Transition Plan Chapter 67: In His Majesty's Service Part 16 and 17
Authors Note: This double length chapter is really two chapters rolled into one, but presented as one because one chapter cannot exist without the other. At its essence, it's about the love between a mother and her daughter and another mother and her son, each in their own way, as the one family copes with profound changes in their lifestyle and both families deal with having children growing up and having grown-up feelings for new significant others in their lives. A situation that my wife and I have often faced with our children. Different aspects of her are in both Jane and Josephine. I hope you truly enjoy this special 'holiday gift' to all of you who so strongly support this story week after week. The next chapter, to be published AFTER Christmas will present some details of Jeanne's new lifestyle in the village and deepening relation with Jack, but will really dive into final preparations for the mission at Kamina. Happy Holidays! :)
…
The mothers of all the leaders' kids were glad and relieved to see the children return home unharmed and no one came home with any sprains or cuts or bruises, which this group of intensely active children was prone to do.
Jane looked up and gave her son a quick kiss on the cheek as he greeted them. He quickly mentioned their great day, and he hugged Tarzan and gave Lily a little cheek kiss, which caused a happy shiver and giggle at her brother. He went right to his assigned pre-dinner chores industriously and without complaint, even after being tired from a vigorous day of play. Jack wanted to make sure that his parents knew he was a responsible person, even on special play days like this, so he would earn the right to go again without question.
Jane noticed his still slightly damp hair, and glanced over and noticed Jeanne's hair was still a little wet also and not as neatly put up in a bun as normal. Jane further noticed the pair was exchanging a lot of tender looks. Tarzan completely missed these nuances, and simply praised his son for leading them there and back safely on a fun trip.
"A typical 'guy' thing," she scoffed to herself, but silently blew him a kiss.
Jane knew that there was much more to the story and she needed to have a 'chat' with her son. Dinnertime and clean up chores were a very busy time for the family, and whatever good things happened at the pond needed to wait. Jack dodged the details of the pond, concentrating on getting Tarzan and Lily to talk about their days. Jane noted his deflection.
…
Next to the Clayton's was the Jacot's assigned living area, and as Jeanne entered the long house, she exhaled that deep breath and hugged and kissed her mother, too. Her father was still on the drill field with his men, making sure the day's efforts were complete before returning to their temporary home, and Josephine knew he'd probably have dinner with them tonight before returning, which he did every other night. The men fully understood the Colonel's need to split his time between them and the family he never expected to have with him, and had great respect for him doing that.
Dinner was a very busy time, and Jeanne, like Jack, encouraged her mother to chat about her day back at the village helping Femi and feeding the troops like she did nearly every day to help her father. While some of the kids talked to their parents about their fun day, they all kept Jeanne's secret. Everyone had a good dinner, but soon darkness fell. The longhouse was dimly lit with oil-filled gourds.
Tarzan played with Lily as he always did in the evenings to give Jane break from taking care of their daughter all day while he drilled with the soldiers, and was going to get her ready for bed. It was their special 'Daddy/Daughter' bonding time as he liked to explain it. Tarzan was reading her one of her favorite stories by an English writer named Kipling about a jungle child. She always giggled when he did the animal noises. She tried to copy him and they laughed. Tarzan and Jane were always amused that the writer Kipling thought talking animals and jungle children were all fiction, when they knew better.
It was the perfect time for Jane to talk to her firstborn privately. Jane asked quietly, "Jack, dear, we need to talk."
Jack always knew something was 'up' when she used that tone with him. Jack swallowed hard, and answered her formally, "Yes, Mother."
He took his verbal cue that he understood the gravity of her request. She took his hand and they stepped outside the longhouse. Jack had the unexpected thought of wondering what it would be like years from now holding Jeanne's adult-sized hand.
Jane was to the point, "I know you all had a fun time with Jeanne today. But Jack, please tell me honestly. Have you and Jeanne and your friends been swimming today?"
He thought about some lame excuse regarding playing really hard and being sweaty from the awful humidity, but he saw her blue eyes boring through him. Plus, he had just told Jeanne not to keep any secrets. He blushed and said, "Yes we have, Mother."
Jane was relieved at Jack's honesty, "Thank you for being truthful, son. Did Jeanne swim like the rest of you?"
Jack admitted, his mind filled with the vision of her prettiness, as he answered, "Yes she did, Mother. And had a wonderful time."
Jane remained calm and replied, "I can see that Jack, just the way she looks at you. You know she cares very much for you."
"Yes, Mother, I know. I… uh… I do too. Besides you and Dad and Lily and Grandpa, I care for her more than anyone in the whole world. She likes me just for being me," he first stammered, but then admitted with complete resolve.
