“Is there a place we could talk?” Antoine asked.
“Certainly. Come in. Follow me.”
Matthew led the way upstairs to the room where he stayed.
“How fares Louise?”
“She is well enough, though I still worry.” Antoine sat in the chair Matthew indicated. “That is what I want to discuss with you. Would you believe I dreamed an idea?”
Matthew chuckled. “I can well believe it. Tell me your idea.”
“I do not want to wait until we are out of money and there is no choice about where to go. Though I have led Louise to believe I have plan, the truth is until this evening, I had nothing. I have been afraid to upset her more, especially after I received news that my sister and family have gone into hiding. But while I dreamed of my last trip for the company, I recalled a conversation I had with Sir Edward Spencer. Do you remember him?”
“Oui, he lives in England, in Bath, does he not?”
“He is the one. When I was last there, he said something. I put little stock in it at the time, but his words returned in my dream. Something about it not being the first time the Church of England had opened her doors to the persecuted. I had never thought of the Church of England doing anything like that, so I dismissed it. Then I relived the conversation in my dream.” Antoine leaned forward. “I believe we are to go to England.” He paused, watching Matthew’s face.
Matthew tugged on his lower lip and sighed. “I understand. It is not as if you are a man alone. You have Louise and the baby to consider.”
“I keep thinking that if the stories are true, about what the dragoons have been doing, how long before they are brazen enough to come to the major cities? I served His Majesty faithfully. I would rather leave than take up arms against him.”
“I understand. So, when? How?”
“We need to hold on until the baby arrives. Louise should not have to think of traveling when she is in confinement.” Antoine stood and began to pace. “I will have to convert what I can to cash, preferably pistoles. One of those gold coins can buy a great amount. But I’m afraid Louise will need to leave behind many things, so that it will not appear that we are leaving for good until we are safely gone. What do you think?”
“I think you have been thinking on this. It would be less conspicuous for someone you can trust, who is not of our faith, to convert the money for you.”
“I believe I know the man. I cannot guarantee he will help, though I know I can trust him.”
“Then all that is left to do is pray. If this is how the Lord is leading you, may He open wide all doors. We will also pray that if His plans are different, He will put that on your heart and turn you back to His path. We will lift your friend, that the Lord will prepare his heart for you. I will be praying for traveling mercies for a safe trip and that you will arrive back in time for the arrival of your son.”
“I am not brave enough to claim this baby is a boy.” Antoine grinned. “I do thank you for your prayers, though.”
Kneeling beside Matthew, they prayed for each other. A shock crashed through Antoine as his friend’s words poured over him. This might be the last time they would see one another in this life. He had not realized how strong the bond of friendship between them had grown.
When the prayer was complete, Antoine embraced Matthew before slipping out for home and Louise.
Chapter Forty
Louise helped him pack up the portmanteau.
Antoine watched her efficient movements, still not sure this was the right thing to do.
She pressed something onto his palm. “Take this. It will bring a good price.”
Antoine held open his hand to find a white velvet bag. Her mother’s pearls and the aquamarine set lay nestled inside.
“Are you sure?” A lump swelled in his throat.
“Oui, before I change my mind.” She brushed a kiss across his cheek before searching for more for him to take. She had locked her fear away from him and at times seemed like a prisoner having come to terms with her sentence.
Once the packing was complete, they fell into bed. He wanted to leave at first light.
Louise curled up next to him, as close as her bulging belly would allow.
He put his hand on her abdomen, feeling for a kick. “I hate to leave you now.”
“I know.” Her fingers stroked his jaw.
“What if I do not come back in time? What if no one believes I am traveling on business?”
“Rest, my love. There is no other choice.” Her whispers puffed soft against his cheek until she drifted off to sleep.
Concerns he had tried to shove to the back of his mind wandered into his sleep causing him to wake with a start. What if I am wrong? What if I am rushing the strategy God has designed or, worse yet, dragging innocent people into a dangerous plan?
Antoine rubbed his hand over his eyes and got up, tiptoeing down to the parlor.
His Bible lay on the table by his chair. Opening it, he turned to the book of Proverbs. The wisdom of the ages called from each page. Wisdom. How he yearned for that.
He turned another page. All at once a part of the text seemed to have a light shining, causing the words to glow and rise off the page.
Startled, Antoine snapped the book closed.
He shook his head. Perhaps he dreamed it.
He opened it again.
The portion still glowed.
He slammed the book closed again, his heart racing.
Taking a deep breath, a third time he slowly opened to the Proverb.
The glow remained.
Drawn, he could not resist. Antoine read the text.
But as for the upright, he makes his way sure.
There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the Lord.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Antoine read the Scripture over and over. He makes his way sure. The victory belongs to the Lord. Peace blanketed him.
Kneeling, he thanked the Lord for His mercy and guidance, and gently closed his Bible, trailing fingers over the supple leather cover.
