to Rose’s voice loudly calling out. “Oh, I was just going to wake her!”

  I sat up, and Lucien bolted up with me. We scrambled from the bed completely naked as he grabbed his clothes off the floor. He rushed toward me to kiss me once and hand me my chemise before he dove into the little boudoir off to the side. I shakily found the head to it, throwing it over me, and pushing my hands through the arms. Not a moment too soon, as Rose and Colette barreled through the door.

  “Oh, you are awake.” Rose gave a quick sweep of the room before her eyes came back to mine. She was calmed by the fact that she didn’t see Lucien anywhere.

  Colette slipped an earring in her ear as she looked down to my gown strewn about the room. “Are you going to make your toilette? You don’t have to get too made up. We are going to catch the carriage home, and I am dying for a good bath.”

  I nodded, and Rose turned to usher Colette out of the room. “I will help Maddy darling get ready. Why don’t you get some tea and croissants before you go? I don’t want you to get faint on your way in the carriage. I will have her ready to join you in a few minutes.”

  Rose closed the door, and Lucien opened the door to the boudoir as I jumped out of the bed.

  “I hope I was loud enough, though you two are quite the competition in that arena. I am surprised Colette didn’t hear you two banging about in here!” She crossed her arms, and one would have thought she was angry, but a smile whipped across her lips. “Now, Comte. You can help Maddy get ready. I will wait in the hall. Be quick about it!”

  She turned and dashed out into the next room. Lucien straightened out the bow of his solitaire. He was fully dressed, save for his justaucorps, which was draped over his arm.

  “We best do as she says. Here, hand me your stays.”

  He quickly helped me dress. Everything was in order as we stood at the doorway, ready to part.

  My heart dropped. I hate this part…

  He looked me in the eyes, just as he always did. “Remember, good night not goodbye. I will see you this evening, in your own bed.”

  I nodded, tears still coming to my eyes. After all this time, I still could not handle saying goodbye—good night.

  “I will see you this evening.” He brushed his lips against mine and pressed them softly against my forehead.

  He opened the door, kissing my cheek as he gently pushed me out.

  We did not stay long. Only long enough for me to eat something, which Rose and Colette insisted on. We hugged Rose and were off, back in the carriage on the wet streets, the cool breeze blowing past us. I was so thankful to breathe in the fresh, cool air. That summer heat had finally broken! Lucien and I could stroll about in the hedge maze, if he came by during the day.

  When we arrived back at the Du Lorme manor, Constanze, Yolande, and Christine were waiting for us. I was not thrilled, to say the least.
They all stood in the foyer, looking much like my beloved macarons, wearing frothy lace. Constanze wore a yellow gown, Christine in pink, and Yolande in brown.

  “Oh, there you are! I was told you were on your way here. Dreadful weather we had last evening!” Constanze ran toward Colette and hugged her, kissing her on both cheeks. She looked to me before she turned away, grabbing Colette by the hand, “We must have a word with you.”

  “Maddy.” Colette looked back to me.

  “I am going to have a bath and make my toilette properly. I will be down in a bit.” I curtsied to the other women, who just looked away from me as if I was a servant or not really there at all.

  Constanze dragged Colette into the dining room, obviously off to the salon to hold their conversation.

  I had a feeling they didn’t want me there, anyway. Why should I care?

  I made my way up to my bedchamber, where a hot bath waited for me. I quickly took off my gown, panniers, and stays with the help of Brielle.

  “Shall I open the window for you, Mademoiselle? Let some of the air in?” she asked, pointing toward the window.

  “Yes, please. Thank you.”

  I dipped my toe inside of the water, feeling how warm and cozy it was. I jumped in and sat down deep in the water, until it came up to my chin. I craned my neck against the tub, looking up toward the clock, which only just reached nine.

  What time were we awakened at?

  It must have been early; it took almost an hour to reach the manor from town.

  I made my toilette slowly. I had no intention of sitting in Constanze’s company. My dislike for the woman really had nothing to do with the fact that she looked down on me or that she had planned to thrust Yolande into Lucien’s sights. It was really just because she was a terrible person. Her love of gossip and toying with people’s lives was something that really did not sit well with me, especially her total enjoyment in toying with Colette’s life. If she had not found out that the Chevalier Gautier had no intention of bringing Colette to her fête, she would not have been so delighted in having them cross paths and uncover his infidelity. Then, she lied about it! She claimed she had no idea Vachel was with courtesans, when I knew that she had been one of the ones spreading those rumors that indeed turned out to be true.

  Probably the only truth that ever escaped her big mouth.

  I sat in the boudoir at the frilly, lace white table, writing to my father. The sun shone through the floor length window, which was open to let in the nice, cool breeze.

  Colette walked in, seemingly upset. The Gazette was under her arm as she fell lazily on the chaise longue.

  “Constanze and her little friends are gone?” I asked, not looking up from my parchment.

  “Hmmm,” she hummed, unimpressed. “They are.”

  I looked up to her as she opened up the paper, biting at her thumbnail as she did so. “And?”

  “And what?” She looked to me, her brows raising on her head.

  “What did they have to say for themselves?” I dipped my quill into the inkwell, looking back to the parchment and scratching away on it.

  “Nothing of interest. Just things…things I wish not to speak of.”

  My brow furrowed as I frowned, but I decided to leave it alone. I turned back to my parchment.

  “Ugh, Versailles. I don’t understand it. All they do there is sit around and eat. I wonder how they don’t just get horribly fat,” she suddenly called out. Then, a few moments of silence passing by. “I wonder how they stand it, people constantly aware of their business.”

