CHAPTER 39 - Proposals
- Commander Oscar looks gorgeous today!
- This gala uniform is so spectacular! She should wear it more often.
- My God, what a beauty!
- Will she be dancing today?
- I don't think so. Colonel Oscar never dances.
- What a loss!
There was a hum of excited voices from a group of young ladies hiding their faces behind feather fans.
- Aah, why isn't Lady Oscar a man? - one of them wailed, casting dreamy glances at the woman who was just greeting the Queen.
- Who is the man she is introducing to Marie Antoinette? - asked her companion, narrowing her eyes to see better - I've never seen him here before..
- Today's youth is completely unable to catch the latest rumors! What a time! - sighed ironically old lady standing near them.
The young girls stared at her.
- He is the steward of the Jarjayes estate in Normandy - the woman replied in the voice of an all-knowing person - They say that - she lowered her voice a little and came closer to the two girls - that this young man is a friend of Mademoiselle de Jarjayes!
- Friend?! - one of the audience exclaimed in surprise - But how is this possible?
- Who knows that? - interjected the son of the old lady, who had just brought the mother a glass of wine - We only know that they haven't seen each other for a long time. This man recently returned from America after a long absence.
- From America?! - squealed the ladies, even more puzzled - Ooo, that's where the scar on his face came from!
- He looks so handsome!
- Restrain yourself, Clothilde! - her friend scolded her in an indignant voice - He's a commoner!
- Commoner, or not, he is handsome – she looked a little grumpy - I'm going to dance with him! - Clothilde said arrogantly, smoothing the dress and examining the object of her interest, which, unaware of the rumors that were growing around, stood at a distance, sipping champagne and talking to Oscar as if nothing had happened.
…
- Our Queen is really nice and friendly - said Andre - I wasn't expecting it at all.
- Marie Antoinette is different than most imagine - agreed Oscar - People would be surprised if they discovered how pure and innocent her heart is..
- I didn't think you'd want to introduce me - Andre smiled perplexed - It was a bit sudden.
- I am sorry, I should have told you earlier - Oscar replied - But there was no cause for concern. The Queen is a very open-minded person.
- Erm - they heard suddenly.
Right next to them was a girl no more than seventeen, in a richly adorned pink silk dress.
- Good evening, Commander de Jarjayes - she said gracefully, greeting the woman.
- Mademoiselle de Vianney - Oscar bowed in response.
The girl emphatically looked at the man standing slightly behind. Oscar sighed mentally and made the presentation.
- Monsier Andre Grandier, steward of our Etretat estate.
- Countess Marie de Vianney, daughter of the French Consul in the United Provinces.
- It is a great honor to meet you, Mademoiselle - Andre bowed politely.
- I hope to dance, Monsieur Grandier - said the girl without the slightest sign of shame - If you don't have the promised dances, the one that begins will be appropriate.
Andre cast a pleading look at Oscar, but she nodded grimly. There was no way to say no.
- Of course - he replied, holding girl's hand and leading her toward the other couples who were getting ready to dance.
Oscar watched them go, pretending indifference, but she was concerned about the whole situation. She hoped that Andre would be able to cope not only with the dance, but also with the conversation with this incredibly audacious person. She congratulated herself for having Rosalie teach Andre three basic dances a few days ago. Andre was quite a teachable student, as she had just noticed on the dance floor. Although his movements did not have the same elegance as the rest of the dancers, he remembered all the steps and led his partner perfectly. Oscar was proud of him.
...
- You dance well, Monsieur - chirped the young Miss de Vianney after a while - Are there any dance parties like this one in he place where you live?
- We have parties in Etretat several times a year - he replied politely - But they don't look at all like this one here. I honestly admit that it is the first time in my life that I have the opportunity to attend such an elegant party.
- Oh! - mademoiselle chuckled, covering her mouth with a white gloved hand - But then you must visit us more often! Not to mention the fact that if you were working for my father, you would have the opportunity to attend a huge number of parties!
- I don't think that's necessary - Andre said matter-of-factly - Besides, I wouldn't have had time to work then.
- That's it! - the young Countess de Vianney bared her teeth - You wouldn't have to work so hard with us. Moreover.. - she looked into his eyes impudently - If you worked for us, we could get to know each other better!- the girl continued bravely - You could accompany me anywhere. EVERYWHERE – she emphasized without the slightest hint of shame - Perhaps you will consider my offer, Monsieur?
Andre smiled with embarrassment and looked away in disgust. He couldn't even believe what this conversation was leading to!
- Thank you very much for this offer, Mademoiselle - he said, trying to suppress his indignation. - But I am completely satisfied with my work for General de Jarjayes.
- Oh, de Jarjayes! - the girl snapped - So strict and inaccessible! Haughty! How can you be happy working for such nasty people!?