He had to know. Once more he opened to the Proverb. There was no difference in the appearance between the verses he had just read and the rest of the Scriptures.
He set the book aside. Perhaps he had dreamed it.
His heart knew better.
Returning to their bedroom, he gathered his things. Faint light outlined where Louise lay sleeping. His heart hurt. Leaving her was the hardest part. Yet he knew he must, for her sake and that of their child. He bent to kiss his sleeping wife.
Louise put her arms around him, holding him.
When he pulled back, he realized she had been awake all along. With one more look at her beautiful face, he left.
* * *
It had been some time since the two friends had seen one another. France was a big place. One could not easily get together with friends when three hundred miles lay between them. Though Antoine had made it a point to stop by whenever he was on his annual trip, Louise had not seen their friends since the day they left Versailles.
After nearly a week of hard travel, by boat and over land. Antoine was ready to collapse. Now that he was close to his destination, he needed to determine whether to go on to the home at night or wait until morning.
He was so tired, but time was too short. Spurring his horse on, he arrived soon after sunset and rapped at the door.
Mimi answered and, with a cry of joy, pulled him into the home. “Antoine is here!”
Albert reached him before Antoine could set down his bag. Handing their squirming toddler to Mimi, Albert enveloped Antoine in a bear hug and then kissed him on each cheek.
“What are you doing here, my friend? We did not expect you until next spring.”
“Be prepared to tell me all about what is going on with Louise. I will be back as soon as I have this one prepared for bed.” Mimi held the child out toward Albert. “Say good night to your papa a
nd give him a kiss.”
“Pa pa pa pa.” The little one squished his father’s cheeks between baby hands and planted a slobbery kiss.
An intense longing wrapped about Antoine’s heart. He must complete this mission and return to his family.
Mimi took the baby upstairs while Albert led the way to the parlor. “Let me take your hat and cloak. Then you can tell me what is wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
“Something is not right. I can see it in your eyes. Is it Louise? The baby? Tell me what I can do.”
Antoine sat, running his fingers through his hair. “I hesitate to bring you into this, but I know of nowhere else to go.” He sighed. “No, that is not true. I prayed about this, and the Lord put you on my heart. Therefore, I am here. However, I will understand if you cannot help.”
“Do not be foolish. Tell me what it is I can do, and consider it done.”
“I need to convert some things to ready cash, preferably pistoles. The arrests have started in Bordeaux, and that can only mean one thing. It is the beginning of the end. I do not know for sure that the dragoon squads do what they are rumored to do, but I cannot put Louise and the baby at risk.”
“Has the baby arrived? We have been waiting to hear.”
“No, and he could come at any time.”
Albert chuckled. “You know, God sends little girls too.”
“So I have been told. But, no, he or she is not here, and Louise is waiting, so I must hurry. I had to be careful what I took from the house. We want to leave enough there so that it appears we are returning.”
“Show me what you have.”
Antoine pulled opened the case, laying out item after item. Albert helped him sort according to what would be easiest to sell and what would bring the most cash.
“I remember those pearls.” Mimi had slipped in unnoticed.
Another knock sounded at the door.
Antoine’s heart jumped.
Mimi stepped out, closing the parlor door behind her. “Good evening, Father.” Her voice clearly carried.
Antoine mouthed, “Robert?”
Albert shook his head and motioned to his collar.
The priest?
“What brings you out tonight, Father?”
“Might I come in, Madame de Grillet? I need to speak with your husband.”
Albert jumped up, motioning for Antoine to put away his things. He slipped out, drawing the door closed behind him. “Good evening, Father François. What can we do for you?”
Antoine listened, stuffing all the items back into his bag.
“It is not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you.”
“What do you mean, Father?”
“May I come in and sit? This will take some explaining.”
Albert cracked open the door and peeked inside.
Antoine nodded.
“Oui, but of course.” Albert opened the door, revealing Antoine seated in one of the chairs.
“Monsieur Crocketagné, it has been a long time.” Father François extended his hand. “I am glad you are here. Now it makes much more sense.”
“What does, Father?” Mimi asked.
“I am here to help you.”
Antoine stared at the priest, then at Albert, and then back at Father François. Had he heard correctly?
As if in answer to his unspoken question, the priest replied, “Oui, my son, you correctly heard me. I am here to help you.” Father François sat across from Antoine. “I know, Monsieur, you most likely consider me as one of the enemy because of my faith. I must reassure you, that is not true. I do not agree with the politics of what is happening in Rome, but I believe the Church of our Holy Savior is Catholic in the truest sense of the word. It is universal. The Church encompasses all those who have received the gift of salvation from our Lord. If you can agree with me that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, the Savior of the world, and that no man comes unto the Father except through the Son, and, if you have received the precious gift of our Lord, then we are brothers in Christ, no matter the title. Are we agreed?”
