Disclaimer: Of course I own Beauty and the Beast! I'm here doing this aren't I? (Creators stare nonplussed) (subdued)Uh, no I don't. It's all without permission.

A/N: I'm back! Surprised? So am I. I can tell you all now, that I will do my best to update more frequently now that it is summer. And don't worry; I'm going to be treading very, very carefully this time. Well I guess I should give you the chapter now.

Chapter 5: The Rumor

As Belle sat at the elegant breakfast table a few mornings later, she couldn't help but feel cheerful. She was married to the most wonderful man who loved and cherished her more than a jeweler would cherish a priceless heirloom. Her dream of seeing far-off places, well a far-off place, she conceded, and meeting her prince in disguise had come true. Not to mention she had made invaluable friends at the castle and loved each one of them like family.

As she helped herself to a berry crepe however, a slight sense of unease slithered down her spine, making her frown. She had no idea of why she would feel this way, considering the wealth spread before her, And not the material wealth that was so important to other people either. No, she was wealthy in blessings and friendships that had grown into family. And then there was her father who was alive and healthy, and then her crowning jewel: Her husband and fairy tale prince. And yet more than that much more. Her true love and soul mate, her one other half that fitted against her perfectly during those starlit spring nights, soon to turn to summer autumn and winter nights, until seasons upon seasons had passed until they all blended in perfect golden harmony speaking of many years passed. She knew now that to live without him would take what was now the most important part of her away. In fact she briefly wondered if she would live after being put through something so unimaginably terrible before forcefully pulling herself away from such frightening and morbid thoughts. Involuntarily she shuddered.

"Belle? Are you alright my dear?" A gentle concerned voice asked anxiously.

"Hmm? Oh no, love. My mind was just traveling somewhere I didn't care for it to go, that's all. It was sort of like a day-mare. It's nothing to worry about husband." She smiled reassuringly.

He smiled back easily. "I hope it wasn't too bad."

"Oh, of course not," she lied uneasily. It had never been easy for Belle to lie to anyone and now it was doubly hard for her to lie to her true love. But she had resolved deep in her heart that she would not burden or worry him with silly daydreams gone wrong. It meant nothing and it would only make him worry about her needlessly. "It was a little…unsettling, but it was only for a moment and nothing serious."

"Alright. Well I'm famished! Please pass the blueberry puffs."

"Sure. Here you go honey."

They ate in harmonious silence, with the occasional cute sayings from Chip, until Vincent felt some faith, feathery whispers tickle his ears. He strained to hear not only what was being said, but also who was saying the whispered words.

"Vincent? What are you doing?"

He put his finger to his lips and beckoned her to come closer. Puzzled she did.

"Vincent," she said significantly softer. "Can you let me know what's going on?"

"Listen," he said seriously, "Do you hear that?"

She put her ear in the direction he was pointing to. Sure enough, she barely heard the irritated but faint wisps of sound reaching her ears. "It sounds like someone is whispering!" She said in amazed perplexity.

"Yes, but about what? Want to find out?"

"I sure do. From what I could pick up the voices seemed to belong to Lumiere and Cogsworth."

He looked at her in amazement. "How did you figure that out?"

She blushed in slight embarrassment. " I didn't really. It's just a guess and a lucky one if it really is them. It sounded to me like Lumiere's voice, and the British voice sounded alot like Cogsworth. At least I think I did. Lets go find out for sure."

Slowly and stealthily, the snuck closer towards the voices and as soon as they saw the figures who did in fact turn out to be Cogsworth and Lumiere, they hid quickly behind a column wide enough for both of them, and listened.

"Mon ami, we simply cannot keep this from the Master or the Mistress. Do you realize how important it is for them to find out from us rather than hearing it from behind the fans of a duchess or comtess?"

"I don't think you quite realize Lumiere, just how scandalous and shocking it would be, especially to Her Majesty if she were to read these allegations! As Head of Household I simply cannot let this-this horrifying falsehood reach her eyes! It would break her heart, especially if she saw what they said about her mother. In all my years, even around the most treacherous of nobles, I never heard such farfetched villainous gossip!"

"And that is why, Cogsworth, they need to hear it now, from people they trust. If they receive this poisonous information any later than necessary, it will only hurt them more. I really think it should be told to them as soon as possible ne'cest pas?"

"Oh…I can't believe I'm saying this. I really can't believe I'm saying this, but Lumiere, for once in your lovesick, women-oriented life, you…are…right."

"Aww, was that so hard mon ami?"

"Do not push it Lumiere! Anyhow we must now find the Master and his Mistress at once and let them know of this dreadful occurrence."

"Actually Cogsworth, we're right here." Vincent said sheepishly as both he and Belle stepped out from behind the column. "If you two don't mind I'd like to see whatever is causing so much trouble that you have to whisper about it and debate on whether or not Belle and I are too fragile to handle whatever it could be."

Both servants became a combination of interesting colors of first pure milky white then a ghastly shade of green. Both started stammering and talking over each other before Vincent held up his hand apologetically.

