A/N: lots of dialog here... which as I've mentioned elsewhere is not my
strong suit so let me know what you think. As always feedback is very
welcome. This chapter was also cut in half due to its length.
~*~
Danielle stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned while cocking her head to the side. She eyed him carefully while he was smiling in obvious satisfaction. Though she was quite sure he was well aware of all the comments being made about her, never had he actually came out and mentioned them before. Sizing up her brother, she glared at him defiantly as she controlled her anger. Extending her back to her full height she straightened herself to show how little affect his words had on her, holding her head high.
"How dare you say such a thing? Indeed Nicolas, this really is too much. I thought even you were above such ridiculous, petty rumors. I should certainly hope you would not repeat this garbage again, especially with papa in his present state." Done scolding him, she started back on their path without a second glance.
"Do not worry that head of yours. I will not distress father with your disgrace, and instead feign ignorance like the rest of this family. To tell you the truth, I don't understand why they didn't just simply admit it from the beginning and legally adopt you. It would have made thing much easier, especially for you. Ah, here we are now." They had come to the walkway in front of an impressively sized house. With haste he made his way in the building, not allowing her to answer, as she stood there stunned. She could tell his words held more meaning then he would let on. That boy was up to something, she could tell.
"Danielle, are you not coming?" startled, she turned to see Etienne holding Josephine's hand at her side.
"Not just yet, I'll be in shortly." She replied distantly, still dwelling on Nicolas's words.
"You shouldn't let him get to you." He said while placing a hand on her arm. Always worried about everybody else, she thought to herself, looking at him. In truth she felt sorry for the kid, this wasn't exactly the ideal family situation, she knew.
"Don't worry about me, you know I can handle him. Now why don't you get Josephine cleaned up before she sees papa. I'll be in in a minute." Smiling she watched the two enter the house be for turning to walk through the garden. She needed to clear her mind before dealing with him again without wringing his neck.
She sat down on a stone bench just around the side of the house and closed her eyes. She wanted to think of nothing, these days it felt like the weight of the world was resting on her shoulders. Taking care of Josephine, watching her father slowly die, dealing with Nicolas and knowing that soon he'll be the head of the household, it was just pressing down on her head constantly and she just wanted peace.
Keeping her eyes closed she slowly ran her fingers along the crevasses of the cold stone, allowing her mind to paint a picture of that hard surface. Peace, this is what it would be like, nothing but simple sensations to move the mind. Images drifting like the waves, nothing solid or tangible, just drifting thoughts where nothing mattered. A smile crept upon her lips as she leaned her head against her hand. She felt truly in a state of bliss.
"Mademoiselle de Chagny, I've been meaning to see you." Danielle looked up to see William Bennet, the Chagny gardener for the past few years. He was a young man, very polite, kind, and good enough to take care of Josephine for a few hours every now and then, usually resulting in Josephine returning covered in grass stains from their games.
Danielle gave him a warm smile and stood to great the man. It seemed there would be little peace today. "Yes William, what can I do for you."
"I brought this for you. I saw my mother just the other day, it's her own recipe, says it'll warm the troubled heart... not to say that your cooks aren't good but you know, mother knows best and what not..." blushing shyly he handed her a ceiled container of soup and then fiddled with his hands, refusing to meet her eyes.
"Thank you William, this is very kind of you and tell your mother thanks as well."
"I certainly will... I'll just let you be then... Good day mademoiselle." He replied awkwardly.
"Good day." Now with a cold container of soup in her hands she decided it was best to just head inside and face the inevitable.
After putting her things away and washing up Danielle went to see her father. She slowly entered the dimly lit room noticing Nicolas standing casually in the corning, eyeing her carefully as she entered.
"Ah there she is. Nicolas tells me you did not sing today, I couldn't bare the thought that it was because of me. You know how happy it makes me to hear you." Raoul spoke in a serious yet non-accusing tone once he finally beheld his daughter. He was sitting upright in a large canopied bed with an open book laid casually by his side. He looked better then he had the previous few days yet the signs of sickness were still present. His far too pale skin, loose linen covering a terribly underweight frame, dark circles under faded eyes, and slow, pained movements, all pointed to the undeniable truth. Quickly she sat at his side shooting a glare of pure ice in her brother's direction.