"She's a very sweet girl for you, Jack," Jane smiled wistfully, but got more serious, "But son. You know her mother will be very upset about what you all did today."
Jack explained, "Jeanne wanted to, Mother. She decided to. We swam like we always do. Yes, we did invite her to swim. But that's not what's important."
"Why is that, Jack?" Jane asked, but was getting a bit exasperated with each new bit of news.
"Ndidi, at the Chief's order, made Jeanne an Honorary Nigerian. She and the girls gave her everything to be a Nigerian girl. And… uh… I did too…"
Jane understood the implications of what Nigerian girls wore, and asked, "What did you give her?"
"The leather strand. And a Nigerian friendship promise bracelet."
Jane leaned back against the tree they were standing by alone, and took a deep breath. A Nigerian boy giving his girl a friendship bracelet and a 'dress strand' to wear were very endearing and sweet, but were expressions of deep relations between older youth - far beyond children's friendships. Jane already could sense this was no 'puppy love' between Jeanne and Jack. However, the huge change in their personal relationship today was of no consequence compared to Ndidi's actions. This was an entirely different issue from a dozen young friends skinny dipping in a pond who could be scolded and punished for disobeying. Jeanne being made Nigerian by the Chief's daughter herself was a matter of international diplomacy.
Jane remained calm and asked, "Did you know Ndidi was going to do that?"
He didn't hesitated, "No, Mother. I was just as surprised as Jeanne was. I made her the promise bracelet on my own. It… um… seemed like the right time to give it to her."
Jane raised an eyebrow and shook her head, knowing this was mostly out of the Claytons' hands, and Jack was not to blame, "Well, it's between her and her mother and father now, and with the Chief. Jack, dear. About the bracelet and the strand. You and I both know boys a lot older than you give their steady girls those things. This is a now a very serious friendship you and Jeanne have. You are very mature for being almost nine. And I think Jeanne is too. I believe both of you can handle this relationship."
Jack already knew the answer to that after the past couple of months of playing and talking about everything in the world with Jeanne daily, topped by this especially tender day of days between them.
Jane then gave him a very serious look, and held his hands, "So, Jack. I will not deny you this. But you must honor her. Living naturally together in our tribe as family and friends is one thing, son. Being in a relationship, no matter what age, requires much respect of the other. And restraint. I know you are both very young. If you and Jeanne remain serious about each other when you are teens you two will remain chaste."
Jack understood his mother's inferences. He was no stranger to knowledge of the intimacies of animal mates in the jungle and between married men and women including his own parents, even though he was a long way from being physically mature. He stood tall and proud and promised, speaking more like an adolescent than a nine year old boy, "Mother, I will always respect her. You and Dad taught me everything about honoring girls. She is my best friend. And yes, a lot more. I know we're just kids. We both really want this to last. We… we never expected this to happen, Mom. It just happened."
Jack was right. No one could ever predict love happening between anyone, and how or when it would occur. Or even how long it might last.
Jane smiled and cupped his chin, kissed her firstborn's forehead, and emphasized, "I know, dear. As your mother, I am just protecting you both. You have so much ahead of you. I am so impressed how you are handling this. You two deserve each other. There are so many things about you and Jeanne that remind me of the early days with your father in the jungle. But I guess European girls hardly stand a chance against the charms of a 'man of the jungle', especially if their last name is Clayton."
They laughed.
Jane continued her counseling, "You and Jeanne share a special trust now. You must always seek her mother's permission for what you two do together. This will be very different for Madame Jacot, and Jeanne will never be the same French girl after today…"
"Yes Mother, of course I will," he replied earnestly. It surprised but relieved him that she was giving him advice and encouragement rather than punishment. Having his mother's blessings, even with admonishments, made everything that happened today feel more right.
Through an opening in the longhouse walls that was more or less a window, Jane smiled and saw the Jeanne and Josephine talking, probably having a similar conversation. She liked this girl very much. She and Jack were very close to their ninth birthdays, and while they were affectionate and had real feelings for each other, they were playmates for now and would remain so for a long time. However, she could clearly see that her son and Jeanne shared feelings that most likely would grow much deeper over time than the strong friendship they had now. Jane hoped Jeanne could persuade Josephine to accept what happened today and what Jack and Jeanne formalized.
