CHAPTER 44 - Dress
June 1782
- Come in, come in, Rosalie - Oscar smiled and waved her hand to hurry up her to close the door. Oscar was wearing only underwear and a petticoat, and she didn't want anyone else to see her.
- What happened? - the girl asked surprised - You need me for something, madem.. Oscar? - she quickly corrected herself
Oscar had long since asked her to call her by name. After all, they were equal now. And they were also so close, like sisters. Oscar took Rosalie's hand and led her farther into the room.
- Voila! - she said, pointing to the hanger in the center of the room
Rosalie's eyes widened and she put her hand to her mouth in surprise.
- But.. this.. is.. - she began to say, stuttering
- Yes - Oscar chuckled - This is a dress!
Rosalie stared at the woman standing next to her to the gown hanging on a rack. She couldn't believe what she was seeing at all.
- Does Andre know? - she asked, looking at her suspiciously
- Of course not! - Oscar denied vividly - It is supposed to be a surprise for him!
- He'll definitely be shocked to see you in something like this - Rosalie said firmly - I'm sure of it!
She came over and touched the fabric of the dress lightly. The pink silk was delicate and soft, and the whole dress was elegant and modest at the same time.
- It's beautiful! - Rosalie sighed in delight - Where did you get it?
- From Grandma Marie - Oscar replied proudly - She said that she sewed this dress a long time ago, dreaming that I would wear it one day. There won't be a better opportunity for it! The only problem is that.. I can't put it on at all - she laughed without embarrassment - Will you help me?
- Sure - the girl replied earnestly, and immediately began to untangle the corset strings
..
- Thank you, Rosalie - Oscar said softly as the girl began brushing her hair
- No problem - Rosalie replied - Putting on a dress is not difficult. If you want I can teach you.
- I'm not talking about it only, Rosalie - the woman looked intensely at her face reflected in the mirror - Thank you for everything you've done for us. For being there when I turned my back on him. For your invaluable friendship.
Rosalie waved her hand.
- You don't have to thank me for anything - she pouted - That's what friends do. The best gift for me is that you are together and you are getting married.
- Really? - Oscar asked suspiciously
The girl looked at her and giggled.
- Really - she replied with certainty in her voice - If this story had turned out differently, I would never have met my wonderful husband!
- Right - Oscar smiled, but then sighed - Too bad you can't live with us here in Etretat. It would be nice to have you next door.
- We can't, Oscar - Rosalie shook her head - Bernard's work and career are inseparable from Paris. But we will visit each other from time to time.
- Ehh, the Jarjayes manor will probably seem so empty when you and Grandma are gone as well - Oscar said sadly
- Sandrine will do very well as a hostess, I'm sure of it - the girl replied - She is so excited about this promotion - she laughed - And Nicole will help her. And so there were fewer people left in the manor, you left, and Jerome and Sylvie too.
- Yes, Jerome now has a very serious task to do - the woman winked at her - He will be my nephew's teacher and orderly. It is his job to prepare the heir of de Jarjayes for his new role. The hudge responsibility.
- Jerome can handle it - Rosalie replied firmly - It is no coincidence that for so many years he was an orderly of the best commander of the Royal Guard in history.
Oscar looked at her, thinking she was joking, but the girl was serious. She wanted to hug her.
- How do we style your hair? - Rosalie asked
- I thought about wearing them up high.. - Oscar hesitated
- I think you should leave them as they are - Rosalie had a different opinion - We'll just pin them a little so they don't bother you and we'll put in a few flowers. What do you think?
Oscar nodded with a smile.
- Show yourself - said the girl when all the preparations were finished - You look beautiful, like a real princess! - she exclaimed in delight
- Thank you - Oscar said, then walked over to her and hugged her tightly - for everything.
- You're welcome - Rosalie replied with an emotional voice - Be happy, Oscar.
...
