Okay, so the main part of the story where the movie takes place is two years after Ella arrived. But let's rewind a bit and go back to two weeks after she'd first arrived.
Belle and Ella had taken a lovely stroll outside the village, picking flowers and enjoying the wide open spaces, just listening to the musical sounds of nature. It had been so refreshing. At one point, neither of them had said anything for a little while, both lost in their thoughts and content to relish in their dreams.
It was near noon when they reluctantly decided to return home for lunch. As they walked back into the confines of their small town, they heard loud horses' hooves nearby. A very small crowd of people were grouping near the butcher's, and Ella was curious as to what it was that grabbed their attention. They could hear lots of giggling, squealing girls. As soon as that sound reached their ears, Belle cringed. There was only one person in town, only one man in Villeneuve who could stir up excitement like that, and everybody knew who he was...except Ella. Yes, to Belle's irritation, Gaston had returned from one of his many 'heroic' travels, ever faithfully accompanied by his sidekick Lefou. Gaston sat high and proudly on his large black stallion and grandly dismounted as if he was a king preparing to step through his magnificent welcoming ceremony. The crowd around him cheered and the tall army captain stood tall and proud, his handsome face standing out above their heads.
"Who is that?" Ella asked. The day she'd first arrived in Villeneuve and Gaston had rushed to the house door at Belle's screech about the mice, he hadn't even noticed Belle's guest and the next day he had left on his trip. So all this time Ella had not seen or met him. Belle sighed heavily: did she really have to answer Ella's question?
"Monsieur Gaston." Belle said simply. She didn't care to go any further than that and just hoped desperately that Ella wouldn't linger out here, and give Gaston a chance o flirt with Belle.
"Who is he?" Ella continued. "He seems to being having quite an effect on everyone!"
Exactly. He has a way of doing that, Belle pursed her lips and tried not to speak sharply to her innocent friend. "Everyone's hero apparently." Belle said flatly. Her tone made Ella stare at her incredulously.
"But...not yours." Ella suggested. Belle fidgeted impatiently as Gaston was making his way through his army of admirers. She really did not want to have to deal with him today.
"No, he isn't." Belle groaned. "And you and I are not grouse for him to hunt either. Come, Ella," Belle took her friend's hand, "I'm suddenly much hungrier than I thought!" She pulled Ella along and tried to hurry away toward home. But it was too late! Gaston had easily spotted Belle from his perched pose amidst his worshipers, and with his long, burly legs he easily overtook the girls with his swift strides. But not before he'd snatched a bouquet of flowers from the flower lady without paying her for them! Belle heard his heavy boots at their heels and tried to walk faster, but all too soon Gaston blocked their pathway. Belle tried to keep her cool, but she hoped he would make this episode super brief!
"Oh, excuse me, ladies!" Gaston said smoothly, laying it thick on the 'ladies'. "Forgive my interruption."
You're keeping me from my lunch, Belle wanted to say so the conversation would be over. Ella sheepishly nodded to the man.
"Belle, I missed you." Gaston said dramatically. "But nowhere near as you missed me, I'm sure." Belle gritted her teeth hard. She did allow herself the liberty of at least narrowing her eyes.
"I've had plenty to do to keep me busy." She replied. "Now, if you'll please step aside..."
"Belle!" Gaston gasped. "Who's your new friend? I don't think we've met before." Gaston said smoothly, eying Ella with squinted eyes. Ella bit her lip, not sure how to respond, while Belle glared at him, knowing what she wanted to respond!
Not now! Belle groaned in thought.
"You didn't tell me you'd made friends with such a lovely, gorgeous companion." Gaston grinned. Ella blushed but looked at Belle for guidance. After all, she didn't know this man. "What is your name, Miss?" Gaston asked.
"Ella." Ella responded quietly with a small smile.
"Ella," Gaston sighed dramatically, which only agitated Belle increasingly. "What a sweet and gentle name! New to town?" He asked in a more bold voice.
"Yes, and we are late for lunch!" Belle spoke up quickly. "Now if you'll excuse us...please!"
