Chapter 14: Jean Paul LaCroix, Farmer Extraordinaire
"Did you fall off your horse this morning, or have you simply gone stark raving mad?" Francis was glaring at Henry. He couldn't believe what he had just heard.
"Father, I'm serious." Henry protested.
"I know, and that's precisely what scares me." The King studied his son's face. Henry had been so excited when the conversation began, but now he seemed desperate and terribly sad. It pained Francis that he couldn't, in good conscious; grant his son's request. "Honestly, Henry. How can I possibly say yes? You are the crown Prince of France. You have responsibilities, obligations, I can't permit this."
"Father please, I have to do this!" Henry begged. "Danielle is going through a very rough time in her life and she needs people who understand what she's going through. I love her, Father. And though she is angry with me, I still believe she loves me too. I have to do this. I have to find some way to put this crazy relationship back together."
"And what if it doesn't work Henry? What if you waste all this time, and still it doesn't work, what then?" Henry sighed, and for a second he had to choke back a sob.
"If it doesn't work, then I shall marry any girl of your choosing. Hell, I'll personally go to Spain and beg back Gabriella if that's what you want. I have to do this."
"I know."
"You do?"
"Yes. I'm assigning a Royal Guardsman to go with you." Francis informed him.
"No." Francis was stunned. How dare he say no. "if this is going to work, there can be no Royal Guardsmen sulking about. Nothing royal, no capes, no carriages, no nothing."
"I want to be updated every other day. I don't care what you're doing, or how busy you are, the day I'm not updated is the day this ends."
"Fine." Henry agreed.
"The King and Queen of England are coming over tomorrow. They will be staying for a week. I need you here. After they leave, you're free to go."
"Thank you, Father!! Thank you!! I will never forget this."
"You better not." Francis grumbled. But Henry did not hear him. He had already run out of his father's office.
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A week had passed and with each passing day Danielle felt more and more guilt. She really had been way too hard on Henry. After all, this must be as hard on him as it was on her. Last he knew they were hopelessly in love. And while that hadn't changed, almost everything else had. She had made up her mind to apologize to Henry the next time she saw him, but he never came.
When stopped to think about that fact, it bothered her greatly. The problem was in the week after she returned home she had no time to stop and think about it. There was so much to do. Just as she had planned, the first course of action was to remove all traces of the Baroness and her wretched daughter from the home. Jacqueline, Paulette Louise and herself swept through each room grabbing pictures, tapestries, candlesticks, dresses, and jewelry, anything that was tainted by the De Ghent reign. After the task was done, they piled all the objects into a large cart, and prepared to take them to market.
Next Saturday they would be sold off, and the five friends found themselves in a lively debate over what the money should go to. It seemed that Jacqueline and Paulette insisted that the money should go towards acquiring Danielle some fresh tailored dresses. After all, they argued, she was nobility now. Danielle in return agued that Jacqueline had plenty of wonderful dresses that were perfect for a new Baroness, and would fit her wonderfully. Danielle argued that the money should go towards buying Jacqueline a few new dresses, so that Danielle could have her hand me downs. The battle raged for hours, each family member demanding that another family member deserved to be pampered. Finally a deal was made. Jacqueline and Danielle would go through Jacqueline's dresses, the ones that didn't fit her, would go to Danielle. The ones that did, she would keep. The money would go towards replacing the dresses that Danielle took, and in return Danielle promised to by herself a new dress and a broach to go with it. Everyone was satisfied, and it turned out that only three of Jacqueline's dresses were too small. Danielle had to admit that they some of her favorites and was happy to receive them.
Then came the task of filling in all the newly acquired extra space that was left after removing Rodmilla's possessions from the house. It took some reorganizing, some crafty strategizing, and at times some hostile negotiations. By the time they were done however the manor had never looked so bright and homey. Danielle took a good look at her creation and decided that her father would be proud. A decision that was backed up by her friends.
As planned, Louise and Maurice moved into Rodmilla's old bedroom, and Paulette was going to take Marguerite's but she argued that she didn't need that much space. She insisted that Jacqueline take the room. Jacqueline did as she was told with no hesitations. Then Paulette insisted that Danielle should take Jacqueline's old room, and she would take the guest room. By this time, Danielle was sick of arguing, so she agreed and once everyone was settled they prepared for their first dinner as a family.
At first Jacqueline found it strange to have what she used to call "the servants" sitting at the dinning room table. Soon however it seemed to be the most natural thing in the world. They laughed merrily and told joyous stories. To them this was heaven. Being in their house, happy with the one's they loved.
