Chapter Fourteen: Irish truths
Friday the 29th of September
"Of course, you'll go," said d'Arcy when his wife tried to protest. "One of us must be there and since officially you're still injured it will be a good thing for you to join your sister's party as soon as possible."
"What about you?" she asked.
"I should be there for the Coronation; it would be a good diplomatic move. But I really shouldn't just when my men are launching an attack against the Northern part of Ireland. It's my duty to be with them."
Jane nodded but her mood was swinging between two opposites emotions. She was more than happy to be able to see Lizzy much sooner than ever expected and she was very distressed to have to leave her husband behind.
"I don't like going alone," she said.
"You won't be alone," said d'Arcy with a smile. "Your whole family will be aboard, not including Maureen and quite a few of Kennedy's men. I want you safe and secure."
"Last time we were not together, we were both injured." she whispered.
"I promised you that I won't ever again linger on a defusing bomb, I won't perjure myself."
Jane made a face and tried a little smile at his attempt at humor. "When do you want me to go?"
"I'd like you to go as soon as possible, today would be the best. But I'll need to see my staff before letting you go. If they agree to my absence, I'll probably take the opportunity to come with you. To be able to make the journey to Cardiff without losing too much time, I'll need my fastest ship and since you're going to use it, too, the best use of my time would probably be to embark on the "Dame de Coeur" with you, assist with the coronation and come back immediately after."
"So soon?"
"Yes," he said. "But I'll return to Ireland without you."
He stopped her protest with a gentle finger brushing her lips.
"I'll send you my ship back as soon as I'm in Ireland so, you can come back to Ireland anytime you please. But I won't be in Dublin for the next three weeks. I'll be campaigning at the head of my troops. I need to take Belfast and Londonderry as soon as possible and I would be reassured if I knew you were safe and sound at your sister's side."
"I could join you."
He shrugged. He was very tempted to forbid her to go but he knew it would be in vain. So he tried another approach.
"You'll do as you please, but there is a risk that you'll spend days chasing after me without ever even spotting me. And it really would be better for my peace of mind to know you are at your sister's side. I swear that I'll bring you to my side as soon as the land is secured."
She nodded, sighed and kissed him lightly.
"I'll go tell mama and papa. We'll prepare the trunks and embark as soon as possible." She slipped into his embrace. "I know I shouldn't insist, but, please, come with us." She sighed and looked him in the eyes. "I really need you at my side these next hours. Please."
He untangled himself with difficulty from her fierce embrace.
"I'll let you know as soon as possible if I can to come with you." He took her hand and kissed it. "I'll do my best."
"Go," said Duroc. "We don't need you to mop up! The British troops lost their fighting spirit a long time ago, even before we set foot here in Ireland. Your strategy is sound and we will be able to go on without you." He smiled. "Just don't forget to send us those lazy cavalrymen. They are shit soldiers, but their horses are useful. What we need is a better police force to contain the so-called freedom fighters, not an army. The boys are quite happy with the way they are received by the population –the female part of the population at least– but they won't look at a lengthy stay here with much pleasure. There are rumors about an alliance with Russia to crush the Turks. They long to finish what we began a few years ago."
He came nearer and whispered.
"She seems shaken, don't leave her alone. Think of your family for once." He spoke louder. "We are able to do the job here, Boss! Even more so if we finally get those cavalry units."
D'Arcy laughed.
"If they followed orders they are embarking in Bristol as we speak. So they should be in Dublin in two days' time. I expect you'll get twenty thousand more soldiers within three days."
"Let's wait till they are here, then," said Kellermann. "It is always better to regroup before launching an offensive. And you could be there with us."
D'Arcy nodded.
"Alright I go to Cardiff and come back soon after. Wait for me before moving the bulk of the army, but I want the cavalry on Ireland's roads as soon as they are here! They'll have to do strictly the same job as they were these last weeks in England." He looked at Duroc. "Be adamant with Murat; no major attack even if it seems tempting. I want secured roads and happy civilians. I have no use for martyrs!"