"Oh, well...don't let me detain you." Gaston said casually but did block them as they tried to walk away. "Ha, ha, just kidding." He chuckled. Belle was very close to telling him what was really on her mind!
"Uhm...if you don't mind." Ella said, not sure if she was supposed to be amused by his actions or annoyed.
"Oh, ladies first." Gaston bowed, and shoved the flowers into Belle's arms before she could run away. "We'll be seeing a lot more of each other, never fear!" He called after them. At that point, Belle did run, pulling Ella along with her. As they reached their house, Ella walked inside, but Belle ditched the flowers into the garden patch before she followed her.
"He's quite a person, isn't he?" Ella quipped. Belle squeezed her eyes shut in irritation and took one long, deep breath.
"What would you like today, meat and cheese or toast and jam?" She asked, changing the subject.
At first, Ella-mistaking his rudeness for a first bad impression-had found Gaston to be a pleasant, friendly man while Belle couldn't stand him. Ella did not see his flaws yet, and Belle was sympathetic to that, with Ella being the new girl in town and all. But Belle became ticked off when Gaston, realizing he'd found a new ally in her sister, started using Ella as a new way to get to Belle! That annoyed her so much and she hated seeing Ella as his dupe! Ella was charmed in the beginning by Gaston's wit and smile. But because she and Belle had grown so close over time, she wanted to understand what it was that made her sister dislike this man so much. It wasn't like her to have such an uncharitable and adamant take on someone. Ella began to think, "She must have a good reason. I want to know what it is." So she finally asked.
"He's no real gentleman," Belle had answered. "He's rude and conceited. You haven't lived here as long as I have, Ella." Belle told her seriously. "I've known him longer than you have, and trust me, he's not the kind of man any self-respecting girl would want to marry. He boasts about himself all the time. Half the time I see him he looks as if he expects the whole village to shower him with flower petals! And while he keeps trying to become my suitor, he doesn't try to understand me...or anyone, really. He thinks he knows the kind of person I am, and what it is in life I want most. He doesn't know the first thing!" Then she softened her tone as she saw how uncomfortable Ella looked now.
"I...I didn't realize." Ella said quietly, feeling extremely foolish. Belle squeezed her arm.
"Don't feel bad." Belle smiled gently. "Give him time. You'll see for yourself."
And Ella certainly did, about three days later! They'd run out of soap in the house, so Ella decided to go buy some while Belle took Philippe out to practice her horseback riding and Maurice was out for a walk. Ella had made her purchase, and was heading toward home when she noticed Gaston and Lefou riding down their street. They were passing Agathe, the beggar woman. Ella stood where she was and watched. Agathe held out her tin cup, asking for change. "Sorry, Agathe." Gaston cocked his head smugly. "I have no money for you. But..." He dismounted. Ella watched, not sure what to expect, but his tone made her feel uncomfortable, and even sad. His voice sounded so patronizing, too familiar to Ella's memory and the smile faded from her face. "However, allow me to give you something better than that." Gaston said slyly. Agathe looked up at him blankly. He picked up her tin cup, and rearing his arm back, he pitched it against the wall. The cup dropped to the ground and what little money Agathe had flew everywhere! Ella's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Gaston laughed and Lefou chuckled behind him. "See, why don't you count your blessings?" Gaston joked unkindly. Agathe ignored him and bent down to pick up her small livelihood. Gaston kicked his boot into the puddle and splashed a shower of wet mud all over the poor older woman. He laughed wickedly and mounted his horse. "Maybe if you weren't so ugly looking, people would donate more generously!" He howled and they trotted away.
Ella was infuriated. Of all the malicious, horrible, inconsiderate things I've ever seen! She thought with her teeth clenched. So many unhappy memories flooded her mind, of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. She pursed her lips in anger and her chest heaved. Gaston and Lefou passed her on their horses.
"Ah, good day, Ella." Gaston said politely. Ella felt her face burn inside and glared up at him. Now she understood why Belle was so disgusted by this man. And he acted just like Lady Tremaine. That was a turn off to Ella and she felt like she was going to cry. It was a too familiar feeling and she was angered at what she had witnessed. Gaston didn't seem to notice her unusual response to his greeting. He held his head high and rode on.
