Author's Note: The chapter SOME of you have been waiting for... so enjoy... and those who 'keep' asking me about this...BETTER REVIEW...I mean...I know who you are...evil grin Oh, chap. 28 will resolve the issue of 'what was in d'Artagnan's trunk' for those that keep asking me when they get to find out...another evil grin Thanks to Heather and Nicole. Meg
Jacqueline was covered in sweat as she climbed out of her bed. She let her eyes adjust and tried to think. Everyone now knew her story and most of the musketeers had accepted her after a few days. She remembered the conversation she had with d'Artagnan concerning leaving the musketeers. He had given in to her and now it looked like he would get his wish. She pulled on her uniform and started down the hall, deep in thought. She had thought something was amiss since the return trip, but the last couple of days had set her fears in motion. She was frightened of what d'Artagnan would think when she told him.
She rounded the corner and entered Siroc's lab. Siroc, Ramon and d'Artagnan were all there. "Jacqueline," Siroc said as he flipped through his notebook.
Ramon was eating cheese and held some out to her. "No thanks," she said feeling sick.
D'Artagnan shrugged at Ramon's confused look. "She's been like that for weeks, hungry, and not hungry..."
Jacqueline looked down, "Edmund, I need to…"
Duval who entered cut her off. "Morning, musketeers," he said cheerfully. He held out two letters for Jacqueline. "For you, milady," he said and then bowed and left the room.
Jacqueline tore open the first one and read silently. They waited quietly for her to speak. "It is from Gerard." She folded it. "He says by the time I get this, he will be on his way to France." Her eyes sparkled. She turned to d'Artagnan. "He wants to take the place Father would have had in our wedding."
D'Artagnan nodded. "That would be acceptable."
Jacqueline opened the other and read it. "Helena writes that they have been assigned to the Greek Isles, but will come here first to attend the wedding." Jacqueline smiled. "Oh Edmund, it is nice all our family and friends will be here." She handed him the letters as the room started to spin. Her last thought was she did not get to tell d'Artagnan.
"Jacqueline!" d'Artagnan shouted as he rushed to catch her. He turned to Ramon. "Quick, get a doctor!" Ramon complied as he dropped the cheese and ran from the room.
Siroc cleared a table. "Here, you can sit her down."
D'Artagnan laid her down and felt her head. She was not running a fever. "I do not understand. She did this on the ship, but we have been on land for a fortnight." Siroc looked at his friend. He could see he was concerned. "She will be fine. Jacqueline is a strong woman." D'Artagnan looked down at her sadly. "I hope so. I swore I would protect her."
Siroc, Ramon and Duval stood outside Jacqueline's room. The doctor had arrived, looked her over and moved her there. D'Artagnan paced the floor and it made Ramon dizzy watching him. "Son, you will wear yourself out. I am sure she is fine," Duval spoke softly.
D'Artagnan did not seem to hear him. He kept pacing, deep in thought. Fears clouded his judgment, fear of loosing her. Suddenly, the doctor emerged, no emotion showed on his face. He shut the door before turning to face d'Artagnan. "She is resting now."
D'Artagnan shook his head. "What is wrong? Why does this keep happening? Will it stop?" He fired questions at the doctor.
The doctor looked over at Duval and they exchanged a glance before the doctor sighed. "This will likely continue for a few weeks, maybe a month or two." D'Artagnan balled his fist up. "Not to worry it is common for some women and no doubt the end result is worth it." He smiled at d'Artagnan.
D'Artagnan just started at him suspiciously. "What?"
The doctor frowned now. "She's with child," he stated.
D'Artagnan's jaw dropped and the shock was evident on his face. He then recomposed himself and turned to his friends. Three pairs of questioning eyes looked back at him. He cleared his throat as the doctor left. "It is a long story," he said. Siroc raised an eyebrow and Ramon coughed.
Duval spoke first. "We have time," he stated as they waited for him to speak.
Jacqueline opened her eyes and looked around. D'Artagnan was on the other side of the room in a chair. She shifted her body and his head flew up. He stood and walked over to her. "Jacqueline, sweetheart, are you alright?" Concern was in his eyes.
She swallowed. "I am fine."
He let out a breath of relief. "The doctor said this might continue for awhile." He paused. "Until your body adjusts to the baby."
Her face paled. "So, I was right."
He looked shocked. "You knew about this?"
She shook her head. "I suspected for a couple days. I was trying to tell you when Duval…" She trailed off, tears forming in her eyes. "I was frightened," she finished. She did not look at him.
He grabbed her hand. "Oh Jacqueline! This is good news. There is no need to be afraid." He leaned down and kissed her softly. "I love you." He moved his hand to her stomach. "I love you both."
She sighed in relief. "Edmund, we will not be able to stay here much longer."
D'Artagnan shrugged. "We will resign our commissions and move into the cottage after the wedding tour. I was thinking Italy."
Jacqueline smiled weakly. "Oh Edmund, that sounds wonderful." She tried to sit up and her strength failed. "Maybe we should only stay a fortnight; a month may be to long for me."
D'Artagnan brushed her hair to the side. "Whatever makes you happy, that is fine with me."
Jacqueline lay down. "Edmund, I am hungry. Will you get me something?"
D'Artagnan began to walk out. "I will be right back." She sighed to herself. Her last fears washing away.