CHAPTER 5 - Andre's arrival
Oscar arrived at the manor in the early afternoon. Usually she was not expected until dusk. How obvious her habit was to everyone, she understood when she saw surprised eyes of Claude, the groom to whom she was handing over Caesar.
- It's okay, Claude - she told him dryly - You don't have to worry. Where is Sandrine?
- Sandrine is preparing the room, mademoiselle - replied Claude - Madame Marie's grandson has arrived this morning and he would like to stay for a few days. I am sure, he would ask for your permission soon - the boy bowed his head.
- Naturally - Oscar replied - But I don't see any new horse? - she looked around the stables - Did Marie's grandson come in a mail carriage?
- No, no, he rode his own horse, Mademoiselle - explained the groom. - Beautiful animal.. - he added dreamily, but immediately corrected himself - Monsieur Andre arrived early in the morning. I know that he spent several hours in his grandmother's room. Not long ago he took his horse and rode off. Not for long, he said. He must have been shocked by his grandmother's condition - the boy added sadly - I'm sorry, mademoiselle, I think I'm talking too much again - humbly bowed his head again.
- Thank you, Claude - Oscar said thoughtfully - When he arrives, tell him to come to me right away. I want to meet him.
- Of course, mademoiselle - replied the boy, taking the horse's bridle from her hands.
Firstly Oscar went to the nanny's room. On the way out, she met Rosalie carrying a jug of fresh water.
- How is she today? - asked the woman.
- A little bit better - Rosalie smiled - She was awake for a couple of hours when Andre was with her. The doctor was right, that the presence of a loved one would help her to recover. Now she fell asleep.
- That's great - Oscar breathed in relief - I've already told Claude, but I'll tell you again. If Marie's grandson shows up, please send him to me. I'll be waiting in the lounge.
- As you wish - Rosalie said, looking down and blushing.
Oscar looked at her attentively but said nothing.
Two hours later, there was a soft knock on the living room door.
- Yes? - Oscar looked up from her book.
Rosalie came into the room, looking nervous.
- What's going on, Rosalie? - Oscar asked - Has something happened to the nanny? - the other shook her head in denial - Has monsieur shown up yet?
- Well.. He's not, mademoiselle.. - the girl replied, breaking her fingers in a nervous gesture - He only said that he wanted to take a ride.. get some air.. But he has been gone for so long.. that maybe.. maybe he got lost.. He doesn't know this area very well after all.. And I thought to myself.. - Rosalie looked at the floor with embarrassment.
- I'm listening to you - Oscar said, a little irritated. The young gentleman took a break, instead of sitting by the bed of his sick relative. Maybe he even touched Paris and some dirty tavern. It's definitely hard to find similar ones in Normandy. After all, Paris is the capital of drunkenness.
- And I thought to myself .. - the girl at the door continued, unaware of her mistress's thoughts - Perhaps you could try to find him. Jerome went into town to visit his mother. And no one else dares to ride in the woods after dark.
- There is still at least an hour until dark - Oscar replied dryly. However, she looked at the girl and she simply felt sorry for her - All right, I'll go - she sighed heavily.
She saw the wide smile on the young girl's face and smiled too. Only Rosalie could convince Oscar. With no other servant she had such a bond, if that's what you could call what was between them.
Oscar put the book and glass of wine down on the table. Pleasures would have to wait. She quickly put on her coat and gloves and walked towards the stables. The sun was slowly beginning to set below the horizon, and purple streaks appeared in the sky, heralding the approaching evening.
She walked quickly towards the low, white buildings, from which she could already hear the neighing of the horses. Before she got there, however, something caught her attention. There was a man in front of the stables, his back now to her. He handed Claude the reins of a gorgeous dark brown horse.
Oscar took a few more steps towards them, and then Claude noticed her. He bowed his head and said some words to the man in front of him. At these words that man turned and looked at the approaching woman with great interest.
Oscar stopped in shock, because she was standing in front of the most beautiful man she had ever seen.
„Oh, my God - she thought weakly – It looks like those goddamn maids were not exaggerating at all!"
The man was tall, much taller than she was, with broad shoulders and narrow hips. The hands, he had just released from the gloves, were slim but obviously strong. His chocolate-colored hair fell over his back, tied with dark tape, but some strands, under the influence of driving fast, slipped out of the clasp, freely falling against his face.
- Mademoiselle - the man said, bowing slightly, then raised his crystal-clear emerald eyes to her.
Oscar was speechless for a moment. That voice.. deep and sweet, suddenly seemed oddly familiar. But she had seen this man for the first time in her life!
She was a well-trained soldier, so she regained her balance almost immediately.