Ella watched poor old Agathe and rushed over to her. "I'm sorry!" She cried.
"You have nothing to be sorry about, child." Agathe corrected her.
"Someone should be!" Ella snarled. "It's not right."
"Lots of things in this life are not right, my child." Agathe sighed.
"Well, then it should be changed." Ella said firmly. She immediately pulled out the bar of soap she'd bought and thrust it into the older woman's hands. "Here. You need this more than we do."
"No one here seems to take notice of me," Agathe said quietly, "Except Pere Robert. They call me a hag. But you, your father, and sister are always kind to me." Ella smiled. Gaston had been so wrong in his treatment of this poor woman, but it gave Ella triumphant pleasure to make it right, even if he didn't!
"Will you be all right?" Ella asked.
"I will be fine." Agathe smiled back. "Thank you." She held up the soap.
"Oh, that's all right." Ella smiled widely. "We ladies must help each other." She winked and left. Agathe smiled warmly after the pretty young lass. She and Belle were quite different in some ways, but when it came to what was truly important, they were both so much alike. And Ella had called her a lady, and not in a haughty tone either!
"Ah, there she is!" Gaston exclaimed and hurried after his crush's sister as Lefou watched on. Ella was slowly walking, her mind elsewhere. Gaston caught up with her quickly. "Ella!" He called excitedly. Ella stopped, but she kept her eyes straight ahead and frowned. She knew that voice, and for the first time she could remember, it bothered her. "Ella, there you are." Gaston smiled as he caught up with her. "Heading home?"
"No." Ella sighed.
"Oh," Gaston replied casually. "Say, is Belle busy tonight?"
Ella closed her eyes and sighed. Not now, She thought. This is awful. "I don't know." She said aloud.
"Well, could you do something for me?" Gaston asked.
"What?" Ella asked in an exasperated voice.
"I know of a delightful little play they're doing at the theater a couple villages down. I hear it's supposed to be quite the act, and I just thought she'd like to go with me. Could you ask?"
Ella gaped at him, dumbfounded. After the way he treated Agathe, and he expects...And he acts as if he hasn't done anything! What a cad. "You want me to what?" She asked. She was very upset. Ella was usually quiet and shy, and certainly not usually one to speak her feelings when they were filled with anger. But having lived with Belle, she'd learned of the proper times to do it and right now was one of those times. She had to say something to make this punk stop and think about his actions for once instead of his 'charming' personality.
Gaston stared at her. This was not like her. "Why, Ella! You don't appear happy to see me." He said in mock surprise. Belle always looked at him that way, but this was a first for her sister. It was making him nervous. Gaston never struck out, at ANYTHING...well, with the exception of Belle, but he was sure that that would change in time. He never struck out and had on intention of doing so now. "Bad day?" He inquired.
Ella looked up at him unhappily, a dark cloud on her face. "I..." she was having difficulty finding the right words. "Don't you think, that there's someone you owe an apology to?" She asked vehemently. Gaston raised his eyebrows.
"I? An apology?" He asked theatrically.
"Yes." Ella said sadly but firmly.
"I can't imagine why." Gaston smiled wryly. Ella's eyes narrowed and her mouth dropped even more.
"Of all the malicious, inconsiderate, disgraceful..." Her voice trailed off. Gaston straightened up at this.
"Sorry?" He asked. Ella didn't answer, she only pursed her lips into a tight line. "Ella, I assure you, I am the sole gentlemen of gentlemen." Gaston said grandly. Ella gaped in astonishment. "If you have detected a rare flaw in my most discreet character, please do enlighten me!" He eagerly waited, and didn't expect her to call him anything but praiseworthy. But she didn't call him anything, good or bad! She just glowered at him with sadness in her eyes. "Something the matter, Ella?" Gaston asked, pretending to be concerned, but secretly growing impatient that she was silent about her finding. It was beginning to drive him nuts.
"You mean, you do not know?" Ella replied somberly.
"It's beyond my comprehension." Gaston answered nonchalantly. Ella gazed straight ahead, biting her lip to control her boiling emotions.
