Disclaimer: I have no rights to Beauty and the Beast, no ownership, and no permission to write this. Thank you.

Chapter 6: Subtleties

As the days and weeks passed, more and more rumors and "letters" filtered through to the castle, and caused more chaos each minute. So far since the first one the rumors had gotten more preposterous and unbelievable. And it was causing much havoc and turbulence to everyone in the castle.

"This is unacceptable! I will not have any more of this disgusting vicious slander slither through and upset Belle anymore! Do everything and I mean everything to find the ones responsible! Search every nook and cranny! Leave no stone unturned! I want them FOUND!" Vincent shouted before collapsing into his favorite chair. "I swear, when I find them, saying they will ultimately pay will be the understatement of the century! And if it's who I think it might be, the punishment for them will be…." His face darkened considerably. "Unimaginable."

"Not to worry, Master! We have only the best and most brilliant detectives and investigators on this case, putting together all their brain-power in an effort to find this gossiping fiend," Cogsworth quickly soothed, knowing full well his Master's temper.

Even though Vincent's features softened, his voice still held barely restrained anger. There was also a note of uncertainty and slight weariness that only those closest to him would have been able to recognize.

"I know, Cogsworth, I know. I just wish that…" He paused, looking absolutely cheerless. "I just wish none of this had to happen to Belle. No one deserves it less than her. She has never done anything to deserve the calculating cruelty, ridicule and hatred only the nobility and highborn can deliver. In fact, quite the opposite. She is one of the kindest, most generous people anyone with a grain of sense would be delighted to know. It could be worse I know, but still, after all we've been through, we deserve a little peace and happiness. This is supposed to be the happily ever after we always dreamed of."

"But Master! Surely you realize having a happily ever after is more than that!" exclaimed Lumiere.

"How?" he asked, puzzled.

"Master, if I may, there is much more to the rest of your lives than just existing. Because that's what the storybooks imply. That you just exist for the rest of your life, and that's the end of it. The truth is Master, is that it's just the beginning. The story continues and with it, troubles to face and overcome, obstacles and stumbling blocks to learn from. Woes and cares don't just magically vanish. You work for and merit a happy life, especially when you have been granted someone as special as the Mistress. " He smiled benevolently.

"Well…that's very interesting. Belle's books always did end right at happily ever after. But actually your explanation makes more sense. Their stories might have ended, but ours haven't. And no matter what, it won't. The question is, when will this storm pass?"

At this both faces of the loyal servants turned anxious, uncertain.

"Time will tell Master. Only time will tell."

Down below the castle, in the farthest most remote regions, was a private area for a particular breed of servants. These servants were considered the backbone of the castle, keeping all the inner workings of the castle…clean. Clean, polished, spic and span, however one wished to say it. For this was the one, the only, Maids Common Room. And today was washing day. In a corner three maids sat, on break discussing the castle events.

"Oh, isn't it just awful about those rumors? The poor Mistress," a young, dark brunette maid named Sabine said sorrowfully.

"Yes, just horrible! Who would want to do such a thing? I can't imagine why anyone would want to harm her," said another maid, a soft-spoken young blond named Laurette this time.

"The Master is so furious. If only he could discover the one behind this!" exclaimed Sabine.

"If anyone can, he will; he is the Master after all," said a third maid, a voluptuous brunette named Babette.

"Yes…well, I most certainly hope he does. If not, what will happen to our fair castle?" Laurette asked.

"Well let's hope that doesn't happen. It will certainly be very hard for the master to maintain order and peaceful conduct, as well as command respect, with such wild rumors floating about." Said Sabine.

"There is nothing to worry about. When you love someone as much as the Master loves Belle, nothing, especially idle gossip will truly harm you. You will do everything to protect them and succeed. Everything will be just fine I assure you." Babette leaned back in her chair, satisfied.

"But what if not?" persisted Laurette. "What if somehow, the master is eventually forced to…to…Argh! I cannot think of the term, but it would mean him giving up the throne."

"Why that would be horrifique!" exclaimed Sabine, aghast.

"Oh indeed!" Laurette said, nodding her head fervently.

"That is why it will never happen," Babette said matter-of-factly.

"But-but how can you be so sure, mademoiselle?" asked a nearly speechless Laurette.

"After everything our master has been through, it is impossible for him to give up so easily. He is the kind who fights to the end," said Sabine.

