Welcome back to all my faithful readers!
Banzi, Glad you liked it.
Mustard Lady, If only he had one at the time, would have saved him a lot of trouble.
ImagineATale, Agathe can be quite crafty, coincidentally of course XD.
Chapter 30
After they left Gaston at the tavern Belle lead Adam to the washing area. It was still early and Madeline might still be there helping with the laundry. She had missed the little girl who she had learned to read and wanted to introduce Adam to her.
She saw the little girl folding the last of het laundry and pulled Adam along. "Hey there Madeline, how have you been?"
The little girl looked up, "Belle! Can we read again?"
Belle laughed, "Another time, I haven't brought a book with me. I did bring a friend, Madeline this is Adam. Adam meet Madeline, I tried to teach her how to read, but we were rudely interrupted last time."
Adam held out his hand, "Hello Madeline, nice to meet you. I think it is great that you're learning to read, I would like to see that. Maybe Belle could bring a book tomorrow and you could show me."
Madeline chewed on her bottom lip, nervously looking at the school across the street. "Tomorrow there is school and the headmaster doesn't approve. He might see and get angry again."
"Well," Belle said, "He will just have to get used to it. Besides Adam will be here as well, he will help keeping the headmaster away, I hope."
"Of course I will." Adam said. "How bad can the man be, surely he must like to see someone so eager to learn?"
Belle and Madeline looked at each other, "Actually, he hates it. According to him a girl shouldn't read, last time he saw me teaching her, he said and I quote: 'Teaching another girl to read? Wasn't one enough?' before he proceeded to gather people to dump my laundry on the street."
Adam looked horrified, "You can't be serious, a girl has just as much right to learn as a boy."
"He seems to think otherwise." Belle simply said. "But tomorrow there will be no laundry for him to ruin, he will just have to accept that a girl wants to read."
Madeline hugged Belle, "Thank you, I can't wait. Will you bring the same book as last time?"
"I will."
Madeline gave a happy smile, "I have to go, mother is expecting me back. I'll see you tomorrow!" She quickly ran away, carrying her laundry with her.
"What a lovely girl," Adam said. He looked around and turned pale. "O no...not her."
Belle looked around, "Who? Is there someone you recognise?"
Adam nodded, "That woman hasn't changed a bit in all those years. The same unpleasant face as always, makes it hard to forget."
Belle looked around and saw one woman who matched the description, "You can't mean she has a relative! She is horrid, always commenting on everything. In fact she supported the headmaster in his endeavour to stop me from learning Madeline to read. Clothilde is very set in her ways, if she has relatives the chances are very slim."
Adam grimaced, "Sadly she does. Cogsworth hardly ever had something to say about her and if he did it wasn't pleasant."
"Maybe we should tell Gaston," Belle said. "He could try to talk to her tomorrow, though I don't envy him."
"You're right, we'd better tell him now." The pair made their way back to the tavern, knowing they'd find Gaston there.
Sitting on his own in the tavern, Gaston thought of that horrid morning. He felt ashamed that he had been ready to quit, just because of one man who had been making it difficult for him. He chuckled, he wouldn't mind crossing paths with Sebastian once more, he would love to know how he would handle being blind.
Starting to feel thirsty he got up and made his way to the bar, unaware the people were still watching him. Some to see if he was really alright after the attack, others to see what he might do.
He grabbed a glass and held it next to the keg of beer, finding the opening, he let the beer flow into his glass. Using his fingers to feel along the edge. When he felt the beer reach the top of his fingers, he stopped the flow of beer and walked back to his seat.
He took a few swallows before he heard footsteps approaching.
"Impressive, monsieur."
"What is?" Gaston was confused, what did he do?
"How you filled that glass. How did you do that without getting beer all over the floor?"
Gaston laughed, "That's really easy, would you like a beer? I'll pour you one and you watch how I do it."
"All right, pour me one."
The pair walked to the bar, Gaston took another glass to fill and held it below the keg.
The crowd was watching with anticipation, could he do it again?
"Two livre that he'll do it again."
"Fine, I say he'll make a mess this time."
Gaston smirked, they were actually betting if he could fill a glass. Once more he had filled the glass without spilling. "Considering you all like to bet on my capabilities on filling glasses, who would another from me?" He might as well have some fun for once. Turning to his companion he asked, "You don't mind do you?"
He heard the most beautiful laugh he had ever heard, "Of course not, show them what you can do. It'll be entertaining to watch."
Gaston continued to fill the glasses for the patrons of the tavern, not making a mess even once. Once all the men and woman had their glasses, they applauded him.
"How did he do that?"
"Is he really blind?"
He smiled at the gossip that was starting, but turned his attention back to the woman that was waiting for him. "Eliana was it?"
"You remembered!" Eliana said delighted.
"How could I forget? Thank you for your help the other day."
