As promised, the next chapter! Alright, I won't ba able to update in the next few days, as I am going to be flying to Sweden and will have no access to a computer until Friday, but I shall be writing a few chapters on the plane and in the airport. So expect updates this weekend. Sometime. Just to clear a few things up for this chapter: in the musical, my friend has pointed out to me that there is abounder who acts quite, shall we say, gay? Summery clothing, netting butterflies and the such. His name is Elton. Being a bounder, I assume he is Percy's friend, and being gay, I assume he has no children. I also assume that Percy knows of his friend's queerness. And he is now in the fic. Just thought you should know. That's all. REVIEW! CAPITAL LETTERS DEMAND ATTENTION AND COMPLETE COMPLIANCE!
Disclaimer: Luc is mine, Acton is mine, Andre is Emily's and Percy is the Scarlet Pimpernel!
Soon the Moon Will Smoulder
Chapter 9: And We All Have So Many Faces
After politely asking several times, Percy finally caved in and allowed Lucian to have his own study. After all, the young man was so becoming exceptionally good-natured, it was becoming less and less of a challenge to pass the illegitimate off as his own son. Percy passed the boy's previous ill temper off as merely one of the many changes that children experienced as they grew into adults and thought nothing more of it; so long as Lucian continued in the direction that he was heading, Percy took satisfaction in the thought that he had managed to transform that murderous fiend's son into a fine English gentleman.
And for this, Lucian could not be happier. Just as he had no access to Percy's study, there was but a single key for Lucian's that he kept in his possession at all times. He could now run a fully functional base of operations with no fear of discovery. Perfect.
His previous sympathy for the baronet had been consumed into the same, manipulative mindset with which he treated everyone. Of course, that was with the exception of his sister and his mother. Mind you, he had no intention of letting them know of his plans, but he was certainly not out to use them; he cared too much for them to treat them as mere tools.
He slowly walked around the expensive room, gently running his hand across the top of a mahogany desk; such a glorious place. It would serve him well until he had a chance to establish himself permanently in Paris, and as far as he was concerned, he already had an establishment from where he could execute the plans for his vengeance. Being that he was an established lawyer in Paris, Lucian found it appropriate to stay with Andre Madeline. After all, Andre had known and worked closely with his father. The little he did not know he would have Andre clear up for him.
Quickly running from the study, Lucian dashed into his room, removed the floorboard and withdrew his box, looked up and down the hallway, and sprinted back to his study, quickly closing and locking the door behind him. He placed the box on the desk, quickly removed the lid, and with the utmost care, removed the flag of France, the paper that Gilles had brought him, and copies of the letters marked with the Scarlet Pimpernel that Acton delivered to him. Gently running his fingers over the satin material, Lucian placed the neatly folded flag into the bottom drawer of the desk and locked it. Letters, top drawer, addresses, middle drawer, all promptly locked; there could be no risk of discovery.
Looking around the room, Lucian decided that he was satisfied with the layout for the moment and sat down heavily upon the chair, and, folding his arms behind his head, put his feet up on the desk and closed his eyes; life was so good…
A light tapping on the door, and the gently call of, "Lucian?" pulled the golden eyed man out of his elysian surroundings. Frowning slightly, he stood up and opened the door and found the baronet standing there holding a package under his arm. "May I come in, Lucian?"
Smiling slightly, he opened the door wider, motioning for the man to enter. "Of course, father."
Percy stepped inside and, smiling in content, he looked about, softly humming, and sat down in a chair before the desk. "Are you satisfied with your little corner, Lucian?"
"Yes, father," Lucian said softly as he sat back down in his chair. "I thank you. It is simply perfect."
"Splendid! So long as you're satisfied. Now," Percy said quietly as he placed the package on the desk and slid it across to the suddenly curious man, "this came for you today. From Madrid."
"Spain?" Lucian asked quietly, suspiciously turning over the package.
"Indeed. Do you mind informing me how you came upon an acquaintance from Spain, Lucian?"
How to get out of this mess…the package was no doubt from Teresia, and he was well aware that she and Percy were acquainted… "At the Prince's Ball, father," Lucian said quietly as he ran hid fingers over the package. "To get her to let me be, I told her I would marry her…"
"Christ, Luc!" Percy cried as he slammed his hand upon the desk. "You can't tell women those things! They are crazy about marriage and just throwing out vows like that make them worse! This woman is never going to leave you alone!"
"Yes, so I see…"
"And you would lie to be alone? For shame, son! Have I not taught you to be an honest man?"
"Yes, father, but…"
"No more, Lucian. Get yourself out of this mess. That will be challenge enough. Damn Spaniards never let go." Pausing for a moment, his clear blue eyes met the pale yellow. "On the subject of marriage, Lucian…"
"Father, no! Must we speak about this?"
