Chapter 13: The Paris Theater House
The weather was starting to turn colder as December was nestling in. Rebecca found herself still stuck inside, and without much company. Iris had taken the responsibility of taking care of the girls for a while, and… Well, she hadn't heard of or seen M. Lysandre since that night. There were time when she wished she could apologize, but every part of her body denied it and decided to stay put.
"It was for the best," she'd tell herself often. But she knew her mind wasn't fully convinced. Because there wasn't much to do, she felt much more bored. She had gotten a new tutor, but she didn't have it once a week. That tutor seemed to be so busy, so she had to wait every two weeks. Her letter from her brothers were scarce, and she felt herself more secluded without much contact. That wasn't to say she didn't enjoy the company of her father, but she felt he was becoming much more I'll for her to speak with properly. She sat in the drawing room, re-reading the chapter her tutor had assigned to her. She heard the front door open and someone stomping. She gladly dropped her book and went to greet whoever it was. Disappointment filled her, though she could understand, she didn't want to dote on the feeling. It was a maid, covered in snowflakes was red as a cherry. She shivered and made a white ring around her. She stood by the door holding letters in her frozen hand.
"Do change before you enter!" yelled one of the older maids. The found maid sighed and began to remove her layers. Rebecca walked towards her, holding out her hands.
"I'll take the letters." she grabbed hold of them and walked away while the maid thanked her. She walked into her father's room, who was relaxing in the tub in his room. The record playing a piece she wasn't familiar with.
"Papa, mail's here.!" she spoke loudly over the music.
"Go on and sort them!" he answered in a loud voice. Rebecca put them in piles. One for the bills, another for letter for her father, and the last one was a single pile with a letter for herself.
"Aunt Sylvia sent a letter!" She says. She heard the water splash. She heads towards the bed and grabs the towel laid out. She covers her eyes with one hand and holds the other out.
"Thank you." her father says after turning off the player. After he puts on his robe, he opens the letter. The two find a pair of tickets to a show in Paris. Rebecca reds the letter that accompanies it.
"Rebecca,
We hope all is well with your father. Recently, your uncle struck a deal with the manager of a theater house. In order to commemorate their new found friendship, the manager has given us tickets to the next show on the 14th! Please say you'll come, your cousin has been throwing fits over wanting to see you again.
Sincerely your Aunt Sylvia."
Her father looked at her, holding up the tickets.
"That's in two days…" he said. Rebecca began to shake her head and reach for the tickets.
"Papa, I couldn't." Rebecca said, attempting to reach for the tickets.
"Oh come now, Rebecca. I know you're bored here… Besides, if you go, you can come back and tell me all about it." he said optimistically. She studied his state, and noticed a few things that were making her worry. HIs face was extremely pale, it was ghostly. There were bags under his eyes, from all the bloody coughing he had at night. His eyes were turning red. He was slightly hunched over, trembling a little.
"Okay," she finally said, "I'll go.." He handed her the tickets
"But not until you feel better." she said, walking out the room, tickets still in hand. Her father tried to call for her, but she only ignored it.
Eventually, after much talking, M. Maelstrom had convinced her to go. She packed a small parcel with spare clothes. Her purse had the exact amount for the train, with some extra change for luxury. They had already telegraphed her aunt,m while at the same time, her father taught her how to use it. Early in the evening was when she departed on the train. When she arrived at the station in Paris, she was greeted by her aunt and uncle. She realized there how cold it really was. Her aunt's house had her cousin Phoebe, the Captain, and M. William still awake and waiting for her arrival. She felt uncomfortable with him around, but tried to hide it. Soon, they all sat down, played cards, Phoebe played the piano for everyone to relax, and later told Rebecca of the news of her pregnancy. When night came, she took the guest room, and her cousin helped her settle in. Thankfully, M. William didn't bother her whilst asleep.
When the next day came along, Rebecca went shopping with her cousin and aunt. The Captain and M. William at work. She bought herself a new maroon dress to use for the play the next day. It was slightly Victorian, but Rebecca couldn't help but love the lace. Rebecca felt like she could truly relax, since she felt in her heart that her father was okay and M. William didn't bother her anymore with talk of marriage and what not. Even so, her cousin was the one to approach her with the subtle idea.
"I wonder why that man hasn't married yet." They were both in the drawing room that afternoon, waiting for dinner. In the meantime, they drank tea and had something to nibble on while they waited.
"I mean, he has a very good and very steady job," she continued after taking a sip of tea, "Comes from a good family. I just don't seem to get it." she turned to face Rebecca, waiting on her to answer her question, as if she knew.
"There's also that he's very particular about the type of woman he wants," she finally answered, taking a sip, "He especially wants someone who will be his good little wife always next to him and always doing what he asks for." she paused for a moment, thinking of the perfect word, "Like a… a decoration." Her cousin's jaw dropped at her behavior.
"Close your mouth dear, you don't want something to fly in." Rebecca commented, a little too ignorant at her tone. She then decided to change the subject, as she knew the conversation would only come back to her about M. William.