Jane knew Jack had a difficult time with English or any other European girls because of his dual life in the jungle. That life was just too alien for any of them to accept or understand. She knew Jack would have an extremely hard time finding someone to be his partner in life because of that. But Jeanne was quite different. This beautiful little girl had very readily accepted Jack and his lifestyle and embraced it enthusiastically herself. Just maybe Jeanne really was 'the one' for him. But Jane knew she shouldn't try to explain all that to Josephine beyond what she said already. The French woman continued to struggle with every aspect of embracing life in the jungle so far. Jane scoffed to herself that the jungle life she took for granted wasn't for everyone.
In that breakthrough conversation this morning, Jane tried to subtly tell the French woman that it was all right for Jeanne to live this way, and that it was acceptable for her daughter to be very close friends with Jack. Jane got very close to meddling in the Josephine's child rearing duties, but what she said seemed to mellow the French woman's attitude about their life in the jungle, and Jane hoped for the best.
Jane then glanced into their part of the longhouse, watching Tarzan lovingly put Lily to bed and wondered what kind of life challenges her youngest would face, especially being a girl. The new baby would have his or her own personal crises. Existing in two worlds was not an easy living. But she wouldn't have it any other way. Life was richer this way.
Suddenly, the imaginary vision of she and Tarzan being feral childhood sweethearts playing in the jungle together flashed through Jane's head, but with Jack and Jeanne as the young couple in her vision instead of her and Tarzan. In merely seconds, the vision progressed from Jack and Jeanne's childhood to adolescents to young adults to a brand new married couple kneeling at an altar and cross made of branches under the jungle canopy.
"Mom?" Jack asked, snapping that tender vision.
"Yes, dear," Jane smiled at her son, still savoring her thoughts.
"One more thing, Mom. Jeanne wants to learn more about the Mangani. She wants to learn everything. Umm… and uhh… you know that means a lot of time with just her and me."
She smiled at her son, and ruffled his dreads, "I can't think of a better teacher, Jack, dear. And when we go to the treehouse to be safe from the war, we will be in our Mangani lands where you can teach her, as long as her mother agrees. I trust you, dear, but her mother has to also. And having the trust of the mother of the girl you care for is much more important than what I think."
Jack was so relieved. His mother would let them be together. They went back inside. All they needed next was for Jeanne to have a successful conversation with her mother. He vowed to never betray both mothers' trust in them. He looked to Jeanne's end of longhouse. He caught Jeanne's eye a moment while she was talking with her mother, he winked, and his heart skipped a beat. He saw her deep blush blossom.
…
In His Majesty's Service Part 17
Jeanne couldn't stop looking back at Jack in the longhouse before, during, and after dinner. She wondered what Lady Clayton and Jack were talking about. She could not see what was happening when they stepped outside, and worried, as the countess towed him out by his hand. Lady Jane looked very determined. Jeanne prayed it would all good for Jack and her. She wished he could feel her rapidly beating heart against his again and hold those strong hands in hers. No boy ever had made her feel this way or had ever been closer to her than today. All those sweet hugs and kisses told them how they felt about each other wordlessly. Even though they were children, there were a lot of grown up feelings they shared.
In the quiet of the early evening, it was time to discuss the day with her beyond the generalities of her foray into the jungle. To Josephine, it was obvious her daughter had the time of her life and had very deep feelings about Jack, so she asked cheerily, seeing how happy she was, "Jeanne, tell me all about your day with Jack and your friends."
Despite her apprehension of the hard subjects ahead, Jeanne was excited and animated, "It was the best day ever, Mama. The jungle is so pretty. Jack showed me so much. We made friends with an elephant called Tantor. He's Count Clayton's friend when they were kids. Now he has a family too."
"Yes honey, I know about the elephant. Lady Jane told me. He didn't try to hurt you?"
Jeanne shook her head, "Not in any way mother. He tickled me on purpose and we shook hands… well… it was his trunk. I fed him his favorite food. I talked to him, Mama. Jack told me how. We are friends now. I can tell Tantor likes me."
They actually laughed.
"You talked to the elephant, honey?" Josephine asked incredulously.
Very factually Jeanne stated, "Yes Mama. Jack knows their words. Jack and his family can talk to nearly any animal. He introduced me to over a dozen animal families today. Each in their own language."
It was a good thing Josephine was sitting down because that revelation nearly toppled her. In their discussion earlier in the day, Jane had said she knew what the elephant had said over many miles distance. But even now, her daughter had learned to say a few words to the elephant from Jack, and the admission she'd seen Jack talk to a dozen other animals. Josephine hadn't really believed that was possible, yet had heard the Nigerians speak of the abilities of the Count and his family and his title of 'Lord of the Jungle'. She could not deny the truth of Jeanne's statement. She continued to be amazed at how open Jeanne was to everything happening to her every day here. Josephine prayed to be more understanding herself.
