Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Chapter 5: Baroness Jacqueline

Jacqueline was calmer than most brides to be the day before their wedding. Everything was falling into place perfectly and nothing was left to chance. Between the Queen and Danielle, there really wasn't all that much for Jacqueline to do anyways. The flowers, food and dresses were ready. The invitations had been sent out. There was nothing left to do but wait and prepare for the upcoming honeymoon with Danielle and Henry. With all that, why was she worried?

Marguerite had been her sisters' lady in waiting for almost a month now. She missed her mother but knew she had to pay a penance for what she did to Danielle. She was excited when her sister asked her if she wanted to be in the wedding. She of course jumped at the chance, gladly accepting the honor of being maid of honor. She was then disappointed to find that Danielle was going to have that honor. No matter, at least she was in the wedding at all. Now she just needed to find a way to get to Paris with the wedding party.

Jacqueline and Danielle were at the manor preparing for the following days ceremony. Henry and Marc were out hunting for the day and would be staying at the castle for the evening and meeting at the church in the morning. Louise and Paulette were in the kitchen finishing up dinner and shooed both the girls outside to pick some flowers for the table.

"Danielle, I am worried about my sister. I know she is trying to turn herself around but I can't help but feel she is planning something."

Danielle went over to her and hugged her. "She can't hurt you anymore. Remember, if she tries anything else, she will be off to the Americas."

"I know. But I can't help but worry. I also wanted to invite her to Paris with us as my lady in waiting. I know you are bringing Ellie and I thought they could spend some time together. If that ok with you though."

I would need to speak with Henry first but I am sure it would be ok. Don't worry. Everything is going to be perfect." She hugged Jackie again and they finished getting flowers and headed back to the manor.

When dinner was over the four women sat together for many hours reflecting on the many years together and everything that had happened. This would have gone on all night but Danielle excused herself, saying that she was tired and tomorrow was a long day. Paulette and Louise also retired for the evening as they were helping prepare the feast during tomorrows festivities. This left Jackie alone with only her thoughts as she reflected on her life.

She thought about her father and how he died. She barely knew him but missed him anyway. She thought about her mother and Auguste. Auguste had become a second father to her and she missed him terribly. She knew her mother didn't love him, but that didn't stop her from showing him affection. She had become very depressed when he died and wished he could be here today to walk her down the aisle. Of course she had the next best thing and that was both the King and Queen. They had become her surrogate parents much in the same way that they "adopted" Danielle. She even began calling them Mother and Father. Then of course there was her own mother, Rodmilla. She had finally come to terms with her relationship with her. She missed her but did not love her. Her mother had chosen her own path and that was Marguerite. She ignored one and praised the other. One was given a chance, the other none. None of this bothered her anymore. She knew she was better that what her mother told her she was and she had proven it. She was marrying the Captain of the Royal Guard and had been accepted for who she was. She didn't have to pretend to be someone else. And that made her a much better person.

Finally her thoughts strayed to her sister, Marguerite. She was trying to become a better person but for some reason Jackie didn't feel it was genuine. Something seemed out of place. Danielle had told her not to worry about it but couldn't help it. She was going to invite her to Paris and hopefully they could return to the relationship they had shared when they were children, before her father died. How she missed those days. They would laugh and joke together and share secrets. But those days she feared, where gone, never to return. She knew that Danielle would always be there for her though.

It was getting late and Jackie decided to head up to her chambers for the last time as Jacqueline de Ghent. This time tomorrow she would be with the man she loved and would be his wife. And that thought made her the happiest woman alive as she drifted off to sleep.

Next- Chapter 5-The Wedding