In the days fallowing that first dinner, there was much replanting, sewing, and much more laughter. Finally Saturday came and the five of them all went to market with the cart full of goods. While the ladies did their best to sell off each and every item, Maurice went in search of hiring a couple extra farm hands. Henry was right about that. It was irrational to think that two old ladies, an even older man, a girl who's never weeded in her life, and a mischievous young girl could possibly work all that land every day. Luckily, Maurice ran into Gustave who gave him the names of a few good natured and hard working friends of his. At the end of the day everything but Rodmilla's favorite broach, and a few linens had been sold. Their pockets were so heavy with coins they thought sure their dresses would rip right off, and Maurice had a few boys who were interested in the job.
The week that passed also brought deeper rewards. With each passing day Danielle saw her bruises grew lighter and lighter. And as they grew lighter she felt her confidence increase more and more.
Sunday was spent mostly in doors. The five had agreed on a new tradition for the household. Each Sunday would be spent at home, with the family. They'd have a grand dinner, and give thanks for their blessed streak of fortune. In the midst of all the merry chaos, Danielle hardly thought of Henry, and thought even less about their fight. So when she heard a hard knock on the door, she thought nothing of answering it.
The door flew open, and Danielle gasped. There stood Henry but he didn't look like Henry at all. His usually clean-cut face was sporting a shabby goatee. His hair was a mess, and a bit longer then it used to be. His clothes were very simple and miles beneath his station. Over his shoulder was a bag, which she presumed held his belongings. Danielle looked outside, but Gwen, his usual companion was nowhere to be found. There were no carriages or no Guardsman, it appeared he had walked, or worse, possibly hitchhiked.
"Good day ma'am" Henry said happily, "I hear talk in town that you're looking for a few men to work your property." Danielle had no idea how to respond. He had to be joking. This was some kind of rouse so she wouldn't be mad at him anymore. Danielle noticed that he was waiting patiently for an answer, but she still didn't have one. She decided to play along with whatever game he was playing. It couldn't do any harm.
"Why yes, sir, we are."
"Grand! I should like to fill the position." Danielle was stunned. This had to be a joke. She couldn't take it anymore.
"Henry!" She giggled, "What are you doing?" Even as Henry was desperately struggling to stay in character Danielle could see the joy dance in his eyes at the sound of her laughter.
"Henry?" He scrunched up his face in mock confusion, "who on earth is Henry?"
"Come on, now. Tell me what this is all about."
"Ma'am, if you don't mind me saying so, I do believe that you are mistaken. There is no Henry here. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Jean Paul LaCroix. And I am at your service if you shall allow it." Danielle thought for a moment, still unsure what to make of the whole situation. "Milady, please understand that I do not ask for much. A bit of food here and there, and a roof over my head. That's all." Henry's eyes were pleading with her. She sighed. She just couldn't deny him. She didn't understand what he was doing or why, but if he thought it was important then she wouldn't stop him.
"We have a room set aside. Understand sir, that I have just acquired this home and there is much work to be done. It will be hard, but there are others here to help you."
"Sounds like a challenge," Henry… errr.. Jean replied, a twinkle in his eye, "I love a good challenge."
"Good, we are preparing dinner, I will show you to your room."
Danielle escorted Jean to her old servants bedroom. When he realized that this was where he would be staying he was reminded of that night last week. When he begged Paulette to let him bunk there, and then soon regretted it. He swallowed a lump that had developed in his throat and threw his bag on the bed.
"Do you mind if I inspect the grounds, miss…" Danielle giggled and realized that he was waiting for her to properly introduce herself.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to be rude. I am the Baroness Danielle De Barbarac." Jean bowed slightly and it made Danielle a bit uncomfortable. The Prince of France bowing to her?
"Baroness, might I inspect the grounds? I would like to know what I have gotten myself into so that I might make the most of my time." Danielle giggled again. He was so cute.
"You may, but dinner will be ready shortly, and I must insist you don't miss it." Jean nodded and left the room. Danielle was relieved that he seemed eager to wonder the grounds. She would use his absence to try and explain to the rest of the household what in god's name was going on.
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The rest of the household took the news of Henry's apparent identity crisis much better then Danielle anticipated. Paulette and Louise cued about how sweet and romantic it was. And though Danielle said nothing she was in agreement. Henry, the Crown Prince of France, pretending to be an "everyday rustic" just to please her. Jacqueline didn't seem shocked at all. She just smiled and said it would be nice to have him around the house. Danielle wondered if maybe Laurent had tipped her off to Henry's plans when he came calling early that day. Ever since they'd become engaged, Jacqueline was the key person to go to for royal gossip. Not that she took interest in spreading it around, of course. Maurice seemed to be the most skeptical of the group, but he said that he was glad to have help with the more complex chores.
