by Dana Roquet
She beckoned him to examine Desiree’s wound and after seeing the evidence and hearing the entire story, coupled with what had been learned of the carriage accident, he had to concur.
The men from the Roche’ house arrived with a chorus of hooves at a breakneck pace and a cloud of dry dust from the road, billowing behind them. All hands dashed to lend assistance in the battle against the blaze but the heat of the fire, now at a heady pitch, could be felt well out onto the lawn and it was clear that salvation was beyond hope. Even the bright green leaves of the trees surrounding and above the mansion were shriveled by the intense inferno.
“Ladies, we should go. There is nothing to do here. The men will tend to this until it dies down.” Francois urged haling a stable hand and ordering a carriage be brought around.
Desiree watched the men throwing buckets of water on small grass fires started by cinders falling to the ground like fiery stars from the heavens.
“Mary you set everyone up in the cottages for now. We shall see about supplies after the fire is under control.” She said with authority she little felt.
Mary nodded and with a sob, embraced Desiree for a long moment. “Oh my sweet little flower, my heart breaks with what I know you must be feeling. Believe me child, this will be the end of your grief, we shall all see to it.”
Desiree hugged her old housekeeper, placing a kiss upon her cheek and nodded bravely, not trusting her voice to speak.
The carriage was brought around and Bridgett helped Desiree up, while Francois tied his mount to the rear of the coach; then joined them for the drive home.
Desiree sat silently, watching out the window as they drove from her home. The black cloud, now drifting on the breeze, fanned out across the sky from east to west. A black flag marking the end of all she had loved. A tear slipped down her face and she could find no words that might express her feelings.
Chapter Five
The study was deathly quiet, but for the ticking of the large mantle clock over the stone fireplace where Desiree sat silently upon a settee with Bridgett at her side. With her hands folded demurely in her lap and eyes lowered, Desiree watched the pacing back and forth of Francois Roche’s booted feet before her. Daring to glance up she noted the stern scowl and knitted brow of her godfather and the thought occurred to her that he looked just like a schoolmaster who had caught a student cheating on their examinations. With hands clasp behind his back, he looked at the Persian rug beneath his feet, as he pondered the dilemma set before him. When he had finally gathered his thoughts, he stopped before them, rocking back on his heels, contemplating Desiree.
“Desiree you can not be serious about this! I must insist that you reconsider. What purpose would you have going to the colonies? It is a barbaric place—horrid living conditions—savages! Diseases of all sorts—backward…completely primitive!” he shook his head in disbelief that she could even entertain the notion.
“No—not so bad as all that! Aunt Colette has written often of the progress of the colonies. It is not at all as barren as it once was. Why she has written they have cobblestone streets, a town hall—merchant shops! I feel it would be a marvelous chance to see for myself.” She looked hopefully into his eyes but saw he did not share her obvious excitement, so she continued more seriously, “Of course in addition Francois, the fact remains that I am no longer safe here. We have no clue as to the identity of the persons who killed my parents and tried to kill me. We could be in grave danger this very moment and be unaware. I could meet with some accident such as my parents—how do you know that right now your carriage is not being tampered with? Next time it could be you or Madeleine who fall to your deaths.”
“Our house and grounds are being guarded, nothing else will occur.” He assured with conviction.
He began pacing again and strode to his desk, retrieving his pipe and then paused at a sconce, setting a fine reed to flame and touching it to the bowl, puffing until it caught. Desiree couldn’t resist a smile, entertaining the thought that he had acquired this fashionable habit, from the very land he considered barbaric.
“You feel going halfway around the world by yourself is not at all a hazard?” he gripped the pipe tightly in his teeth, drawing the fragrant smoke, then replaced it in his hand, “And you can not believe this—person will forget the entire notion in your absence! That is ludicrous Desiree!” He paced across to look out the veranda doors, where he could see work on clearing the gutted hull of her home well underway.