Duroc made a face.
"You know Béssières and I are not real friends, but I know that he is the more cautious commander. If you give him overall control of all cavalry units, he'll do the job without fuss."
D'Arcy nodded and summoned his secretary.
"Benevento, prepare said orders. Duroc gets overall command of all the infantry, artillery and logistic train while Bessières gets the overall command of the whole cavalry. And my orders are simple: show the flag everywhere and let nobody doubt that we mean business and that we are here to stay until the last British soldier has surrendered." He tapped Duroc on the shoulder. "Go on with the battle plan and all should go well indeed."
"I'll do what I can, Boss! Now stop procrastinating. Your brother's coronation awaits you."
Just as d'Arcy was stepping outside he called him back.
"Don't forget to get seamstresses and lots of fabrics on board with you. Your womenfolk will love to have something new and shiny to wear at their arrival. And they'll want even shinier dresses for the Coronation."
D'Arcy stopped and looked, astonished at his friend.
"Since when are you–"
"Try having a daughter at home, d'Arcy, and you'll come to it faster than you believed it possible."
"I'm so happy you chose to come," said Jane while nuzzling against her husband under his large raincoat. The weather was awful and she was unable to even see the Prow of the ship from where she stood. Not that she tried to see anything with her face lying on her husband's chest and her eyes happily closed.
"I'm happy to be at your side, mon amour," came the whispered answer. "I hope the weather will improve soon. I hate it when I can't see my own hands in front of me. There could be anything out there."
"I rather like it to be snuggling against you while breathing fresh sea air. With you at my side there's sunshine in my heart."
He kissed her brow and embraced her tighter.
"And that sunshine warms me as no fire could."
He frowned at the misty rain.
"You should go down, dear. You need a new wardrobe. I want you to be the most beautiful woman of the coronation."
"That will be Lizzy, dear. And I won't try to steal it from her."
"You could wear a holed blanket you would still be the most beautiful woman on earth."
That granted him a passionate kiss.
"You no longer need to seduce me, dear, I'm already all yours."
"I'll seduce you till the end of time. Because my best memories ever are from when I was courting you."
She embraced him tighter.
"Attend me downstairs, please. I'll have a look at those fabrics you brought. Hopefully there are still some left."
"There are a few rolls of turquoise and blue and white silk in your cabin. You know I love it when you wear those colors. Especially the white silk underwear. I love it when they smoothly slip down along your luscious curves."
She laughed and kissed him.
"Since it happens that I'm wearing just some of those, you should get what you want very soon now. And since those colors are also my favorites it won't be too difficult to please my husband with a new dress."
"Miss Duroc," bowed d'Arcy when he entered the Mess room of the 'Dame de Coeur'.
Emilie Duroc stood and curtsied in response. Mary Bennet who was in her company smiled proudly at her ward. She gave d'Arcy her best welcome smile.
"Monsieur d'Arcy".
D'Arcy looked at Mary Bennet who was the only person in company of Duroc's daughter.
"You're not with your mother, Miss Bennet?"
"We'll go soon, Sir. But for now the seamstresses are busy on Mama and Lydia." She smiled at Emilie. "We will wait out our turn. We've already chosen the fabric for our dresses. No need to crowd my parent's cabin more than necessary. And even if we are not indifferent to matters of fashion, we both prefer a good book about philosophy than endlessly talk about the lay of a ribbon."
"But we will soon go, monsieur," said Emilie. "We wouldn't want to shame you or the Countess."
He snickered.
"There will never be such a risk, mademoiselle. And as for the Countess, I do believe she prefers not to be referred to with any title. We are no longer a Kingdom, you remember?"
Emilie made a face.
"I don't agree monsieur. The Consulate's Constitution is clearly that of a Monarchy and could even, if one is frank, be considered a Tyranny."
D'Arcy tsked loudly.
