Chapter Nine: The Choice
Outside of the de Bontecou château, a young servant paced anxiously. His master was late, again, for the millionth time in the past month. Just another batch of excuses that they would have to come up with for the old comte and comtesse…no, that was wrong. He would be the one that would have to come up with lies. Why did he have to be the better liar of the two of them anyway? His talent for making up convincing stories to cover their hides since they were children was both a blessing and a curse.
Twenty minutes now, twenty minutes that he would have to account for. This was going to be far from easy, and he knew he had to think fast. Maybe they could go jump in the pond, saying that Noblesse had thrown Lucien in and he had to help him! Non, that was too out of reach; besides, everyone knew Lucien was a decent swimmer. What else, what else? Perhaps a visit to an old schoolmate where Lucien had lost track of time? Non, too embarrassingly simple; he could do much better than that!
Then again, no he could not, he realized with a sigh. He had used all of best work on Lucien already! There truly was nothing left!
The young man checked his watch again. Twenty-five minutes, just as he had suspected.
With a frustrated sigh, he continued pacing until something in the window caught his attention.
If there was any good thing about spring, it was the intense spring-cleaning that occurred throughout the château. And may the Lord be thanked for it, he thought with a delighted grin as one of the housemaids spotted him looking while she cleaned the window. She smiled shyly as he began to make silent but pleasant conversation with her, the sort that often led to a rendezvous in a secluded nook somewhere later that night.
"As usual, Lumière is getting into trouble without me, I see! Whatever should we do with him?"
The servant, Lumière, whirled around startled as he found Lucien riding up the path towards him. But by the time he turned back to his window conversation, Lumière frowned to find that his lovely center of attention had continued her work upon seeing Lucien. So much for his evening plans.
Lucien winced as he dismounted Noblesse, gathering a package before handing over the reins to Lumière. "Bad timing?" he asked.
"Non, not entirely," Lumière replied, leading the horse to the stables as Lucien followed. "Nothing that I can not arrange later; servant first above all else as we both know."
"Nonetheless, you are my best friend," Lucien countered, jumping easily to sit on the stall gate as Lumière settled Noblesse in. He could not resist a chuckle as he added, "I should know better by now not to interrupt you when in romantic pursuit."
Lumière laughed gently. All things considered, he would admit that his lot in life was a fortunate one. Master and servant aside, the boys had been the best of friends since they were children, so much so that there was no surprise in anyone's mind when Lumière was made Lucien's valet, and that was exactly how things had remained to this day.
"Please, do not worry yourself over it, mon ami," Lumière said reassuringly before allowing his tone to become serious. "Better to focus on that than to worry about more important things."
Lucien frowned at what he knew was inevitably to come. "What lovely little beauty are my doting parents planning for me to meet tonight?" he asked, sarcasm dripping from his words.
Lumière sighed, now wishing that Lucien was still nowhere to be found. "Whatever you do, please do not kill the messenger."
"Oh, this sounds promising."
"Does the name Nicolette de Solange sound familiar?"
Lucien stared at him blankly. "Nicolette is here? Dieu, I have not seen her since we were eleven, before the disagreement between our parents."
Lumière nodded. "They have all settled their differences, for both of your sakes, I suppose, and from what I have heard earlier…the betrothal is once again set in stone."
Lucien's face furiously took on an angered shade of red. "Without consulting me? They are so insistent that I 'grow up,' yet they make such a decision without my opinion?"
Lumière offered a knowing look, perhaps one of the few people who could do so when Lucien was this upset. "Being reasonable, would you have agreed to it?"
Lucien jumped from the gate, storming his way to the château with Lumière in tow. "That is not the point! When will they understand that my life belongs to me?"
Lumière stood in front of him, planting his feet firmly in place before Lucien could grab the door handle. "And if you go in there like this, it will only bring you down a notch in your attempts to prove that to them. Do yourself the biggest favor, and greet them with respect, whether or not you feel that they hurt you. On a more important note, think about Nicolette! You two were very good friends when you were little, I remember; when you were told that you were not to speak to her again, how did you feel?"
"A little upset," Lucien answered stubbornly.
"Please, you would not speak to your parents for weeks!" Lumière argued. "Now you have the chance to make up for lost time; believe me, you would be stupid not to take advantage of it."
Lucien sighed, defeated. He hated it when Lumière actually had a good point, and this time, Lumière was absolutely right. If anything good came from tonight, it would be the chance to see Nicolette again.
"Very well," Lucien growled. "Lead on."
Lumière nodded, satisfied with his victory before he opened the front door. At first, the foyer was completely silent, but both men kept their eyes on the clock counting down the final seconds of peace and quiet before the Comtesse de Bontecou came to meet them.
"What on earth could have possibly kept you out so long this time?" she said, her tone very much reminding them of a watchdog after it had spotted trespassers.
