Instead of answering, Mimi walked out in front of him.
When they were beyond the chapel doors, Mimi turned again to get a better look at the man. Even in the afternoon sunlight, he appeared very sad, as though he suffered a great deal.
“Mademoiselle, I have thought of you and Madame LeSuere often since that terrible day. How do you fare?”
“I survive. Sometimes that is good and sometimes it is not.”
“What do you do?” She knew he was not asking about what work she did, but how she survived her pain.
“When it is not good, I hold tighter to my faith. When it is good, I say a prayer of thanks and try to store the moment in my memory so I will remember I will get through.”
He nodded. “I want you to know I am very sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can ever do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.” He touched her hand and then turned to go.
“Monsieur.”
He turned back.
She needed to know. “What is your name?”
“De Grillet. Albert de Grillet.” He smiled his melancholy smile, tipped his hat, and walked away.
Chapter Seventeen
Louise stretched in her bed and smiled to herself. On the morrow she would go to meet with Matthew. He would call her a big baby.
She had to agree at this point.
Things had improved so much. She did not feel as burdened as she had when she first wrote the note. Now, though, it was too late to get word to him. So, she would go meet him. It would be wonderful to see him again.
Then there was tonight. Louise grabbed a pillow to her chest. Oh, she looked forward to a glorious night. Young and in love, she rubbed shoulders with the highest nobility of French society in the most fascinating court in the world.
Could life become any better?
Her journal sat on the night table. She picked it up and thumbed through. As she read the first few entries, it surprised her how different she sounded. What had happened to the quiet, shy creature who hated crowds and bother? Louise still preferred to ride a horse than socialize with many of the nobles present at Versailles. However, she was finding royal court life exciting and fun. Was that so bad?
That first evening getting ready for dinner and the theatre, she had been terrified of too much attention. Now it did not bother her. Usually.
Of course, the attention the Marquise tried to show her was not the most pleasant, but others helped make her stay enjoyable.
That was something else she realized. At some point, she had given up being afraid of what the Marquise might do. She had Antoine. He loved her. That was all that mattered.
Oh oui, life was good.
The door opened, and Mimi peeked in. “I see you are awake. Would you like to bathe before getting ready?” She came into the room.
“Oui, please.” Oh, how delightful. To soak in a hot bath and then prepare to go to the opera. And not just any opera. This performance she had wanted to see from the first moment she had heard of it.
Mimi lugged bucket after bucket of hot water to the tub.
She should get up and help Mimi. After all, Mimi was doing this for her. Mimi would not accept her help, though. Louise knew that. Yet she could offer. Or she could argue with herself until the tub was filled.
When had she become so hard hearted as to make someone as sweet as Mimi waited on her hand and foot? The evening lost some of its luster.
When the tub was ready, Louise stepped out of her chemise and into the water. Sliding down, she let the warmth soak away her culpability. A short time later, when she stood, she had pushed her conscience out of the way.
Mimi handed her a towel and helped her out of the tub. A clean chemise waited on the bed. A burgundy-colored dress of satin and velvet lay beside it. Two combs of garnet and pearl sat on the vanity alongside matching earrings, necklace, and a bracelet. Mimi had even included a folding fan of oriental motif and a mouche next to her bottle of perfume and jar of pearl dusting powder.
Louise stepped into the skirt and then Mimi fastened the boned bodice in back, tucking in the flaps. The outer skirt of lace was brought back at the sides to reveal the underskirt. Lace from Louise’s white chemise peeked out at the sleeves and neck. This was not the lowest neckline in her closet, but it definitely would be considered low-cut among her friends back home. Louise adjusted her chemise at her cleavage for modesty’s sake but dusted her neckline liberally with her powder.
Mimi fashioned Louise’s hair into a braided coronet at the crown and added masses of curls over each ear topped by a comb on each side. The necklace was fastened in place, a dab of perfume touched behind each ear, and the mouche pasted into place on the right cheekbone.
“Let me help you with the bracelet.” Mimi took her wrist.
Louise’s conscience squirmed. She pulled her arm back. “Mimi, you do not have to help with everything.” The knock at the door effectively cut off the rest of what she wanted to say, though it could not hide the look in Mimi’s eyes.
Adjusting her cap, Mimi opened the door.
A very debonair Antoine, dressed in black and white, stood with knuckles raised. His plumed hat stuck out from under his arm, and he carried a long-stemmed red rose.
Louise met him at the door where he offered her the flower. “Merci beaucoup.” She curtseyed and accepted the rose, taking a deep breath of its scent. With Antoine, the world became right. The rest did not matter. After putting the rose into her pitcher, she picked up her fan and wrap. “I am so excited. I do not think this is real. I keep pinching myself to wake up.”
Antoine smiled. “It is real, my love,” he whispered in her ear. His breath against her neck sent delicious chills up her spine. “Shall we?” He offered his arm and they left.
By now, Louise was confident in most of the halls of Versailles. It would one day be a very large place. Would she ever return to see the finished product?