"Mademoiselle Duroc, you should stop being so frank in front of strangers. It could bring you into danger, especially if you're right and we are bowing under the rule of a Tyrant."
Emilie looked around her.
"I'm sure nobody here will ever lower herself to be Fouchet's informant. And I'm quite sure you, monsieur, already know everything about my opinions about France's political system."
D'Arcy shook his head.
"Another of those smart women who believes me omniscient," he chided. "I must deny that I know everything!" He smiled at the young girl. "There are things I ignore especially about people I trust because I trust them. And you and your father being trusted friends of my family do enter into this category."
"Which is foolish, monsieur," countered Emilie. "Trust is a fickle matter. I'm not sure that Papa would not betray you if he was put before the choice of losing me."
D'Arcy's smile betrayed his tenderness.
"And so should he because you are his most precious possession, mademoiselle Duroc." His smile disappeared. "And that's exactly the reason why there are always half a company of trusted bodyguards around you and the Bennets. You are our foibles and I won't let anyone use you against us."
"We do know that, monsieur. And we accept the boundaries it inflicts on us."
"I do thank you for that."
"No need, monsieur. It's only natural that we take into account the necessities of our safety."
D'Arcy nodded at Mary.
"Do you agree with your ward?"
Mary nodded.
"I do and even Lydia who was, a long time ago, a headstrong and independent creature is now quite convinced that we need to be surrounded by a heavy force of bodyguards." She smiled sarcastically. "Even if I do believe it's more because of the importance it grants her than because of any real understanding of security procedures."
"Only the results matter, Miss Bennet. In the end only the results matter!"
He bowed.
"I'm back to the bridge. There's nothing to be seen, but it reassures me to be at the helm."
Both females nodded goodbye and went soon back to their reading.
"Miss Bennet."
Mary looked up and frowned. She had quite a knowledge now of Emilie Duroc and the tone of her voice, a little too shrill to be natural told her that she was about to speak about important matters.
She chose to tell her that she knew.
"Yes, Miss Duroc?"
Emilie immediately burst out a laugh.
"You really know me quite well, Miss Bennet."
She was rewarded with one of Mary's very rare full smiles.
"We do see each other quite a lot, dear. I suppose it helps."
Emilie hesitated before speaking.
"Well, my question is in relation to the fact that we see each other quite a lot." She smiled at Mary, a rather shy little smile that wasn't Emilie's usual confident smile. "And I must say that I like very much being with you."
"So do I," answered Mary. "I have told you more than once that you are, despite your young age, one of the finest minds I ever encountered. It's a pleasure to talk with you about all those topics we share a love for."
Emilie nodded strangely.
"I do know and you must know that you are the only grown-up with whom I do feel myself secure in not being a loved, but rather stupid little pet."
"I'm sure your father doesn't consider you as such. He's a very considerate man who shows every respect for his darling daughter's superior mind."
"You do like Papa, don't you?"
Mary frowned and looked suspiciously at her young ward.
"Indeed, I do. Behind the general with such a reputation for ruthlessness I've discovered a rather sensitive and brilliant mind."
Emilie smiled at her.
"He is smart, isn't he? Not as smart as monsieur d'Arcy but then who is as smart as monsieur d'Arcy, but a lot smarter than most men, yes?"
Mary agreed with a nod.
"He…" said Emilie but Mary stopped her with a hand movement.
"Emilie, do you really believe your father would envision to," she hesitated, "look at me differently than the woman with whom you share much of your time?"
Emilie looked at her feet.
"I don't know," she said while making a face. "I tried to ask him if he was interested in marrying anew, but I believe he refused to answer."
"And your question was asked with me in relation with the marrying thing?"
Emilie nodded strongly.
"Of course! Who else? You're just perfect. You'd be the ideal mother for me." She frowned. "I've looked at other women. Madame d'Arcy would be a good choice, even if she's more emotional than you. And her Latin is so perfect; I hope someday to be as proficient as her." She sighed. "But since she is already married, I suppose we can consider she's not available."