  “Unhappy with this life, Colette?” I asked, putting my quill down.

  Her face curled in anger. “I do not like being followed around. I do not like not being able to just do as I please.”

  “You do…”

  “No, I mean, do as I please and not have everyone’s eyes on me, watching me, commenting on it. What about you, Madeleine. You are able to fly away from this life if you wish, back to the country. Do you really like this life?”

  I smiled. “Yes, I do. I like the parties. I like the decadence. I even like hearing the gossip. Though, you know me. I only get to listen to it, not partake in it. Not that I would want to spin tall tales about anyone like that.”

  She turned to me, putting the paper down beside her. “How would you feel if they were spun about you?”

  “Awful, of course.” I thought back to Lucien and his words. “They don’t, though.”

  She sat back, folding her hands in her lap. “Because you are one of the lucky ones.”

  “What do you mean?” My brow furrowed.

  “Never mind. Rose will be here soon. She said she would stop by. Shall we sit out in the garden and await her?”

  I agreed. Though I didn’t really want to leave the little room, I felt it best to accompany her.

  We sat on the terrace, and the weather was absolutely beautiful—a welcomed break from the almost unbearable heat. I even needed my wool shawl while we were out there. We played Piquet, and I laughed as I won a second hand. The Marquis walked out and looked straight to his fountain.

  “Hello, Pa-pa. Admiring the day?” Colette asked as she started to deal the cards once again.

  “Yes, you could say that. I am actually examining what we have to work with. I am going to have an architect on the grounds later in the afternoon—a new, little project for your mother.” He folded his arms and looked around the grounds, his eyes bouncing about.

  “Oh? Maman wants something else done, now?” Colette looked up to me, made a funny face, and I stifled a giggle.

  “She wants a section for a closed in garden. A little section with stone benches and climbing vines. That sort of thing,” He waved his hand, putting the other on his hip. “A sort of lover’s rendezvous. I don’t know. To hell with it.”

  “How much is that going to cost, I wonder?” Colette rolled her eyes.

  He groaned. “You do not want to know. It keeps her happy.”

  Colette frowned but nodded lightly, knowing it was true. We all wanted to keep the Marquise in a favorable mood.

  “When can we expect such a blessed thing to be properly built?”

  He sighed. “By the end of the month.”

  Colette smiled. “Oh, by Maddy’s birthday, then!”

  He turned slightly but nodded. “Yes, everything is being brought in fully grown and ready to be placed. It will be hectic, of course, and a pretty penny.” He turned, walking over to us. “You two haven’t…heard things around the grounds, have you? Perhaps seen things?”

  Colette’s brow furrowed, looking up from her cards. “Seen things? Like what, Pa-pa?”

  “Oh, nothing,” he said, turning. “Probably just the servant’s trying to stir things up.”

  Colette put her cards down, turning to him. “What do you mean? What have they said?”

  He shook his head. “No, no. I don’t want you two to start worrying about things. It is nothing. Just be prepared for the architect to come by later in the day. He will survey the grounds, and we will be locked up in the office for a better part of the evening.”

  We both nodded as he turned, mumbling to himself as he went back into the salon.

  I looked to Colette. “A new extension for the garden?”

  Colette’s eyes widened as she looked about the cards. “That is Maman. She needs to find something to preoccupy her, but that suits me. It means if I want to go out, she will tell me to ‘Go, go’ and not hassle me.”

  “Hmmm.” I grabbed a little macaron, taking a bite out of it. “Best to stay out of her way anyway, I suppose.”

  “Very true.” She looked down, and Toulouse pounced after a fly in the air. She smiled. “That little thing is so adorable. It was nice of the Comte to give him to you.”

  I nodded. “Well, as Lucien puts it, ‘They have enough animals about Versailles.’”

  She stopped, leaning toward me and looking me over. “What is going on between you two?”

  My whole body froze, f
ear leaping within me. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean that he was so…I just don’t understand how he can just…he was so interested, and now it seems like he just…I cannot believe that there is another woman, but all the evidence points to it. He barely comes by here. Though, he does write you, as you said. All around town, all they speak about is how light on his feet he is, so he is obviously in love. I want to know who this woman is.” With her last words, she pointed at me, sitting back in her seat as she turned and looked back down to Toulouse.

  “They…they say he is in love? They can see it?” I asked, holding my macaron by my lips.

  “That is what Stanzy says,” she said, smiling to Toulouse.

  I took a deep breath, pressing my lips together as I swallowed, trying to think.

  “Men,” she said before I could answer her. “Yolande is absolutely furious. She has no idea who he is seeing, and it is obviously not her. Armand said that the La Cienega’s went back to Spain, so it isn’t their little thing, either.”

  “Are you thinking out loud, or am I to answer you?” I asked, almost smiling. As long as her thoughts didn’t come back to me, we were safe from anyone finding out.

  “Hmmm?” She looked to me. “Oh, thinking out loud, but any input you have is welcome.”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “I really have nothing to add. All you need know is that nothing of interest is happening between the Comte and me.”

  She frowned, her brow furrowing, “Well, that isn’t very interesting.”

  I laughed. “I’m sorry, Colette, that my life is not as interesting as you wish it.”

  She smiled as she bent down and picked up Toulouse. She placed him on her lap and played with his paws.

  “Besides, I believe we can both agree that your life is interesting enough for the both of us.” I smiled, looking to the kitten.

  She laughed out loud. “Yes, I suppose that is very true.”