"It was nothing, that Sebastian had gone to far. There is no honor is attacking a blind man. Though I've heard and can see, there was another attack. Regrettably I don't have a handkerchief this time."
Gaston laughed, "I wouldn't want you to give them all to me, besides I've heard Sebastian is no longer in the village. I might actually stay out of trouble from now on."
Eliana chuckled, "That might be a shame, you without trouble just isn't the same."
This got Gaston thinking, he had thought she was a traveller when he didn't recognise her voice previously. Now however it sounded like she had known him for a long time. "I suppose it isn't."
"Gaston, Eliana, what a surprise!" LeFou said. "Did something happen here because there are a lot of people toasting to you."
"Really? I quite like the sound of that." Gaston smirked. "It was just a matter of time before they returned to their senses after all."
Jaw dropping open LeFou stood there, wasn't the old Gaston supposed to be gone? "Are you feeling alright?"
"Of course I'm alright," Gaston said seriously, "Why wouldn't I be?"
Understanding the game Gaston was playing Eliana decided to play along, "Why shouldn't he be? Isn't he the greatest man that ever lived?" She said dreamily.
LeFou was at a loss for words, was something wrong with the curse, maybe he should get Agathe.
Gaston burst out laughing, "I wish I could see your face, that look must be priceless!"
"Very funny." Though LeFou couldn't hide his laughter. "I was starting to get worried. Glad to see you still have a sense of humor. And you for playing along."
Eliana laughed, "Your face was just so comical I couldn't resist joining in. Too bad you couldn't see it though, he turned pale and then looked like he was about to choke."
"I know that face, he had it quite often." Gaston smirked at his loyal friend. "Sorry my friend, couldn't pass up the opportunity."
"I gathered that..."
"So they are toasting, that sounds very accepting wouldn't you say?"
Understanding the hidden message LeFou smiled, "That is does, glad to see you are treated respectfully again. Your friends at Adam's...estate, must be thrilled to hear you are making friends here."
"I'm sure they will be." Gaston agreed, glad LeFou got the message.
"You two talk so strange." Eliana said. "I will be right back, I have to say something to my family."
As soon as she was out of earshot LeFou spoke, "Do you like her?"
Gaston looked up, "She's nice, ever since the beginning, what's not to like? I thought she was a traveller at first, because I didn't recognise her voice. However she said something that made me think she's known me for a longer time."
"You do actually, though you've never actually spoken to her before. I could tell you who..."
Gaston held up his hand, "No, I'd like to find out myself. It will be like hunting, except for prey, I'll be hunting for a face."
"Fair enough." LeFou shrugged. He looked in the direction of Eliana and saw her arguing, he shook his head. "She seems to have an argument with her family.
Gaston looked up, "Does she need help?"
"No, she holding her own and someone is on her side of the argument. She isn't alone, and by the looks of it she done arguing." He saw her leaving the conversation and heading back their way. "She's coming back."
"I'm sorry about that." Eliana said when she returned.
"No matter," Gaston said. "I hope there was nothing wrong."
"Only bigotry." Eliana huffed.
Gaston sighed, "Don't get in trouble with your family on my behalf."
"I won't, besides my mother and sister agree with me. It's just the other two."
"I could talk to them if you'd like?" Gaston offered.
"No, that won't be necessary, it will be alright in the end. Now how about you tell me some more about any hidden talents you have, besides pouring drinks without spilling."
"Pouring drinks?" LeFou asked.
"Yes, he poured for everyone here." Eliana excitedly explained.
"Really? How?"
Gaston held up two fingers, "I use my fingers to feel if the glass is getting full."
"So that's why they were toasting you." LeFou said.
"Yes I heard them betting on whether or not I could fill a second glass without spilling." Gaston smirked, "I did thirty-two without spilling. Seems I still manage to amaze people."
"Just don't let it get to your head." LeFou warned.
"Gaston."
"Belle? I thought you were having an evening with your father."
Adam spoke up, "Yes well, something came up." He noticed Eliana sitting with them and cleared his throat. "Perhaps I could speak to you privately, it concerns a distant relative."
Gaston stood up, "I apologise Eliana, I'll be right back. Perhaps you can talk to Belle, you know, about whatever you women talk about."
"Perhaps LeFou could join you two, he might get bored by our conversation." Belle suggested.
"Sure why not?" Gaston agreed. "Are you coming LeFou?"
The men moved upstairs to Gaston's room. Adam took a deep breath, "Gaston do you remember when I said I wouldn't recognise any relatives?"
Gaston nodded, "Yes, apart from a few mentioned, you have no idea who might be related."
"Seems I was mistaken, today I did recognise someone. Cogsworth's wife to be exact. According to Belle she might be a problem."
"Who is it, it can't be that difficult. I know you said he described her as a shrew, but honestly..."
"Clothilde." Adam interrupted.
Gaston sat there, "Please tell me this is an ill-conceived joke, that woman is a menace. How did he end up with her?"