She stopped a few moments to think about her experience.
"There's Lydia and I do like her a lot and I believe that in her own practical way she is as smart as you and Madame d'Arcy but I'm sure she would never spend more than an hour reading philosophy with me. And that would be a shame, wouldn't it?"
She made a face.
"I looked at other women, but I do find them superficial and silly."
"Even Maureen?"
"Of course not, but then Maureen is not a woman, she's a fighter. And I believe one fighter at home is more than enough."
She shook her head and smiled at Mary.
"No, you'd be perfect and I'll ask Papa as soon as we are back."
"I would prefer that you don't, dear. It's rather awkward, you know. I wouldn't have him believing that I manipulated you in order to ask him for me."
Emile frowned and bit her lips while thinking.
"You are perhaps right" said she finally. "Asking directly won't do. I'll have to find a way to bring him over. I'll think about it."
And soon she was back in her reading.
Mary could only shake her head and smile.
Emilie was a very dear and sensible young girl and she loved being with her hour after hour feeding her fine mind with knowledge and wisdom. But marrying Duroc?
No, never. He wouldn't even contemplate such a match…
Or would he?
Probably not.
Why would such a handsome and famous man even look at her?
She did find a few answers to her question. She soon found it difficult to concentrate on her lines and finally gave way to a rather disturbing day dream.
"Jane?"
"Yes, dear," said her sister while turning around.
"Could I ask you a question?"
"Of course, why not?"
Mary hesitated.
"It's a rather awkward question and I don't really know how to ask."
Jane frowned first than smiled and took her sister's hand.
"Come with me, let's speak somewhere discreet."
Two minutes later she was closing the door to her apartment.
It has another naval name, as did the apartment but since it was exactly that, a door and an apartment, she didn't try to hide behind technicalities.
"What's the matter, Mary dear?"
Mary took a long and deep breath before looking her sister in the eyes.
"Emilie wants me to marry her father."
That let Jane really flabbergasted. Mary and Duroc? What a–
She forced herself to stop immediately. Why not after all? Duroc was a very pleasant man and a very sensible father.
And Emilie was very fond of Mary. And that point was a very good base for becoming a step mother.
"Emilie asked you?"
"Not really," smiled Mary. "Let's say that she informed me of my prospects."
"Oh," whispered Jane. "Isn't she a very determined young girl?"
"That she is," agreed Mary. "But that's not wh–"
"Indeed," interrupted Jane, "it is not."
She took her sister by the arm and together they sat on the bed.
"If you want to know what I think about you marrying Duroc, I can just say that it is a problem only the three of you will be able to solve. But to cut a long tale short, I think you'd be perfect as Madame Duroc. His first wife was a smart and educated woman and Geoffrey has told me how he was devastated when she died giving birth to Emily. He's a sensible and pleasant man who had his share of unhappiness. You being the most level-headed woman I know, you could really be the strength he needs to recover definitively from his ordeal. And Emilie loves you… That's even more important that everything else. If Emilie wants you as a mother, I'm quite sure that's a battle her father has already lost."
She looked her sister in the eyes.
"What do you think, dear? More important; what do you want?"
Mary sighed.
"I really don't know. Never would I–"
Jane spoke up. "Don't say never, dear! As I have proven everything is possible, but you must believe in yourself. You're not boring, you're not plain and you're not dull! So wonder about what you wish and what you are ready to do to get it!"
She took her sister's hand and smiled.
"Would it agree with you to be Mrs. Duroc?"
"He is handsome and more than impressive." Mary smiled shyly. "To say the truth, the idea is more than enticing, but I doubt he will ever think the same about me."
Jane shook her head.
"Stop it immediately. Don't forget you have a formidable ally within that fortress. Let her do the job of convincing and let the happy father come out of his isolation to convince you. You'll be surprised at how easy it will be for him to think about you."