Chapter Seven: Royal Affairs
It took Babette the entire night to process her conversation with Lumière. As if the argument had magically disappeared and all of Babette's preconceptions and inhibitions of him had vanished. How could she let the shields down so easily? Shouldn't she be protecting herself from any man who might try to harm her? She could not shake the feeling that she should trust him, which scared her the most. What did she know about him? Practically nothing. His introduction had been an advance, he had tried to establish some superiority over her, and he had tried to pry. Meanwhile, she had steadfast resistance to him that caused her to lash out at him on every occasion. He might have been in the wrong, but she was just as guilty. Obviously, attacking each other was causing more harm than good. Despite Babette's efforts to prevent any from coming to herself, she was hurting the people around her, so much that she was taken off of the serving staff.
And this was supposed to be a clean slate. What a great beginning to living in the King and Queen's château, starting fights and causing exceptions to be made for her.
There was no doubt she had to give Lumière a second chance so they could work together in peace. However, she promised herself she would not trust him until she got to know him better. Surely, there could be some understanding between them.
As Babette left her room, she followed the other maids heading to work. While some separated to do some last minute cleaning duties, the rest, including Babette, went to the gardens to bring in fresh flowers to decorate the chambers for the Spanish.
Babette felt like it had been ages since she had stepped outside, and she silently rejoiced in the fresh autumn breeze that brought the smell of fallen maple leaves and flowers releasing the last of their scents into the air.
Florists gave each maid a couple dozen flowers of roses, lilies, rosemary, red carnations, and bluebells that they had spent the early morn picking carefully. As Babette returned to the castle with her bunch of lilies, she regretted not being able to spend more time outside where the brilliant sunshine reflected off of the colorful foliage that complemented the azure blue sky.
With the blooms, the few maids began arranging several vases together. Babette was pining to ask a question, and saw Veronique among the group. She called to her and inquired, "Is there a certain day when we are not obligated to work?"
"Oui, of course," Veronique replied. "We have Sundays off when we do not have guests. The King and Queen take Sundays to rest as well."
Babette pouted slightly. She did not want to have to wait for the royals to leave. But maybe she wouldn't have to. She then smiled. "Well, I have been aching to explore the gardens!"
"Ah, yes, they are lovely," Veronique confirmed, smiling as well. "The Queen has cultivated flowers from all over the world that could grow in our climate and soil. They are her prized possessions and is a fond collector.
"I recommend going at night. The stars and moon make the flowers and trees seem like they are glowing. But…" She shrugged. "… that is only my opinion."
"Oh, I do not doubt it," Babette assured. "I would love to when I get the chance."
After mixing all of the flowers prettily in their porcelain vases, each of the maids grabbed one and dotted them around the East Wing on vanities, side tables, and window sills.
Very soon after, Cogsworth called all of the servants to meet in a large drawing room in the servant's wing. He stood in front of the hearth in the center of the room as the servants filed in, having quiet conversations with each other. There was enough room for all of them to spread out in small clusters, mostly with others in their position. Groups of maids were forming but Babette decided to stand off to the side against the windows by herself.
"Ah, yes, you, would you please close the doors?" Cogsworth ordered a straggler. "Thank you. Now, everyone, as you know, this visit by the King and Queen of Aragón is of the utmost importance. Not only are Their Royal Majesties discussing diplomacy between our countries, but a marriage between their Princess and our dear Prince Adam will be arranged, binding our countries in an unbreakable partnership. I understand what some of you may be thinking: Why the Spanish? Spain's resources are dwindling, their economy is almost in ruin, and frankly they are the weakest they have been for hundreds of years. Realizing that they cannot survive this alone, the Spanish have reached out to us to help them, and our extraordinary King and Queen are generous enough to willingly provide assistance. Indeed, Spain is quite desperate, but after building them up again, they will be invaluable to us as allies. We are all blessed enough to be a part of this moment in history to show them are infallible hospitality and represent the King and Queen through our work.