They headed outside to an area especially built for the night’s production. It seemed fitting somehow that an opera about the Egyptian goddess of nature should be presented outside, under a setting sun. Antoine found their seats and, true to his word, His Majesty had arranged the seating so Louise could sit next to the Duchess.
The two women began chatting almost immediately. They found they had many of the same likes and dislikes, although it was obvious that the Duchess was by far the more outgoing.
Anne Marie leaned over to whisper. “Do not look now, but I believe someone is spouting steam from her ears.”
Louise did not understand.
The Duchess opened her fan and pointed from behind it. When she closed her fan again, Louise looked in the direction indicated.
Louise had to open her own fan to cover her giggle. It might not have been nice, but it brought some satisfaction to see the King’s Favorite so irritated. Having been relegated to a different area of seating, the Marquise was most certainly unhappy.
The orchestra sounded, and the opera began.
Enthralled, Louise often closed her eyes, getting lost in the music and letting it transport her to Egypt. Yet with the ballet portions, she had to sit on the edge of her seat and grip the armrests. How inventive! How wonderful! She could have joined in their dance and been carried away. As the stars came out and the light of day dimmed, Monsieur Lully arranged for lighting to be added unobtrusively. The effect was magical. Louise could not bear for it to end.
Afterward, while on the way to dinner, His Majesty motioned to her. “So, dear little cousin, what did you think?”
“The saddest part was that it must end.”
“I take it the production pleased you.”
“Oh oui, Your Majesty. It greatly pleased me.”
“Bon. Then I will let Monsieur Lully know he may have other showings.”
Louise took Antoine’s arm and they began to walk away, but she could still hear His Majesty speaking with Anne Marie. “My dear, Conté just informed me you have hired a new gardener. He is not a Huguenot, is he? Tha
t name sounds very much like one of those heathens.”
The word Huguenot gripped her heart. Could it be someone she knew? Louise listened hard for more.
“Your Majesty, there are no Huguenots on my list of paid employees. But if there were, would that be such a tragedy?”
“My dear Duchess, to hire one of those creatures is tantamount to blasphemy. Hire an atheist if you will, but stay away from the Huguenots.”
A lump settled in Louise’s stomach. She should not have eavesdropped, but she had never thought to hear anything so horrid.
Looking over at Antoine, she noted a set to his jaw. Had he heard the charges? Would he be of the same opinion? Now more than ever she was grateful he had not gotten a look inside her journal.
Dinner followed, served outside on the lawn. Louise picked at her food and looked around at the festivities. She needed to forget about what she overheard and enjoy this magical night. This would be a wonderful entry in her journal. She pushed her plate away and glanced over to Antoine.
He smiled back and stood. When he offered his hand, she knew they would take another stroll around the Marble Courtyard.
Louise took his hand and they found a tranquil place next to a fountain to sit and watch the stars.
Antoine rested his arm about her shoulders. “Was it everything you hoped it would be, my love?”
Closing her eyes, she listened while the wind replayed the music just for her. She sighed. “Oh, oui. It was all I had hoped for and more.”
Antoine laughed and brushed a tendril from her cheek.
“Your innocence draws me.” He leaned in and stole a sweet kiss.
Louise leaned her head on his shoulder. “I think if I summed this evening into one word, it would have to be magic. My heart still pounds in my chest from the excitement.”
“The excitement of this night is only the beginning. Just wait until the morrow and see what our king has planned.”
An icy wind started up Louise’s spine.
Antoine took no notice of her silence. “I have been told His Majesty is preparing a hunt on the morrow. We have not had one in quite a while, and it is one of his favorite pastimes. You will enjoy it, I know.”
The words dropped like cold rain. On the morrow she was to go meet with Matthew. She could not go on a hunt. She also could not have Antoine go with her. Not until she spoke with Matthew first. What could she do?
“A hunt?” The words creaked out as if past an old rusty hinge.
“Oui. Have you not ever been on one?” Antoine searched her face.
Louise averted her eyes. “In fact, no. That was one thing my father never let me do. If you want to go, it is not a problem for me. I will stay here. I have much I can do.”
“Nonsense. You can come. It is not difficult. You are an expert rider so if you stay by me, it will be well.”
This would not do. She had to get out of going. “I am sorry, Antoine. I do not want to go on a hunt.”
“Oh.” The poor man. He was trying so hard. She could not explain she needed to stay at the chateau to meet with another man.
“No, it is not a problem. Please, you go and have a good time. I will be here and waiting for you on your return.”
“You know that will not do. Aside from that, I would rather be with you than on a hunt.”
What could she say to that? She wanted to be with him too, but he could not go with her. No matter what she did, she would end up hurting this man she so dearly loved.
Louise took Antoine’s hand. “I would rather be with you too, but there are matters demanding my care. Some feminine type matters. I need some time to myself to accomplish this. Do you understand? “
“Not really. But as you wish.” He sounded gloomy, and she hated that she was the cause.
“I will come find you on the morrow in the afternoon when you return.”
“But I cannot go if you are not going. His Majesty will wonder why your escort is having so much fun without you. I will be here and wait as patiently as I can.”