Andre looked gloomy. He could not defend Oscar or her family without causing unpleasant gossip.
- If I offended you, forgive me, Monsieur - his companion laughed, seeing that he did not answer - Maybe let's change the subject - she offered - I heard that you fought in America!
- That's right - Andre replied, glad to talk about something else - But I was wounded in the battle and returned recently.
- Oh, how good it is that you're okay! - the girl smiled radiantly - It would be a great loss! Does your wound hurt?
- No, I am well - he replied - Thank you very much for your concern, Mademoiselle.
The orchestra fell silent and the dance was over. Andre escorted the girl with gallantry to a group of standing women. They all looked at him with keen interest and smiled, hiding their powdered faces behind their fans.
- Clothilde! - suddenly they heard a cold female voice behind them
An elderly lady dressed in a wide black gown materialized right next to it. She grabbed the young girl's hand and began to pull.
- Aunty, what is it? - Clothilde squeaked - What's wrong?
The lady paused a moment, took her other hand, and shook her.
- What's wrong? What's wrong?! - she hissed - You still have the nerve to ask me, you snot! On the other side of the room, there is Baron de Chamointe waiting and he is very impatient! Instead of dancing with just anybody - she surveyed Andre from head to toe over her shoulder - you would take care of your fiancé before he feels neglected!
The girl lowered her head in shame and, without turning back, followed the old lady meekly.
- Everything all right? - Andre heard Oscar's voice next to him.
Upon seeing her, the crowd, who had gathered to admire the scene they all found hugely entertaining, began reluctantly to disperse.
- It's all right - Andre confirmed, though without conviction.
- Let's get out of here for a moment - Oscar suggested.
Soon the noise of the voices stopped, and they could enjoy the peace.
- Did you hear that? - Andre asked when they had gone far enough.
- What old Madame de Curieux said? Yes - she nodded - You don't worry about that, do you? They tremble so much over this marriage that even if you were a marquis or a count, their reaction would be exactly the same.
- No, no, that's not the point at all - protested Andre - How they treat me is obvious. I wasn't born today, I know how this world is arranged. However, can you imagine that Mademoiselle Clothilde offered me a job in exchange for my company? - he laughed ironically - Or maybe my company was supposed to be this job? In fact, it doesn't make any difference.
- What a little harlot! - growled Oscar furiously - How did she dare to make such a proposal?!
- I guess it seemed natural to her - said Andre calmly - However, I.. Let's just say I'm not used to something like that. Versailles is definitely not for me..
- You felt here, just like me in Etretat.. - Oscar whispered - Ehh.. What you did say.. that we live in two different worlds.. It looks like a sad reality - she sat down heavily on the stone bench and sighed - You'd be very unhappy if I kept you here, wouldn't you?
- And you, Oscar? - he asked, sitting down next to her - Are you really happy here?
She looked into his eyes intently without saying a word.
- Tell me, Oscar, do you really enjoy the life you have chosen? - he continued, undeterred by her silence - I believe that it is satisfying and that you are proud of who you are. But are you so truly, sincerely happy? Maybe.. maybe it's time to change something, Oscar.. Maybe this is the right time to choose a woman's life?
Oscar jumped to her feet. His last sentence rumbled in her ears like a bell. This voice! Those words! What did it all mean?
- Sorry, Oscar, don't be angry - Andre stood up quickly and grabbed her hands. - I shouldn't have said that.. But if you ever.. Oh, Oscar, I know it's impossible, but if.. - he grabbed her gently by the shoulders and he looked into her eyes seriously - I'd like to marry you, Oscar. I wish you would be my wife. I cannot imagine anyone else by my side. Tell me.. Would you say yes, Oscar..?
The woman looked at him in surprise and for a moment she could not speak.
- Are you.. - she started to speak with a lump in her throat, not sure if she heard it right - Are you proposing to me, Andre?
- I know it might be stupid of me, because I have no right to propose to you, but yes, yes, I am proposing to you - he laughed - I love you so much, cherie - he took her face in his hands – Please, say „yes", Oscar!
- You're crazy! - she smiled broadly - But I love you, my madman - she whispered, clinging to his lips - And I say „yes", darling, I do!
- Oh, God - Andre sighed in relief and wrapped his arms around her - I was so afraid you would refuse me. I'm so happy! My beautiful fiancée - he laughed, stroking her hair.
- You chose a strange fiancée, sweetheart - Oscar said a little sarcastically - Where's her dress and her fancy feather fan?
- You chose a strange fiancé, mon cherie - he replied, laughing - One you can't even introduce to your father.
- Don't say anything anymore! - she replied, half angry, half laughing. She took his hand and pulled against the hedge wall - Just shut up, Grandier! - she whispered, slipping her fingers into his hair and kissing him frantically.