Jeanne was bubbly, "There's so much more to see. I want to go back in the jungle again, Mama. With Jack."
Her daughter's excitement was palpable, and it was wonderful to see Jeanne as the perky, happy girl she nearly always was. Jack Clayton had caused that to happen.
"Of course, dear. Jack is a very nice boy. I like him. I trust him. You are good playmates together. You may go. Just don't go beyond Jack's limits to put you or him in any danger. Please promise me that."
Jeanne agreed, "Yes, of course. But Mama, something else happened today. Something really important."
Both Jeanne and Josephine noticed that Jack and his mother had returned to their place in the longhouse and were busy tucking Lily in to bed. Jack winked at Jeanne as he reclined on the sleeping mat next to his sister. That was the sign they agreed to that everything was going to be all right. That sent a thrill through her. It was up to her now.
Josephine was very open to the discussion, "Tell me then, sweetheart. And there's something important I have to talk to you about too. We can both share. The Clayton's are done outside. Let's go out ourselves where it's private."
"Yes, Mama."
They sat in solitude together outside in silence for a few moments, surrounded by the jungle noises and the brilliant stars and moon overhead, while Jeanne steeled herself to explain the next part of the adventure.
Sensing some reticence and nervousness in Jeanne, Josephine asked her daughter, "So… who wants to go first?"
"Well… umm… maybe you should, Mama."
Neither one was really ready to go first, so Josephine suggested, "Well… let's do that old game we play to decide what to do next."
"OK!" Jeanne said enthusiastically.
They played a French form of rock/paper/scissors. After several rounds and some snickers, Josephine won the right to decide who should talk first. She thought whatever it was that Jeanne had to say, it needed to be first, and then she could hopefully support her daughter.
Josephine confidently, "So dear, what did you want to talk about? It seems very important."
"It is, Mama."
"How so?"
Jeanne straightened up and announced with all her strength, "Today Ndidi made me an 'Honorary Nigerian'. Officially. At her father's request."
"Oh?" asked Josephine in total surprise.
That was a bombshell. Josephine knew Ndidi was the Chief's daughter, but was uncertain what kind of official capacity she had to act on her father's behalf, and how it affected Jeanne. She needed to listen very carefully to what her daughter said next.
Not trying to be presumptive, she simply asked, "How did they make you Nigerian, honey?
Jeanne rocked back and forth a nervously, and couldn't completely hold eye contact with Josephine, but explained earnestly, "Well… Ndidi said the words to make me Nigerian and the girls gave me a lot of pretty gifts to dress like a Nigerian girl."
Jeanne was braced for and expecting the usual 'absolutely not!' demand from her mother. Instead, Josephine joked, "We French would hardly call that 'dressing', honey."
They both snickered a little. Jeanne liked her mother's tone so far. Jeanne's eyes met her mother's. They were soft and inviting.
Exploring Jeanne's declaration further, her mother asked kindly, "Show me what they gave you to wear."
Jeanne pulled up her sleeves and showed her mother all the bracelets on her wrist, elbow, and upper arm on both sides. She took off her clunky shoes and removed her socks, rolled up her pant cuffs, and showed her the stacked anklets and opened her collar a bit to show her the necklaces.
Josephine had to admit the jewelry was truly gorgeous. The Nigerians were primitive, but true artisans. What little they had they made the most of. She said with a smile, "They're all so pretty, Jeanne. The girls really like you."
Jeanne was feeling more comfortable, and returned the smile by saying, "Yes, Mama, we are really good friends. Especially Ndidi."
Now came the hard part as a mother. Josephine knew there was more to this. She knew what Nigerian women wore. And didn't wear.
She remained supportive with her tone, "What else did you get, Jeanne?"
Jeanne knew what her mother meant, sighed, and answered, "They gave me the leather strand."
Josephine swallowed hard, "Are you wearing it?"
"Yes, Mama. Jack gave it to me," she replied and pulled up the uniform shirt up and pushed her trouser waist line down a little and there it was, just above her hips. It had several glittering beads, which was typical.
Josephine took a long, deep breath. It was just fine to accept these gifts, and she was pleased that the children thought well of her enough to be made 'Honorary Nigerian' by none other than the Chief's daughter, her best female friend. But Josephine knew what this meant in several ways, and how her daughter must now appear in public. Being made Nigerian was not only a huge honor, but a massive dilemma for Josephine's French customs. She knew she could not say 'no', even if she wanted to, and especially with little Jeanne so excited about being Nigerian. A denial would crush her. A day ago Josephine would have bridled at even the thought of this. She would have felt backed into a corner, and would have never considered Jeanne's desires, especially since they were contrary to French customs. But today she didn't. Lady Jane's morning conversation had given Josephine a new perspective. Josephine had a serious look - that Jeanne misinterpreted - as she pondered these thoughts.
