“So be it, you behaved as a churl. Now what?”
“What do you mean, ‘now what’? I have no clue how to fix this. What if she asks for another escort? What then?”
“Then she asks for another escort. Do you have a problem with that?” Albert’s eyes twinkled like the day he introduced him to Louise.
“What would His Majesty say?”
Albert put his hand on Antoine’s shoulder. “Is that your true reason for concern?”
“Oui, ah, I mean…” Antoine’s gaze met Albert’s, and he could see the truth. “You know, do you not?”
“Anyone who had seen the two of you together last night would know. I think you two are the only ones who did not know. So, tell me, my friend, how bad is it?”
“How bad is what?” Antoine still could not bring himself to say the words aloud.
“Amour. It is the source of epics, music, and wars. So, what is it like?”
“It is like living on a precipice and being drawn to look over the edge, knowing that if you do you will fall. Yet, you have to look anyway.”
“So, have you fallen or are you hanging on by your fingertips?”
Antoine laughed. “Oh, I have fallen, my friend, I have fallen.” He might as well confess the rest. “The problem is that I have no idea of what to do about it. Louise is angry with me, what makes me think she could ever love me?”
“Maybe she is angry because she has feelings for you.”
The idea was foreign, strange. All Antoine could do was stare.
“What are you waiting for, man? Go.”
Antoine obediently took two steps and stopped. Turning, he found Albert still watching. “There was one thing she said.”
Albert gave an impatient glare.
“No, really. When we were in the garden, I asked her if she knew whom she would marry. She sounded like she did.”
“What does that mean, ‘sounded like she did’?”
“Well, she said she might. Maybe. That it was possible.” Aloud this sounded so silly.
“Then she does not know anything for sure, and both of us know that things can change at a moment’s notice. So, get out of here and talk with her. Now.”
“I am going.” Antoine flashed a grin and left for Louise’s suite.
* * *
Louise paced. Now back in her room, she dangled at the end of her wits. She could not go to Vichy. It would be a trip of a fortnight or more one way, covering almost two hundred fifty miles and then staying for any length of time. She would never see home at this rate. Plus, how could she go to Vichy and still be here on Thursday to meet with Matthew?
How did she get out of this trip? There had to be some way.
The knock at her door startled her. There always seemed to be someone at the door when her emotions ran high. She answered it herself.
Antoine stood there, kneading his hat.
“Louise, I have come to apologize. I was stupid and inconsiderate. Can you ever forgive me?” Antoine looked so humble standing there with her heart in his hand. She wanted to melt at his feet, but she was still in a dither.
“Oui, of course, I forgive you.” She grabbed his sleeve and dragged him into the suite. “I must confess, I am no longer worried about that anymore. Mimi was with us, and I can always point out that nothing inappropriate happened since I brought along a chaperone.”
“That is true.” Antoine grinned, then sobered. “What is the problem? You look disheartened.”
“It is that Tante Marie has planned a sudden trip to Vichy for me, and I do not want to go.” That sounded petulant even to her own ears.
“Why is that?”
Why, indeed. She could not tell him about Matthew. “Because of Mimi.” The lie poured from her as smooth as His Majesty’s wine. “We need to be able to take her to see her family as often as possible. She cannot be left alone here nor dragged so far from her loved ones. I do not think taking her to Vichy would be the best thing for her.”
“I see your point.” Antoine nodded.
“You do?” The words came out of her mouth the same instant she thought them. She could not understand how he believed her so readily. “So, what should I do?”
“Ho, I have been in enough trouble where making up excuses are concerned. Are you sure you want to ask me?”
It broke her heart that he would say that. Especially when she had just lied to him. Maybe she should explain. Still, she had promised Matthew. “Antoine, I trust you. I know you were in a difficult situation, quickly needing an excuse. I do forgive you, and I can use some ideas. I will be the one to give out the excuse. You will not get into any more trouble.” She did not want anyone to get into trouble on her account.
Antoine snapped his fingers. “You could say you do not feel up to the trip?”
“No, the last time I suggested not feeling well Tante Marie reminded me of the Royal Surgeon. I do not want to be bled just to get out of going on this trip.”
“You are right.” His forehead scrunched. “When was it that you used that excuse?”
“No, that is my secret. Back to the point, what can I say to be excused from this trip?” Louise began to pace. She turned and ran straight into the broad chest of Antoine. She could bury her head in that chest and be content forever.
She jumped back.
Antoine took her hand. “What if something is about to happen here that you do not want to miss?”
“Such as?” Louise’s heart pounded in her ears. Could he possibly know about Matthew?
“Perhaps a concert, or play, or I do not know. It is a bad idea.”
“No,” Louise answered slowly. “I do not think it is a bad idea at all. Actually, I think you have figured out the perfect thing. Do you remember when we were at appartement? Monsieur Lully announced he would be presenting the full opera this next week. Tante knows I have wanted to see Isis for a very long time. It is a true excuse. I will not really be lying.”
There was something strange about the look on Antoine’s handsome face. “But you were willing to lie, is that it?”
