Chapter Seven

In the morning I was quick to learn that the female servant was named Harriet. Upon my discovery of her in the kitchen this morning, I apologized for my behavior the night before.

She smiled at me and assured that it was alright. That she would have acted the same way in such a position.

I looked around and didn't not notice my husband around, "Where is Gaston this morning Harriet?"

Rolling the dough Harriet looks up, "He went into town Madame."

So I informed her I needed my cloak and was going to the bookshop.

She fetched it immediately and saw me out the door and pointed the direction of town. I thanked her and began my descent down the path.

As I ventured into town I was amazed at how everyone looked and treated me differently.

You would think that overnight I became a complete different person.

I was half way there when Madame Eliza and Madame Gwen stopped me on my way and inquired about my health.

I smiled kindly at the two women very near my age, "I feel perfect, thank you." Not dare mentioning the dull ache between my thighs.

Eliza nodded her head and examined my gown only to frown, "My, word, why is your attire so plain?"

Plain? I looked down at my blue dress I wore most days, "Plain? What do you mean?" I asked confused.

Gwen looked over at Eliza and gave her a leveled stare and looked back at me sympathetically, "You married well dear,she means you can afford more elaborate attire."

I nod my head, "I suppose I could, but i'm fine with what I have."

Eliza shakes her head, "Oh, nonsense Belle. Common lets go shopping."

I'm about to protest, but both women eagerly link their arms through mine and lead me through town towards Madame Rene's dress shop.

When they lead me inside a bell goes off and Madame Rene stops fussing over some material and looks up at us and smiles brightly.

I cant help but smile back, her smile is contagious.

She brushes her hair out of her face and walks on over, "Ah, Belle, I was wondering when I would see you."

She extends her arms and takes my hands and looks down at me and takes note,

"Thin waist, broad hips and full chest. What kind of dress are you looking for?"

I open my mouth to speak but Eliza beats me to it, "Something elaborate, and big."

I shake my head, "I would like something meant for everyday. Nothing too elaborate please."

Madame Rene looks me over and gives me another smile, "Yes my dear, any colour you had in mind?"

I walk on over and check the fabric selection and smile over my shoulder when I find what I want. "This pretty blue please."

"That is absolutely a brilliant colour Belle," Gwen says coming over and examining the material.

"Brilliant? It very well near the same shade she had on," Eliza protests as she eyes the material in disdain.

I have never been fussed on, and I find it a tad irritating.I look up at Madame Rene and nod to the material. "I want the blue please."

Having my confirmation, Madame Rene sprung into action and began taking my measurements. "I won't have it done until next week, if that OK?" She asks.

"Of course its fine, I have plenty of dresses to wear until then." I assure her

Seeming relieved, she takes the material I had selected and brings it behind the counter.

I say goodbye and head on towards the bookshop but come to a stop when I heard Gwen rushing after me,

"Belle!" she yells after me while trying not to tumble on her skirts.

I wait patiently for her to arrive.

She seems a little flustered and she pushes her hair back into place primping herself.

"I apologize for Eliza's behavior. She tends to speak before thinking. Its impossible to bring her anywhere."

I smile and put a hand on her reassuringly, "It's quite all right. Its nothing to apologize for."

She beams at me and pats down her skirts before continuing, "Anyway, I would love it if you could call on me for tea. My husband is very rarely around and I would very much like the company."

I smiled graciously at the young women. I never really had friends before and I did not know all the social protocols but having another females company sounded wonderful. "Of course, I would be delighted to. And I bid you the same. Call on me at anytime."

"I would enjoy such a thing. Thank you for the invitation. I'll call on you soon"

she promised me, and hurried back to her company.

I made my way through town again to get stopped a few times from people asking my opinion on things and how I was. I politely made the conversation they desired and was on my way again. Just as I was about to enter the bookshop I smiled at a group of children playing with the stones and they came up and offered me one.