“Oui, on this we are agreed.”
“Then let me say, I believe the persecution of the Huguenots is immoral. It is not of God. Those who continue in this way will be responsible for the downfall of France and may lose their souls in the process.” He leaned in. “Now I will tell you something. I am not sure you will believe me, but I will swear to my dying day that it is true.
The glowing words of Scripture flashed through Antoine’s mind. He knew what he was about to hear was true. Antoine drew closer to Father François. Albert and Mimi did the same.
“I had finished saying Mass and had gone to my cell. A visitor waited in the room for me. I do not know where he came from, nor how he got in, but he was there. He told me I would find a man in need at this home, and that I was to help in any way that I could. As a sign, I am to tell you that you have a pair of aquamarine combs in your pack. Do you have such items?”
Antoine’s heart stopped. He could only stare at Albert.
“Louise wore a set of combs like that when she was here,” Mimi whispered.
“I brought them at her insistence.” Antoine had not realized he spoke aloud until he heard his own voice.
“Then I believe the only question left to you, Monsieur, is do you trust me?”
Antoine could hear the Scripture in his mind. There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the Lord. This he did not understand. But the victory belongs to the Lord. That was a surety. But for the upright, he makes his way sure. Antoine closed his eyes and silently prayed.
Not even the sound of breathing could be heard.
The heart in his chest began to beat again. “I believe you.”
A collective release of breath caused Antoine to laugh.
Father François joined him, followed by Albert and Mimi.
“I will make some tea while you men get to work.” Mimi slipped out.
“Here is what is needed.” Antoine explained his plan to the priest and opened the bag.
When he took out the aquamarine combs and placed them in the father’s hand, the priest began to tremble. “I have trusted in You, O Lord, and You have not failed.”
The words seared into Antoine’s soul.
An hour later, Father François left with the promise to return the next evening.
Chapter Forty-One
Are you quite sure, my love?” Albert whispered into Mimi’s ear as they lay in bed. The house lay silent while they held each other close. He could feel her nod against his shoulder.
“I always thought Momo went to England. It would give us an opportunity to find her.”
“True. You must remember, though, it would not be like here. We would be the ones treated as heretics due to our faith.”
“I know,” Mimi mumbled into his chest.
“I cannot stay where my best friend is considered a criminal because of how he chooses to worship God. I am afraid a time will come where I would have to take up arms against those like him. I cannot do that.”
“I know.”
“You are very wise.” He burrowed his fingers in her silky hair. “Do you also know I love you very much?”
“I know.” She tipped her head back, her eyes danced. “Every so often, though, I like to be convinced.”
“Then I will have to convince you again.” He kissed her, enjoying a chance to put her doubts to rest.
* * *
True to his word, Father François returned the next evening.
The weight of the purse shocked Antoine. “I could not have hoped to have made so much money.” He opened it to see more gold coins than he had ever seen in one place.
Albert nodded to the purse. “You will be quite vulnerable to attack, traveling with all that gold.”
“God has supplied thus far. I will trust Him to see me home.”
“I cannot deny what I have seen and heard here. I believe I have an idea that could be
part of the plan of God.”
Antoine eyed his friend. “Tell me.”
“I will ride back with you and help you bring Louise here. Then together our families will leave for England.”
Antoine’s legs failed him. He sat.
“Do you know what you are saying? You are not under persecution here, but you would be there. This is where you are safe.”
“This is where I may be forced to take up arms against those whose only crime is worshipping God. I cannot do that, nor can I raise my son in such a place.”
“What of Mimi? What does she think of this plan?”
Albert smiled, but it was a sad smile. “She thinks she might find her sister in England.”
Antoine thought he had put aside his feelings against Momo. Perhaps he would need to deal with them again. “When did you decide this?”
“We talked it over last night. You will not change my mind. I am ready to ride with you at first light.”
Trying to talk past the lump in his airway, Antoine cleared his throat and blinked. “Make sure you are right, then go ahead.”
“So, what is the plan?”
“I had not thought in detail beyond coming here.”
“Would anyone like to hear what we think?” All eyes turned to Mimi, who stood with Father François. “We have an idea, if you are interested.”
“Then tell us, Mimi, Father. What is your plan?”
Mimi linked her arm though the arm of the priest. “First, Antoine, you must go back with Albert. Once the baby comes, you can purchase tickets to sail for Nantes and come up the river to Blois. From there you can take a coach to here where Louise and the baby can have time to recover before we leave for Normandy and England.”
Father François nodded. “And since you will be returning here, you do not have to take all the gold with you. Madame de Grillet can keep it safe. If anyone should ask, you can say you are taking the newborn to see his royal cousin. No one would dare to stop you.”
“And with you two strong men to protect them, Louise and the baby will make it without a problem. She might even get to bring along a few extra things that way.”
The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Page 27