Before Josephine could say anything, Jeanne's conviction came tumbling out in a barrage of words and emotions, "Mama, please don't say 'no'. I want to be Nigerian with my friends. Live like them. Play like them. Dress like them. Every day from now on that we are here. Being made Honorary Nigerian means so much to me. They like me, Mama. No one in France cares about me at all."
Jeanne was breathing hard, on the verge of tears, and her fists were clenched and her arms and shoulders ramrod stiff by her sides. Her mother knew that this was true conviction, not a tantrum. Jeanne was shaking from head to toe. Jeanne was now prepared for the worst, but at least she took a stand like an adult. Jack would be proud. She was utterly shocked that her mother didn't instantly yell or disagree or interrupt or punish her. Instead, a smile formed on Josephine's face, she gently put her fingertips underneath her daughter's chin as she helped Jeanne sit on the ground, poked her nose in fun, and gently hugged her. They broke the embrace, and Josephine took her daughter's hands in one hand and covered them with her other hand, soothing them as only a mother could do. She could feel Jeanne's shaking start to subside and felt her guardedly relax.
Josephine noted softly, "Well that's interesting, honey, because my 'something to talk about' is exactly that subject."
Jeanne's jaw dropped.
Josephine sighed and explained quietly as a wide-eyed Jeanne absorbed every word, "Jeanne, sweetheart. I've been thinking how strict I've been about not letting you practice some of the Nigerian customs. Lady Jane and I talked about it a little bit while you were playing today. It puts you in an… um… awkward position being the only one besides your father and me to behave properly as French citizens in this strange land. You stand out. I know how uncomfortable that uniform is. It's like mine. I have heard every word you said. Here's my decision. From now on, sweetheart, yes - you do have my permission to dress like the other girls. Your friends made it easy by giving you such beautiful gifts. I will let you be like them. It sounds like just now becoming an 'Honorary Nigerian' would be exactly the right way to let you do that, now wouldn't it?"
Josephine flashed a tender, understanding smile at her utterly astonished daughter.
The biggest smile that Josephine had ever seen on her daughter's face grew rapidly. Jeanne threw her arms around her mother and kissed her cheeks.
Jeanne exclaimed with every ounce of emotion, "Chere Mama, merci… merci beaucoup! Je t'aime, Mama."
Jeanne was euphoric on the outcome of their conversion. Their simultaneous sighs were in happiness and relief.
She couldn't slow her conversation down, and showed her mother her special jewelry, "Mama. I want to show you something else good today. See this bracelet? It's a Nigerian friendship promise bracelet that Jack gave me. It means we are les amis tres intimes."
That was a bit of a shock for Josephine and yet it wasn't. She let Jeanne continue.
She could hardly get the words out with her excitement, "I love this, Mama. And I feel that… umm…"
She smiled at her daughter with a loving gleam in her eyes, "…That you could feel that way a really long time about Jack?"
Jeanne's mother had put the feeling into words that Jeanne couldn't describe or completely understand, despite the girl's intelligence. Josephine observed what an incredible emotional roller coaster Jeanne was having today, and noted further that she was being so mature about it all.
Jeanne felt enormous support from her mother at a time when she really needed it, "Yes, Mama. I do. Did you and Papa feel this way when you met as kids?"
Josephine answered immediately, "Yes, honey. We were very close friends just like you and Jack right away. Well… at least as soon as the black eye I got from his snow ball healed and mon pere actually permitted Armand to see me again."
They both laughed. Jeanne had never heard that part of the story.
"So what happened then, Mama?"
"After a long apology and a lot of chores at our house supervised by my dad and his dad, we were allowed to play together, and later to 'date' and 'go steady'."
The humor of that rocky beginning was fresh in Josephine's mind, remembering how embarrassed Armand was and how apologetic and gentlemanly he was about the whole incident, which made it more endearing to both sets of parents then to let them continue their friendship.
Based on her own experience with Armand, Josephine had no issues with Jack and Jeanne's youthful friendship taking the next gentle supervised steps. She understood the meaning of Jeanne's new bracelet. She knew how close they were. She also knew how swiftly Armand and her friendship and then their love grew. She smiled tenderly with own her memories of things that marked milestones in their love. Josephine remembered Armand's 'promise ring' he gave her at age 11 - which was safety in her keepsake box at her mother's house in France, with the 'going steady' necklace at 14. And the engagement ring he gave her at age 16 that was still on her hand.