While Lumière began thinking fast, having not yet devised an explanation, Lucien simply handed over the package, hardly flinching under his mother's scolding eyes.
"Bringing home yet another one of your new dresses, Mother," he said, barely suppressing a laugh when he saw Lumière breathe a subtle sigh of relief. "What else would I be doing?"
"I never know anymore with you, Lucien," the Comtesse answered in the process of opening the package. "For all we know, you could be off doing charity work again."
Lucien took the moment of distraction to look at Lumière with extreme confusion. The valet shrugged sheepishly, mouthing his words as he replied, "It was the best I could do."
The Comtesse, in the meantime, examined the garment, obviously very pleased with what she saw. "Dieu, this is marvelous, surely Madame Veston's best work yet!" she said with admiration, returning the dress to its box. "I must send her my thanks; Nicolette will look astonishing in it."
"Nicolette? I thought it was for you."
"Not this time," she said. "We needed a present for the child, and she needed only the best that Paris has to offer. The poor girl does not have a mother as you know, and her father does not have the slightest idea about how to make his daughter a gem. She needs a woman's touch, and this will certainly do the trick. Now you boys hurry to the drawing room, and we ladies shall join you in a moment."
Before Lucien could say anything, the Comtesse headed for the stairs again before she disappeared into the hallway of guestrooms.
"I still want to know how women do that," Lumière muttered.
"Do what?"
"Talk our ears off and then vanish like phantoms."
Lucien laughed. "I think they plan every word meticulously before they speak, not intending for us to understand even after they are gone. But she will be back, and if she finds us still standing here, she will not be kind."
"Very true," Lumière agreed, shuddering at the thought and following Lucien to the sitting room.
Inside, two older gentlemen rose as they entered. Lucien unwillingly stepped forward, ready to be put on display like a prized stallion, while Lumière kept the respectable distance that his position required.
"Ah, there he is; home at last!" the Comte de Bontecou said, leading Lucien towards their company by the shoulder. "Rodel, you remember my son, Lucien, non?"
Lucien put on his noble face, standing tall and proud, the normal routine. Offering his hand, he smiled politely. "An honor to see you again, monsieur," he said.
De Solange looked at Lucien's hand briefly, as though debating whether he should accept it, before actually doing so. "Likewise, of course," he said slowly, inspecting the boy and making no attempt to hide it. "It certainly looks as though he has become the man you speak of so proudly, Armand."
Lucien's smile faded. This was going to be a long night if the only way de Solange would speak to him was through his father.
"Indeed, he is," de Bontecou agreed, quite determined in his words. "The finest son a man could ask for, a perfectly suitable match for your daughter as he always was."
"Yes, well, we shall see about that."
Definitely a long night, Lucien decided solemnly. Clearly the reborn trust was not as established as he had thought, which meant tedious hours of having to prove himself in the eyes of the old comte. It was the story of his entire life.
As he had expected, the next hour was an inquisition, his future father-in-law asking him questions about his goals in life, his habits, and his prospects, in an attempt to determine if Lucien was a responsible, steady, respectable young man who would manage his finances and estate wisely and make a good husband for Solange's precious offspring, or just a profligate scoundrel who would fritter away the family fortune on drink and gambling, like so many of the immature wastrels passing as young noblemen today.
Finally, Lucien could stand no more. "Would you both excuse me for a moment?" he asked, hardly waiting until his father gave him the official nod of leave before he headed to the door. Lumière, of course, followed close behind, prepared to play the role of companion over servant.
Closing the door to a nearby sitting room, Lumière ventured to say the first word. "All things considered, first impressions went rather well, oui?" Lucien did not reply, thus allowing Lumière to continue. "No need to worry, if you ask me. The Comte de Solange was never a sociable or pleasant man to begin with that I remember."
"At the risk of sounding horrifically dramatic, that alone sealed my fate to languish in misery for all eternity," Lucien said at last. "Having to be in that man's company simply because they want me to marry his daughter is not something that I am looking forward to."
"I hardly know any man who likes his in-laws," Lumière said with a reassuring grin, pouring them both a glass of wine. "It is the daughter you have to focus on, you know that. Make her love you and you are set for life."
"Easy for you to say," Lucien replied, accepting the glass and taking a long sip. "You can have any woman you want."
"I know but this talk is not about me," Lumière joked with a smirk, trying to get a laugh from his friend. Speaking seriously again, he added, "Just remember, you and Nicolette were friends before. At least you will have her as your wife instead of some nagging old thing that you can not stand."
"Please, I have not seen her in years; how am I to know that she has not become her father?"
A knock on the door prevented Lumière from answering the question, and the boys turned attentively as it opened.
"Lucien?" the Comtesse called, not waiting for the men as she led a younger girl forward. Smiling encouragingly between her son and the girl, she said, "You remember Nicolette, oui?"