Hesitantly she replied, "Papa, I... it's just... it's not the same without you there." Ending her line by reaching for a hug, she hoped he didn't catch her lie. Especially after Nicolas's remark she didn't want to even give thought to her reasons let alone disturb her father with paranoid ideas. He looked her over with concern but quickly accepted her odd behavior.
"Well you'll just have to sing extra loud next week..."
Annoyed with Danielle's attention, Nicolas cut in knowing they likely forgot he was in the room. He came close to the bed and asked in honest concern, "How are you feeling today papa? It's a nice day out, I could easily help you outside if you like and I'm sure some fresh air could do some good."
"That's quite all right Nicolas, but if you don't mind I'd like to talk to your sister alone for a moment." Raoul brushed off, returning his attention to his daughter.
"Of course." With a furious glare to his sister, Nicolas briskly left the room, closing the door respectfully behind him.
Once gone, Raoul continued to speak with Danielle. "I understand that the Lacey's are throwing a ball this evening and that you're not planning to attend."
"You couldn't possibly expect me to attend, not with you in this condition." She hurriedly answered.
"My dear I'll be fine, plus I've got that blasted nurse." Danielle gave him a strange look. "What! That woman is insufferable, you'd think me an invalid the way she fusses about." He jested, though she knew the woman could be a little 'overbearing' at times. Still she was not comfortable with letting any of the time they had left together go to waste.
"All the more reason for me to stay!"
"Danielle, I want you to go. Be happy, this room is no place for you. Please, I would not be happy knowing you stayed here on my account." He was pleading with her now; Danielle knew that whenever he used that tone with her she could not ignore it. She looked him over, somehow every flaw the illness brought out seemed to magnify under her scrutiny. Feeling pricks of water forming at her eyes she turned, wishing to hide her uncontrolled emotion.
Slowly two gentle arms reach around her with a light squeeze of assurance. "It'll be alright, I'll be fine." His voice said over her shoulder.
With a quick sniff and rub of her eye she turned back to him with a half smile. "Very well."
"Excellent, now go see if Sarah will bring us some hot tea." Somehow the change in demeanor seemed so normal for him, instantly causing her half smile to grow to a full one as a giggle escaped her lips.
~*~
Hours later, Danielle sat in the library, leisurely reading in a large leather chair enjoying some time to herself before she had to get ready for the ball that night.
A loud creek from the door then decided to disrupt her silence and was followed by Nicolas's steps and then presence looking over her shoulder. Quite irritated, she ignored his figure and tried to concentrate on the words on the page. There was only one reason he could be there for and that was to bother her and quite frankly she had had enough of him for the day as it was.
Without concern he pushed the cover up in her hands to read its title. "Don Juan by Lord Byron." He spoke stiffly before returning to a regular posture. "Really Danielle, how can you read such garbage?"
She raised an eyebrow but continued to stare at her page. "You've read it?" she replied bored, knowing full well that he hadn't; poetry was too much for him.
"No, but I know that it's filled with nothing but loose morals and wanton women..." he spoke almost in a rehearsed tone. This will be great, Danielle thought to herself, Nicolas preaching about morals.
"Really? All sixteen thousand versus?" In a curious manner she flipped through the pages and held the book at odd angles. "...Must have missed a section, sounded good too..." Now she looked up at him. "You know, you might actually want to read it first..."
"I have more important things to spend my time on, and so should you. Besides, as you well know, a woman's lust is not something that needs encouragement." He continued on in his condescending manner though he put extra emphasis on his last question, looking curiously for Danielle's reaction.
She almost couldn't stop herself from laughing outright in his face. Closing her book she stood and leaned against the edge of a small bay window, crossing her arms on her chest. "And what do you know of woman's lust other than that which you've paid for?"
She smirked as his face turned a deep shade of red. "A more interesting question is how much do you know of it?" he snapped back, irritated.
"Enough."
"I'm sure." She eyed carefully as paced a little in front of her. What does he want, surely he has better thing to do then pester me, she thought but then remembered that it was Nicolas and that the chances of him doing anything of importance were slim to none. Making an exaggerated yawn she sat in the window seat as he continued. "Am I understand you'll be attending the ball tonight?"