“Francois, I will not be going alone—Bridgett shall accompany me on the voyage, and travel to the New World has become almost commonplace. I wish to go—I feel I must. For my own safety but more importantly for the safety of the people I love. I could not bear to lose anyone else!”
Desiree met his light blue eyes without wavering and he turned from her to the window once more, with a snort. She waited patiently and then, he dropped the drape back into place with a sigh. She could see his resolve weakening. She was winning the argument.
“And you are most certain Colette will have room to accommodate you? I’ve heard they live in nothing but thatched huts over there.” he said with distaste, as he came to stand before her once more.
“Francois…” Desiree laughed softly, “Colette has a lovely two story home right on the coast of New Hampshire at Portsmouth. From what she has written of it, it sounds wonderful!”
He rubbed his gray bearded chin solemnly, eyeing her, “Well if you are set on this expedition, I shall get you a place on one of my sloops to Le Havre and then I suppose you might go across on the Angelica.”
He started to the desk in search of the schedule of his ship but Desiree halted him in stride, “There is no need for that. Bridgett and I shall make our own arrangements for passage. I would rather not go aboard your or one of my father’s ships, for that matter. I feel for safety’s sake it would be best to find a neutral party.”
He could see the determination flashing from her violet eyes, “Perhaps the proprietor of the Le Havre Inn will help you with those arrangements.” He sighed, resigning himself wearily.
“Oh Merci!” Desiree squealed, jumping up and placing an excited kiss upon his cheek in spite of his stern expression. She hugged him tightly, “Bridgett shall help me with all that, worry not.”
“Worry not! I shall do nothing else. Desiree what of your business—your house?” he pointed out the door toward her home, “Have you considered any of that?”
Desiree nodded in affirmation, “I have discussed all that with Monsieur Monet. He will see to everything, including the house to its completion. It will work out fine, you shall see.”
“It seems as though you had all this arranged even before discussing it with me.” He scowled darkly.
“Oui I must admit I did.” Desiree confessed, placing another kiss upon his cheek and with a quick hug, she and Bridgett scurried out of the room to make plans.
Francois listened to them giggling like schoolgirls and with a shake of his head and a heavy sigh, he went back to the work awaiting him on his desk.
***
It was near dusk, after the evening meal had been taken that Bridgett excused herself and retired to her room to read. This left Desiree sitting with the Roche’s, talking idly of her plans for her trip, as Michel’ lighted candles about the comfortable drawing room to chase away the shadows of night. A hearty rap upon the door hastened Michel’ to the front hall, where in a moment he reappeared with Honore’ Romains at his side.
“Bonsoir.” Honore’ greeted the Roche’s with a nod. He curled an index finger at Desiree, “May I speak with you for a few moments privately?” he inclined his head toward the front door.
Desiree watched her godfather as she rose and his pointed lack of eye contact with her left little doubt in her mind as to the purpose of Honore’s visit, “Francois you didn’t invite Honore’ over here to change my mind about my trip?”
“He but cares for you Desiree, as do I. You can not make such a drastic decision without at least allow
ing me my opinion.” Honore’ spoke up, his deep booming voice full of determination that indeed, he would, have his say.
Desiree shook her head with a disgusted sigh, “Why is it that my every move must have the approval of a commission?” she sneered teasingly at Honore’ as she moved to his side, clasping his hand in her own, “Come along then, let’s have this out. Merci Francois, for setting this one upon me—if it comes to blows, I am at a marked disadvantage.” She laughed.
Honore’ was not exceedingly tall but stocky with a muscular body and strong sharp features that were almost hawk like in their intensity. He looked as though ever ready to do battle and in most instances this was true, for he loved to fight and had the size at nineteen to level most of his peers. But Desiree had always admired his clear, sky blue eyes and blond curls that saved him from looking like one of Satan’s own.
Desiree dragged him through the front hall and paused while he opened the door, then preceded him out onto the veranda but came to an abrupt stop at the threshold and then she attempted to retreat a pace. Her retreat though, was brought to a resounding halt by Honore’s sturdy frame.