- What's she doing there for so long? - Andre said irritably as he paced back and forth down the hall - How long can it take to put on a uniform!? If it goes on like this, we will be late for our own wedding!
- Don't be nervous, my friend! - Eugene laughed, slapping his back hard as he was used to - There are occasions where women need a little more time to prepare. You'll have to get used to it, I'm telling you!
Andre muttered something incomprehensible under his breath and didn't answer.
- Monsieur Baron is right - Grandma Marie, who was bustling around, making the last preparations, agreed - Leave the girl alone! You only get married once in your life! - the old lady chuckled in her mind, trying to imagine the grandson's face when she saw her fiancée in a moment.
Marie still had a bit of disbelief in what had happened. When one day back in February, Andre came to her and said he was getting married to Oscar, she hit him in anger several times. She was sure he was joking, and she found the joke quite distasteful. After hearing his story, she sat for a long time without saying a word. She could not understand that it was no one else, but the general himself came up with such an idea and he organized everything. It was simply impossible! However, when Andre explained to her the details of this plan, as well as the general's motives, without hiding anything from her, Marie understood that the general, always so strict and dry, had a sincere and honest heart in his chest, filled with love for his daughter and the whole family. The supernatural aspect of the story was of course puzzling, but Marie, as a deeply religious person, believed that there were things in this world that the human mind would not understand. And she accepted them.
Afterwards, she made fun of her grandson many times that he must have been born under a lucky star. Or that the angels guarded him. That rascal.
Marie was roused by the patter of feet, the slamming of door and the laughter of two women who appeared at the top of the stairs in a moment. She looked at the face of her grandson. There was an expression of utter wonder and admiration on his face, and his eyes shone like two torches.
- And I was right. As always - de Valory muttered behind Andre's back, but Andre did not seem to hear him. Rosalie looked at her friend's beaming face and thought exactly the same thing as the baron. She was right, Andre was delighted.
Oscar gracefully and cautiously descended the stairs, slightly lifting the skirt to avoid stepping on the fabric. The dress fell softly against her slim body, and the rose color of the silk blended beautifully with the whiteness of her skin and the golden cascade of hair. With a slight sigh of relief, she reached the end of the stairs and then more confidently approached Andre. She looked at him uncertainly, surprised that he was saying nothing.
- And what do you think? - she asked shyly
Andre smiled cheekily.
- Who are you and what have you done with my Oscar? - he joked, though his voice trembled with emotion
- Andre! - the woman huffed and slapped him on the shoulder
- Oh, but not! - Andre laughed, immediately grabbing her by the waist and pulling her to him - I hardly recognize you, but it is really you! - with his free hand he took her under the chin and kissed her gently - You look beautiful, wonderful, perfect - he whispered on her lips - This dress.. - he sighed with delight - Thank you, Oscar..
- But you can forget about the fan with feathers! - she narrowed her eyes, trying to keep from laughing at the same time
- Hooney, please.. - Andre made a plea - these feathered fans are sooo beautiful!
They both started to laugh.
Grandma looked at them indignantly.
- What are you talking about?! - she said impatiently - They are getting married in a moment and they behave just like children!
Oscar winked at her fiancé who grinned. It was wonderful that they understood each other so completely, without unnecessary words. Ignoring the people around them, she threw her arms around his neck and started kissing him. Behind them, Eugene began to cough significantly, and Grandma looked away, slightly embarrassed.
- Come on, that's enough! - Andre laughed - Let me look at you again.. - he gently pulled her away from him, and then took her hands and moved away at arm's length - How beautiful you are, darling! This dress.. is like from a fairy tale!
- Thank you - muttered Marie standing next to them
- Grandma! - Andre turned to her - So it's your doing! Thank you! - he smiled at her, then winked at Oscar knowingly. Before the old lady knew, she was already drowning in an embrace of two pairs of arms.