Why did he have to ask this? “I do not want to, no. However, I feel the need to be here, and if a lie is what it takes…”
She could not look in Antoine’s eyes. They spoke to her heart, seeing her lie and not liking it. She could see herself in his eyes, like a mirror to her own soul. It was not pretty sight.
“Antoine, I am sorry. You are right. I do not think I like myself very much right now. Here I am concerned about my reputation, but very willing to lie to get my way. It sounds a bit manipulative even to me.”
“No, I understand. Protecting Mimi has put you into some unfortunate situations.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “Do not become skilled at lying. Like everything else, it can improve with practice.”
She could not bear to look into his honest gaze. “I feel ashamed. Antoine, there is something I should tell you, but it is something I cannot share with anyone. I do not want to lie to you, and I would tell you if I could. It would mean divulging a confidence. Please do not think ill of me. I promise it is not something bad, but the secret belongs to another. It is not mine to tell.”
“You have nothing to be ashamed of.” Antoine put two fingers under her chin and lifted her gaze to his. “I trust you. If you cannot tell me without breaking a confidence, then do not tell me. I think higher of you for keeping that confidence than if you would share someone else’s secret with me.”
“Truly?”
“Truly.”
He reached for her hand, and she went to him, burying her face in his chest. Their arms went around each other, and he kissed the top of her head. Surprised, she looked up at his face. His hand went to her chin and, tipping it up, his lips met hers.
She had not anticipated his kiss but welcomed it as the most natural thing in the world. Her first kiss brought tingles down her spine, making her toes curl with new and exciting sensations.
A quiet cough shattered the moment. Louise pulled from his em
brace.
“I am sorry.” Mimi sat on the edge of the petite coucher. “I did not mean to interrupt. Would you like me to leave?”
“Oh, no, ah,” Louise sputtered, her face warmed.
Antoine shook his head. “No, Mimi. You remain here. We are going for a walk.” Snatching Louise by the hand, he led out the door and straight out of the chateau. They ran, fingers laced, to the garden bench.
* * *
When he sat, he pulled her down next to him.
“We are not walking.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “No, we are not.”
Her smile, her innocence, oh, oui, he loved her.
Antoine grew serious. Now was the time. “About the kiss.”
She cut him off, her forefinger to his lips. “Do not talk.” Her whisper mesmerized. She pulled his head to hers. Her arms went around his neck, and he responded, pulling her close.
He kissed her thoroughly, completely.
The sweetness of the moment began to give rise to alarm. Antoine needed to take control now. Later would be too difficult. He pulled back from her and gently cupped his hand to her questioning face.
Her cheeks grew pink, and she turned away. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Louise, you are far too tempting and desirable right now.” He bit his lip and tried to calm his breath. “Just sit here with me.” He turned her to him and covered her hands in his own. “You must not have any idea of what you do to me. I know we have only known each other for a short time, but my feelings for you run very deep.”
“They do?” Her eyes sparkled more blue than green, opened wide and innocent. In just two days, she had captured his heart.
“Oui, they do. Louise, I want, ah …” Now he was embarrassed.
“You want what?”
“I want to know you better. I want to learn all about you, what you think and how you see things. I do not want to spend all this time with you for two weeks and then just say goodbye. I need you in my life, and I want to be a part of yours.”
“What are you saying?”
“I guess I am telling you that, or rather I am hoping you feel the same way.” He was not saying this well.
“It has only been two days.” She was withdrawing, and he could feel it.
“I know. This is how I feel, though. How do you feel?” Hear my heart, Louise, and tell me how you feel. Do I have a chance?
“You have not told me how you feel. You have told me what you want. I do not know how you feel.” Was that fear in her eyes?
“I thought I had, that I just did. I told you how I feel. I do not want to lose you.” How could he make her see?
“Again, that is what you want. If you want me to know how you feel, you will have to tell me.” She pulled her hands from his.
Antoine could not stop her. He could not say anything. His eyes pled with her to understand but no words came out.
She stood and turned away. One step. Another.
Before she could take a third step, Antoine stood. “I love you.”
She turned back to him.
“Do not go,” he whispered, “I love you, Louise.”
“Truly?” Her eyes grew tender.
“I love you. Even if you never say it, I love you.”
“Oh, oh, Antoine, I love you too.” She threw herself into his arms.
He kissed her with all the passion he knew.
Danger.
The thought flitted through his mind and he forced himself back. He stared at her, breathless and shaken.
“We had better walk.” His voice sounded unsteady to his ear.
Louise did not argue. Looping her arm through his, she allowed him to lead her around the gardens and listened while he told her of the plants and flowers.
Antoine could feel his heart pumping faster than galloping horses’ hooves. Not only did he not scare her away, she said she loved him too.
And now, what? Keep a cool head. Tell about this flower. Think things through. Name that tree. Determine the rest of his life. Point out the interesting facts of this shrub. Never let her go. Breathe. He was elated and terrified all at the same time. He did not know what to do.
“Cherí!”
Antoine turned to see Louise’s aunt waving to them. The Marquis d’Heudecourt escorted her.