"Thank you, I will treasure it always," I told them happily and I put it in my pocket as I entered the book shop.

Sure enough, the bell went off and In his corner the keeper looked up and smiled, "Ah, Belle, come to check our new inventory?"

I smile delighted. "Of course, what else am I to do in the morning?"

I blush slightly as I recall earlier events.

I walk over to the shelf and examine the new books. Excitement fills my bloodstream as I take my time choosing.

"May I borrow this one?" I ask holding up a book from the pile.

The keeper walks over and takes look and smiles up at me, "Of course Belle. See you tomorrow."

Happy with my new book I walk towards the door and look back, "Thank you."

As I leave the shop and start examining it I bump into a solid wall. "Pardon me."

I stumble back only to be supported by the arm of my husband.

"Gaston, this is a complete surprise. Have you come to borrow a book?" I ask looking up into his face.

He takes a moment before releasing me from his grasp and takes a step back.

"No, I heard that you were in town."

I continuing staring waiting for him to continue. When he doesn't I brush my skirt and place my book into my dress pocket. "Yes, well, I must be going."

I go to step around him but his hand encloses my arm, "May I have the book?" He asks looking down at me with a arrogant expression on his face."

I tug my arm free, "Why?"

Without answering me he reaches into my pocket and takes out my book and pulls it away from my grasp as I try to reach for it. "Gaston I would like my book back please!" I ask unable to hide my annoyance.

"I don't think so Belle," he says looking down at me with a sly grin.

I place a hand on my hip and hold out the other, "Give me my book! Please."

My aggravation turns to anger when he starts shaking in laughter. I don't think its funny. Gaston looks around and when he notices we have the attention of a few onlookers he dangles to book above my head. I go to reach for it and he starts to laugh again.

I fume in place and my heart breaks when he brings it down and starts tearing out pages.

My book! My precious book! I go to reach for it only to have him pull it away and resume pulling its pages out.

"Gaston! What are you doing?" I cry and I try to get him to stop.

Ignoring me, he continues ripping them out by the handful. The pages scatter across the street and people pay no mind on retrieving them.

I place my hand on his to stop him, but it only seems to have provoked him further because he throws the book across the road. Several people have stopped to watch the scene that was unfolding.

I feel humiliated as he crouches down and brings his face near mine, "No wife of mine is to read books." He snarls.

He pulls back and looks down at my distraught face and smirks when he realizes I don't make a move to retrieve the pages. Seeming satisfied with himself, he stocks off into town leaving me there stunned.

I become even more embarrassed when the book keeper comes out from out of the shop after witnessing Gaston massacre his book, to collect the ripped pages.

I immediately jump into action. "Sir, I'm terribly sorry. I had a little accident."

The book keeper looks at Gaston's retreating back and shakes his head. He looks over at me gives me a small smile. "Its, quite alright dear, im not called the book keeper for nothing."

I'm thankful for his understanding and I manage a small smile, and bend to help him collect pages. When everything is collected I hand it back to him and apologize again. He waves me off and tells me he will see me tomorrow.

I then head towards the house. I try not to pay mind to those who stare and whisper as I walk by. It seems like hours before I make it to the door. I apologize to Harriet as she takes my cloak, and tell her I have a headache and retire to my room for the rest of the evening.

I briskly walk down the hallway barely containing the sobs that rack my body.

The minute i have the door open and closed I burst into tears and flop against the bed.

Throughout the evening Harriet brings me dinner and retreats back to the kitchen afterwards after coaxing me into conversation. It doesn't work.

I'm lying in bed on my side facing away from the door when I hear it open and someone pad across the room. I hear the rustling of the sheets as he pulls away the covers and gets into bed. Within moments he lays behind me and pulls me against his chest, caging me in. I feel the warmth of his breath on the back of my head and the soft brush of his lips against my temple before he goes to sleep. After a long day, my exhaustion takes over and I relax into him and sleep takes me.