- Good evening, Monsieur - she extended her hand to him, which he shook with surprise.
- I am so sorry, Mademoiselle - the man replied, not releasing her hand and not taking his eyes off her - I just lost track of time driving around. It is such a beautiful area. I hope you will forgive me - he smiled at her - My name is Andre Grandier. I am the grandson of your hostess, Marie Glance.
- I know who you are, Monsieur - Oscar replied coldly, releasing her hand as if it was burning - My maid Rosalie Lamorielle asked me to search for you. It looks like she was worried - Oscar added with a slight hint of irony.
- Rosalie is a very good person - the man replied, not disgusted with her tone of voice - So are you, milady, if you wanted to spend your time searching for a stranger.
Oscar looked at him attentively. He didn't look like a typical court flatterer, his words seemed sincere.
- Nanny would never forgive me if I lost her precious grandson - the woman said smiling nervously - But since I've found you, I can go back - she started to turn away.
- Mademoiselle - Andre quickly put in, trying to stop her - I wanted to ask if I could stay in the manor with my grandmother for a few days. Or until her condition improves. If it isn't a problem for you or anyone..
- It's not a problem - Oscar said dryly - Sandrine will show you the room. Goodbye! - she just said quickly, without waiting for an answer and ran to her rooms in panic.
"What the hell am I doing? - she scolded herself, when she hid in the silence of the familiar walls - I'm running away as if the devil was chasing me! I'm blushing! - she laughed to herself – And it's just a man! Moreover, he is a commoner! - she took off her coat and gloves and sat down heavily on the sofa - I should behave with greater dignity and kindness. Maybe I should ask him to have dinner with me? - she thought - In compensation, of course!"
Not thinking much, she called Sandrine to give her the appropriate orders.
...
Dinner was served at six. Marie's grandson showed up on time, refreshed and disguised. His attire was simple but elegant, devoid of the stiffness of courtly splendor, without lace, jabots, and ornaments. However, Oscar had the impression that this style of dress only added to his charm. His hair was tied back neatly, though a few unruly locks had escaped again and curled up the sides of his face.
- Thank you for the invitation, Mademoiselle - he said when they were seated at the table – Although, I must admit, that it surprised me.
- What's weird about that? - Oscar asked, trying not to look at him.
„Why did you invite him at all, if you're going to be staring at your plate all the time!" - rang in her head.
- You are our guest - she added, bravely raising her eyes to the man sitting in front of her.
- I'm not a noble - he replied, looking at her attentively - I should eat in the kitchen.
- Oh, please, stop this nonsense! - Oscar snorted violently - I spend the whole day with the nobles in Versailles. Sometimes I'm fed up with their broken manners and pointless conversations. It will be a nice change for me.
- Thank you - Andre said simply, and she smiled back.
They ate in silence for a moment. Oscar was watching him closely from the corner of her eye. He had good manners and behaved impeccably. Not at all like a commoner. She was very intrigued by this.
- What are your occupation at the manor, Monsieur Grandier? - she asked, pretending to be neutral.
- At the moment, mainly breeding, Mademoiselle - the man replied - Currently, I am also the manager of the manor.
- I've never been to our estate in Normandy - Oscar admitted after a minute of silence.
- But it's impossible, isn't it?! - Andre was honestly surprised, but after a moment's thought he added - But you must tell me the truth. If you were there ever, I would remember you.
Oscar looked at him carefully and quickly looked down. She felt herself flush, and she didn't like it very much.
- Why do you think so? - she asked, swallowing hard - Have you lived there so long? - she tried to gently change the subject.
- Practically all my life! - Andre replied confidently - My parents died when I was eight. After their death, my grandmother's brother, uncle Etienne Danet, looked after me. He has always been associated with the Jarjayes manor in Etretat, where he was the manager almost all his life. General de Jarjayes allowed him to take me there. General also took care of my education. I owe a lot to your father, Mademoiselle - he smiled warmly.
- My father is a good man - confirmed Oscar - He always cares about his staff. Just like about his soldiers.
- That's right - Andre agreed - I heard that he's a highly respected commander.
Oscar nodded thoughtfully.
- How did it happen that you started breeding? - she continued the topic.
- Horses have always fascinated me - admitted the man - When I was a child, I spent all days in the stables. My uncle wasn't too pleased about it, because he thought that if I had the opportunity to study, I could go a different way than he did - Andre admitted honestly – But I didn't change my mind. I started with an ordinary groom, then I trained horses. A few years ago, my uncle entrusted me with the care and management of the stables and manor. He is quite old, a few years older than Grandma Marie, and has less and less strength. But I can always come to him and ask for an opinion or advice .. - he stopped suddenly - I'm sorry, maybe I'm talking too much .. - he looked at her uncertainly
- It's very interesting - said Oscar - Please continue.
