Author's note: Thanks to Nicole and Heather again... this chapter is back in France. It starts off in the time frame the ship from England leaves...remember no feedback, no chap. 20 till end of next week. Meg
Siroc sat in the lab thinking. He had to come up with something soon. D'Artagnan and Jacqueline needed him. Captain Duval was also counting on him to come up with a plan. Mazarin had ordered Jacqueline kept alive and no doubt would be using her somehow. Siroc also knew there was no way to warn them.
He flipped through his notebook looking at invention after invention trying to come up with something. Siroc thought; Mazarin would bring Jacqueline before King Louis once they returned. He would also claim the musketeers had been protecting her. They needed to intercept them before Mazarin could and they needed a way to do it with out Mazarin getting more suspicious.
Ramon bounded in. "The captain wants a report."
Siroc sighed. "I am thinking. I have ideas, but…" Ramon stood there. It was unusual for his friend to have trouble with plans. "I knew they would be the ones to get in trouble." Ramon sighed then continued, "lovers have no sense of what is going on around them." Siroc looked up at him thoughtfully.
Ramon scratched his head. "I wish we could see Jacqueline in person. I am curious as to what she looks like."
Siroc jumped up, snapping his fingers. "Ramon you are a genius!"
Ramon looked at him confused, "What?" He asked as he followed Siroc out of the lab.
Captain Duval sat listening to Siroc's plan. "…And so we have an excuse to meet the ship and escort them." Siroc smiled. "Mazarin will not suspect anything."
Captain Duval nodded his approval. "Make the arrangements."
Siroc and Ramon exited quickly and Ramon turned to Siroc. "Where is d'Artagnan senior?"
Siroc cocked his head to the side. "In Italy at the moment. We must hurry if we are to get a hold of him." They rounded the corner and Siroc entered his lab and pulled out a pen and dipped it in the ink well. He had to compose a letter, one that looked convincing, and one that would catch Mazarin's attention.
Mazarin sat at his desk and nodded at the guard to enter. "Your grace, we have just received some news that you will want to hear," he paused. Mazarin raised an eyebrow and he continued. "Young d'Artagnan is to be married soon to the girl he is traveling with, and their friends have sent his father a letter to attend the wedding."
Mazarin sat up. "You are sure?"
The guard nodded slowly. "Yes, your grace."
Mazarin sighed. That common little wrench a Viscomptess? The boy has no taste. The thought was appalling. "Tell King Louis I need an audience with him immediately," Mazarin said. The guard bowed and left the room to carry out his orders.
King Louis sat on his throne, shock and confusion on his face as Mazarin finished. "D'Artagnan, getting married?" King Louis asked him.
Mazarin stood patiently. "Yes, your majesty." Mazarin continued. "I wanted to request my men be there to escort the young couple back. We must protect the Viscompte and the future Viscomptess."
Louis waved his hand. "Of course, but do I know the lady?"
Mazarin hesitated, "I do not believe so your majesty."
Louis looked appalled. "Then escort them straight here! I must meet her!"
Mazarin bowed. "As you wish your majesty." He turned a smiled forming on his face. This would work to his advantage. A plan was forming in his mind.
After three days of running around getting things in order, Siroc and Ramon mounted their horses. "Well, back to Le Havre," Ramon stated. He was in a gloomy mood.
Siroc looked over at him. "Do not worry. We will go slower this time. The ship is not due for three days yet."
Ramon shrugged. "The king requested to meet Jacqueline, no?"
Siroc sighed. "Yes, we must warn them when they dock."
Ramon frowned. "The secret will be out, no?" Siroc did not answer him as they trotted down the road. Ramon spoke again. "This is not good." Siroc could not argue with him there.
Mazarin looked up at his guards. "Send an escort and a carriage. We must have them arrive in style for the king wishes it." The guards bowed to him. Mazarin turned to his window and looked out. Jacqueline would be revealed in a few days and the thought comforted him greatly. Now my young fugitive you have nowhere to run!
He sighed. It was time to prepare for the king's wedding. His face grew dark as he thought of that girl on the throne. She is too attentive to things around her. He could also sense she did not trust him as Louis did. Things were not going his way. He motioned for the guard, "Prepare my robes for the ceremony." The guard bowed. Like it or not it would look bad for him not to be in attendance. He must keep up the show of support for the king.