"I'm sorry you two-it was only a joke. I understand your concern and so does Belle. Although it was amusing to see you turn all those different colors-" he broke off as soon as he saw Belle give him a slightly disapproving look.

"Anyway may we please see?"

Cogsworth made it a point to give it first to the Master.

Within the first few sentences Vincent wore an expression that positively outdid the one his servants wore a few seconds ago. His jaw dropped open in complete shock and when Belle tried to read over his shoulder, he moved quickly so she wouldn't see anything until she needed to so then she tried taking the sheet of paper.

"Vincent please, I must see!"

"Madam, I beg of you to wait!" cried Lumiere taking one arm.

"Yes Mistress, please wait until you need to see it. This is not something I'd be eager to read," said Cogsworth taking her other arm.

"They're right, Belle. You won't like reading this once you start, so if I were you, I'd take my time in receiving this."

"I know, it's just that the sooner I do read it, the sooner it's over with. But you guys are right."

A minute or two later, her husband handed it wordlessly to her and she started to read.

Dear Monsieur Pierpont

New and interesting information has come to the attention of not only the highest nobles and courtiers in the court but also to me a humble servant to you, royal advisor. As everyone who is anyone knows, our young prince Vincent Gregoire Montague who is eligible to be king in three months had disappeared without a trace when he was 16 yrs old. Over the years many have wondered what became of him while his Regent uncle, Edouard Guillaume Louis Montague served temporarily in his place. At his sudden reappearance and immediate marriage to young Belle LeRoeux, more tongues asked more questions and we are pleased to tell you we have the answers. My confidante, who knows the prince very well, tells us when the young prince disappeared into thin air, he had in fact, left the castle to "see the world" and had left his responsibilities to his noble uncle. And he also apparently decided it was time for him to sow his seeds. For five years he traveled around the country breaking hearts and going into places we will not mention in case delicate ears be around. But one day, he decided to visit a new house of ill repute called "La Palais de Soiree." There he met an exotic alluring beauty who teased and enticed him to no end. She was coy and coquettish and convinced him to take her to the castle, make her his bride all before he turned 21 and lost the throne. This scarlet woman is none other than the current young lady who holds the title "Princess" and obviously does not rightfully hold it. In fact she has been educated in the feminine wiles ever before she could walk. Her mother had been a Spanish prostitute who had schooled her child in everything there was to know about seducing a man to get his riches. And so now you know it ladies and gentlemen. Our Princess is a common doxy from a remote hardly known town and she used to earn her wages in a room with apparently hundreds of men. I trust you will make the right decision Monsieur Pierpont and know full well what needs to be done. Good day monsieur.

Signed,

You shall know soon enough.

Belle's hands shook. She could hardly believe the words on the page.

"No…"

All three men moved to help her as she swayed back and forth. But to her credit she did not fall. She regained her balance and started to reassure the men that she was fine.

"I'm alright, you guys, I'm alright. I just can't believe they would write that about my mother! My mother wasn't Spanish. She wasn't even a prostitute. How could they say that about her? My mother was Grecian! And I never…I swear I never did any-"

"I know, Belle I know," Vincent said soothingly. "You don't have to convince me. I know you aren't that way at all. If you were, would I be here today as a man made whole by a wonderful, pure, kindhearted woman who saved me in a number of ways? You know I know every bit of this is preposterous. Lumiere, Cogsworth, how did you come across this?"

"Actually Master," Lumiere began, "Laurette, one of the regular maids had been sent out for errands and while she was out, she heard the man carrying this boasting loudly of how he was going to give this to one of the royal advisors and then a copy of this letter would have been given to every member of the French ton."

"Naturally she came to us, or to me rather, he just happened to be there neglecting his responsibilities as usual," Cogsworth stated, pointing at Lumiere. "She was quite upset and wasn't sure what to do with this letter. She managed to snatch it away from the knave to make sure no more damage than needed be done to you two. But alas, as I suspected, it has hurt you more than it ever could have if you heard it in bits and pieces from others. The entire truth seems to have destroyed you," he lamented.

But they currently weren't paying attention to him.

"I can't believe it. It's so obvious. I know exactly who started this."

"You do Master?" inquired Cogsworth.

"Well the only ones who have reason to gain and have the motive too were just here three days ago. I bet those two leeches have been planning ever since they got back to their little fortress. I'm going to go confront them about this. There is no way they are going to get away with this!"

"No Vincent, wait!"

"Belle, it's important that they know they cannot talk about us like that!"

"But Vincent, there are many reasons why you cannot bring this issue to them!"

He turned and listened patiently.

"First of all, Vincent there is no proof. You can't prove they started this. Secondly, if they did do this and you go and exchange harsh words with them then you are only bringing yourself down to their level. Do you really want to do that? Believe me dearest; it's not worth it. Lets put this out of our minds and focus on something positive."

"Yes I know you are right. What would you like to do?"

"A horse ride sounds very nice now. Could we do that?"

"Definitely darling. Lets go to the stables."

A duet of maniacal laughter could be heard throughout the stone fortress about 50 miles away.