"Exactment! The Master is determined and strong, we all know that.It is only a matter of time before this all fades away," said Babette.

"Ah, but sometimes that is not the case, mes amies. Sometimes history cannot help but repeat itself," said Laurette.

"How so?" inquired Babette, growing suspicious.

"Well, you remember the Master's father, and how he died in that war? Well, his death was neither accidental, nor coincidental."

The other two maids appeared to not be paying attention, so growing slightly annoyed, Laurette said acidly,

"Well, well, I did not know how disinteresting this story was so I will not bore you ladies further and go finish the laundry."

Completely frustrated, Babette said exasperatedly:

"It will not go that far! It will be over before it begins! Nothing will get out of hand. These are mere rumors, not death threats! Everything. Will. Be. Fine. Everything. Comprends?

"Oui. And you truly believe this?"

"With all my heart, body, and soul, Absolument."

"Are you of the same mind, Sabine?"

"Well I certainly can't imagine a war starting over rumors, can you? But I do fear it will make the Mistress's life very hard indeed."

"Very true unfortunately But it would not be a war that would start, but a dangerous situation of the worst kind."

"That is such a shame, for she is such a kind soul," said Sabine unhappily.

"A difficult life is no way to live."

"Of course not!" snapped Babette. "But she will make it through. She is strong and courageous and capable of anything. Anyone who could handle the Master as she did, when she first came-and all of us know how terrible and trying he was-can make it through an insignificant time like this."

"It is not this I worry of her making through. Oh no, I fear for when he gets angry and goes farther than prudent." Laurette's eyes widened, as she realized what she might have given away.

Babette shrugged nonchalantly. "His temper cannot always be helped; some things never change. Maybe that's what needs to happen in order to stop those despicable rumors."

Laurette sighed in relief. They thought I was still talking about their master and not mine. Merci le Dieu beaucoup for small mercies. The plan is still safe.

"I believe you are quite right, Babette. And to show that the Master and Mistress are the sovereign rulers of this country, and not easily defeated with silly little rumors, and possibly stop a few of the nastier ones, what do you two mademoiselles think of having them throw a ball?"

At this Babette perked up. "What a truly magnifique idea! I think it sounds wonderful! Any celebration is not only fun, but also tres romantique, and of course it's better to be a lover than a fighter!"

"Oh yes, tres vraiment! Nothing can give good cheer to a person like a good party!" Sabine's face instantly fell. "But how will they know? We cannot tell them, for we are only maids. And besides, it's probably for the best. The parties the nobles have, while fancy and glamorous, aren't always fun."

"Why that's ridiculous, Sabine!" exclaimed Babette. "You know the Mistress isn't like other nobles. She is kinder and wiser than any of them. She is neither pretentious nor vain, like that reptilian Veronique," Babette spat, wrinkling her nose. "And she relates to us servants better than anybody else besides other servants could, because she wasn't born a noble though one could hardly tell the difference now. We are her friends and family. And as for the idea and party, I think I know which ear to tell this scheme to…" Babette smirked as she thought of the ear she would speak into later when she could find him.

Lumiere was meandering good-naturedly down the corridor whistling a carefree tune when he heard the unmistakeably enticing voice of his beloved.

"Mon cheri…" she whispered seductively.

"Oui ma plumette? Where are you?" Oh, how he enjoyed playing this game with her!

"I will find you soon, amoure. And when I do…"

He swept back the curtain.

"I will get you!"

Laughing in delight, the two lovers cuddled for a moment before one of them spoke.

"What are you doing down here ma cherie? I thought today was washing day," he teased, tapping her nose.

"Oh mon chou, how right you are. I was going to gather some of the draperies and some sheets from the guestroom. As well as unexpectedly meet with you," she said flirtatiously. "And I also need to speak with you about something somewhat important, amour."

"Ah oui? About what ma plumette?"

"Well, cheri, I have a proposition, and when I first heard about it sounded marvelous, but when one looks at who it came from, it sounds very suspicious indeed."

"Babette, lets hear what the idea is first."

