Disclaimer: Don't own anything or get paid.
Author's note A: A giant thank you to my reviewers so far.
Two and a half hours later, Natalie was on the train watching the country pass by. A small, weaselly looking man was seated across from her. He seemed distracted as he fidgeted with his hat. Natalie opened her book and looked at the photograph of her mother that she had put inside it. With the exception of her dark hair, which hung in soft curls around her pale face, she looked exactly like her mother. "My way… my way…" The man muttered. Natalie turned to look at him. He was asleep. She opened her book (Moulin Rouge) and began to read absorbing every detail. When she was halfway through, the man spoke. "I don't like that ending." Natalie looked at him puzzled. "Pardon me?" "I said, I don't like that ending." Natalie sighed and closed the book. "Neither do I." He looked surprised. "You don't like the fact that she chose the penniless writer over the rich and powerful Duke?" Natalie shook her head. "No, I liked that. I didn't like the fact that she died." "Oh… that… But wouldn't that fit with the Bohemian point?" "Yes, but it also means that my mother is dead." The man looked confused. "My mother's name was Satine. She gave me away soon after I was born." "I'm afraid, I still don't see your point." "My point is this; I believe that my mother and the Satine of the Moulin Rouge are one in the same." The man's eyes lit up. "Do you have proof of this?" "I have my mother's letters which mention key characters that also appear in this book: Christian, Toulouse, Harold Zeidler, etc." The man clapped his hands in delight. "I believe my dear, that you are the very person I was in London trying to find. That is, if your name is Natalie." She nodded. "And who might you be?" "I am the Duke!" Natalie looked stunned. "You're the Duke?" He nodded. Natalie's face fell. Her mother's letters had told her of the cruelty of the Duke. "I loved your mother, but that damned writer stole her from me. However, generous man that I am, I shall allow you to live in my house as well as help you find answers to your past." He said eagerly. Natalie smiled politely. "Thank you; however, I already have accommodations." "And where might that be, my dear?" Natalie was beginning to loath this man. "I fail to see, sir, that my accommodations are any of your concern. Furthermore, I must kindly request that you cease calling me 'my dear' as I find it consider it an insult." The Duke grew angry. "You are my property and I shall call you whatever I please!" Natalie stood indignantly. "I am no one's property, least of all yours. Good day, sir!" She picked up her handbag and suitcase and left the cabin. She was walking hurriedly down the aisle, and she didn't notice the young man coming towards her. He was engrossed in a letter. Neither noticed the other until it was too late.
They collided. Natalie's book and handbag were knocked to the ground. "A thousand apologies, Miss. My fault entirely." He said as he knelt to retrieve her belongings. Natalie shook her head. "Nonsense, I should have been paying better attention." She said as he returned her possessions. The young man smiled a warm, friendly smile. "Do you mind if I ask where you were headed, suitcase in tow. After all, Paris isn't for another few hours." Natalie sighed. "I haven't decided yet. To tell you the truth, I was simply trying to get away from the incredibly rude man in 666." The young gentleman smiled again. "Well then, allow me to offer assistance. I'm in 447 and would be more than delighted to share it with you if you wish." He said as he held out his hand. Natalie smiled. "Your offer is indeed generous; however, I don't think you told me your name." "It's James." "James, I'm Natalie." She replied taking his hand. She was quite intrigued by this charming young man.
Author's note: I don't know much about trains, but there is a reason I used 666 for the cabin number. It is the number of the devil and that's what I think of when I think of the duke. Also, I have no idea how long a train ride would be from London to Paris. Like it? Please review.