Lucien could not help staring; Nicolette was no longer just a pretty little girl of eleven but now a beautiful young woman instead. Wavy chocolate locks of hair framed her pleasant face, and despite her serious expression, her dark eyes still had a childlike, playful sparkle about them. Perhaps this really would not be such a terrible night.
However, as the Comte de Solange cleared his throat impatiently, causing his daughter to curtsy quickly like a trained dog obeying its master, Lucien inwardly groaned as his momentary hope vanished. The years may have aged her gracefully, but they had also turned her into what he disappointedly called "one of them."
"Of course, how could I forget?" Lucien replied, bowing politely and attempting a stronger show of interest as he took her hand respectfully. "It is an honor to see you again."
"The honor is very much mine," Nicolette replied quietly, about as excited as he was when he kissed her hand chastely. "You have my gratitude for inviting my father and me to join you for dinner."
"Speaking of which, I wonder what is taking Chef so long!" the Comtesse interrupted, in desperation to lighten the mood. "Chanlet had the most splendid meal planned; is that not so, Lumière? Your father unfailingly gives us the finest in the world!"
"Only the best, Madame," Lumière agreed
"There you have it, and yet Chef takes such ungodly long hours to finish cooking it all!" she laughed, gesturing to her husband and guest. "We should find out if he is having any trouble."
De Bontecou stared at his wife as though she had grown four extra heads. "Us? Check on dinner?"
"And let our lovely couple become reacquainted, yes!" she growled through her teeth.
De Solange immediately scowled at the idea. "Leave them alone with each other?" he said. "I should certainly think not."
"Of course not alone," the Comtesse said dismissively. "Lumière will be here to chaperone."
De Solange took one look at the valet, who smiled reassuringly, before he made his decision. "I shall send Jolie in to join you," he said to Nicolette.
"Of course, Father, as you wish."
Only when the three elders had left did Nicolette begin to breathe evenly again, and both Lucien and Lumière watched bewildered as the seemingly prim and proper girl literally flopped onto the chaise.
"Dieu, I am so glad that is over!" she said, greatly relieved. "I thought it would never end!"
Lucien raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Who are you, and what happened to that girl I saw moments ago?"
Nicolette laughed harder. "Lucien de Bontecou, when have you ever known me to be so serious as that? Or have you forgotten after all these years?"
Lucien shook his head, at last showing a genuine smile as he moved to join her on the chaise. "Well you have to admit, it has been a long time."
"Mon Dieu, it certainly has!" she agreed, giddy as a child on Christmas morning.
"But by God, look at you, you have not changed a bit," he said with a boyish smile. "A little taller, perhaps, but surely still the same awkward little bit of a girl that I remember."
Nicolette gasped, mockingly stung by his words, as she folded her arms teasingly. "The same could be said for you, very much the same little boy who found fun in placing a frog in my lap at the dinner table."
Lucien snapped his fingers. "And smarter too, unfortunately. I was very much hoping to relive the priceless moment tonight, but you are too quick for me!"
"Always was," Lumière added with a smirk.
Nicolette giggled as she looked beyond Lucien. "Once the partner in crime and always will be, I see," she said. "Do not think that I had forgotten about you, Lumière."
"And may a woman never do such a thing!" Lumière chuckled, bowing respectfully. "But it is lovely to see you again, Mademoiselle Nicolette."
"Likewise, of course," she replied before breaking into a teasing smirk. "However, I have also not forgotten how completely evil the both of you were when you teamed yourselves up against me. How can I honestly trust that history will not repeat itself?"
Lucien shook his head. "I speak for myself when I say you can rest assuredly trust me, but I do not know about Lumière. For all I know, he is merely putting up a front so he can plot a way to take you for himself, the charmer he is."
"Plotting, ha!" Lumière scoffed. "Do not listen to a word he says, mademoiselle, as he is just as guilty in such accusations!"
"What could he possibly be planning against you?" Nicolette asked, amused.
Lumière frowned. "To ruin my good reputation by making me out to be a irresponsible, inconsiderate fool!"
Nicolette winked discreetly at Lucien before rising to pat the seemingly begrudged Lumière on the shoulder comfortingly. "Oh, do not think such things, mon ami," she said. "I will protect your good name, I promise!"
Lumière dropped to his knees in mock gratitude. "You are too kind!" he cried playfully, forcing the others to laugh openly at his dramatics. "He does not deserve a fiancée as wonderful as yourself!"
While Nicolette continued to be amused, Lucien's laughter slowly ceased upon hearing the word "fiancée." Just when things were becoming friendly and comfortable, Lumière had to open his big mouth, intentionally or not. He hardly heard the scene before him continue, when Jolie entered the room after timidly knocking on the door.
