“Make yourself comfortable Reverend Fontaine, and I will have Josephine start us a pot of tea.”
“Merci.”
Louise excused herself and went in search of Josephine, finding her coming in from the back. “We have company.”
“Oh, my, I did not hear the door. Shall I prepare tea?” She dropped an armload of vegetables on the table.
“Oui, and until Antoine is home, you need to make your presence known.”
Josephine nodded and grabbed the teapot.
Louise returned to her guest, finding him standing at the window where she had left him. “Please be seated, Monsieur.” She lowered herself into the chair and picked up her fan.
Reverend Fontaine sat once she was down. His long fingers steepled under his chin.
“So, Monsieur, what brings you to Bordeaux?”
“I am visiting families in the area, looking to see how you fare, and what needs if any I may find.”
“You are only visiting then.”
The Reverend nodded.
What else could she say? Conversation with a married woman did not seem to be his forte. “With whom are you staying while here?”
He scuffed a foot on the carpet. “I have not found lodging yet. In truth I have not looked for a place as I thought to meet the families first.”
Josephine entered at that moment carrying a tray. “Madame Louise, Monsieur Antoine just rode into the stable.” She set the tray on the table by Louise’s elbow.
“Merci, Josephine.” Louise poured fresh milk in the cups before filling one with tea for her guest. “Here you are, Monsieur. My husband should be here momentarily.”
After preparing a cup for Antoine, she fixed a cup of tea for herself and leaned back. How nice it would be if only the hot tea would warm her inside enough to feel cooler on the outside.
“There you are, ma petite.” Antoine entered and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “I understand we have company.”
The Reverend stood, hand outstretched.
“Monsieur, may I present my husband, Antoine Crocketagné. My husband, our guest is the Reverend Jacques Fontaine. He is visiting families in the area.” Louise remained in her seat and hoped her guest would forgive her. This baby had better come soon, or it would be bigger than she.
Antoine shook hands with the man. “Fontaine?”
“Oui, the brothers who employ you share a great grandfather with me.”
Antoine sat and motioned for the Reverend to do the same. “What families do you plan to visit in the area, Monsieur?”
“Réformees families, Monsieur Crocketagné. I have studied the doctrine for the ministry and am working at increasing communication between Réformé communities.”
Antoine leaned forward. “Where all have you been?”
“I spent a little more than a week in Nîmes and several days in Orange before working my way west. It is much worse there. Though our brothers have remained strong, the persecution has increased.”
Louise set her cup on the table. “Monsieur, we have heard rumors of atrocities. I cannot believe all that I hear.”
“Ma petite, perhaps you would excuse us men to speak?”
“I should know what is happening, Antoine, or I will become frightened of what I imagine. This is an area where I do not want to be surprised.” Would Antoine insist she leave the room? She preferred to stay and hear to having to stand and waddle out.
“Very well. Reverend Fontaine, please spare my wife the details, but I would like to hear what you have learned.”
Unfolding himself from the chair, the young man clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace. “I have seen the atrocities with my own eyes, held the broken bodies while they breathed their last. The dragoons have no fear, nor heart. I do not need to describe the carnage, since if you can imagine it, it has happened, only worse than you can imagine. Thousands of our countrymen are tortured, killed, or sold as galley slaves.”
“Then the rumors of women forced to watch their babes starve, children left homeless, or forced into convents and monasteries to learn their catechisms, these tales are true?” Louise felt the old familiar clench to her heart. “I am cousin to His Majesty. Surely he does not condone such action.”
“I am sorry, Madame, but I am afraid the rumors are true. Your relationship with our king may afford you some protection. However, I come not to bring fear. I ask for the Body of Christ to pray fervently for each other. I hope by keeping you informed, you will be able to draw strength from our Father and understanding of what He would have you to do.”
Antoine stood. “Merci, Reverend Fontaine. We will talk again, but for now I think, for the sake of my wife, we should table the discussion until another time.”
“Perhaps you are right. I need to see others in the area as well.”
Louise scooted to the edge of her seat. “Antoine, the Reverend mentioned he needs a place to stay. We have room.”
“Of course. You will honor us with your presence, Reverend?”
“Oui, for one night only, I would be delighted. Merci.”
Antoine led the way and the Reverend followed, leaving Louise alone with her thoughts.
* * *
“I heard the Marteihle family has lost their home in Bergerac.” Antoine picked up his goblet and drank.
Josephine took Louise’s plate. “What happened, Antoine? Where will they go?” He must have gleaned this from the Reverend before he left.
Antoine slid a hand over hers. “Ma petite, the family runs out of money paying off trumped up fines and exorbitant taxes. Once they have nothing left, the state and church can fight over the land while the family is displaced. This is why Dominique and Aimée sold everything and left before it became too late. Do not fear for Jean Marteihle, though. He prepared for this day.”