LeFou grimaced, "She has a husband? I don't even know him, but I feel sorry already."
"It was an arranged marriage I believe, but I think they did feel something for each other nonetheless."
"Wow, I mean, Clothilde married. I still can't wrap my head around it. Poor husband." LeFou muttered.
"Yes, maybe you should start talking to her tomorrow, she might take some time to convince. Belle and I will be at the washing area, she wants to continue teaching a girl named Madeline to read. You could join us there, it might not be your favourite activity, but you could look for her there."
Gaston sighed, "Fine, LeFou will you be joining me there tomorrow? I'm going to need a pair of eyes that aren't glued to a book."
LeFou nodded, "I will, it will be a rough day, that is for sure."
Gaston groaned, he was not looking forward to talking to the woman.
"I'm going back down, than me and Belle will go to her house."
"We're coming with you."
Downstairs Belle looked at Eliana, "Thank you for your help the other day. Not just the handkerchief, but speaking up against Sebastian."
Eliana smiled, "It was no trouble, I mean he is still Gaston. He has just lost his sight, that doesn't mean he should be treated as they did."
"You're right, Adam and I helped him through the worst of it. He had it rough in the beginning, but when he got used to it, he found he could still do many things. We've even made it possible for him to ride a horse on his own back there. That was the first time we saw him smile since he lost his sight."
Eliana nodded, "It can't have been easy for him. He always was the leader of any group, now he has to be lead. That must have been quite the change."
"Surprisingly no, he just locked himself up in his room and after a while started exploring on his own. He mostly taught himself to find his way around, we only had to help a few times. He is still holding on to his independence." Belle explained.
Eliana saw the men coming back down, "That must have been an important relative, nothing was wrong I hope?"
"We'll have to see, but she can be quite the shrew at times." Gaston said.
"Well at least it is a distant relative, you won't have to see her often." Eliana helpfully added.
The group looked at each other with the same thought, if only that was true.
"I'm afraid Belle and I have to take our leave, her father is expecting us. It's been a pleasure to have spoken to you." Adam graciously said to Eliana.
"Perhaps until next time." She returned. "It was nice talking to you Belle, I'll be looking forward to our next conversation."
"I'll look forward to it as well, but Adam is right, we really have to go. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
The couple left and the remaining group stared at their retreating forms.
"I heard you can ride a horse at their home." Eliana said.
Gaston smiled, "Yes, they cleared a path, so the horse can only go one way and follow it. They left one opening along the route right across from the stables, so I know how to find the way back."
"Will you be returning there or will you be staying here?" Eliana asked. "It sounds like you had a good time there and people who took care of your needs."
"I will go back, but for now we're staying here. I really liked it there and Adam said I would be welcome to stay. But I'm sure he'd let my friends visit whenever they want, though a notice in advance would be appreciated."
Eliana looked down, "When will you be leaving?"
"Not for a while, we haven't decided. No need to sound sad about it, you could always visit." Gaston tried to reassure her.
Her smile fell and she stood up, "I'm sorry, I have to go." She quickly left the two men to themselves.
Gaston looked at LeFou with a surprised expression, "Is it something I said?"
"I could be wrong, but I think she was hoping for more than a visit." LeFou answered.
Cursing himself he sighed, "You honestly think she is interested in me. What could I possibly offer her?" Still the words sounded hollow to himself, LeFou was right, she was interested in him and he just told her she could visit from time to time. He sighed, "I'm an idiot."
LeFou raised his eyebrows, "Did you just call yourself an idiot?"
"Don't get used to it."
"What do you want to do now?" LeFou asked.
Gaston stood up, "I'm going to get some sleep, it's been a long day. Besides my back still hurts from this morning, I could use some rest."
"I'll be here at ten in the morning. Would you like me to bring anything?"
Gaston shook his head, "I'll be fine, I'll see you tomorrow." He walked up the stairs to his room, he shook his head. Tomorrow would be impossible, Clothilde would be a nightmare.
Belle and Adam had arrived at her home, "Unbelievable, Cogsworth and her. I mean..."
"I know what you mean." Adam answered.
"Ah Belle, Adam, you're late."
"Yes, something came up. I recognised someone, sadly it's the most unpleasant person to come across."
"Adam, you shouldn't say that. Everyone has good within them, sometimes it just takes longer to find." Maurice replied.
"Then I hope you can dig very deep." Adam deadpanned.
"Now, now, who is it? Who is that awful according to you?"
"Papa, Clothilde is married to Cogsworth. Remember the mantle clock?"
Maurice had wide eyes, "I better sit down." Of all people, Clothilde, Gaston has his work cut out for him.
"We immediately informed Gaston, he'll talk to her tomorrow." Adam said.
"We can only hope for the best." Maurice said.
The couple nodded, Gaston was in for a difficult day indeed.