D'artagnan dismounted first and offered his hand to Jacqueline, who was still in her musketeer uniform. She jumped down ignoring his hand angry with him for thinking she needed that. D'artagnan hid his disappointment. They walked in and saw only one servant in sight; he ushered them inside.
King Louis was pacing nervously. "Your majesty," D'artagnan and Jacqueline bowed.
"D'artagnan, Laponte, Thank You. We must hurry," King Louis said, still pacing. "Here are your new identities and passage tickets. You D'artagnan are Lord Henry Hepburn, and Laponte, Lady Julia Hepburn. D'artagnan your cottage is about a day's journey, stop there, rest, and get some proper clothes. My personal cottage is only a couple hours journey from the ship dock in Le Havre. Use it to rest again before boarding." He stopped and walked over to the far side of the palace conference room and lifted a small trunk. "These are some dresses, more fit for a lady." He handed them to Jacqueline. "Find a place once out of town and change." He then lifted up a bag. "Here is some money for food and other things you may need." He then handed D'artagnan a small box. "The treaty and jewels are in here. Now, once in London, look for a carriage just outside the dock. It will be enclosed and have black velvet, and only one servant. This will convey you to King Charles."
Jacqueline nodded and used her man voice. "Yes, your majesty. Anything else?" King Louis shook his head. "Be careful, I need you two back alive. You are some of my best musketeers."
D'artagnan spoke, "Your majesty, we will see you soon." They bowed again and left.
"Here looks good," D'artagnan said. Jacqueline jumped off again ignoring his help. She opened the trunk and picked out a plain dress. It was green and had thin sleeves but was not fancy. It was a lady's traveling gown. D'artagnan, ever the gentleman, turned and allowed her privacy to change.
She pulled her hair down and let it fall free. "I'm done," She said, using her real voice.
D'artagnan turned and stared. "Well?" she asked.
D'artagnan blinked. "You are missing these," he said. He lifted her bag, took out his mother's ring of diamonds and rubies, and slipped it on her right hand. He then took the pearl necklace and fastened it around her neck. Jacqueline turned around to face him, silent. "Milady," he said. "Now, I believe we are ready."
Jacqueline let him help her up and as a lady, she rode sidesaddle in D'artagnan's arms.
They'd been riding for hours and it was starting to get light as D'artagnan's cottage came into view. This was his home. The one his father had given him. Rest, get a bite to eat and pack some clothes ran through D'artagnan's mind. Jacqueline sifted in her sleep, making him wince. She'd fallen asleep an hour ago. Having her so close to, him was distracting enough, but now he could feel her bosom rubbing against his chest. He winced again as felt his body react He hoped she would not wake, for surely she would notice that. Her head was buried into his chest, her eyes tightly shut.
He pulled the horse to a stop next to the stable and dismounted keeping one hand on Jacqueline so she did not fall. He tied the horse up and lifted Jacqueline off, being careful not to wake her, he carried her inside and up the stairs to the closest bedroom, as there were four. Pulling the blanket and sheet back, he put her down and covered her up. Without thinking, he leaned down and kissed her softly on the forehead before walking down the stairs.
The cottage was not big, not compared the D'artagnan Paris home, or Rogue home, but D'artagnan liked it. It reminded him of his mother. It was big enough and it was modest. It had four bedrooms, living area, kitchen, and a stable, along with good land. There was only one servant for all this, as D'artagnan did not have occasion to come here often. Bernard, the servant, comes by every few days to check on things, tidy up, and restock the non-perishable food supply.
He checked in the kitchen. There was a bottle of wine and some bread and cheese, which was good enough for one night. They would stop at a tavern before reaching King Louis' cottage. D'artagnan choose to stay downstairs to keep an eye out for danger and settled down on the couch. He was asleep as soon as he closed his eyes.
Jacqueline blinked and tried to wake up, memories flooded back. She remembered the journey, and she must have fallen asleep. She looked around her, at the white walls, the silk sheet she was in, and the lacey white blanket. Her head was on the matching pillow. Where was she? Then she remembered they were going to stop at D'artagnan's cottage and rest. How'd she get in here? D'artagnan came to mind; he must have carried her in and put her here.
There was a wooden table next to the bed with a candle on it and she grabbed that as the sunset was starting. One thing she decided as she changed in her old blue and white farmer's dress, is that D'artagnan had no taste for decorating. She walked downstairs, taking the place in, and found D'artagnan with his eyes closed on the couch. She cleared her throat and he sprang up, looking at her alarmed.
"Oh, hello Jacqueline, are you hungry?" She nodded. "Sorry, I don't have much, I don't get a chance to come here often. We have some bread and cheese and wine."
She followed him into the kitchen. "That's fine." He took out some mugs and plates and prepared the meal. "Why do you keep this place?"
He stopped and looked at her, "It's a long story."
Jacqueline frowned, "We can not leave yet, so we have time."
D'artagnan sighed and said, "Ok." He sat down preparing to talk….