"That is correct."
"I expect you will be wearing something tasteful."
What was he getting at? Clothing was never an issue for her. She decided to just smile and answer shortly. "I usually do."
"Le Marquis de Ronge will be there." He slipped her a quick glance and then continued his pace. Ah, so that's what this had to do with. She rolled her eyes and stepped towards him fully annoyed.
"I am aware of that fact. Really Nicolas, I'm sure you think you're being rather clever with this line of questioning but the plain truth is that matching wits with you is like competing with Josephine. What is it that you're so desperately trying to lead to?" and with that she went to put her book away, turning her back rudely on him.
Partially enraged he answered coldly. "Simply that I'd hardly call your behavior in the past with Monsieur de Ronge acceptable. There's enough gossip surrounding you as there is, we do not need more."
Disgusted with what he was obviously implying she turned to face him with a look that fully expressed her feelings for the boy. "We? Father's not even dead and you're already acting in his place? Unbelievable! And I'll have you know, dear brother, that I am an honorable woman and by all means still 'good'. So you won't have to worry about that while you try to pass me off as a bride to one of your friends. Besides, as you well know, the Marquis and I have not seen each other in over a month, he is engaged to the Duchesse De Marni."
"Of course, no family in their right mind would allow their son to marry the likes of you." He answered with amusement as she made her way towards him.
"I can not control what they chose to believe. But tell me, why did Mademoiselle Allamey turn you down?" She had had quite enough of him for the day and certainly didn't feel like defending herself anymore, especially to a halfwit.
"You know why." He answered dulling, not really noticing Danielle's close proximity till she was right in his face.
"Yes I do, but the problem is you don't seem to. For some strange reason you've got this pathetic notion in your head that I had something to do with the whole affair when in reality no woman in there right mind would even consider marriage with a spiteful, useless, self-righteous, boring, selfish, imbecile such as yourself. Face it Nicolas, you're a hateful human being and no body likes you." She then simply turned her back to him and walked out of the room.
~*~
Please R&R ^_^
~*~
Danielle stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned while cocking her head to the side. She eyed him carefully while he was smiling in obvious satisfaction. Though she was quite sure he was well aware of all the comments being made about her, never had he actually came out and mentioned them before. Sizing up her brother, she glared at him defiantly as she controlled her anger. Extending her back to her full height she straightened herself to show how little affect his words had on her, holding her head high.
"How dare you say such a thing? Indeed Nicolas, this really is too much. I thought even you were above such ridiculous, petty rumors. I should certainly hope you would not repeat this garbage again, especially with papa in his present state." Done scolding him, she started back on their path without a second glance.
"Do not worry that head of yours. I will not distress father with your disgrace, and instead feign ignorance like the rest of this family. To tell you the truth, I don't understand why they didn't just simply admit it from the beginning and legally adopt you. It would have made thing much easier, especially for you. Ah, here we are now." They had come to the walkway in front of an impressively sized house. With haste he made his way in the building, not allowing her to answer, as she stood there stunned. She could tell his words held more meaning then he would let on. That boy was up to something, she could tell.
"Danielle, are you not coming?" startled, she turned to see Etienne holding Josephine's hand at her side.
"Not just yet, I'll be in shortly." She replied distantly, still dwelling on Nicolas's words.
"You shouldn't let him get to you." He said while placing a hand on her arm. Always worried about everybody else, she thought to herself, looking at him. In truth she felt sorry for the kid, this wasn't exactly the ideal family situation, she knew.
"Don't worry about me, you know I can handle him. Now why don't you get Josephine cleaned up before she sees papa. I'll be in in a minute." Smiling she watched the two enter the house be for turning to walk through the garden. She needed to clear her mind before dealing with him again without wringing his neck.
She sat down on a stone bench just around the side of the house and closed her eyes. She wanted to think of nothing, these days it felt like the weight of the world was resting on her shoulders. Taking care of Josephine, watching her father slowly die, dealing with Nicolas and knowing that soon he'll be the head of the household, it was just pressing down on her head constantly and she just wanted peace.
