Chapter 36 – Victor Hugo
BELLA
The Marais district was a winding maze of multi-faceted streets that begged to be explored. It burst with small boutiques, historic buildings, cozy restaurants, and hidden parks. Around each corner, we came across little gems of architecture spanning the centuries, from understated medieval towers to classical libraries and seventeenth century splendor.
I itched to explore the boutiques, but Edward winked at me as the driver continued to our destination. It was a bit strange, us not stopping. I hadn't willing gone until any store since our first day, and the blue dress I tried on was in our room when we returned for a nap. Even though I loved the way I looked in the dress, I didn't want it for the plain fact it was too fancy and where would ever where such a gown. Edward pointed out there were several social events coming up in which I would need out-of-this-world gowns. And I countered that the first event was at the end of October and the dress would not fit then. All he could do was smile. Two days later, he talked me into slipping the dress on. I flat out refused at first until Edward produced box seats to the opera.
Deciding it was best to let Edward just have his way, I sat back and silently pouted.
"We have plenty of time to explore to our hearts content, Bella. There's just somewhere I would like to take you first."
I pivoted my head to take in his profile. "If we have plenty of time, then why didn't we stop?"
"'There are plenty who regard a wall behind which something is happening as a very curious thing.'"
Why in the world was he quoting The Hunchback of Notre Dame?I asked, and all Edward did was motion to the front window.
A red brick and stone building was in front of us. I couldn't see the significance of it, and it didn't explain a thing. Edward remained silent as I nearly begged for answers.
"Come on, you have to give me something."
"And spoil my fun so soon," he said, leaning over and kissing me. "All I'll tell you this, where we are headed is the main reason we're in Paris."
Well, if that wasn't the most cryptic answer. It seemed getting answers from my dear husband wasn't going to happen. And as much as he loved to surprise me, I wasn't keen on this one. Sighing, I sat back and waited.
Soon, the driver came to a stop and Edward slipped out of the car, coming around to help me out.
Hand-in-hand, we moved toward the mansion. I didn't question, believing Edward knew where he was going. Coming to a stop a few feet from the door, Edward pointed up.
Following his outstretched hand, I saw a sign and all I made out was Victor Hugo. "Uh?"
"Hugo lived here from 1832 to 1848 with his family," Edward whispered close to my ear. "It's now a museum dedicated to him."
EDWARD
I jumped back as Bella spun to face me. Her face was one of pure surprise and adoration.
"This is why you brought me to Paris," she said in a low voice.
I nodded. "You mentioned waiting to see Notre Dame Cathedral and walk where Hugo walked."
She was silent, and I could see the wheels working. "I did, didn't I."
I smiled down at her a long moment. "Shall we?" I asked, indicating the door.
~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~
We spent three hours in the museum, more time than we had spent at the Louvre, but I loved watching Bella. She examined everything, especially the displays of his manuscripts and correspondence. She asked our guide questions left and right, and not just about Victor but about history of the building and the square outside.
Bella was on such a high, chatting away about what we had seen, she hadn't noticed me pulling out my wallet and purchasing a couple or four books written by Victor Hugo and a biography about him. And for once, I felt she wouldn't argue with me about the purchases being unnecessary. I was after all helping her build a library.
The car was outside when we exited the museum and, after handing off the bag to the driver, I opened the door for Bella. Speaking quietly with the driver, getting a recommendation for lunch before doing a little shopping in Marais.
~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~
Notre Dame Cathedral loomed before us. This was the one destination I was looking forward to the most. I didn't know what it was about ancient churches, their history or the architecture, but they called to me. During lunch, I told Bella our next "touristy" destination, she wanted to skip the shopping.
It didn't take long to convince her we had time for both, well, I did have to show her how close we were to the cathedral.
As I stood there peering up at the church, I couldn't help but think of what Victor Hugo wrote about the now famous building. "'A vast symphony in stone,'" I said aloud.
"What?"
I turned and glanced down at Bella. "That's what Victor Hugo wrote about the cathedral," I elaborated. "And I have to say, I agree."
"Yeah, I wouldn't be able to write it any better. Too bad we can't go in."
It was the one piece of information I missed. Our driver was the one who informed me of it still be closed for renovation. "Then… I guess we'll have to come back in a couple of years."
She laughed. "Of course we will."
We walked around, looking at the church at what we could see.
BELLA
I was getting tired and was ready to go back to the hotel for a nap. When I told Edward, he pulled out his phone and sent the driver a text.
"He'll be here in a half hour, love. While we wait, there is a shop nearby I want to check out. Do you mind?"
Did I mind? He was the one giving me Paris. Every shop and place we went was somewhere I dreamed of going. Yes, I resisted him when it came to some of the shops, only because I hated he was spoiling me. That there was finally a shop he wanted to go to thrilled me to no end. "No, I don't mind."