"Luc, you are fifteen years old. It is by time you find yourself a wife!"
"But I don't…"
Percy leaned over, looked seriously into the young man's eyes, hands clasped on the desk. "Lucian, you're not like Elton, are you? Mind you, I don't have a problem with that, but if that is the case…"
"Father!" Lucian cried frantically, blushing slightly. "I am not a homosexual, I swear it!"
"Oh good! That saves the pesky task of adjusting the inheritance! Now, about this wife of yours…"
"Father, you did not marry until…"
"Never mind me, Luc," Percy said frivolously, "we are speaking about your future, not mine. No, son, you need to keep your eye opened. If you do not start looking now, all the girls will already be arranged to other fellows."
"But, father…"
"Now, I do not want anything to do with the arrange of your marriage, Lucian. Go out and find someone you love, bring her home, and you will have my blessing."
"Yes, of course," Lucian said tiredly. Honestly, speaking to the man was such a trial. "Give me some years to find someone? It really is quite trying, and I have not the time, energy, devices or social skills to attempt such a feat."
Percy leaned back, thought this over, finally said, "Well, what about Allison Ffoulkes?"
"Oh no, not Allison, father!"
"She is quite fond of you, Luc. She has actually been asking Andrew and myself for permission to your hand. Have you no interest in her? She is pretty enough."
"That she is, but I have no interest in her. She has been following me since we were young and has never ceased to let me be. She is far too needy for my taste." Lucian leaned back, sighing heavily. Heavens he wished Percy would let the matter drop. Always an uncomfortable subject, marriage. "If you are so intent on joining our two families, why not talk to Blake? He seems to have developed quite the liking for Allison."
"Has he really?" Percy asked, clearly interested. "This seems to have escaped my notice. When did this happen, Lucian?"
"I cannot say. He has always had a liking for the girl."
"Sink me, that is news!" Percy cried happily as he rose from the chair. "I shall have to bring this up with your brother and Andrew presently!" Just before he left the room, Percy lazily drawled, "The Dewhurst men are going to be arriving shortly, my boy. Do try to be sociable."
The door softly closed, and Lucian sprang up, locked the door, and returned to his chair, swiftly unwrapping his package. After quickly reading a short letter from La Cabarrus, Lucian quickly undid the ribbon binding a stack of papers together. Gently running his fingers over each sheet of paper, Lucian carefully read the contents of each letter, savoring each word; these were papers that his father had written, orders and directions addressed to Teresia. She had also included some of the letters that the Scarlet Pimpernel had left behind, along with Chauvelin's notes regarding the cryptic messages and speculations about the elusive hero's whereabouts.
These were the most precious things in the world. To handle his possessions was one thing, but to look upon the elegant scrawl of his father was the most personal thing that Lucian would ever have from the agent, the closest that he would ever come to his father. Not to mention that there was extremely valuable information within the notes and letters, but at that very moment, that was secondary. Lucian was close to tears as he read over the papers over and over again. The smooth, beautiful writing was so like his own; he had never felt closer to Chauvelin than he did at that very moment…
A soft knocking at the door, and he quickly placed the papers into the top drawer; he would look those over later. Slowly standing up, he went to the door, unlocked it, opened it slightly, and peeked out into the hallway, finding himself staring at a patiently waiting Acton Dewhurst.
Quickly opening the door, he ushered the young Dewhurst inside the study and locked the door behind them. "Acton! What have you for me today?"
"I brought you most of the things you wanted, Lucian," Acton said quickly as he pulled some papers out of his coat pocket and placed them on the desk. He took one of the folded pieces of parchment and carefully unfolded it, laid it out across the desk as Lucian sat back in his chair. "Here's the map of Paris," he said quietly as he smoothed out the folds in the paper, "and those are more of the papers from father's study, detailing one of the escape routs that the League used."
"Any closer to the Pimpernel, Acton?" Lucian asked softly as he looked over the papers.
"No, Lucian. Sorry. But I do have the things you wanted me to find in Paris!"
"Excellent. Show me."
Leaning over the map, Acton took a pen and quickly looked over the map. "Coming in from Calais, you would enter in through this gate," he said studiously, circling the indicated entrance with the pen. "The government building is here, and right across from that is the burial site of Saint Chauvelin."
Lucian carefully looked over the map as Acton circled the landmarks. Pointing to the last mark, he quietly asked, "The Saint was set to rest in the Place de la Revolution?"
"Yes."
"How appropriate. It looks really big on the map."
"It is big in actuality, Lucian. It may as well be a Greek Temple. May I continue?"
