CHAPTER 41 - Chance occurs
- How are you today, honey? - Andre asked, kissing her lightly on the cheek and brushing her hair back from her forehead.
- As if Caesar galloped through me a couple of times - Oscar joked and laughed, but then she started coughing.
- Don't push yourself - he warned her - Lasonne says the cough will last a while longer. You inhaled too much smoke. You need to lie down and rest a lot.
- Oh - Oscar moaned, trying to get up - Damn head! - she cursed.
- You have a hard skull, girl - smiled Andre - Such a blow would knock anyone down. I don't know how you managed to stay awake for so long despite this wound and the lack of air.
- It's easy - Oscar said - There is someone I really wanted to come back to - she smiled, pulled him close and kissed him hard.
Knocking interrupted their carefree moment. With a sigh, Andre pulled away from her, stood up and stood by the bed. After a short „please come in", Captain Girodelle entered the room. The man politely greeted his commander, then shook Andre's hand.
- How's your hand? - Girodelle asked, pointing to Andre's left arm, bandaged from forearm to fingers.
- Thank you, Captain Girodelle, it's better - said Andre politely - The doctor says there will be a scar, but who cares? - he laughed.
- Your hair.. - Girodelle smiled.
Andre ran a hand through his hair, which was now shorter and fell loose on his shoulders.
- I had to cut those burnt tips - he said with a sigh - But the hair will grow back quickly. It's terribly uncomfortable to wear them like this because they keep falling into my eyes - he laughed, but then stopped, because only now did he see the count's long curls cascading down his back.
- Somehow, mine didn't suffer - Girodelle didn't seem to notice Andre's embarrassment at all - And if it were, it would be worth it - he cast a smile at the woman lying on the bed.
- Thank you again for your help - said Andre seriously - If it weren't for you, it would not be possible.
- But what do you even say! - the captain pouted - You did most of the work anyway. The most important thing is that everything ended happily.
- Thank you both - said Oscar solemnly - You saved my life.
They all looked at each other for a moment, smiling. Then the captain waved his hand.
- Please don't say anything else, Colonel! It's all thanks to Monsieur Andre, and I'm not gonna take anybody's merit. Your.. - he could not find the right word, and finally decided on something safe – your steward was very persistent in searching and in trying to free you. If it hadn't been for his determination, I don't know how it would all have ended.
- I know that, Captain - Oscar said, shifting her beaming eyes to Andre standing next to him - My.. steward is a very stubborn person - she laughed gently.
"Ha!" Girodelle thought. The Count was an intelligent and perceptive man, and had long noticed the strange intimacy of the two. The events of a few days ago only confirmed his suspicions. He felt a slight twinge of disappointment at the bottom of his heart, but decided to ignore it. Especially that he really liked this direct, nice man, despite his humble origin. He also felt the eternal gratitude for saving his beloved commander. So if she and he.. No, he didn't want to think about it. Apparently himself and Lady Oscar were not destined to unite.
- I bring the news, Colonel - he decided to cut to the chase so as not to delve into gloomy deliberations. He pulled up an armchair and sat down next to Oscar's bed - We arrested Joseph de Tourville and two servants yesterday. This morning Joseph confessed to everything. He confessed that he attacked you and then locked you in that room. And it was them who set fire to the rooms downstairs. As we thought, smoke candles were placed in all rooms on the ground floor, which is why there was so much smoke, despite the relatively small area that was burning. It's hard to believe but it was all no accident. The terrible truth is that this man, our soldier, tried to kill you.. - finished Girodelle.
Oscar thought for a moment. What Andre had told her earlier made it clear that someone else was behind the whole story. So it was all not as easy as her subordinate seemed. But she couldn't tell him anything. Better to keep Girodelle away from it.
- I can't believe it's him! - but Andre couldn't resist - Captain, just before..
Oscar gave him a meaningful look and shook her head gently. Andre paused. Girodelle looked at her in surprise, then at him.
- What is going on? - he asked uncertainly.
- Nothing at all - Oscar replied reassuringly - Please don't bother with this, Captain. When will the military court convene? - she asked.
- As soon as you have the strength to testify - replied the captain - Although in the light of today's events, it doesn't seem to matter anymore. Joseph confessed, so no witness is needed anymore.
