Author's Note: Hey guys... here's the last chapter before the Epilogue... enjoy it. Thanks to Heather and Nicole... and feedback as usual. Meg
D'Artagnan stepped out of the carriage and turned to help his wife. Jacqueline, Viscomptess d'Artagnan, took his hand and stepped down. They had been in Italy for a fortnight and were returning home. Jacqueline liked Italy but she was glad to get home. "Milady," a servant said as he bowed. "Tea is being set up in the living area," he informed them.
Jacqueline inclined her head at him. "Thank you."
They walked inside and d'Artagnan took her up the stairs to the back bedroom that overlooked the pond. "This is our bedroom," he emphasized 'our.' The sat their trunks down and walked back down to the living area. Jacqueline had insisted they do tea
since she had like it on the ship. D'Artagnan, when he had written to request two new servants, had also put those instructions in the letter. Jacqueline had also said the cottage needed more color, so he had ordered some paints and a little redecorating.
Jacqueline took in the pillows of bright colors and paintings. They were an improvement, but it needed more. That was fine; she wanted to do some of it herself anyway.
After tea, d'Artagnan left her alone, going to his study to write letters of business. Jacqueline decided to explore the grounds and decide where she wanted to put gardens. She was the daughter of a farmer, and as such, wanted some gardens. D'Artagnan had shrugged and said she could do as she wished. She then went upstairs to look over the bedrooms and decide which to use as a nursery for the baby. By the time she had done all that, a servant appeared to summon her to dinner. They ate a starter, a main course, and a dessert. To Jacqueline three courses was plenty. After dinner, they went to the d'Artagnan's study where he had a glass of wine. Jacqueline had a cup of warm milk as the doctor had suggested to her. They discussed how their life was to be.
"We will not keep separate bedrooms," d'Artagnan told her. Jacqueline nodded her head in agreement. "We will eat all meals and have tea together as much as possible." He felt they should spend as much time together as possible. He sighed before continuing. "The morning hours before luncheon I will use to see servants and visitors about business matters."
Jacqueline thought a second. "I will use the same time to tend to the gardens and write out shopping lists."
D'Artagnan looked at her. "What kind of gardens?"
Jacqueline responded determinedly. "A flower one and a vegetable one. My father had both."
D'Artagnan shrugged then spoke. "I will use the couple of hours between luncheon and tea to write letters." Jacqueline cocked her head to the side. "I will ride my horse and practice my fighting skills."
D'Artagnan gave her a look and shook his head. She was determined and he saw no need to stop her. They agreed upon that daily routine. "There will be times when it will not work like that." He warned her. He was right as they saw the next day.
The next morning after breakfast d'Artagnan was off to speak with the servants. Jacqueline went out to start on a list for what she would need for the gardens. She also spoke with her maid, who was also the nurse, about what things for the nursery. She showed her the room and then a servant appeared to tell her a visitor had arrived. She followed him down to see her brother, Gerard, waiting. "Gerard, you are just in time for luncheon," She told him.
D'Artagnan came up. "I thought I heard your voice, brother." They shook hands before they made their way to the dinning area.
"I hope you will forgive the intrusion. I just was in the area and wanted to stop by and see how my sister was," Gerard explained to them.
D'Artagnan exchanged a glance with Jacqueline before speaking. "Gerard, brother, you are always welcome here."
Jacqueline sighed. "I am not fainting anymore and am sick less."
Gerard looked relieved. "I am looking forward to being an uncle," he told them.
Jacqueline started to tell him about the gardens and he followed her out to see them. D'Artagnan excused himself and went to write his letters. Gerard stayed through tea and then left them.
A servant appeared. "Viscompte, your father is coming tomorrow." D'Artagnan waved him away. "Thank you, please tell cook." The servant bowed.
After dinner, they sat in the living room. D'Artagnan had a book on horses and Jacqueline was knitting. She was not very good at it, but she could knit small things for the baby. "Edmund, do you regret leaving the musketeers? This is a quiet life for you." She looked worried. Jacqueline knew he was used to excitement and danger.
D'Artagnan grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes. "Sweetheart, I love you and this is what I want. I like…" He paused, a smirk forming on his face. "Being settled," he finished and moved forward to kiss her. D'Artagnan got up and circled the room still speaking. "Ramon is coming next week. He is bringing a girl. Margot, I think is her name. You remember the one we had to help him rescue and almost got killed over?"
Jacqueline laughed. "So he is still seeing her. Maybe he is serious."
D'Artagnan shrugged. "Maybe, it would do him some good." They laughed.
They had visitors almost every week from Gerard, Ramon, Siroc, Duval and, of course, Charles d'Artagnan. Jacqueline would write Helena every week as well to keep them informed. This was their normal, happy routine.