"Therefore, I expect nothing less than the best from each and every one of you." He managed to eye everyone in turn as he spoke. "During the entirety of our guests' stay, I will be keeping a close watch on all of your work. If something is not to my liking, I will have you fix it until I am satisfied. Mistakes that are noticed by our guests that could jeopardize our diplomacy with them will not be tolerated, and I guarantee there will be punishment if anything of the sort happens. Thankfully, I am looking at one of the most well-trained and proficient group of people I have ever had the pleasure to work with." Not willing to provide such a lofty compliment on its own, the head of the household annexed, "When it counts. Still, I do not anticipate any mishaps to occur. Just remember that Their Highnesses are counting on us to do the quality of work they expect. Exceeding expectations is always the goal."
He checked his pocket watch. "Now, they will be here within the hour. Any more work that needs to be finished, finish it. Otherwise, check, double-check, and triple-check everything to make sure it's no less than perfection." He waved them onward. "You are dismissed."
Babette found herself dozing slightly against the curtains and woke with a bit of a start. Despite the rush of servants leaving, she happened to catch glances with Lumière across the room. She saw him smirking humorously at her, laughter in his eyes.
Babette turned away quickly before he could see her blush, embarrassed at being caught in such a position, and blended in with the crowd before he could spot her again.
A familiar voice greeted her by her right shoulder. "Bonjour, Babette!"
The said maid turned to find Angélique walking beside her. "Bonjour, mon amie! How are you?"
"Oh, the usual: Stressed, frazzled. I have been evaluating everyone's work to make sure the presentation to the Spanish is perfect. It is all about first impressions when it comes to special guests such as these."
"Does Cogsworth not do that?"
"Have you seen him? He has enough keeping him wound up as it is. That is why he hired me so that he does not need to worry about how everything looks. Not meaning to brag, but I have impeccable taste and am just as much of a perfectionist as he is, if that is possible."
Babette couldn't help but be impressed. "Are you checking more work right now?"
"Oui, I am. I have not checked the East Wing yet. Were you one of the maids that helped decorate it?"
"Oui, I helped arrange the flowers, which look very beautiful."
Angélique smiled as they reached the Spanish's chambers. "Ah, yes, I could not agree more." As she looked analytically around the room, she began making small touches like moving some of the flowers around in their vases and adjusting various things around the rooms. While she did this, she chatted with Babette. "So, how is it, being a maid here?"
"It is… different," Babette could honestly say. "This place is so grand, I am afraid to touch anything in fear of breaking it!"
Angélique laughed. "Oh, please! With your dainty hands?" She glanced over at her. "How do you keep your hands so smooth after washing and cleaning for so long?"
"I really could not say," Babette replied a little awkwardly, and returned, "How long have you worked here?"
"In the château, I have been a decorator here for about a year, I should say. But I have been doing this for much longer, almost five years." She looked at the maid quizzically. "Do you have another position along with being a maid?"
"Well… actually, I am currently not on the serving staff. The… maître d' and I had some disagreements."
Angélique spun around, her eyes wide and mouth in mid-gasp. "You and Lumière had a fight? Why have I not heard of this?"
Babette shrugged. "I was training with him and… I became defensive and began insulting him. It was very impulsive, I could not have prevented it if I had wanted to."
The decorator was smirking. "I am sure it was what he deserved."
"Well, he actually apologized to me last night."
"Of course he did. He cannot stand it when an attractive girl is upset with him."
"That is just what he said."
"That is not surprising either."
Babette gazed at her critically. "From your manner, I am assuming you have had encounters similar to mine."
Angélique stopped rearranging things and turned to her fully. "Let me ask you something: Did he immediately try to charm you when he first saw you?"
Babette nodded. "Oui."
"Did you reject him?"
Perplexed, the maid repeated, "Oui…"
"Was his apology cleverly worded and flattering?"
"Yes, it was."
"Then, yes, my encounters were very similar. Soon he will be vying for your attention, become playful and romantic, make you feel like the only girl he could ever love, and then toss you aside to move on to the next pretty girl."
Babette didn't know what to say, as Angélique's eyes were full of steely fury, despite her attempts to appear as if she could care less. She finally asked softly, "Are you all right?"
"Yes, of course," Angélique muttered, then looked her straight in the eyes. "I can guarantee you that you are his next conquest."