In the dim light cast by a lantern at either end of the veranda, she could see Antoine leaning casually against the rail with his arms folded over his chest and legs crossed at the ankles. Rene’ sat at the top step of the landing, one leg drawn up before him and his arm dangling loosely across his knee—a grin from ear to ear—the blackguard! Philippe sat in a wrought iron chair, with his feet propped up on the rail beside Antoine and all eyes were on her!
“Oh no—please, not four of you!” she pleaded dramatically, lightly placing the back of her hand across her brow as if to swoon, while the other hand rested over her heart, “Have pity upon me! I feared defending my actions to Honore’ but all at once—I haven’t the strength!”
“You little fool—stop overacting and come out here!—at least enough to allow Honore’ to close the door.” Rene’ chuckled, rising from the steps. He strode across the veranda, bringing a chair back with him. Placing it in the center of the group, he patted the seat invitingly, “Have a seat Desiree, you have some questions to answer.”
When Desiree didn’t move to take the seat, Honore’ closed the door behind him removing her access to escape and holding her by the shoulders, led her to it, “Sit!” he barked firmly.
“Now then!” Antoine began, running his fingers through his windblown hair, then clapping and rubbing his hands together in anticipation. He adjusted his position to allow Rene’ and Honore’ to join him against the rail and at the same time Philippe swung his legs down; sitting up and taking heed as Antoine continued, “Tell us why you would wish to go. Haven’t we paid enough attention to you lately?” he teased.
Desiree looked at the three before her and then to Philippe at her side. He watched her intently; leaning his arms upon his knees, his chin resting upon his folded hands, expectant. She would have answered in a lighthearted vein as Antoine had asked but she knew that beneath the light words, they honestly wanted and deserved to know her reasons. Solemnly she began, while looking one by one to each of the four.
“In a matter of weeks, I have lost my father, my mother, my home—nearly every material possession. And I have lost more than this. I have lost my freedom, my security. My whole life has changed! I don’t walk out of this house without fearing what may await me. I am guarded constantly, night and day and it is not part of my nature to live in fear. I shall find passage to the colonies—go to my Aunt Colette’s home and see a new land and my only relatives—without fearing for my safety or the safety of those I love—which includes all of you! What befell my parents and almost myself could be repeated at any time. I want some time away and I know—it shall not solve the problem, but in some instances it is better to run away from a foe rather than to attempt to fight—especially when your foe has no form which can be battled.” She leaned back in her seat, indicating she had finished her piece.
Honore’ cleared his throat and spoke up, taking the first swipe at her resolve, “For a young beautiful woman to travel with only the company of her maid is foolhardy Desiree. Then to board a ship—a ship full of men that shall be in close proximity for a long voyage—it could be…dangerous!” he nervously looked to his companions for assistance.
“What he means…” Antoine continued in his stead, “Is that sailors are not known to be the most gallant—” he paused.
“What Antoine is trying to say is that you may find yourself—they could…” Rene’ attempted but also faltered, so quickly changed the subject, “And there is your arrival at the colonies, finding your aunt! It is just too large an undertaking! If you must leave—go to Paris! Travel Scotland, Wales, England—somewhere closer to home!”
Desiree shook her head decidedly, “No I have been to Paris and I have no desire to travel England or the rest. Listen to me—Bridgett has no qualms!—Not in the least. She grew up in Liverpool. She is familiar with ships and sailors. She has no fear for our safety. Goodness, you make it sound as though civility has forgotten the waterfront! I have met many of my father’s sailors and they are fine, decent men. As for the colonies, I shall be going to a port town. My Aunt lives near the port and I shall have no trouble locating her. I have sent word already which shall precede our arrival and she will be looking for us.” she laughed gently, “Next question.”
“In that case, since you are so sure of your father’s men, take one of his ships or Francois’, he has a vessel.” Antoine pleaded.