- Actually, I don't know what else you would like to know, Mademoiselle - he smiled a little embarrassed - I'm not used to talking so much about myself. Everyone in Etretat rather knows me well.
- Is it beautiful there, in Etretat? - Oscar asked after a moment's thought.
- This is the most beautiful place on earth! - Andre's eyes was shining with pride and joy - Majestic white cliffs. Beaches covered with white stones, the emerald sea breaking on the shores. The green of beech forests and fields of farmland stretching to the horizon. I don't know if I can describe to you the uniqueness of this land. You should see it with your own eyes, Mademoiselle - he looked at her, smiling.
She replied with a fascinated look, but quickly looked down.
- You intrigued me by that description, Monsieur Andre - she said seriously - Perhaps I will actually go there. After all, it's a family estate, and I, as Jarjayes' heir, should visit the estate at least once in a while - she saw that he was not surprised by her confession. Apparently Grandma had told him everything.
- It's a great idea, Mademoiselle! - he exclaimed - We'll make sure you don't regret this decision.
„I don't think I regret it ever" - Oscar thought, but scolded herself right away, again today. What came to her mind so suddenly.
When the clock struck seven, they were both surprised. They didn't even realize that an hour had passed so quickly. Oscar stood up, followed by Andre, who thanked her again for the invitation. The woman offered wine, but he declined, explaining that he would like to sit with his grandmother a little longer. He wished her good night and left.
...
Oscar could not asleep for a long time. She rolled over from side to side, and finally, nervous, she got to her feet. She poured herself a full glass of wine and gulped it down. She sat back down in bed and waited for the wine to effect.
Today's meeting destabilized her completely. She had never, ever experienced anything like this. It was as if this man had touched some secret button in her soul that she didn't even know that existed. And it wasn't just that he was handsome. Fersen was handsome too but she never blushed at any of his words. Even the marriage proposal had left her cold. But this Andre.. Stranger. A man of simple descent. From nowhere.
But his every gaze made her heart beat faster. The gaze of the most charming eyes that she had ever seen.. Moreover, he was an interesting and intelligent man. Interestingly, he was also fully aware of his position in society, but a little too bold for a servant. Too direct. Brave. This fascinated Oscar who was not used to such behavior. She was used to obedience. Absolute obedience. And it was boring. Of course, she couldn't accuse him of being impertinent, cause he was absolutely polite. At the same time, Oscar had the impression that she saw a gleam of amusement in his eyes. Or was it something else? She had to find out what was that, absolutely. With this decision, she fell asleep.
...
After leaving Mademoiselle's room, Andre went downstairs, towards the servants' wing. Grandma's room was down the hall. Before he got there, he waved to two dark-haired servants coming out of the laundry room who waved back with broad smiles on their faces. Sandrine and Sylvie, he remembered. He had already spoken to Sandrine today. She showed him the room and brought warm water for washing. Another girl gave him a piece of cake and water right after he arrived. Her name was Nicole and she was really lovely. He should still meet with Rosalie, but she was nowhere to be found, and then he had no time because he was going to dinner with Mademoiselle. It was not appropriate to refuse. But there would definitely be an opportunity, Rosalie shouldn't be angry with him.
The dinner was a surprise, because everyone, from grandma to the grooms, found mademoiselle Oscar very strict and inaccessible. Grandma wrote a lot about her in the letters. About General's decision of raising his daughter like a boy and about the success of this choice - Oscar became the commander of the Royal Guards and she was doing very well. Grandma wrote about murderous training sessions, hundreds of hours of exercise and constant fixing of wounds. She also wrote that Oscar never complained, as if fully consciously accepting her destiny.
But grandma had never written to Andre about one thing, and now he couldn't quite understand why. Grandma never wrote that mademoiselle Oscar was an absolute, natural beauty..
Andre has never been indifferent to women and he was mutual. From the time he was sixteen, they clung to him like bees to honey. He was flattered, but he never took advantage of it. He was completely honest. The case of having a wife and children was somewhere in his mind, but he insisted that he had still a lot of time. He didn't want to marry a random person.
He liked Rosalie very much. He had been thinking about her since their first meeting last summer. She was young and lovely and so sweet. This year he came again and their relationship flourished. He was going to come back soon to see her again, but it accidently happened earlier than he planned.
"Maybe it is even better - he thought with a smile - Apart from the circumstances, obviously."
Of course, Rosalie's loveliness could not even compare with Mademoiselle de Jaryajes' beauty, but that didn't matter. Andre followed some rules. One of the most important rule was not to associate with noble women. And he was by no means going to break it.