"Tell me the rest, Mama. I have to know. Jack and I want this to last too. We promised."
Josephine could see that familiar sparkle in Jeanne's eyes. She continued, "By the time we were ten, well… we knew what was ahead for the two of us in life. Jeanne. I have only one rule about this new relationship. You must honor each other. He must respect you. And you, young lady, must act like a 'young lady'. You are both children, but I can tell you are very devoted to each other. Living like Nigerians, you have no secrets you can keep from Jack now, or he from you. There are more sensations and temptations that normal French and English children don't experience that will get more tempting as you get older. No matter what the lifestyle or culture, you are a still a girl and he is a boy. Young Nigerian couples act responsibly with the freedom they have. You and Jack must too."
Jeanne responded, "Yes Mother, always. I still have my slingshot. And Jack knows I know how to use it."
They laughed, but then Jeanne became crestfallen.
"What is wrong dear? You were just so happy."
"Mama, I have to confess that I disobeyed you today. It was my choice, not any of the others."
"What did you do?"
"I went swimming with them today."
"Swimming like how? Your clothes are not wet."
"I didn't wear my clothes, Mama."
Josephine quelled a rise in anger, "You directly disobeyed me, Jeanne. And I should punish you. We needed to talk about this first, honey. You know I said just said yes."
"I know, Mama. I am sorry. Everything was just so wonderful. I wanted to so much. It was my decision."
Josephine also decided, "I'm really disappointed, dear. But because you told me the truth right away, and I have already given you permission to live as a Nigerian girl, including swimming, I forgive you that you disobeyed me and swam naked with your friends before I permitted it."
Jeanne softly kissed her mother's cheek, and whispered, "Thank you, Mama."
Josephine shook her head, and teased, "Goodness, Jeanne. You are as stubborn and strong-willed as your father. I hope our next baby is more obedient like me."
She grinned, and rubbed her belly. Jeanne did too. She felt movement of her little brother or sister. They laughed again.
The two were emotionally spent, but mothers rarely got a moment respite from the aspects of raising children, especially the challenges of raising near-adolescents and relationships, so Josephine asked, "Oh my... Is there anything else we need to talk about?"
Looking her mother right in the eye, she stated, "No Mama. That's it."
Josephine was relieved. Tonight's subjects were exhausting. She said with a grin, "Jeanne. All right then. I have a little surprise for you. Stand up and take off your uniform and foundations. Let's see how you look as a real Nigerian girl all dressed up in your pretty jewelry and your waist cord. I want to be prepared for what happens tomorrow."
"Mama?" Jeanne grinned.
"You heard me," her mother grinned back.
Jeanne was beautiful in only her bracelets and anklets and necklaces. Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight as she modeled for her mother. She let her long hair down and it flowed in the gentle night breeze as she turned.
Mother gave her an approving look, "You're a beautiful young woman, Jeanne, and you are only going to get more beautiful, dear."
With that, they turned and heard the footfalls of some familiar boots, and Armand appeared out of the darkness from the drill field with a dim lantern in hand. He said cheerily, "I know those voices! What are you guys doing outside so late?"
And then he saw his daughter in only Nigerian garb.
Before he could say anything, "Look at me, Daddy! Ndidi and my friends made me Honorary Nigerian today."
She modeled her brand new look and jewelry for her father without qualm, because the happiness she always experienced with her parents when both took care of her at bath time back in France. It seemed like only yesterday that she loved her mom washing her in bubble baths in France and Morocco, and her dad playing splashing games with her and then drying her off and wrapping her in a nice warm fuzzy towel with a huge warm hug, helping with her nightgown, and giving her a story before bedtime. They were a world away from that family custom. The little girl was growing up. And now here she was one more step in that maturity.
Armand knew that Josephine had an explanation for this sudden change of heart, so he withheld any true upset until he heard the whole story, "I knew this would happen. But you are beautiful honey. Just like your mother."
She blushed and hugged her dad, "Thank you Papa."
He was worn out from the drills all day, so her innocent hug refreshed him.
Immediately Josephine quickly explained the situation, "Today Ndidi, under her father's direct orders, made her Honorary Nigerian and the girls and Jack showered her with these gifts. Can we say no?"
Armand instantly recognized the gravity of the situation, and noted his daughter's excitement that he didn't really want to crush, "I could object, and as a father of an eight year old girl from France, I should. But as is so often pointed out to us, we aren't in France any more. Not if her best friend and the Chief have honored her. So, no, we can't, Jo."