He smirked over at me before guiding in the direction of the shop. The shop ended up being a bookstore – The Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. I wanted to thrash me. It was bad enough he had bought books, for me no doubt, from the Victor Hugo museum. I hadn't said a word.
"No," I said, dropping his hand.
He turned. "Bella, I really want to go in this shop. Whether you find something or not, I don't care."
"I'll sit outside, then."
Edward frowned. "I'd rather you came inside with me."
I crossed my arms and stared at him, he in turned, mirroring me. The battle of the stubborn had begun, and I was determined to win.
"I'm not opposed to throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you inside."
"And have me yelling and beating on your back, causing a scene."
Edward raised his hand and ran it down his face. "Please, come in with me."
I stood my ground, and Edward stood his.
Looking down at my watch, I noticed we had fifteen minutes until the driver would pick us up. Guilty washed over me as we continued to stand there, glaring at each other. I had agreed going to the shop he wanted, and now I was refusing to go in with him. It wasn't fair to him. Another five minutes ticked by before I huffed, "Fine. Let's go."
I followed him inside, perusing the titles as he did the same. My eyes landed on book, The Language and Sentiment of Flowers. It looked old. I pulled it out and looked at the publication date – 1880. Flipping through it I came across a list of what each flower meant. I never knew flowers meant something, and when I read what roses meant, it brought tears to my eyes. The delivery of roses week ago hadn't been the first time he gave me a rose. How long hand he loved me before telling me? And that was the state Edward found me in, crying.
"Are you okay?"
With a nod, I closed the book and, without thought, handed it to him and added it to the one in his hand. He grabbed my arm as I made to move around him, his eyes boring into mine.
"Later," I said to his unspoken question.
"Very well."
We made our way to the register. Edward didn't even flinch when he heard the total. Though he did asked how, and the sales clerk showed him the rare book and explained it was a first edition. I didn't miss his smile as he handed over his credit card.
EDWARD
Bella looked so peaceful, and I didn't want to wake her. We had been going non-stop since the second day. We still had two days left.
After we got back, she told me the reason for her tears and it had to do with the rare book. I didn't understand, but didn't press her. I held her until her breathing evened out. Pulling out the book, I scanned the pages, hoping it would hold answers. And it did, sort of. Retrieving my phone, I looked up the meaning of roses and then of one-hundred roses. I couldn't be sure, but I now understood her tears.
Leaving Bella a note that I went out and would return, I went for a walk with no real destination in mind. It was when I got to Starbucks, I realized I needed to talk to someone. After ordering a tea, I pulled out my phone, I dialed Dad, hoping he wasn't at work.
"Hello," he answered after a few rings.
"Hey Dad."
"Edward, I didn't expect to hear from you until you and Bella got back. Has something happened."
I gave him a high-level overview of the trip so far, how I was making it memorable, and spoiling Bella.
"It sounds like you two are enjoying yourselves."
"We are. I wanted to go the bookstore you and Mom told me about today, since it was nearby. Bella refused to go in," I said before sighing. "We stood outside for fifteen minutes before she finally agreed. She ended up finding a rare book."
"That doesn't sound bad."
I took a sip of my now cold tea. "When I found her, she was crying. I thought at first it was because she was tired. She didn't say more until we got back to our room."
"And…" Dad prompted.
"She was crying because of the book she found. It wasn't until after she fell asleep, I took a look at the book. It's a book about flowers and has poetry in it, as well as, a list of meanings for each type." I paused before added one word. "Roses?"
"Roses? I not sure I know what you mean."
I wasn't sure if I could explain. "Did you know flowers have meanings?"
Dad had the nerve to laugh. "Yes, Edward, I do."
I took another sip and grimaced. It was so much better hot. "I sent Bella a hundred roses. That's how I told her I loved her."
Dad hmmm'd. I didn't think he was understanding what I was saying. "There's a meaning behind the number I sent."
"And what would that be, Edward?"
"Total devotion that would last a hundred years."
Dad sighed. "I would say that is befitting."
Yes, I admitted. It was. "Thanks for listening, Dad. I think I know how to handle things now."
"I'm here for you anytime."
The problem was I didn't think I could get Bella to accept a constant reminder of how much I loved her. And I very much wanted to commemorate that day with something special, something lasting. To me, nothing was more lasting than jewelry, and not just any piece of jewelry from some run of the mill jewelry store. What I had in mind was a rose around her neck, at her wrist, or on her ears, or maybe I should just find a complete set.
~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~
The rest of the trip, I just focused on making the days special, letting Bella pull me into shops for a change.
I think we were both glad to be home.