"All right, mon amour. In order to cheer up the Master and Mistress, Laurette, the maid that was sent to us a few years beforethe spell was placed upon us, suggested that a ball should be thrown. Now it sounds like a good idea in theory, but in truth I do not trust that little blonde souris. She always acts suspiciously, but this morning in the Maids Common Room, she was the very picture of Doom and Gloom. She kept talking of the Master giving up the throne and how history repeats itself and dangerous situations. It was most annoying! It was as if she wanted all of that terrible stuff to happen, which it won't."

"Very true, ma plumette, very true indeed. This current situation is a hard piece of work, but that's all it is, something to work through. But ma cherie, don't you think you are being a little too hard on Laurette? After all, she is just as worried as everyone else and was only trying to help."

"But amour, you know which household she was sent from and why!"

"Yes, I do know. But that does not necessarily define a person Babette, and besides she has done nothing wrong so far."

"All right Lumiere I can see neither of us will win this one so let us stop arguing. But mark my words, cheri, that one is not to be trusted. A woman always knows."

…And so Master, that is why a newlywed ball to celebrate your recent marriage is such a fine idea!" Cogsworth announced dramatically.

Lumiere rolled his eyes predictably behind Cogsworth's back, much to the amusement of Belle and Vincent.

"Well, Master?" asked Cogsworth as eagerly as a little boy in a sweets shop.

"Well, we certainly have nothing to lose. Belle?"

"No, indeed we don't. I've never been to a Royal Ball before. It should be fun."

A/N: Well that's the latest installment! Sorry it took so long, It probably won't take as long next time although chapters won't come any faster. I'm in college now and that's going to keep me very busy, but I'll still try and find time to make the monthly update! Thanks to all who reviewed!

TrudiRose: Thanks! I thought the letter worked too! Just goes to show you the power of MSN huh? And don't worry, that chapter will come hopefully soon, though not in this chapter, obviously. Thanks for reviewing!

CelestialHunter: Thank you, thank you, and thank you! And actually…I noticed as well. Dialogue for me seems to be my very weakest point. In fact soon, I am going to go back and fix all that stiff dialogue. I had kinda forced what they said to keep the story moving, but that should change very soon. I'm going to do an in-depth study of Belle and Vincent and get personally acquainted with them because I don't want them sounding scripted either. Anyway, Thanks for reviewing!

lucillaq: Thanks!

LumBabsFan: Oh it wouldn't be any less! They are going to be degraded, humiliated, and have terribly aching body parts for months and months. And they will most definitely lose their titles. Their punishment is going to be one they truly HATE. Thanks for reviewing!

shortstef: Thank you! And you know who the mole is- she gave the letter to Lumiere, and it should be somewhat obvious who it is now, right? As for the other questions, you'll see soon enough. Wouldn't want to spoil everything for ya! Thanks for reviewing!

FluffLover: Oh it's so nice to meet you! (hugs back tightly) No worries, I know how a computer can act so no harm done. Thank you so much. All you said means a world of greatness. It will be a little while until the little princess comes, but when she does, everyone will be wrapped around her little finger. And he does rock, and more! Thanks so much for reviewing!

Rosakara: Never in a million years! True love conquers all!

PadmeSkywalker540: I'm getting there bit by bit, although college will definitely slow things down. Thanks so much, I love A's. Thanks for reviewing!

Anarea Rose: Thanks very much.

katspegussaus: One really isn't always sure on If Disney didn't say, then yes it is.

Gadfly: That's really the only way the nobles know how to fight, with words and wit, and deceit and verbal bullying. It's "civilized fighting." I'm really glad to hear that. Beasts make a story interesting.

leotabelle13: Oh yeah, it was definitely mean-girlish, in fact his evil aunt wrote it because she knew it would sound more vindictive and terrible. Maybe there will be a masquerade, maybe not. And I know it's been weeks but I haven't really done anything. I'm just slow to update. I usually do it once a month but things got in the way. Please forgive me.

Olivia Hiers: Oh yeah, Jean-Claude. I remember him being mentioned in the play. I wrote this movie-based so he was the coat-rack. But now I think the coat-rack in the movie is the equivalent to the brick wall in the play. I had done that without even realizing it! So yeah, if you envision this musical-based, then it most likely is the same Jean-Claude. I'm sorry I didn't email you about this but I'm already using the name Guillaume for Vincent's nephew.  But thanks for reviewing!

BatteredChild: You did? Thanks!

EnchantedLady: You are addicted? Wow, that's cool. Thanks for reviewing!