Chapter 9: Personal Guard.
Having relayed the revelations made by Athos to the rest of the group, Aramis looked at them in the hope they could find a reasonable explanation.
"Where is he now?" Treville demanded
"He wandered off looking for the nearest inn – probably to drink himself into oblivion. I tried to go after him but he wouldn't allow me to follow"
"I'll go and find him in a minute, make sure he is safe." Porthos interjected, waiting to hear the rest of the discussion first.
"Can this really be possible? I mean he condemned his wife to death and then she returns to somehow haunt him?" Aramis thought out loud, subconsciously crossing himself.
"The only way it is possible is if she didn't actually die, did Athos see her hang? If she miraculously survived then it is feasible she would want revenge on him; but then why harm my niece of all people?" Treville mused sitting on the bench at the large kitchen table.
"I didn't ask – he was too distraught and I was trying to get my head round his explanation. It is more likely she survived, than that she is haunting him though I agree. Perhaps she thinks that there is some attachment between them."
"You know the hair and eyes and I would just have said he was obsessing – but this whole flower thing that is something else" Porthos reasoned, before he could continue Constance burst into the room breathless and crying. D'Artagnan was instantly at her side, trying to calm her and guide her to a seat. It took a few moments before she was able to speak coherently.
"The house – my house – it's all but destroyed! While I was here some women turned up, threw my maid outside bolted the door and her men have torn everything apart. All of the furniture is beyond repair and my belongings aren't much better." She explained frantically.
"Who was the woman?" Treville coaxed crouching in front of the distressed female.
"My maid said she kept her face covered, but that she had dark hair and…"
"Green eyes!" Aramis finished her sentence.
"Yes – is it the same woman who attacked Melody?"
"Possibly, was there anything else that could help identify her?" Treville asked
"Lucille is in a right state, she feels responsible. But she did say that as they left she thinks she heard her say 'Athos' but she isn't certain." Constance added. "What will my husband say when he returns?"
"Did no one come to assist your maid?" Porthos frowned.
"Oh of course I nearly forgot – Lucille was screaming for help, some of the Red Guards appeared, but when they looked through the window they whispered amongst themselves and then told her to quieten down and leave well alone before disappearing again." The soldiers exchanged curious and worried glances.
"Right, D'Artagnan you and I will escort Madam Bonacieux home and investigate what has happened there. Porthos go and find Athos, make sure no harm comes to him and you" Treville pointed at Aramis "You stay here, make sure all of the doors are locked and that the staff know that no one enters unless it is one of us. I am leaving my niece's safety in your hands do you understand?" Aramis nodded obediently and seriously at his commander's words; he understood that he was being placed in a position of great trust.
Aramis was seated on Melody's bed playing cards with her when Treville returned and headed straight to his niece's chamber. They paused mid-game, when he appeared eager to hear of any news.
"How much have you told her?" Treville inquired
"Just that everyone had gone to run errands, I wasn't sure what you wanted me to say" Aramis replied, before offering an apologetic smile to Melody, who had fixed him with an accusing stare. Treville nodded, moving a chair closer to the bed so he could sit down.
"Don't be angry with him, Aramis did right, we needed to be certain before we said anything to you. We think we know who is behind your attack, but it is hard to believe. Athos was married, but his wife betrayed him – she murdered his brother and he had to sentence her to hang." Treville tried to explain carefully, Melody gasped. "Only it would seem she wasn't killed after all and is now possibly in Paris."
"You think it was her that did this to me? That's why she was referring to Athos." Melody concluded "But why me?"
"That's what we are still wondering. This afternoon the Bonacieux household was ransacked, practically everything has been destroyed; it sounds as though the instigator was the same woman who attacked you."
"So first she stabs me and then she damages Constance's home – surely it is revenge on Athos she seeks not two women she has never met. Unless….." A thought struck Melody "Unless she has been watching him and has seen him meet with us, perhaps his wife wants to use his friends as a weapon to hurt him. If he feels responsible then he would feel tremendously guilty."
"That is the conclusion we had reached as well" Treville nodded
"You should have been a musketeer" Aramis added smiling reassuringly.
"The lady is still in Paris and that fact concerns me Melody, I will not lie to you. It seems she may also have powerful friends; and if that is the case you may still be in danger. Aramis and Porthos will remain here indefinitely and form a personal guard until we can be sure of your safety. D'Artagnan will resume lodging with the Bonacieux's he will be able to protect them if necessary."
"What about Athos? Surely he is in danger" Melody questioned, clearly distressed by the threat to her friend, another part of Aramis' heart melted at her kindness.
"He will stay at the garrison which is on high alert – he will be surrounded by musketeers night and day." Treville pacified the young lady. "Now I need to go and speak with my cook – these men eat like horses, and she does like to feed people!" He excused himself "Try not to worry" He said kissing Melody's forehead before leaving.
"Do you really think she would try to kill me again?" Melody frowned; Aramis reached for her hand and noticed it was trembling slightly in his own.
"I can't say, but I can promise you this – she or anyone else for that matter, will have to come through me first. And I will protect you to the death Melody. No one will ever hurt you again whilst I draw breath."