Babette did not want to believe that was true, but knew deep down that it was.
"I would not give him any chances, if I were you," Angélique continued. "If I could repeat the past, I would refuse to speak with him." She paused. "You seem like you have a good head on your shoulders. I think you will fare better against him than me… I do not want another girl to be hurt like I was."
Babette could see clearly that this poor girl was in pain. She knew a broken heart when she saw one. To think that Lumière did this to her was appalling. How could she ever trust a man like that?
But how many hearts had she broken? She did not know, and she did not want to. She pushed the thought aside.
"I have been hurt by a man before in a situation much too alike," Babette sympathized. "The last thing I want is romance, trust me."
Angélique gave her a one-sided smile. "Then I think you are in fine shape."
Every servant was fully alert when the Spanish arrived. The royal family, some members of their court, and their valets and lady's maids were greeted by King Vincent and Queen Beatrice along with their son, Prince Adam, and a few of the servants. Maids were there to lead the servants carrying their luggage to the East Wing as both royal families went to the grand drawing room off of the vestibule.
A while afterward, a servant was sent to remind the royals and their children's caretakers that dinner was almost ready. As the kings and queens were seated, Lumière made sure the servers were ready to bring out the first course before he left the kitchen to greet their guests.
As he was informing them of the menu for the evening, Mrs. Potts and a Spanish maid were bringing the Prince and Princess Rosalía in from getting acquainted over Adam's toys. When Lumière caught a glimpse of the Spanish maid, he was able to absorb her in an instant: raven hair tied up in a bun that complimented her skin, which had a drop of caramel color in it, along with almond-shaped brown eyes peeking out from under long lashes.
He concluded his speech without missing a beat. He bowed before he locked eyes with the beautiful Spanish girl, who smirked subtly at him before he left them to eat.
After dinner was over and cleanup was finished, Lumière began to make his way back to his room, prepared to turn in after a long couple of days.
"Señor!"
Lumière paused at the foreign word and glanced behind him to see the Spanish maid from dinner approaching him. She had a very fine walk, he could not help but note.
"Or 'monsieur', rather," she corrected herself with a smile. "Pardonnez-moi."
"You speak French?" Lumière eyed her, surprised.
"Oui," she replied, adding suggestively, "As much as you like."
He assessed her with interest. "Allow me to introduce myself." As was the traditional French greeting, he kissed her hand. "I am Lumière."
"Iris."
"How can I be of service?"
"I have always wondered… are Frenchmen truly as romantic as they say?"
Lumière smiled at the question. "If you have to ask, I can only assume we are not living up to our name."
"I solely ask because, well, I tend to doubt rumors unless I have seen proof." Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled as she smirked playfully.
"Perhaps a demonstration will help." Lumière gently gripped her hand, leading her down the hall. "But I will need a volunteer."
The Spanish maid had apparently less of a mind to partake in playful banter than Lumière had originally thought. He preferred to savor in a dish instead of scarfing it down. That was not something they had in common. However, he was the last person that was going to complain.
Before he had closed the door to the servants' drawing room, Iris caught him by the mouth, kissing intensely while simultaneously bringing him to the chaise. Lumière had no trouble obliging. She climbed on his lap and he caressed her curves. As he began kissing her neck, she sighed in response, but earnestly brought his lips back to hers.
Without thinking, he whispered, "Oh, Babette…"
Iris didn't need to stop and stare for him to realize what he had let escape his lips undetected.
She narrowed her eyes. "I imagine there have been other women with the way you kiss, but I did not expect to be confused for one of them."
Lumière could not reply as he was still startled, nor did he react at her standing up and leaving, all the while muttering bitterly about Frenchmen in Spanish.
In all his years, he had never called a woman by another's name, especially during. How had Babette even crossed his mind? Of course, he would have loved to have her in place of the Spanish maid, but she was not a main concern of his at the moment… was she?
He had to admit that Babette left a great impression on him that could not be easily erased, but to have imagined that she was the one he was kissing was something that should not have happened.
He had to clear his head. Some fresh air would do the trick. He went to grab his coat before heading outside.
