Many thanks and much appreciation to my adored Triumvirate!
Evenstar Elanor… Ah, I've kept you from your homework. My work here is done. LOL.
Angoliel… How much before the end? At least a few more chapters. I promise.
Mercury Gray… Athos appreciates the handkerchief. He really does.
Chapter 30: Butterfly Wings
Aramis looked up when he heard the sound of silver bells. All of those months of agony and waiting, and now – within the hour – he would be a lawfully married man. He chuckled and D'Artagnan looked over.
"You are amused?" D'Artagnan asked.
"I am to be a married man, D'Artagnan. At my age."
"You fear your new wife will be difficult to handle? Too much fire for an old man?"
Aramis gave his friend an arch look. That was as about as racy as the conversation had been surrounding Aramis' impending wedding night. Had they all not known Natalie since she was a child it probably would have been more raucous, but D'Artagnan and Porthos had served as virtual uncles to her. It seemed disrespectful to banter.
From the door, Porthos' deep voice rolled into the room. "Are you ready, Aramis? Ze Cardinal is waiting for you." Aramis stood and turned as Porthos gave him an appraising look. "The King's tailor… ah, his work is magnifique. Ze new uniform will be the envy of all Musketeers." Porthos nodded approvingly at the new black uniform.
"Shall we go?" asked D'Artagnan.
Aramis squared his shoulders. "Indeed, my good friend. I have waited far too long for today." He walked out of the room with a bold stride, and D'Artagnan and Porthos followed in his wake.
The chapel was bedecked with flowers and garlands. Hundreds of candles glowed in sconces, ensuring that it was as bright inside the chapel as it was outside in the afternoon sunshine. Every seat was filled. The King's private pew in the front had a special seat set aside for Athos and the pews directly behind it were for Athos' and Aramis' relatives. Dressed in his formal robes, the Cardinal waited at the front. When Aramis, Porthos and D'Artagnan came in, he gestured to a spot where he wanted them to stand.
"How are you, my son?" he asked Aramis.
"Surprisingly nervous, your Holiness," answered Aramis truthfully. He'd hidden his nerves under a bold bravado before, but now, looking at the guests and the Cardinal, the enormity of the day became extraordinarily real.
The Cardinal chuckled and put his hand on Aramis shoulder. "You have done your duty to God and France admirably, Aramis. If you apply the same devotion and care to your marriage, you will have few troubles… and when ones do arrive, you have both dear friends and God to guide you through."
"Yes, Monsignor," said Aramis.
Trumpets announced the arrival of the King and all of the assembled guests rose from their seats and bowed in respect. King Louis, escorting his mother, Anne of Austria, walked regally down the aisle. He greeted the Cardinal and three Musketeers at the front and took his seat. A few moments later, another brief trumpet volley told everyone that the bride had arrived.
Outside, Athos was the first one out of the carriage. The footman held the door open and Athos reached up to help Natalie out. With part of her veil over her face, she moved slowly, gingerly to make sure she didn't stumble. Inside, Christine held her train so that it didn't drag. Out of nowhere, four pages appeared, relieving Christine of that duty. Once Natalie was safely out of the carriage, Athos helped Christine down and she started to make her way towards the chapel. Athos offered Natalie his arm and they followed behind Christine.
The wide stone path leading to the chapel was lined with Musketeers in full dress uniform. They snapped to attention and raised long poles with fleur-de-lis flags, creating a tunnel. All of the young men holding the flags smiled as Athos walked his daughter past. They all had a great deal of respect for Athos and to see him in the role of proud father was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Inside the chapel's vestibule, Athos and Natalie paused to wait. The delicate notes of a harp told them that Christine was making her way down the aisle, and behind her, two young girls were tossing rose petals for Natalie to walk upon. Out of the corner of her eye, Christine saw Jacques and offered him a discreet smile. When she got to the altar, Christine curtsied to the Cardinal and then stepped aside, turning to look towards the door. A moment later, framed by the afternoon sun, Athos and Natalie stepped into view.
The crowd stood and turned, and the harpist's notes were joined by the gentle flow of a flute as Athos slowly escorted his daughter toward the altar. A small breeze followed them in, making the edges of her veil flutter around her shoulders. It made her think of the soft wings of the butterflies that danced over the roses at her father's country house.
At the front, Aramis took a deep breath when he saw them. He could see only the faintest outline of Natalie's face beneath the veil but he could tell she was smiling. He smiled back at her and behind him; D'Artagnan and Porthos watched him indulgently. Love agreed with Aramis.
Stay with me, ladies and gentlemen… the next chapter gets to the ceremony, I promise. I really, really promise. Hopefully, I'll have another chapter up fairly soon. Please read/review and let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: The only things I can truly claim as my own are Natalie, Jacques, and Luc (and a few minor supporting characters). Everything else is borrowed with much respect and admiration for Dumas and the people who created various movie versions of the Musketeers.