"Forgive the interruption, mademoiselle, but your father ordered me to…"
"To join in the fun, of course," Nicolette finished for her, her laughter at last calming down. "Jolie, come here; you must meet everyone." Leading the maid forward, Nicolette continued in a manner of introduction. "This is Lumière; he is…"
"Very delighted," Lumière interrupted, immediately reaching for Jolie's hand to bring it to his lips. The maid blushed profusely, but made no attempts to hide a tiny grin.
"A pleasure, monsieur," she said, curtsying gently.
"The pleasure is all mine," Lumière replied with a charming smile. "Your mistress should have warned us how exquisite you were. My weak heart can hardly stand the intense beating it must endure when such an angel steps into the room."
"And this," Nicolette interjected, rolling her eyes and turning Jolie to face Lucien, "is Monsieur Lucien, the Vicomte de Bontecou."
Jolie curtsied deeper this time. "Monsieur, it is my greatest honor."
Honor, it is always an honor, Lucien thought, but nonetheless nodded courteously in return.
Catching the hint of discomfort, Nicolette turned to Lumière.
"Lumière, I do not believe that Jolie has been given a tour of the château," she said. "Would you be a gentleman - and I mean literally a gentleman - and show her around, please?"
Lumière took one glance at Lucien, sighing to himself, but smiled wholeheartedly. "But of course, mademoiselle, as you wish." He offered his arm to Jolie, his grin once again flashing charm and chivalry. "Shall we?"
Jolie looked a little hesitant, not wanting to disobey the Comte de Solange, but at Nicolette's reassuring nod, she slowly accepted Lumière's arm to follow his lead. Nicolette patiently waited until they were out of earshot before she rejoined Lucien on the chaise.
"I knew that would be just the thing to make him leave," she said, attempting humor.
Lucien offered a halfhearted smile. "Indeed, Lumière would never pass up the opportunity to show off to a pretty girl."
An uncomfortable pause came between them before Nicolette tried again to speak. "You were right, you know; it really has been a long time. I do not even remember what caused the disagreement between our parents in the first place."
"Neither do I," Lucien agreed. "I missed you a great deal."
"As did I miss you. You were my dearest friend, treating me like a member of your own family."
Lucien shook his head, laughing weakly. "Well, soon you truly will be," he said, wincing as he realized how rude he must have sounded. "Not that I do not want you to be, but…"
"It is not a comfortable situation for me either," Nicolette replied, touching his arm to comfort him. "You friendship has always meant so much to me, Lucien. That alone is what helps me accept our parents' decision, and we must accept it for everyone's sake. You and I both know that it is our duty and responsibility to our families, and if I must have someone chosen for me…I am very happy that it is you, my dear friend."
Lucien turned his head slightly so that she would not see him bite his lip at her words. At that very moment, the pure resentment he had against this engagement increased tenfold upon hearing her words, and he cursed his parents and her father even more than before. Why did it have to be Nicolette? It would have been so much easier if it were anyone but her, a woman he cared about! But that was all he felt for her; his heart belonged to another that no one could ever know about.
Only when he found courage and strength did Lucien looked at her again, his future bride, his dear friend. That was all.
"You are right," he murmured. "Absolutely right. My dear friend, till the very end. I promise."
ooo
Later that night at Le Fleur Noir, Babette roughly combed a brush through her hair before she heard a knock at her door.
"You are late!" she called, angrily, without even having to see Lucien to know that it was him.
He opened the door, locking it behind him. Walking to her seat in front of a small mirror, he placed his hands on her bared shoulders, massaging them gently as he buried a kiss into her hair.
"I know, and I am sorry," he whispered. "Previous commitment that I could not miss; such is the way of nobles."
"A commitment more important than me?" she asked, pouting.
"Never, amour. You wound me by even suggesting such a terrible notion."
Babette turned in her seat to look up into his handsome eyes. "You missed my dance, which was horrible without you here to watch," she scolded, hints of playfulness in her exaggerations. "I looked so foolish! For that, I will never forgive you!"
As she returned to brushing her hair, more furiously than before, Lucien took it gently from her to take on the task himself. Slowly, he combed her dark tresses so tenderly that the bristles caressed all the right places, causing a tingling sensation to engulf her, and Babette could not resist a sigh of delight.
"Mmm, stop that," she fought weakly, reaching for his hand. "I want to stay mad at you, and you know I can not do so when you fight unfairly."
Lucien smiled as he placed the brush on her dresser, and cupped her face in his hands. "All is fair in love and war, chérie."
"All except you."
"And you would not have it any other way," Lucien replied huskily, claiming a desperate kiss that he had hungered for all night.
His precious, mysterious Babette. As she rose to her feet, pressing herself closely against him, Lucien enveloped her in his embrace.
He had made his choice, risky as it was. No matter where he was or who he was with, his heart longed to be with her. She was his heaven, his paradise, and at her side was the only place where he truly belonged.