“We did not plan well, though did we, love?” She looked down and rubbed her growing belly. “It is not the best time to bring a new life into this world.”
“Man may plan, but the plan of God is what will be, ma petite. We will protect our child. Matthew and I are working on an idea.”
Louise closed her eyes, trying to recapture the vision of the hand and find calm.
* * *
Early one mid-September morning, a commotion outside the house woke Antoine from a sound sleep. He could hear Josephine shouting that Monsieur Crocketagné was not at home.
He hopped up, running to the bedroom window. “Never mind, Josephine. Oui, I am here. I will come down to you,” he called.
Louise sat up.
“No, you stay here, ma petite. I am ready. We knew this might happen, but I had hoped for more time.” He drew her close, kissing her forehead. “I am not afraid, but I hate to leave you now. Pray I will be released before the baby comes.”
She looked up at him, and a knot clenched in his gut. Could she turn to prayer?
Antoine ran his finger across her cheek to catch a tear. He reached for his clothes and hurried out with a small bundle.
* * *
Louise watched from the window. A guard opened Antoine’s pack. Only an extra set of clothes and his Bible were revealed.
Another guard had him mount up on one of their horses. The one in charge said something to Antoine, but Louise could not make it out. Please do not let them tie his feet beneath the horse. She waited, holding her breath. A guard carrying rope moved toward Antoine, but the commander motioned the man back to his own horse. Louise let out the breath she had held. The archers mounted their horses, and they all left together.
“Josephine, vite, find Jean-Paul, and bring him here quickly.” If the stable boy could follow, she would be able to know what became of her dear husband.
Louise could not explain her lack of panic. Yes, she was anxious, but when she’d thought of this day she was sure she would become hysterical. But now that the day was here, there was no panic. Mystified, she wiped her cheeks and drew away from the window. Her time of confinement was well underway, so visiting the prison was
out of the question. Confinement or no, she still needed answers.
Jean-Paul did not return that day or the next. Louise hoped he was just being careful. No neighbor came by the house to see to her situation. However, that was not unusual. To be seen at the house might put a person under suspicion. Even a few of their servants had taken for the woods out of fear.
Josephine, however, never left Louise’s side.
* * *
“There will be no talking with the other prisoners. You will keep to yourself and do as you are told. If you follow these directives, you will find your stay with us more pleasant.”
Antoine bit his tongue to keep the taunting quip at bay. The last thing he needed was to call attention to himself with mocking comments. Standing in the back of the crowd, he surveyed the other prisoners, some of whom had been incarcerated for a while. Others, like himself, were new to the prison. He found Matthew near the other end of the group. This was not good, though it did not surprise him. He had hoped Matthew would take care of Louise while he was away. Obviously, that was not to be.
The guard finished his speech, and the prisoners began to spread out.
“Our Father, who art in heaven—” Antoine recognized Matthew’s voice as it carried over the courtyard.
“What do you think you are doing?”
“I am praying, Monsieur. I pray to our Heavenly Father at this time every morning. You would have me not talk to God?”
Even from his position, Antoine could see the guard did not know what to say. “Very well, pray then, but do not disturb the rest.”
“If I disturb someone, perhaps it is because his heart is not right with God? Where was I? Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done…”
Other prisoners took notice. The quieter they got, the louder Matthew sounded.
Well, Antoine may not be able to talk with his friend, but he could pray with him. “On earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew looked up.
Antoine caught his gaze and smiled.
They continued in unison. “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
More voices joined in.
“Do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.”
The amen echoed throughout the courtyard as each man said it one at a time.
Matthew was going to make it hard for Antoine to stay unnoticed.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
You, get up.”
Antoine’s eyes flew open, but he saw no one. He got up and peeked. Guards had come for Yves, a young man new to the faith. Faced with recanting or torture, what would he choose?
Matthew had noticed as well. He began praying using Scripture. “Father, I pray that You would keep me strong in the Lord and in the strength of Your might. I put on the full armor of God that I may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil with Your help, Lord. For we know our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Help me to remember this and forgive those who hold me captive.”
Antoine listened and prayed in silent agreement.
“Lord, I take up the full armor of God, that I may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, I stand firm, having girded my loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. I take up your shield of faith with which I will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. Lord, place your helmet of salvation on my head and wield your sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. I am Your ambassador in chains, O Lord. May I speak boldly as I ought to speak.”
The guard banged the hilt of his sword against Matthew’s bars. “You are speaking too boldly, Maury. It would do you good to pray silently.”
Matthew’s answer carried clearly. “Forgive him, Lord. He does not know what he does.”
“Silence yourself, or I will show you what I know to do.”