"Oh my, but that was just so FUN!" cried Veronique as she gasped for breath and tried to control her remaining laughter. "Oh my, the only thing I regret is not being there to see their faces when they read all that. Oh that would have been a priceless capture!" She burst into hysterical giggles all over again.

"I couldn't agree more darling. I couldn't agree more."

"Sweet cake," Veronique crooned. "You did make sure the young man did his job correctly didn't you?"

"Our other man reported everything went as planned just 20 minutes ago did he not?"

"True. And the girl you left there all those years ago, she is still loyal right?"

"Right Cherie."

"And she did it the way it should be done- met him privately, did the exchange and then played on the sympathies of that incredible fool that calls himself head of household?"

"To the letter. But before this is over darling, we will definitely make sure we are able to see their reactions to our handiwork the next time, my sweet. I think after a few more letters and "permissible" poems, we should probably throw a ball."

"Actually pet, I think we should have them throw the ball."

"What?"

"Well think about it precious. If they are properly embarrassed and humiliated in their own home they will lose not only their dignity and the approval of the nobles, but any will to ascend our throne and carry on their line will vanish instantly."

"Ah, very clever dear wife, very clever indeed. But how will we get them to throw a ball when they have nothing to celebrate?"

"Oh no worries there love. We just need to give them something to celebrate."

"Very good. Do you know what yet?"

"No. But that does not matter. We have plenty of time to plan a party they'll never forget. In the meantime we send along a few more "letters, to them and as many nobles as possible and we allow those who are faithful to us to express our disdain for them with poetic means. But when we do plan that ball, we have to make sure that nothing goes right."

A/N: And that's a wrap! I'm so glad to be back. Thanks to my wonderful brother Daniel, (Tonyboy on it's possible for me to post this chapter today. I have been working on this chapter for a long time and when I wasn't working on it I was looking for inspiration for this chapter. And when I couldn't get any for this one I got plenty for a new one. Look out for that one. Anyway thank you to all who reviewed!

bellamegs: First of all thank you. Second of all, I am planning to go back and change that because I know I should. I'm correcting past chapters anyway so I will hopefully have that fixed by chapter six. Lots of stuff is going under construction, so don't worry Vincent will become sincere and believable. Again thank you very much!

shortstef: Believe me it made me pretty not-so-happy either. I'm just glad I'm back. I have my brother to thank for coming back so early because he advocated for me and made it possible for me to have a second chance. I sincerely can't wait to post chapter six so hopefully it can be expected soon. Thank you!

chef13: So true. So very, very true. Oh well thankfully it isn't like that forever right? Anyway I'm so glad that your optimistic thought that this might be up "sooner than you thought" came true! The meat of this plot is closer to being here so I hope it's good. Thank you!

TrudiRose: Thank you so much about Veronique! I was hoping I got her right! As I mentioned before, villains give me a really hard time and I never know if I have them evil enough. I'm so glad they were this time! Anyways thank goodness I am back although I need to be very careful with my second chance. And I'm trying to do as you say. Its not always easy but we get along well enough so thank you.

Rosakara: Thanks!

LumBabsFan: (hugs back.) I'm so happy to be back. And now I can hopefully update faster than before. I'm so glad you think my story is awesome. Coming from you, a very brilliant writer, that means a lot to me. Thank you.

lucillaq: Thanks! And as I said before it was all my brother.

Gadfly: It's always great to hear from you. Thank you very much for all your helpful suggestions and detailed reviews. They helped me a lot. I'm fixing some of the grammatical errors you mentioned in the separate email although they won't come with this chapter. I'll be replacing the chapters with chapter six. I've noticed a lot of stuff that I need to fix and not just grammatical errors either. As for Gastonian ideals, I think almost every man has some, even today but especially back then. Vincent is pretty advanced for his time but he still believes that a woman shouldn't have more power than a man and in a way he's right. I as a woman am as much for girl power as any other but usually there is a reason there is first a king, then a queen. And actually Vincent believes more than that, that they are equals in all the other ways as you observed. BTW the weapons they cannot imagine- almost all of them are verbal, emotional, and recorded on paper. Only one may appear in a physical sense. And about him apologizing to Cogsworth it shows that he is growing very nicely doesn't it, no longer a spoiled younger prince or a savage beast, he is becoming a responsible and humble king no? Thank you also about their little play fight. I wasn't quite sure if I had gotten it across or made it clear. And yes that was a foreshadowing that they don't have much more time to enjoy life before Life hurls problems and cruelties their way. Uncle and Auntie may be dangerous, but you ain't seen nothing yet. When they get desperate to oust Vincent and Belle they become deadly fatal. I know poor Simone…now. Hardly anyone will feel sorry for her after that until later and only if I want her to look vulnerable or abused. But again thank you so much. All your suggestions and tips have been invaluable.

Diosa-Aome: Please don't die! Here is my chapter. I hope it's good. You are so sweet.

A Crazy Girl of Many Names: Thanks! And now I can keep going.

Ginny McLeod: Thanks Ginny. I can't help using strong word most of the time. I've accumulated my vocabulary over the years with tons of books, as you are well aware of. Thanks again!