- I understand - agreed Oscar seriously - Is there anything else I should know?
- No, I don't think so - said Girodelle and stood up - I'm very glad to see you in good health, Colonel.
He shook her hand, then said goodbye to Andre and left.
...
- Why didn't you let me tell the captain what that man told me then? - Andre got angry - I think he should know that, the judges too! After all, they will condemn these people to death!
- Yes, they will probably condemn them - confirmed Oscar - Andre, please understand.. Whether they acted on behalf of someone or all alone.. It doesn't matter now. They tried to kill the commander of the Royal Guards, and there are no extenuating circumstances for such acts.
Hearing her words, Andre folded his arms over his chest and said nothing. He hadn't forgotten for a moment about the man's words and malicious smile.
- Besides, if we are right about this person, and it seems clear to me from your description - Oscar continued - then we should remain silent even more. The prince cannot be touched, no matter what the evidence is. And in this situation, you don't even have any. Forgive me, but your word is not enough.
- I know, I know it, Oscar! - Andre sighed resignedly - But it's so frustrating! De Guemene has already tried to kill you twice, and we must remain silent and pretend we don't know anything! Moreover, we must agree to the death of people who did not initiate this plot!
- I tell you again, Andre - Oscar said sternly - Maybe Joseph de Tourville was not the mastermind behind the action, but he was the hand that struck me and will be punished for that. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that de Guemene had promised him the position of captain if Girodelle was promoted after my death. And that's what saddens me the most. Not that there is a man behind everything who hates me from the start, but that my own soldier betrayed me. And so damn good soldier.. - she sighed in disappointment.
Andre bit his lips. It all seemed unbearable to him. These intrigues, plots, conspiracies, all this corruption. Everything on the outside looked beautiful and shiny, and the inside was rotten and stunted. How he longed for the peace and aura of sincerity of the little Etretat. He would be back, but what about Oscar? What if that man attacked again and he was not there to protect her?
- Why does this man hate you so much, Oscar? - Andre asked thoughtfully - What have you done to him that he's trying to get rid of you?
- I think it's mainly because I am a woman - Oscar laughed bitterly – Because.. who could see a woman, the commander of the Royal Guard and a soldier at all? Who could see her giving orders to men? Being strong and having her own opinion? People like de Guemene can't take it off. But maybe if it wasn't for the situation in Paris then..
- Are you talking about that fight? - Andre remembered.
- Yes, yes, unfortunately - Oscar groaned - I don't know what got into me then. I attacked him in front of everyone, dealt a few blows.. For a proud man like him, it was too much. Ehh.. if only someone had stopped me then.. maybe now it would be different ..
- Did he try to kill you for something so irrelevant? - Andre said indignantly - It's ridiculous!
- It seems irrelevant to you - she explained to him - but for many people pride, money and power are everything. These are the only things important to them, the only things they care about. If you get in their way, they'll sweep you away and they won't even look back - she explained in a voice empty of emotions.
- How can you talk about it so calmly, Oscar!? - Andre sighed irritably. - It's terrible!
- I'm used to it - she said simply.
- I would never be able to get used to it! - Andre folded his hands over his chest again and lost in thoughts.
Oscar looked at him carefully and said nothing more. She felt a familiar twinge of sadness at the bottom of her heart. What would happen to them now? What were they to do next? She thought about it almost all the time and still couldn't find a solution. Andre couldn't and didn't want to stay in Paris, and she wasn't going to force him to do so. She couldn't imagine leaving the Royal Guards also. How would she explain this to her father? She was sure he would be furious and terribly disappointed. How was she supposed to choose? What was she supposed to do?
They both jumped when they heard a knock on the door. After a moment, Marie entered the room.
- I am sorry, Mademoiselle - she said in a serious voice - Your father wants to talk to Andre. He's waiting in his office.
Andre shot a scared look at Oscar, and she looked back at him darkly and nodded. She had a very bad feeling about it. Andre sighed and followed his grandmother.
…
- Come in, Andre! - said General, getting up from the desk, walking up to him and shaking his hand - I want to thank you again for saving Oscar's life. If it weren't for you.. I don't even want to think what would happen.. - his voice started to tremble a little - But luckily you were there to help her. Thank you!