The words of his friend’s prayer called to Antoine. May I speak boldly as I ought to speak. Before he could think, the words bubbled up from inside him. “Forgive him, Lord.”
Then from another cell, “Forgive him, Lord.”
Soon prisoner after prisoner called out asking forgiveness for the guard.
Antoine looked over at Yves.
The young man stood taller, his eye clearer, his face resolute.
Kneeling in his cell, Antoine prayed for Yves’s family.
* * *
Days passed into a week, and one week became two. Antoine began to doubt he would see his child come into the world. He even doubted if he would see Louise again in this life. No one had called him for questioning, and though he thought that strange, he also thanked God each evening for a day without physical torment.
“Get up, Crocketagné. Get your things.”
He had known the day would come. Now that it was here, he prayed for strength and resolve.
“This way.”
Following the guard, they stopped by Matthew’s cell. He was told the same thing and made to come along. They continued until at the office of the treasurer.
“Messieurs Maury and Crocketagné, you have enjoyed our facilities for too long. If you will kindly pay for your upkeep, you may be released.”
Antoine imagined his countenance mirrored the incredulous look on the face of his friend. For Louise’s sake, he bit his tongue. “How much to we owe for your services, Monsieur?”
“Let me see, mmmmm.” He ran his finger down a column of figures. “It appears two hundred francs apiece will suffice.”
“Two hundred francs?” Matthew sputtered and spat.
Antoine placed a hand on his arm and caught his gaze before addressing the Treasurer. “Done. I do not have the cash on me at this moment. Might I sign a voucher? Will that be acceptable?”
The official nodded and placed a quill and ink bottle before him.
Antoine dipped the nib and signed his name. “I will send someone with the cash as soon as I arrive home. Is that satisfactory?”
“Quite. And you Monsieur Maury?”
Matthew acquiesced and soon they were out of the prison, free to return to their homes.
Antoine took a deep breath of fresh air and turned to Matthew. “Take care, my friend, on your journey home.”
“And you, Antoine. This is only the beginning. There will be more ludicrous fines. You know that.”
Antoine nodded.
“At least you should be home in plenty of time, long before your child arrives.”
“Not if I do not start walking. We will speak later.”
Antoine embraced Matthew before heading for home.
* * *
“Madame! Madame! Monsieur is coming. He is coming home.” Jean-Paul called from the foot of the stairs.
Louise waddled from her room as fast as her legs could carry her bulk. “Have you seen him?”
“Oui, Madame. He is on the road outside.”
She hurried down the steps as rapidly as she dared and grabbed the boy. “You have seen him? With your own eyes?”
“Oui, Madame. He is coming home.”
Pushing past Jean-Paul, she rushed to the front door, yanking it open.
Antoine stood in front, staring up at the windows.
“Antoine!”
He ran to her before she could waddle to him.
She wrapped her arms securely about his neck, and every lonely moment she had endured dripped from her eyes and down his back. “Oh, my love, you are home. You are finally home.”
Antoine scooped her into his arms and carried her into the parlor.
So wonderful, leaning her head against his shoulder. He let her feet drop to the floor, and she stood with her face buried in his shirt.
“I need a bath.”
He ran his fingers through her hair, pulling out the ribbon that held it back.
“Very well, I will have Josephine pour you a bath, and I promise to scrub your back.”
His breath tickled her ear. “See that you do.”
What was he about? She was in no condition to meet his passions. Louise pushed away. “I will tell Josephine.”
He grabbed her hand, weaving his fingers with hers as she turned. “Louise, my love, I will not start something we cannot finish. Just know, I have missed you more than I can say.” Drawing her hand to his lips, he kissed it.
“As I you, my love. Let us get the stench of prison off you.”
He nodded and released her.
* * *
An hour later, he was stretched out on the petite coucher in their room with his head on what was left of Louise’s lap. She ran her finger across new worry lines etching the forehead of her husband. His time in the jail had aged him. Gray hairs at his right temple, new since his time away, boldly sprouted, though he had yet to see his thirtieth birthday.
Antoine stirred, and she stroked his head again. Worry, more than the prison experience, had worn on him. If only she could take it all away for him.
He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling.
“I believe I have an idea. Matthew is at the home of his brother-in-law. I will go there for a few minutes and see what he thinks.” Antoine stood and stretched.
“But I just now have you home. Must you go?”
“Oh, my sweet wife. Yes, I must.” He leaned over, caressing her chin. “But then, you already know that.” He kissed her and left the room.
She did, but it didn’t make it any easier.
* * *
Riding Vent, it took Antoine only about ten minutes to reach the house. A modest cottage in Bordeaux, it sat along a busy thoroughfare. Matthew himself answered the knock.
The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Page 26