CHAPTER 4 - Nanny becomes ill
Marie fell ill on Tuesday. Actually, nobody knew how it happened. She went in the carriage to the market square, she made shopping and returned. She felt weak then, and in the evening the illness began to intensify. She got a fever and started coughing. The general immediately called Dr. Lasonne, who examined the old woman and found a nasty form of pneumonia. The prognosis was poor. Of course, it could happen that the hostess would get out of bed in a week or two completely healthy. But because of her age, the doctor was careful. He recommended a rest in a warm place, hot broth, and the medications he had brought in his black bag. He promised to come back the next day to check on the patient. Oscar went to walk him to the gate when he said:
- Mademoiselle, I do not want to frighten you, nor give any illusory hopes. Her condition is serious. Maybe you should notify her family. They probably would like to see her before.. - he stopped, as if he did not have the courage to finish - Or maybe the presence of a loved one would give her strength - he said a little more cheerful.
Oscar wanted to protest, after all, she always thought that they, de Jarjayes, were Marie's closest family, but she said nothing. It was not a good time to argue. She just nodded and said goodbye to the doctor politely.
She returned to her former nanny's room and stayed with her for a few hours. Then she went down to the kitchen and called Rosalie.
- Mademoiselle! - cried the girl in surprise - What are you doing here? Do you need something? Did I not hear the bell? If so, I am humbly sorry - she bowed her head.
- No, don't worry, Rosalie - Oscar replied - It's about Marie. We need to notify her family - she saw the girl raised her hand to her mouth in terror - Relax! - Oscar added quickly - Nothing happened yet! Lasonne thinks that the presence of someone from her family could help her recover - she lied a bit so as not to frighten the girl unnecessarily - Do you know anything about her family?
- Of course! - Rosalie replied - Madame Marie talks about them a lot. Her brother lives at the Jarjayes estate in Normandy. He's old now, but Madame got a letter from him a while ago, so I guess he's still alive. Her daughter and son-in-law died many years ago on smallpox.. - she paused after these sad words – And obviously there is also her grandson! - the girl added cheerfully.
- Grandson? - Oscar asked. She began to wonder why she knew so little about her nanny's relatives. Maybe because she never asked. She had never been to the family estate in Normandy either. She didn't want to spend too much time travelling. Normandy was two days away, Arras could be reached in one day and without rush, so she always chose Arras for her vacation. She could go in a carriage, of course, but Oscar never got into the carriages. She preferred to ride horseback.
- Yes, indeed, her grandson - Rosalie said with absolute certainty - His name is Andre. He works on the estate with his uncle. Maybe at least he could come. He is a young man, I am sure he will be able to arrive quickly!
- Do you know him? - Oscar asked with growing amazement
- Of course! - Rosalie's lips curled into a broad smile - He was here in the summer. And also last year. Haven't you met him, mademoiselle Oscar? - the girl was surprised
- I didn't have the pleasure - Oscar pursed her lips when asked - As you remember, I was in Arras in the summer for a whole month, so we had to pass each other - she added quickly – Allright, Rosalie. Could you please send a letter to them as soon as possible?
With these words, she left. The letter to Marie's family in Normandy was sent on the same day, and two days later it reached its addressees.
...
- Has anyone told you already? Marie's grandson is coming soon! - Oscar heard someone's excited voice.
The maids were whispering as they set the table. They didn't see her, busy with work and gossip. Oscar stopped and began to listen curiously to what they had to say.
- Oh my God, really? - squeaked the second voice - He is so wonderful! Always nice and polite – the girl added.
- He is so handsome! - the third voice picked up.
They all started giggling at once.
- He won't take notice of us anyway - the first girl said more glumly, after a moment.
- Why do you say that? - pouted the second girl - Last summer it didn't look as if he was indifferent to female charms.
- Are you talking about Rosalie? - asked the first girl.
- About Rosalie. And about Claire. And also about Marion - explained her friend.