- You don't have to thank me, sir - Andre replied surprised - I can't imagine that I could do otherwise.
- You are a good man, boy - the general put his hand on his shoulder in a confidential gesture - Come, sit down - he indicated the chair and returned to his seat behind the desk.
Andre sat down and looked closely at the general. What exactly did this man want from him?
- You are probably wondering why I called you, Andre – the general said - Don't worry, I want to talk a little bit about your future.
- About my future? I don't understand, sir - said Andre.
- You'll understand in a moment - the old man smiled – So.. the situation looks like this. The man you had trained as your deputy before you left for America.. Fabien, right? Well, Fabien is doing quite well. I am in constant contact with your uncle and I know that he is satisfied with Fabien's work and the breeding is working well. However.. - General paused as if he were looking for the right words - However, both Monsieur Danet and I agree that you should go back to Etretat and assume your duties.
Andre's heart began to beat faster. It seemed he was still not welcomed in this house.
- I understand, sir - he said quietly - I..
- Wait, I'm not finished yet - the general interrupted him - You should go back and take your duties, because honestly, no one can handle them better than you.
- Thank you - Andre muttered without looking at him. He felt worse and worse, despite the general's clear compliments.
- I would also like.. - General broke off again and looked at him intensely - I would like you to take Oscar with you.
Andre started. He looked up to meet the eyes of the old man, staring at him intently. His head was booming. Had he misheard?
- What do you mean, General? - he asked with a lump in his throat - Is Osc.. mademoiselle Oscar to be healed in Etretat?
- Andre – the general replied seriously - In light of what happened recently and what happened sometime, I think Oscar's life is in real danger. I have thought about it for a long time and only find one solution that will be good for her and keep her safe. I want Oscar to leave the Royal Guards and live in Etretat. With you.
- With me? - Andre's eyes widened with surprise - But how?
The general looked at him for a long time without saying anything.
- I have a question, Andre - he said finally - Do you love her?
Andre held his breath. He did not understand at all what was just happening.
- You don't have to worry, Andre, because I know more than you can imagine – the general said soothingly - The question is simple and I ask you to answer honestly. Do you love her? - he repeated.
Andre hesitated. Was it some trick? He looked at the general once more, but the old man's eyes were steady and his gaze sincere. He decided not to lie. He was tired of cheating everyone and hiding his feelings.
- Yes, General, I love her - he replied firmly - I love her more than anyone and anything in the world.
- Very good - smiled the general - You are a brave man, Andre. Brave and honest. I need someone just like you to take care of Oscar.
Andre didn't know what to think about the general's mysterious words. Oscar's father did not get upset at his bold confession. He didn't kill him on the spot or kick him out of the house. He did not mock or depreciate his feelings. Moreover, he wasn't even a bit surprised at his words. The whole thing seemed to Andre definitely suspicious. And there was also one more case.
- General, with all due respect - he said boldly once again - I fully agree that Oscar is in danger and that she should take care of herself. If she were to live in Etretat, I would of course try to protect her as best as I can. She will also have all the comforts and everything she needs in the manor. However.. Although you are her father and you probably have the right to decide for her.. I think you should ask her first what she thinks about such an idea. I'm afraid she won't want to quit the Royal Guards.
- Of course, I'll ask her! - General laughed - You don't have to worry about that. I wouldn't make any decisions without talking to Oscar. As for her resignation from Guards.. I hope that my proposal will be interesting enough for Oscar to consider it. And that's also your role, Andre, to try to convince her. If we both care about her safety and happiness, we should be on the same side now. Don't you think?
- Yes, General - said Andre - If she was against, I'll try to convince her.
- Well then - the general stood up - Excuse me, Andre, but I have to leave now. I'll go to Versailles to make sure a few things about my idea, then talk to Oscar. Actually, I want to talk to both of you.
Andre nodded. The general shook his hand once more and left without saying a word. Andre sat in his office for a long time, completely stunned. He couldn't understand what Oscar's father was on to. But the most important thing was that there was an opportunity. A chance not to part with Oscar. And this chance could not be wasted.