"I cannot do as you have asked, Sir. I'm sorry." Ella said without looking at him. "If you want to know if Belle would be happy to go out with you, you will have to ask her yourself!" And with that, she turned on her heel and hurried away. Gaston was unaware that tears spilled out of her eyes as she fled from him. He just stood there and shrugged to himself.
"I saw." Lefou said behind him. "Do you have any idea what she was talking about?" Lefou himself had a small idea, but was indefinite.
"Not a clue." Gaston shook his head. "Merely a diversion to make me curious while Belle plays hard to get. It's all part of the game, and I am up against two very worthy opponents. But, I shall come out on top in the end." He held his head high, and turned. "Come, Lefou. Let's get a drink." He said cheerfully, putting his arm around his friend's shoulder as they headed toward the tavern.
Those girls have more brains than anyone gives them credit for, Lefou thought to himself. It sure keeps life from getting too monotonous around here!
Ella fled to the trail outside the village, the trail that Belle had used this morning to ride Philippe on, and raced to a sheltering oak tree. She dropped her basket and plunged to the ground. She sat up against the strong trunk, hugging her knees to herself and wept softly. Belle had been right all along about the big punk. He was selfish and inconsiderate, and it wasn't out of ignorance either! It had been done with clear contemplation and deliberate malice. Ella bit her lip hard. Granted, Gaston had not gone out his way to hurt her, but his unkind treatment of Agathe just because he found it fun was bitter for Ella to digest. It reminded her so much of her stepmother, and Ella couldn't stand it. Whenever Ella witnessed such blatant cruelty, it hit her hard, for several reasons. One, she had been there and understood what it was like to treated so unfairly. Two, she had been taught how important it was in life to be kind to others. Three, she could not and did not want to understand how someone would ever want to enjoy themselves by inflicting pain on others. Four, most of the people she'd met who were like that, always seemed to easily get away with it Scott free, something Ella desperately wished and prayed that she could change.
She just sat there with her head leaning back against the tree for a while, until her tears dried up and she realized that it was getting late in the afternoon. Taking a deep breath, she rose to her feet and headed back home with her basket. She still felt so foolish, and ashamed now, for ever being taken in by Gaston's ways. "How could I not see what Belle was trying to tell me?" She asked herself. "But I see it now! It will never happen again!"
Belle returned home from her ride and gave Philippe a good rub down and poured him fresh water to drink. "Good boy," She praised him, patting his neck. "We shall go out again very soon." Then she walked inside to help prepare dinner. She found Ella already there, chopping up vegetables. "Would you like some help?" Belle offered.
"If you like," Ella sighed. To be honest, the work felt good, like she was accomplishing something and gave her a good excuse to vigorously put her hands to good use. Belle grabbed her apron and started peeling potatoes. "Did you have a nice ride?" Ella asked, trying not to let on how upset she still was.
"Yes." Belle smiled. "I imagined I was one of the characters in the book I'm reading, fleeing from the enemy." Ella giggled.
"Stories are wonderful, aren't they?" She remarked wistfully.
"I'm glad someone thinks that besides me!" Belle responded. "The people here just don't care to explore those wonderful worlds."
"They don't know what they're missing." Ella shook her head, giving her carrot a very hostile chop.
"What's the matter?" Belle asked. Ella had her bouts of sadness, same as anyone else, but right now she appeared a bit ticked, something unusual for her. Ella frowned at her.
"I promise you one thing!" She declared vehemently. "You will not being getting anymore nonsense from me about Monsieur Gaston." Belle nodded in comprehension. Ella didn't need to tell her what exactly had happened. Belle knew the jerk well enough to understand it had earned being chastised by decency.
"Well," Belle said in a teasing tone," You have no idea how happy I am to hear you tell me that!" Both girls laughed, because they knew that Belle meant every word of it. Maurice returned home in time for supper and found two gabby but cheerful girls setting the table for dinner. Maurice smiled. He was relieved and happy that this arrangement was working out so well.
To Gaston's surprise, for some unexplained reason, Ella no longer became his assistant in wooing Belle. She was polite about it but now constantly declined his requests about seeing Belle. He did not understand why.
Why is that not a surprise? Reviews are definitely welcome.