Armand could see how excited and proud Jean was to wear the garb of a Nigerian girl. She did look just like her friends and all the other Nigerian females, and was only a few shades lighter than them. She didn't look like 'out-of-place Europeans sticking stubbornly to their principles, offending all Nigerians by insisting on their way', which he'd unfortunately overheard the Igbo war chief say to Abassi indignantly only a few days ago.
"I agree. Let's try to honor their ways, Jo."
Jeanne explained the details of her swim and he also agreed with his wife. Armand wanted some kind of discipline for her disobedience, so they agreed on some extra chores for Jeanne, but no punishment other than being a Nigerian starting tomorrow, not tonight like she would have preferred.
Jeanne was even happier that her dad understood and accepted all this, and clutched him.
Armand asked the obvious question, "What about Jack's reaction? Did he… um… dress like the others?"
Jeanne was insistent in his defense, "Yes he did, but he was a gentleman to me. Like always. He gave me a special friendship bracelet and the strand. The strand makes me fully dressed in their eyes. That is their tradition."
Armand was firm, "All right, Jeanne, honey. I agree. I trust Viscount Clayton to continue to honor you. If he - or any other boy - does anything to not respect you, your uniform goes back on instantly. And I will insist on the same for him with his parents. He's still a boy. And he likes you. Am I clear?"
"Yes Papa," she hugged him ferociously. She was ecstatic.
Josephine instructed, "Jeanne, starting tomorrow, you may be like your Nigerian friends. Tonight, the uniform will be your nightgown. You can go tell Ndidi and Jack if they are still awake, but that's all. This starts in the morning, understand? Bed time right after that."
She gave the both one final huge hug, "Thank you Mama et Papa. This is so wonderful. I'm Nigerian! And I want Jack to teach me to be Mangani too."
Armand cautioned, "Whoa… slow down, little lady. Let's go one step at a time. I know you want to meet the gorillas. You will. It might even be safest to live with the gorillas, if I understand the Count. But not until you go to the Clayton's jungle house to be safe with your mother while I am gone with Count Clayton."
The three hugged under the stars and moon, she put her uniform back on, and they crept quietly back into the longhouse. She sought Jack and Ndidi, but found them asleep, so she went to her bed mat.
Settling on their shared mat, Armand asked, "Jo, are you going to be all right with this?"
"I know Jeanne will be, and Ndidi invited her, so yes. Parents sometimes have to be there for their children, even if we have objections," she noted.
Armand took her a little more affectionately into his arms and teased, "And you, Josephine? What about you dressing like the Nigerians?"
She grinned and brushed his nose with her finger, "Don't push your luck right now, soldier. Let's see how Jeanne does first. But I will say this: go trade for some bracelets and anklets. Then we'll see. After all, Jane told me what she did to make friends with these people, and she was just as pregnant with Jack then."
She winked. They kissed goodnight and she snuggled in a spooned position into his grasp, with his hand, as always, on her stomach to feel the baby as he drifted off to sleep.
But then her eyes flew wide open and she flipped over face to face with her husband.
"You brilliant, wonderful man!" she exclaimed in hushed tones, cupped his cheeks with both hands, and kissed him hard. That sent him reeling.
"What? What?" he asked cluelessly. "Women are so confusing. Especially wives," he thought.
"I'll be right back," she teased, holding a finger in the air. Something was up.
Josephine got up, and awakened Femi. The Chief's wife got a very wide grin, dug around in her possessions and handed the French woman a small packet. They hugged, and the African woman went back to sleep.
Then he watched his wife wake up Jane. Jane looked annoyed at first, but after about three minutes of very animated whispers, they hugged and Jane lay back down.
She then jostled Jeanne awake. Armand wished he could hear the hushed conversation.
"Jeanne, honey, wake up," Josephine whispered as she rocked her daughter gently, not wanting to awaken Jack sleeping in his loincloth nearby to her.
"Mama? is everything all right? Am I in trouble?" Jeanne fretted sleepily.
"No dear. Not at all," she whispered softly with a loving smile.
Josephine took her daughter's hand and soothed her, and untwisted a tangle in her hair, "Tonight we had the best mother/daughter chat ever. You faced many big decisions admirably today, despite that one mistake. You are so grown up now. You are very young and brave, and shouldn't have to face tomorrow alone, even if you are excited."
"What do you mean, Mama?" Jeanne puzzled.
Josephine got a mischievous grin that Jeanne had never seen before, "You and I are going to do a little mother/daughter 'activity' together starting tomorrow morning. That will last as long as we are in the jungle together."
"Oh?" Jeanne asked expectantly. She had just about guessed.
"Yes dear. Tomorrow I too am going to become a Nigerian woman. With you," she quietly announced proudly.