“Tante Marie.” Louise waved back. Under her breath she whispered to Antoine, “Please do not say anything to her. This is so new. I do not want to share it with anyone else yet.”
Antoine patted her arm and smiled his agreement. He was glad the suggestion came from Louise. Madame du Sine had a reputation as a bit of a gossip, but she was Louise’s aunt. At least she would not be interfering.
“Where have you two been?”
How could she tolerate the Marquis?
“Just walking here in the garden.” Louise squeezed his arm.
“Oh, Pet, I have spoken with the Prince de Condé, and it is all arranged. We can leave for Vichy on Monday. Is that not wonderful?”
“Tante, I had hoped to see the production of Isis this next week when Monsieur Lully presents it. I understand there is even ballet within his opera, and that it is magnificent.”
Antoine covered Louise’s nervous fingers in the crook of his arm. Could she feel his strength for her?
“Remember, when we were in Paris, Tante, you mentioned it might be possible we would be here to see Isis, and now it is my opportunity. Please, though, you go on to Vichy. I do not want you to miss out on your trip, just because I want to stay.”
“Are you quite sure, dear heart? We will be gone at least a month or more. I would not want you to miss out on anything, either.” Madame du Sine began to eye Antoine. “As you wish, then. I promised you that you would not have to care for this old woman while we were here so, if this is what you want, so be it.”
“Oh, merci, Tante.” Louise gave her aunt a hug. “You are a dear, and not old in the least.”
“One thing, though.” Madame du Sine’s smile resembled a mouser toying with its prey.
“What is that?”
“Since I am going to Vichy, we will not be able to leave as planned. You do not mind staying an extra month or so, do you? In fact, I believe the court will be back at St. Germaine within the next week.”
Louise looked at Antoine.
He met her smile and held in the laugh.
“No, Tante, I will not mind. I am sure Monsieur de Crocketagné will think of something for us to do to pass the time.”
“I am sure he will.” Marie threw a wink at Antoine and waved goodbye on her way back to the chateau.
What had he gotten himself into?
Chapter Fourteen
The dusty rider pulled to a stop at the edge of the village. Alsais. Now he needed to learn exactly where this Matthew Maury person lived so he could deliver the letter and return.
A house with a well on the side stood on the outskirts. Perhaps the master of the house might allow a thirsty traveler a cup of water. He might also supply the information needed to find the addressee.
Tying his horse to a tree in the front, he hailed the house.
“You there, inside, might I trouble you for a drink of your water?”
“Help yourself, if you are of the mind to, and then state your business.” Though in shadow, the speaker was a male, tall from the deep voice.
“I kindly thank you.” The rider walked to the well and drew up a bucketful. The rusty dipper hung from a nail at the side, but he was too thirsty to care about the condition. He dipped and greedily drank three times before getting his fill. Once he had rehung the dipper, he set the bucket on the edge of the well where he had found it.
Walking back toward the front he called out, “Do you know where I might locate Monsieur Matthew Maury?”
“Who wants to know?” That disembodied voice again.
“I have a letter to deliver to him.”
“From whom?”
Before the rider could answer, he overheard what seemed to be par
ts of a discussion in the house.
A new voice called, “I will be right out.”
Minutes later, a tall, well-built gentleman exited. Obviously, the master of the house.
“You have a letter for me?” The gentlemen spoke friendly enough.
“No, I have a letter for Monsieur Matthew Maury. I am looking for his house. If you could point it out to me, I will not trouble you again.”
“I am Matthew Maury, and this is my home. May I have my letter?” Now he held out his hand.
“How do I know you are who you say you are?” The ride had been long and hard. He was not about to give this note to the wrong person now. “This letter might be something important.”
“As you wish. You may ask anyone here in my home, or I could take you into town where you might ask people. I believe the quickest way, however, would be for me to tell you who sent the letter. Would that be satisfactory?”
“You say you can tell me who sent this letter?”
“I believe I can.” The master of the house seemed certain.
“Agreed. If you can do that, you must be Monsieur Maury.”
“It would not by chance be from a lady staying at Versailles? A lady by the name of Mademoiselle Louise de Saix, would it?”
Relief lightened the rider’s load. “I stand corrected, Monsieur. Here is your letter.” The traveler smiled and turned to leave.
Monsieur Maury started for the house. “Wait, I may need to send a response. You do not mind, do you?”
He did, but… “No.”
“Bon. Come in then and I will have Giselle pour you something proper.” Maury held the door for him.
He followed Matthew into the house and looked around. This Monsieur Maury may be working class, but he did very well.
A servant girl brought a glass of wine to the grimy man and glared at him when he set his dirty self in one of the dusty-green-colored velvet chairs. Saucy wench. He stretched his red heels out in front of him and smiled a taunting grin.
She retreated to the back of the house with her nose in the air.
Maury reentered. “It appears I will not be writing back.”
“Well then, I will be off. Thank you for your hospitality.” He shoved his body out of the chair. It was nice while it lasted.
The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Page 11