It was dinnertime, and Henry had not returned from his inspection of the grounds. Danielle was starting to believe that maybe he had changed him mind and given up on this whole crazy scheme he was working on. The family began to set the table for five instead of the anticipated six, when the newly created Jean Paul LaCroix came walking into the dinning room.
"What smells lovely?" He asked sounding merry. He caught sight of the table and the missing plate setting and his face set with a frown. "Do farm hands eat at a separate table?" Danielle looked up from pouring a round of juice in each of the glasses. She giggled at his apparent confusion.
"We thought you'd fled Henry." She said simply. His frown grew deeper.
"Who is this Henry you kept speaking of?" He asked. There was a hint of annoyance in his voice that Danielle found quite amusing. She heard Jacqueline giggle softly behind her.
"I am sorry," Danielle apologized, not wanting to cause a scene or embarrass his farther, "You remind me him." Paulette had heard Henry enter the house, and quickly grabbed the accessories for another place setting. She walked into the dinning room, her arms full of dishes and nearly dropped them. Danielle had said that Henry looked different, but that was simply stunning. He really looked like a different person. She tried not to stare, but she feared she failed miserably. Her eyes kept darting from setting the table to his face and she could plainly see a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Let me get that Ma'am," Henry said walking towards her. He took a bowl a plate, and a glass from Paulette and began to set a sixth place at the table. When he was finished he looked up at her and smiled broadly, "I don't believe we've made introductions Ma'am. I am Jean Paul LaCroix." Paulette smiled weakly, and shot a nervous glance at Danielle. She just giggled and went to help Jacqueline with the last minute details of dinner.
"Call me Paulette." She answered half-heartedly.
"Paulette. That's a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I feel that I should enjoy working with you."
"Thank you." She said softly, and then she too retreated into the kitchen.
As silly as Henry's game seemed to be, Danielle had to admit that he had planned it rather well. He was wonderful at staying in character, and based on his less then regal dinning manners, Danielle was certain he'd practiced. This seemed to explain, at least in part his disappearance over the last week. While she was preparing the house and grounds for life anew he must have been at the palace, probably studying his own servants and farm hands. He must have studied their posture and mannerisms, because to her and anyone else concerned they appeared to be flawless.
He had even developed a background story for his new personality. He told them that he'd grown up on a large farm way on the other end of the country. This farm apparently had hundreds of servants and laborers. Growing up there he'd been a very curious boy, and unlike the others he was not content with spending his life in the same place. So at the age of 14 he left in the middle of the night, no explanations, no apologies, just disappeared. For the last four years he'd been making his way across the country, working temporarily at different farms, meeting new people and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
At this point everyone was intrigued. It was obvious that Henry was very serious about whatever plan he'd worked out that involved him becoming a new person. Secretly, everyone knew that it involved Danielle. Probably a way to get their relationship back on track. But nobody said anything. Instead they tested him, seeing how far Henry would take the charade. They asked him questions about life on a farm, primarily pertaining to the work involved. Questions that a pampered member of high society could never answer. And yet he did. By all accounts he was brilliant, and everyone was impressed, especially Danielle.
After a while of talking, she asked him how it was that he, a drifter came to learn that a small farm like this needed help. Henry didn't even flinch at the question. Instead he smiled and said tactfully that he had been to market the Saturday before last, and as usual he was watching the people. It seems people fascinated Jean Paul. As he was walking through the busy market he stumbled upon a few older woman who were in the midst of a serious gossip session. Jean was intrigued, so he pretended to look over some goods on a nearby cart so he could eavesdrop. The two women were speaking of girl who was in fact nobility, but had been raised as a servant. According to the women, her stepmother was recently arrested for treason and the Royals had granted the girl her deceased father's title, and land. Then after he'd left the two women he'd heard a few other men discussing the fact that the same farm was is dire condition, and desperately needed help. Jean thought of it as a wonderful opportunity and asked for directions to the farm. Apparently however, the men he'd asked were not very knowledgeable and gave him the wrong directions. He spent a few days lost on the highway, and then as luck would have it, he sprained his ankle and spent a good four days recuperating at a kindly woman's house. She on the other hand had given him the proper directions, and after a hot meal and a bath, he was on his way to the family's front door.
Needless to say Danielle was stunned. Not only did Henry's story make sense, and cover any possible question she could ask, but also he spoke it as if it were truth. His voice, his eyes, and his mannerisms all were consistent of a man who honestly believed in what he had just said. Damn he was good.