"By all means."
Quickly circling four other places, Acton stated, "These are the locations of the four addresses you gave me. The home of the soldier Mercier is here, Coupeau is here, and Madeline's residence is here, and the location of his office is here."
"And the soldiers' workplace?"
"They can be found in the new Military Academy, which is here, but they have offices in the government building as well. All you need do is ask for them."
"Excellent well. Good work as always, Acton. And of the Pimpernel?"
Acton shook his head. "My father spews the general rumors of the man, and merely laughs when I ask about the League. He will say nothing."
"We are no closer then?"
Grinning almost maliciously, Acton pulled another note from his coat and placed it upon the desk, keeping his hand upon it. "Oh, I would not say that, Lucian."
Lucian tensed, stopped breathing, quickly stood up, hands planted firmly on the desk and staring with wide, quivering eyes at the note under the young Dewhurst's hand. "Acton…let me see it."
"First, Lucian, you tell me what you're up to."
"Not unless you swear loyalty to me."
Acton looked quizzically at the gold-eyed boy. "And what do I get for it?"
"Anything."
"Anything?"
Lucian cringed; he was letting this child get the upper hand. Like hell he would be exploited by this thirteen year old. Breathing deeply, Lucian calmed his nerves and, with the most poise he could manage, walked from behind the desk, regarding the boy coldly and running his hand over the boy's shoulder. "Acton, I can get you anything you wish," he said quietly, coming to stand behind the boy. He slowly brought his arm across Acton's chest, the other wrapping itself around his waist, pulling the boy against his body. "How would you like my sister?" he asked smoothly, whispering in the boy's ear, and he felt the boy hold his breath; he had him now.
"You are quite fond of her, yes? She is getting quite beautiful, is she not? Have you seen her as of late? She is becoming a woman, Acton. Have you noticed? The long legs, the curves, the breasts, you have seen, haven't you?" The boy groaned and leaned against the man, and Lucian smiled all the more. "She can be yours, Acton. Imagine, that exquisite body all to yourself. Have her to wife, have her to make love to, have her for whatever you wish, Acton, I can give her to you."
"Could you really?" he asked softly, the breathlessness getting the best of him. Heavens how he wanted her…
"Of course, Acton. She trusts no other in the world as she trusts me. I have her complete faith. All I need do is tell her that I find you suitable for her, and she is yours."
"What must I do for you, Lucian?"
"Swear to me your complete loyalty for as long as I need you. You will continue to work for me as you have been, and the moment I have the name of the Pimpernel, Helouise Blakeney will be Helouise Dewhurst."
"You have my loyalty, Lucian." Acton said softly as he took the long fingered hand in his own and kissed it. "Wherever it is you go, I shall follow and obey."
"Good man. Now," he said smoothly as he released the boy and walked around the desk and back to his seat, "give me the letter you have."
Quickly handing over the note to the stoic man, he quickly stated, "That is a list of the names and locations all of the Pimpernel's allies and associates in France. I do not know when the list was created or how many of these people are still alive, but some are bound to still be living, an I can only assume that at least a few of them know the name of the Pimpernel."
Lucian's eyes widened in disbelief; if this was in fact valid, then his search could well be over, his vengeance nearly complete. "Acton, you are amazing."
"Thank you, Lucian."
"Continue the good work, my friend. When shall I see you next?"
"I haven't any idea. Next week, perhaps?"
"Very well. Be sure your sisters come with you. The girls and I have business." Acton bowed slightly before he turned to leave. "I shall put in word for you with my sister this afternoon, Acton. Excellent work. Keep it up." Smiling slightly, the boy left and quietly closed the door.
Smiling to himself, Lucian leaned back in his chair and looked over the names on the list. Oh, revenge was so very sweet…
Of course, he had no intention of allowing Acton anywhere near his beloved sister, but say what people wish to hear, and they shall follow. Foolish boy, to aim so high as Helouise. She was far too good for him, much too good for anyone Lucian knew, to be exact. That, and Helouise belonged to him…
Strange. He had never wanted to own the girl until now. What was that? The girl was extremely intelligent, possessing of a beauty so beyond compare; it could only be natural to want her as his own. After all, she was more than a sister; the girl was an equal, the only person that Lucian had ever considered to be so. And letting her go would be like losing a part of himself. No, it was normal to want to keep her by his side, to never let her go, to want her as badly as he did…
That couldn't be right. Lucian shook his head, cleared the image of his sister from his mind, and concentrated on the task at hand. The Pimpernel had to be brought down; he had no time for women, no matter how much he wanted her, how badly he thought he needed her. Without another thought in the direction of Helouise, Lucian went back to work.