When the day of the play finally came, the group had to split into two cars. Rebecca, her aunt and her uncle rode in the first. While Phoebe, the Captain and M. William took the second. They got their seats close to the stage. It was an amazing experience for Rebecca, so she couldn't understand why her aunt began complaining about their seating. However, Rebecca was soon placed next to M. William. She didn't look at him, but she could already feel his grin.
As the show began, it was M. Castiel that came on stage, making a narration of the setting. He soon ran out and the curtains were pulled. It was then that she realized, this was the house that M. Castiel had talked about. She could've fully enjoyed it if weren't for M. William who thought it appropriate to whisper rude comments about each of the actors and singers.
When the show ended, the group was brought backstage, where they were to meet the actors. Rebecca felt excited since she wanted to find time to chat with M. Castiel. When they arrived, they saw the manager, or someone Rebecca presumed to be the manager, with M. Castiel. When seeing her, M. Castiel lit up, though it soon changed to something mischievous.
"Ah, my good friend, M. Marquis, Mdm," the man kissed her aunt's hand, "wonderful to see you again." Her aunt looked flirtatious, but Rebecca tried not to stare.
"This is my daughter, Phoebe, her husband, Captain de Grataine, his brother, and my niece, Rebecca." each one made a small bow or curtsy after the other. Though Rebecca and M. Castiel stared at each other.
"A pleasure to meet you all, this here is M. Castiel Leroux." he bowed at his introduction.
"It has been quite a while, Rebecca." He said. The entire group looked to her in shock.
"Rebecca, why didn't you tell us you knew one of the performers?" her aunt asked, anger in her tone. Rebecca laughed awkwardly, their eyes making her sweat.
"Actually, he's a friend of one of father's friends. M. Lysandre." she said, hoping it would clear thing, and if m. Castiel would go along with it. He only chuckled a little.
"Don't worry,it's all true. Actually, you can even ask our mutual friend.." he said, turning around. Rebecca held in her breath, her cheeks becoming hot.
"Lysandre, there's some friends I'd like you to meet." he called. M. Lysandre had his back turned hunched over a table with assortments of snacks. He turned, fine as ever. Almost immediately, his eyes found Rebecca's. The two looked to one another, gazing into eachothers eyes. He came closer, holding out his hand, holding a drink with the other.
"Lysandre Royce." He said, gripping her uncle's hand.
"Sebastian Marquis. I'm a new partner with M. Jacques." her uncle responded.
"So you are friends with my brother-in-law?" her aunt asked.
"More like business partners. He basically owns mine and my brother's textile factory." he answered, with a smile. Rebecca's heart soared, and she tried to look away. M. William noticed her odd reactions.
The group spoke to one another, about the work Lysandre had and the upcoming things for the theater house. Rebecca was unable to pay close attention. She couldn't understand much of what they talked about it only a few things. Not to mention, she kept her eyes on Lysandre the whole time. To the point where she caught herself often and had to look away quickly. In the middle of the conversation, someone came up next to Lysandre and whispered something in his ear. He looked at the group, then smiled.
"Ladies, gentlemen, it seems as though I must leave." he raised his glass and gulped down the last bit inside. He then walked away. Rebecca kept her eyes down, but soon turned to look at him leave. She turned back, a smile wanting to grow on her face. M. William glanced towards M. Lysandre, then back to Rebecca.
Rebecca stayed in Paris for another two days. Being brought to restaurants that her aunt and cousin had hunted down. Not to mention, she also spent a little time with M. Castiel, she even got to meet the Prima Donna that Lysandre spoke of. When the day came to arriving into Amoris, it was Iris that picked her up at the station.
"Iris, it's good to see you again!" she said, giving her a hug. Its was stiff.
"Where's my father?" she asked. Iris had a terrible expression grow on her.
"Oh, Miss."
Rebecca ran into her father's room. He laid in bed, his eyes barely open.
"Pap?" she gasped. She fell to her knees, next to the bed.
"Rebecca, you're back. How did it go?" He asked, his breath heavy and in gasps.
"You want me to tell her?" Asked the doctor. Her father was beginning to shake his head, but Rebecca stood, looking at the doctor.
"No, tell me everything you can make of this." Tears streaked her cheeks.
His lungs were about to collapse on themselves. His age was playing a big role, and with his heart having to go through so much, of course it won't be able to support the whole of him for much longer.
"Its best you say your goodbyes while you still can." said the doctor. After a few other checkups, he left. Rebecca sat next to him. When night came, she curled up next to, humming to herself a sad song. Tomorrow will be a different day.
I recommend reading the last scene with this song playing. Or just think about the end while listening to the song. ( /N4oqNNGn5sk?list=PLXZzD5afbk2-IwsUpRisigZ2GpeJNfyV7)
I am so happy I was able to get this out early! Especially since I've been slacking a lot. Anyways, thanks for reading!