Keeping her eyes closed she slowly ran her fingers along the crevasses of the cold stone, allowing her mind to paint a picture of that hard surface. Peace, this is what it would be like, nothing but simple sensations to move the mind. Images drifting like the waves, nothing solid or tangible, just drifting thoughts where nothing mattered. A smile crept upon her lips as she leaned her head against her hand. She felt truly in a state of bliss.
"Mademoiselle de Chagny, I've been meaning to see you." Danielle looked up to see William Bennet, the Chagny gardener for the past few years. He was a young man, very polite, kind, and good enough to take care of Josephine for a few hours every now and then, usually resulting in Josephine returning covered in grass stains from their games.
Danielle gave him a warm smile and stood to great the man. It seemed there would be little peace today. "Yes William, what can I do for you."
"I brought this for you. I saw my mother just the other day, it's her own recipe, says it'll warm the troubled heart... not to say that your cooks aren't good but you know, mother knows best and what not..." blushing shyly he handed her a ceiled container of soup and then fiddled with his hands, refusing to meet her eyes.
"Thank you William, this is very kind of you and tell your mother thanks as well."
"I certainly will... I'll just let you be then... Good day mademoiselle." He replied awkwardly.
"Good day." Now with a cold container of soup in her hands she decided it was best to just head inside and face the inevitable.
After putting her things away and washing up Danielle went to see her father. She slowly entered the dimly lit room noticing Nicolas standing casually in the corning, eyeing her carefully as she entered.
"Ah there she is. Nicolas tells me you did not sing today, I couldn't bare the thought that it was because of me. You know how happy it makes me to hear you." Raoul spoke in a serious yet non-accusing tone once he finally beheld his daughter. He was sitting upright in a large canopied bed with an open book laid casually by his side. He looked better then he had the previous few days yet the signs of sickness were still present. His far too pale skin, loose linen covering a terribly underweight frame, dark circles under faded eyes, and slow, pained movements, all pointed to the undeniable truth. Quickly she sat at his side shooting a glare of pure ice in her brother's direction.
Hesitantly she replied, "Papa, I... it's just... it's not the same without you there." Ending her line by reaching for a hug, she hoped he didn't catch her lie. Especially after Nicolas's remark she didn't want to even give thought to her reasons let alone disturb her father with paranoid ideas. He looked her over with concern but quickly accepted her odd behavior.
"Well you'll just have to sing extra loud next week..."
Annoyed with Danielle's attention, Nicolas cut in knowing they likely forgot he was in the room. He came close to the bed and asked in honest concern, "How are you feeling today papa? It's a nice day out, I could easily help you outside if you like and I'm sure some fresh air could do some good."
"That's quite all right Nicolas, but if you don't mind I'd like to talk to your sister alone for a moment." Raoul brushed off, returning his attention to his daughter.
"Of course." With a furious glare to his sister, Nicolas briskly left the room, closing the door respectfully behind him.
Once gone, Raoul continued to speak with Danielle. "I understand that the Lacey's are throwing a ball this evening and that you're not planning to attend."
"You couldn't possibly expect me to attend, not with you in this condition." She hurriedly answered.
"My dear I'll be fine, plus I've got that blasted nurse." Danielle gave him a strange look. "What! That woman is insufferable, you'd think me an invalid the way she fusses about." He jested, though she knew the woman could be a little 'overbearing' at times. Still she was not comfortable with letting any of the time they had left together go to waste.
"All the more reason for me to stay!"
"Danielle, I want you to go. Be happy, this room is no place for you. Please, I would not be happy knowing you stayed here on my account." He was pleading with her now; Danielle knew that whenever he used that tone with her she could not ignore it. She looked him over, somehow every flaw the illness brought out seemed to magnify under her scrutiny. Feeling pricks of water forming at her eyes she turned, wishing to hide her uncontrolled emotion.
Slowly two gentle arms reach around her with a light squeeze of assurance. "It'll be alright, I'll be fine." His voice said over her shoulder.
With a quick sniff and rub of her eye she turned back to him with a half smile. "Very well."