- Ohh, aren't you slightly exaggerating? - the third servant was indignant - Are you suggesting that he was with all of them..?
- No, stupid, that's not the point! This is not the type of man who would take girls for one night - she explained - He was here only for a week! I'm just saying that we are not his type - she said maliciously, watching her friend gasp with anger - He likes blondes, and your hair, Sylvie, is black as ebony. Mine too - she laughed - Not to mention you, Nicole. Beautiful Nicole with carrot-colored hair! - she was already laughing out loud.
- Go to hell, Sandrine! - Nicole huffed and turned her back to her.
The other two laughed at this.
- You'll see it, I promise - Nicole murmured at them, undaunted - No man can resist me. Despite, I emphasize my dear ones, DESPITE my hair shade. I also have other interesting advantages - she ran her hands over the dress, showing off the generous curves of her body
- Take it easy, love - Sylvie looked at her - Let's just wait for the situation to develop. If Marie dies, your tits will be the last thing her grandson thinks of when he gets here.
- Right - said Sandrine - Now let's work. Mademoiselle is about to come and the table is not ready yet. We will think about handsome Andre after breakfast - she added carelessly.
- Ooo, now I started to dream about it - Sylvie chuckled - Andre after breakfast.. - she purred.
- Sylvie! - the older one, Sandrine, who was in charge of the servants in Marie's absence, chided her.
And then they all started giggling.
Oscar withdrew silently.
"What stupid girls - she thought - Are they really not interested in anything else but men's pants?"
She reluctantly admitted, however, that after hearing their conversation, she became more and more intrigued by Marie's unknown grandson.
...
The next day the general left, two days later Madame had to return to Versailles. Oscar also went to the court every day, but there were fewer duties, because the queen, due to the weather, gave up most of the walks and visits. Oscar wondered, however, if that was an excuse, and if the real reason was Fersen's absence. As she stood by the queen, she wondered how Marie Antoinette would react if she knew that her lover had made a marriage proposal to the commander of the Royal Guards.
Not that Oscar thinks much about it. The proposal made her laugh, shocked her, maybe even a little disgusted. She wondered about Fersen's motives but was unable to guess them. Of course, she knew he wanted to get married. But why had he thought of her? She was not a wife material for anyone. She would have never thought of leaving her uniform and wearing a dress. The world of women's affairs, amorous conquests, frivolous movements and flirtatious blinks was not for her. Or maybe Fersen didn't want this at all..? So where did his reputation as a conqueror of women's hearts and a perfect lover come from? Oscar knew the count as a skillful swordsman, a perfect eye, a swift rider. He was intelligent, funny, even handsome. Oh, Oscar was a woman after all. In addition, she had good taste. Fersen was indeed handsome and very masculine.
- Oscar? - Marie Antoinette's voice snapped her out of her thoughts - You are absentminded. Are you worried about your nanny? How is she right now?
- Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty - Oscar replied gravely - I am indeed quite worried. Marie's condition has not improved for a few days. It doesn't get worse, but we don't see any signs of recovery either. Dr. Lasonne visits her every day.
- Lasonne is a good physician - replied the queen - If anyone has to cure her, it will be him.
- You are right as always, Your Majesty - Oscar replied with a grateful smile
- Oscar, if you want, you can come home after the mass - added Marie Antoinnette - We will listen to the concert with Countess de Polignac, but Captain Girodelle can replace you. I know you don't like it - she smiled - but you can make an exception for today. You've been with me every day for the last week. You should get a day or two off. Promise me you'll think about it!
- All right, Your Majesty - Oscar replied. It was really hard to say „no" to the queen. - But I'll be back in two days to see how my deputy is doing.
Right after the end of the mass, Oscar found Girodelle and gave him the instructions. Then she returned to the royal stables, picked up Caesar from the groom, and galloped towards the Jarjayes manor, basking in the dim November sun.