- All right, all right - Marie muttered, trying to fight back the tears that glazed her eyes. She was sure that she would be touched more than once that day - Stop it or you'll strangle me! Besides, you have to get in the carriage and go. You don't want to be late for your own wedding, do you?!
- Don't worry, Grandma, they won't start without us - Andre replied carelessly
Grandma hit him on the head and cursed under his breath.
- Help me, Eugene - Andre laughed - I don't know why those women kept hitting me. And it is on such a day!
- You deserved it - grumbled grandmother - Oscar's parents and the rest of the family and friends are waiting for sure. Only we are left. They shouldn't wait! And we still have to drive a bit. And it's uphill! I don't know why you insisted on getting married in that little chapel on the hill instead of a decent church. Église Notre-Dame d'Étretat is so close and the road is so nice. There will be terrible winds on the escarpment!
- Forgive us, Grandma - Andre replied - The place we chose has a special meaning for us.
- Pff - Marie was indignant, but she didn't say anything else
- Mademoiselle - Andre bowed to his fiancée and held out his hand - Shall we go?
- Monsieur - Oscar gave him her hand and nodded - Let's do it - she said confidently
...
The day was pleasantly warm and sunny. The imposing spire of Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, standing just above the cliffs, proudly pointed to the blue sky, dotted with only a few white clouds. On the steps leading to the chapel, the small crowd of visitors was slowly thinning. They boarded the carriages a few people each and drove towards the de Jarjayes manor where a small wedding reception was to be held. Only two newlyweds stood shoulder to shoulder over the edge of the cliff. They stared at the glistening emerald sea in the distance and the dazzling white beach. The sun warmed their faces and the wind blew the bride's dress and the hair of both of them.
- Grandma was right after all - said Andre thoughtfully
- About what? - Oscar asked
- That it will be windy here - he replied
The woman laughed and pressed her arm tightly against him. She looked up at his beloved face. Her husband, she thought proudly.
- Are you happy? - she asked hopefully
He turned to her and looked deep into her eyes.
- As never in my life - he replied simply. He took her face in his hands and placed a soft, sweet kiss on her lips.
- Me too - she sighed happily
He smiled and stroked her hair. Then he turned back to the cliff and pointed away.
- Look, Oscar! You can see the Falaise d'Aval from here - he moved his hand lower - And there is a beach on which..
- ..you kissed me for the first time - finished Oscar
- Yes - he nodded and pulled her closer to him - It was so long ago.. Then.. In my wildest dreams I could not imagine that you can become my wife. Such an unrealistic idea never occurred to me. But I fell in love with you so much then, Oscar..
- I know - Oscar replied softly - I must have fallen with you even earlier.
- What? - he was surprised – Really?
- Yes - she confirmed certainly in her voice
- You must tell me about it sometime, sweetheart - Andre laughed and started kissing her again.
- Hey, hey! Lovebirds! - suddenly they heard a call. From a distance, Eugene waved at them smiling - I don't want to disturb you, but they're all gone. Are you coming? - he tried to shout over the roar of the wind and sea waves
- We are coming! - Andre shouted back
- Ehh - Oscar sighed resignedly, walking beside him - Do we really have to go through this? I've never liked weddings..
- Don't be fussy, Oscar - Andre said, squeezing her hand - Be glad we got away with my uncle and Eugene's idea. Can you imagine a wedding in a small square in Etretat? Among all?
- Nightmare - Oscar trembled, and he laughed
- But the party in a month will not pass us - he said - This dance party is an Etretat tradition and everyone will expect me to introduce my newly wed wife.
- Oh no! - Oscar moaned - Must I?
- Yes - he nodded, trying not to laugh. Then he sighed - It's just a pity you won't be wearing that dress then.
- Don't be cheeky, husband! - she huffed, and his eyes lit up at what she called him - Anyway.. you don't know it at all. Who knows, maybe I'll like wearing dresses..? - she thought
- Really? - Andre asked hopefully
Oscar just grinned and said nothing. She wasn't quite sure the dresses were for her, but she knew one thing for sure. She knew she would do anything for this man. And she was going to prove it.