Jeanne was overjoyed, "Oh Mama. This is so wonderful! This will be fun. I can't wait to do this together. You're the prettiest mother ever. All the Nigerian mothers will be jealous!"
Jeanne got a very wide grin and hugged her mother, and as Josephine got up after a final goodnight kiss and hug with her daughter, the girl lay back down on her mat. Her mind was in a total whirl. Her love for her mother soared that she would do this for her.
Josephine was still a little uncertain about it all, but knew what it meant to her daughter and what it was about to mean to her husband, who had so little enjoyment while they were in this continuing crisis. It was not only time to be a mother, but to be a wife too. And lover.
As Josephine lay beside her husband, he asked, "What was that all about? I haven't seen you and Jeanne so excited. And I haven't seen you two closer since we left France."
"Well, Armand, it's time for a little mother and daughter jungle togetherness. Tomorrow Jeanne and I are both going to become Nigerian women. I really don't want Jeanne facing this alone. I'm her mother… and I need to be there for her. Lady Jane and Lily are going to join us. They normally live like the Nigerians anyway, as does Jack. Jeanne is going to have lots of female friends support her in this. We're the only thing holding them back, Armand."
Armand was dumbfounded at her complete turnabout, but the thought of seeing his 'Jo' live as a Nigerian woman got his heart pumping.
"I knew Jeanne was excited to do this. But you…?"
"Well I am now, too. Lady Jane was very convincing today. And so is our headstrong daughter. I want the Nigerian leaders to think well of you, Armand. Can you think of a better way?" she grinned.
"Uh... Well... no."
"Just don't let the men see me, all right?" she asked and blushed.
"Well you know I don't let them in the village."
"But you can see me," she said demurely gave him a mischievous grin. And held up a set of bracelets and anklets.
"And what are those, Jo?" he knew the answer, but played along.
"Authentic Nigerian women's wear. Collectors items, you might say, for one collector in particular," she teased as she quickly slipped all of them on.
"Why did you do that now if this all starts tomorrow?" he asked, hopeful of the real answer.
"Simple, soldier boy. Because I want you to help me take each piece off one-by-one. In private. Plus the uniform. Right now."
She hadn't used her pet name of 'soldier boy' for Armand since the night they made love just before the bombardment in Morocco. She didn't have to ask him twice. It had been months since they had relations. Only twice did they feel comfortable and alone enough while on the warship and lost in the jungle when they just needed each other desperately.
"And this is for you to put on me afterwards," she teased, and handed him the leather strand. Armand's eyes just about fell out of his head.
He asked, very anxiously, "Where can we go? We aren't very private here. I can't do this with you in front of Jeanne or the others."
Josephine cooed suggestively, "Well the women's maternity long house is completely empty. We'd be alone there."
"I love you," Armand said.
"I love you too," she lilted, and took his hand as he helped her stand with him.
She knew that for her husband, just saying it was not enough tonight. Very quietly and discreetly, and checking to see that Jeanne was asleep, they left the residence longhouse for the solitude of the women's maternity longhouse, and they made much-needed love to each other.
…
Seeing her parents leave, Jeanne stopped pretending to sleep, and seeing the affectionate teasing between them, she figured they'd not be back for awhile doing 'what married people do', something her mother explained to her only recently after accidentally witnessing a Nigerian couple. She sat up, and noted that both Ndidi and Jack were sleeping. She'd chat with Ndidi in the morning, but Jack had to know. She noiselessly rolled over from her sleeping mat to his, reached around his waist and squeezed.
She kissed the nape of his neck and whispered in his ear, and he startled awake, but instantly realized it was her, and he whispered, but fearing her parents would see them together too closely, "What's up, Jeanne?"
She hugged a little harder, allaying his worries, "Shhh. Just listen. Hugging you is OK now. My parents are having their 'alone time' together outside. This is about tomorrow, Jack. Give your loincloth to your mother. Mama said I can be Nigerian."
His pulse raced and he gave her a broad smile. She gave him a quick little kiss.
She added, "But that's not all. Mama is going to be Nigerian with me. And your Mom and Lily too. Just like normal for them. That means you too, Jack. If I'm Nigerian now, then you must be Mangani. That's the deal, jungle boy."
She snuggled up to him tighter and just savored being close for a little while.
Jack was absolutely speechless, and just held her happily.
Jeanne grinned at her boyfriend, satisfied that she had really gotten to him with this revelation. She kissed him lightly goodnight, poked his nose, and rolled back over to her own sleeping mat.
It took Jack nearly an hour for his breath to return and to get to sleep with the knowledge that tomorrow would be totally different. And the way things should be.