“Once more my reasoning there is sound. For I want no forewarning of what ship I will be taking. I wish to arrange this with a party completely disassociated with myself. The only way to do this, is to search out and attain passage on my own and immediately before my departure and with this task, Bridgett shall assist me.”
Philippe reached out, taking her hand, “Well Ma Cherie’ how long do you plan to be gone?” he chuckled, resigning himself.
“Philippe!—you are not helping matters!” Honore’ growled kicking Philippe’s chair soundly.
“She has her head set on it.” Philippe grinned, patting Desiree’s hand, “Once she is set on something, no amount of talk will change her mind and all of you know that as well as I.”
“Finally! The voice of reason!” Desiree laughed, leaning over and hugging Philippe excitedly.
“How long will you be gone?” Antoine grumbled.
“I hadn’t thought on that—it shall depend. A year possibly.”
“A year!” sputtered Rene’.
“We shall see.” Desiree said with a laugh, standing and hugging each in turn, “I must go in now. It is getting late but I shall see you tomorrow.” she reminded Honore’ pointing a finger at his chest, “We were planning a picnic remember?”
“Oui I shall be here.” Honore’ sighed, still dejected by their defeat.
“Cheer up fellows, I shall not be leaving until the end of the month.” Desiree called over her shoulder as they plodded down the steps. She opened the front door, starting in but stopped short, listening to a comment from Antoine.
“Picnic, eh? Well stay clear of the creek or dress for a swim.” he warned, “You never know when she will strike or for what offense.”
Desiree closed the door, laughing gaily and peeked into the drawing room on her way upstairs, “Francois, I am afraid my plans still hold. They understood.” She drawled with a teasing voice.
Francois shook his head with a disgusted look directed toward his wife, “They will convince her—eh?” he grumbled.
Chapter Six
It was a cool morning in late May, that Desiree and Bridgett began their adventure. The Roche’s carriage pulled up to the busy docks of Rouen and each in turn, Francois assisted his wife, Desiree and Bridgett from the high coach. Philippe and two other boys approached and unloaded the trunks and cloth satchels, carrying them the short distance to the small sloop that stood waiting.
Without much fanfare but plenty of warm hugs and kisses, Bridge
tt and Desiree bid farewell to Madeleine and Francois, then stepped aboard the boat with assistance from Philippe.
“Now you take care Philippe!” Monsieur Roche’ barked and was answered with a curt bob of his dark head.
Philippe smiled at Desiree and there was no one who could doubt that he would guard her with his very life. Bridgett knew he was fiercely protective of Desiree and although she could hardly abide his constant attentions to her charge, she knew that he cared for her very much.
Philippe seated himself opposite his two passengers and with a flick of his wrist, released the lines and pushed off from the dock with an oar, casting a worried eye toward Desiree. She was teary eyed as she called her goodbyes to the Roche’s and then waved to their receding forms along the dock until they were out of sight after rounding a bend.
“Will you be all right Desiree?” Philippe asked with concern.
“Don’t worry Philippe. You know me, a crying baby of late. I am thankful I said my farewells to the rest yesterday, I’m afraid I might have made a huge scene.” She smiled softly, reaching out to clasp his hand for a moment. She wiped a tear on a lace kerchief, smiled a bit more convincingly at her friend, and then filled her mind as well as her senses with the activity about her.
Other sloops, with their tiny sails flapping in the cool morning breeze passed them, on their way back up river loaded with passengers or goods bound for some small hamlet. Their oars stroked in assistance to sails, fighting the current. A few of the captain’s called greetings as well as offering information regarding conditions on the river ahead to Philippe.
Although her reasons for leaving were not ones of happiness, Desiree began to feel a mounting excitement and interest, thinking of the adventure she was undertaking. Her mood brightened as they moved closer and closer to Le Havre, until by the time they arrived, she felt truly as if going on a holiday rather than an escape from danger.