“Very well.” Though Louise agreed, she knew she would need to find a way to get to the stables for a horse without Antoine discovering her. She sent out a silent plea for help and changed the topic.
Chapter Eighteen
Claude could not believe how quickly they accomplished the trip back to Versailles. It was not even noon yet and here they were approaching the outskirts of the town. Maury began to reduce his speed, slowing to a stop.
Taking a paper from his vest, he handed it to Claude. “Do you know this area?”
The stars must have turned in his favor. Maury had put the note in his hand. Claude had never had such luck fall into his lap. He scanned the letter, committing the contents to memory. There was nothing he could use at the moment, but who knew what might come up later? Steadying his voice, he handed the paper back to Monsieur. “We are close. Follow me.”
Claude led him into the woods, down a narrow riding path and through to the hidden glade at the center. “This is the spot, monsieur. So, what now?”
“I believe this is where we say goodbye. I appreciate your help, Claude.” Maury took out a purse and handed Claude several coins.
Claude admired the silver pieces. He tossed one in the air and caught it before pocketing it with the lot. “It was nice doing business with you, monsieur.” He tipped his hat and rode his horse in the direction of the chateau. There were more coins in the purse, but then Maury would not be going anywhere for a while. Claude knew where to find the purse and its owner later.
He rode up to the stables and left his horse. Knowing his way quite well, he headed for the nearest servant entrance.
La Petite Chateau de Versailles, though undergoing major renovation, had several extra servants in and about due to the royal visit. With so busy a group of people traversing the halls, an indigent courtier bold enough might chance a free meal by pretending to be one of the regular servants. It was this very fact that Claude counted on to get himself in to see Momo.
Once inside, he had a general idea where to search for her without causing a disturbance. It took him less than five minutes to locate the maid and pull her into a quiet corner.
“You are back.” She sounded genuinely glad to see him. This day was getting better and better.
“Oui, but I was only paid in part. Come here and pay me the rest.” He pulled her to him for a rough kiss.
She pushed him away. “Not here, you oaf.” Tucking a curl back beneath her cap, she glared. “I am supposed to be Mimi, and she is in mourning.”
He pulled her back, whispering in her ear. “Tell them you got over it and found someone better.”
Momo pushed free again. “Stop. I have to tell you something.” She put some distance between them and looked over her shoulder.
This was not what he had hoped for after traveling half the countryside for the wench. Yet it would do no good to fight her. He sighed. “As you wish. What is it?”
“I found another job for you.”
“Another? I just got back. I want to spend some time with my girl.”
“This is a big one and pays well.” Her eyes gleamed.
“What do I have to do?”
“The lady who wrote that note you delivered?”
“Mademoiselle de Saix?”
Momo nodded. “She has made a dangerous enemy of someone quite powerful here at court. This someone wants you to help the mademoiselle to disappear.”
“What? Ho, I’ve not done any killing. A bit of snatching here and there, but killing is another story.”
“Well, Mademoiselle High and Mighty could have an accident. Then it would not necessarily be killing, now would it?”
“You are serious about all this?”
“Deadly.” She looked him straight in the eye. “My family is in danger. If we do not help her, she will turn us in for helping Mimi. Please, I have no one else to turn to.” It sounded like a purr.
He never could resist her and had known from the beginni
ng she would have her way. She had known it too. But killing, it did not sit right with him. He would figure something out. “So be it. What is the plan?”
“There is none but for you to do it as soon as possible.”
“Will this afternoon be soon enough?”
Momo’s eyes widened. “Oui.” Her voice whispery with excitement. Reaching out, she grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him hard on the mouth. Before he could react, she was gone.
* * *
Louise paced the room until she was sure she had worn holes into the soles of her shoes. She fiddled with the ribbons on her dress, tried to write in her journal, and even snapped at Mimi. Though she had apologized, it was obvious the feelings of the young maid were hurt.
In time, the afternoon shadows began to appear. Since no specific time had been arranged, Louise packed up her journal and some supplies for something to do while she waited. She changed into her riding costume and slipped out to the stables hoping that Antoine would not see her.
Everyone appeared to be gone, presumably on the hunt. She found the stable boy cleaning out the empty stalls.
“Might I have you saddle a horse for me?”
“Oui, Mademoiselle.” He leaned his pitchfork against the wall and Louise stepped back out into the yard, keeping close to the side of the entryway.
Shortly, the boy led Étoile into the yard saddled with that ridiculous red velvet contrivance.
“I do not ride with a sidesaddle. Where is the astride one I have used in the past?”
“I am sorry, Mademoiselle. That saddle belongs to La Grand Mademoiselle, and she has use of it today.”
Of course, and the Duchess was at the hunt with the others. Louise bit her tongue. It would do no good to chastise the poor stable boy. He looked wretched enough as it was. With a sigh, she mounted carefully, and started off in the direction of the glade.
Louise could almost give Étoile the lead to get to the special spot without a problem. It took a mere twenty minutes to arrive at the place that belonged to her and Antoine. Antoine. Would he understand? Her conscience niggled at her. Why had she picked here of all places to meet with Matthew?
The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Page 13