"Excellent, now go see if Sarah will bring us some hot tea." Somehow the change in demeanor seemed so normal for him, instantly causing her half smile to grow to a full one as a giggle escaped her lips.
~*~
Hours later, Danielle sat in the library, leisurely reading in a large leather chair enjoying some time to herself before she had to get ready for the ball that night.
A loud creek from the door then decided to disrupt her silence and was followed by Nicolas's steps and then presence looking over her shoulder. Quite irritated, she ignored his figure and tried to concentrate on the words on the page. There was only one reason he could be there for and that was to bother her and quite frankly she had had enough of him for the day as it was.
Without concern he pushed the cover up in her hands to read its title. "Don Juan by Lord Byron." He spoke stiffly before returning to a regular posture. "Really Danielle, how can you read such garbage?"
She raised an eyebrow but continued to stare at her page. "You've read it?" she replied bored, knowing full well that he hadn't; poetry was too much for him.
"No, but I know that it's filled with nothing but loose morals and wanton women..." he spoke almost in a rehearsed tone. This will be great, Danielle thought to herself, Nicolas preaching about morals.
"Really? All sixteen thousand versus?" In a curious manner she flipped through the pages and held the book at odd angles. "...Must have missed a section, sounded good too..." Now she looked up at him. "You know, you might actually want to read it first..."
"I have more important things to spend my time on, and so should you. Besides, as you well know, a woman's lust is not something that needs encouragement." He continued on in his condescending manner though he put extra emphasis on his last question, looking curiously for Danielle's reaction.
She almost couldn't stop herself from laughing outright in his face. Closing her book she stood and leaned against the edge of a small bay window, crossing her arms on her chest. "And what do you know of woman's lust other than that which you've paid for?"
She smirked as his face turned a deep shade of red. "A more interesting question is how much do you know of it?" he snapped back, irritated.
"Enough."
"I'm sure." She eyed carefully as paced a little in front of her. What does he want, surely he has better thing to do then pester me, she thought but then remembered that it was Nicolas and that the chances of him doing anything of importance were slim to none. Making an exaggerated yawn she sat in the window seat as he continued. "Am I understand you'll be attending the ball tonight?"
"That is correct."
"I expect you will be wearing something tasteful."
What was he getting at? Clothing was never an issue for her. She decided to just smile and answer shortly. "I usually do."
"Le Marquis de Ronge will be there." He slipped her a quick glance and then continued his pace. Ah, so that's what this had to do with. She rolled her eyes and stepped towards him fully annoyed.
"I am aware of that fact. Really Nicolas, I'm sure you think you're being rather clever with this line of questioning but the plain truth is that matching wits with you is like competing with Josephine. What is it that you're so desperately trying to lead to?" and with that she went to put her book away, turning her back rudely on him.
Partially enraged he answered coldly. "Simply that I'd hardly call your behavior in the past with Monsieur de Ronge acceptable. There's enough gossip surrounding you as there is, we do not need more."
Disgusted with what he was obviously implying she turned to face him with a look that fully expressed her feelings for the boy. "We? Father's not even dead and you're already acting in his place? Unbelievable! And I'll have you know, dear brother, that I am an honorable woman and by all means still 'good'. So you won't have to worry about that while you try to pass me off as a bride to one of your friends. Besides, as you well know, the Marquis and I have not seen each other in over a month, he is engaged to the Duchesse De Marni."
"Of course, no family in their right mind would allow their son to marry the likes of you." He answered with amusement as she made her way towards him.
"I can not control what they chose to believe. But tell me, why did Mademoiselle Allamey turn you down?" She had had quite enough of him for the day and certainly didn't feel like defending herself anymore, especially to a halfwit.
"You know why." He answered dulling, not really noticing Danielle's close proximity till she was right in his face.
"Yes I do, but the problem is you don't seem to. For some strange reason you've got this pathetic notion in your head that I had something to do with the whole affair when in reality no woman in there right mind would even consider marriage with a spiteful, useless, self-righteous, boring, selfish, imbecile such as yourself. Face it Nicolas, you're a hateful human being and no body likes you." She then simply turned her back to him and walked out of the room.
~*~
Please R&R ^_^