…
- Andre, Andre, wait! - Oscar laughed
However, her husband did not listen to her. He took her in his arms, carried her over the threshold of the house and, without letting her go, carried her straight up the stairs to their bedroom. Then he set her down on the ground, shut the door forcefully, and pressed her against it, kissing her feverishly.
- Bed, Andre - she murmured, feeling him indiscriminately trying to untangle the strings of her corset
- No, no, first I have to take it off you - he whispered hoarsely, and a little bit not gently turned her so that she was resting her hands on the doorframe. He began to struggle with the fastening of her dress – Damn! - he cursed and laughed - It won't budge!
- Stop it, Andre, or you will destroy it - Oscar was indignant, but then she groaned, because without a second thought her husband lifted the bottom of her dress - What are you doing?
- I can't take any longer - he murmured in her ear - The dress is wonderful, but all day I only dreamed of tearing it off you. I was looking forward to them all finally leaving.
- Ahh.. - she sighed when she felt his fingers penetrate her body under her underwear - I always thought.. that the dresses are.. terribly uncomfortable.. But.. now I think.. - she continued, panting hard because his fingers still irritated her center femininity - Bed, Andre! - she ordered, and he obeyed. He took her hand, then pulled her along and pushed her toward the bed. He lifted the skirt of her dress high and without a moment's thought settled himself between her spread thighs.
- What were you saying about the dresses, Oscar? - he asked in an undertone, kissing her neck and shoulders as he struggled to unbutton his own pants
- I was telling that.. they seem uncomfortable.. - she whispered, out of breath. She felt that she was all on fire - But now I think.. they are.. also.. quite practical.. ahh - she moaned as he entered her in one firm move.
Making love to Andre was different every time. Sometimes he was gentle and affectionate, other times passionate and sweet. And this time it turned out to be hot and hungry, insatiable. Perhaps it was because of a two-month separation. Or the dress she wore for him. Or simply the certainty that they belonged together now and that no one separated them anymore. Maybe it was all at once. Oscar didn't know. After a while, she was no longer able to think rationally. Her body was almost to the peak of pleasure when Andre paused.
- Wait a minute, Oscar - he said, panting heavily
- What happened? - she got scared
- I know that this is not the best moment, but I don't want something unexplained between us again. And we haven't had time to talk about it yet.. - he continued
- I don't understand - Oscar interrupted, kissing him again - We'll talk about it later!
Andre sighed resignedly and pressed her closer to him, kissing her back.
..
- What exactly did you want to talk to me about? - Oscar asked, hugging his chest tighter
Once they had satiated their first hunger and had enjoyed themselves, Andre took off her dress without haste. They were now clinging to each other, completely naked, staring at their intertwined fingers. It was already completely dark outside the window, and the room was lit only by a small candle on a table next to the bed.
- I wanted to ask you.. - Andre started hesitantly - how will it be with those.. children.. - he finished in a lower voice, feeling that her reaction might be violent. He was not mistaken.
- What?! - Oscar got up and looked at him shocked - Wait a minute.. - she thought for a moment - Did you want.. right away, on the first day..? Andre! - she screamed a little indignant, a little amused. She raised her hand to punch him on the chest, but he grabbed her wrist with a graceful motion and rolled her onto her back, pinning her against the mattress.
- And why not? - he asked, biting her gently on the neck
- Allright - she said with a resigned sigh, but her eyes flashed
- Allright? What allright? - Andre asked, busy kissing her breasts more than what she was saying
- I agree - Oscar replied, trying to sound emotionless again
- But.. - Andre pulled away from her, looked at her face, and only now realized what she meant. He grinned broadly and pressed his lips against hers again. - Such a wife is a treasure, Oscar - he purred, and his hands ran over her body, hungry again - A real treasure..