A/N: Thank you pallysd'Artagnan and SnidgetHex for reviewing!
Chapter 2
"I haven't seen the Cardinal get a verbal dressing down since the Duke of Savoy was here," d'Artagnan said with a grin, though he immediately winced afterward and threw an apologetic look at Aramis, who waved him off.
"I wish I coulda seen that," Porthos said. "This Comtesse de Larroque sounds like a fiery woman."
"She even snubbed the King," d'Artagnan added in a hushed voice.
Porthos grinned wider.
Athos ignored their chatter, his attention on his cup of wine. He cared little for court politics, even if the idea of a woman going head to head with the Cardinal was intriguing. Then there was the matter of Therese Dubois and the tragic accident that had claimed her life. The girl's actions were somewhat brave, Athos thought, if not foolish and misguided given the senseless death they had resulted in.
A shadow glided overhead as Kilgar swooped in to land. After the incident this morning, Treville had been summoned back to the palace. Athos noted his sour expression as the captain dismounted and strode over to them.
"I have orders from the Cardinal," he announced without preamble. "He would like you to visit the Comtesse de Larroque's home and investigate whether her interest in these young girls she encourages is…healthy," he finished through gritted teeth.
Everyone's brows rose sharply at that.
"Yer jokin'," Porthos blurted.
"Unfortunately, I am not," Treville replied stiffly. "The Cardinal has his eye set on a new navy for France but the Treasury is bankrupt. The Comtesse's wealth would provide a convenient solution to that."
"So he's jus' gonna drum up some excuse to seize her wealth?" Porthos said incredulously.
"Those are scurrilous rumors and we won't find any evidence to support it," Aramis put in.
"Even so," Treville responded, "we are required to investigate."
Aramis scowled as he stood up, snatching his hat from the table roughly.
Athos didn't like it any more than the rest of them, but they had their orders. He rose more sedately and led the way out of the garrison. The Comtesse's estate was on the edge of the city and not far to walk to, so they would not need their dragons.
When they arrived at the grand house with its large street bustling with activity, Athos thought it looked like a miniature version of the Louvre. It was certainly much larger than his own estate had been back in Pinon.
The four musketeers made their way to the front door, which was wide open, perhaps to let in fresh air, perhaps just in open invitation. Athos decided to take it as the latter and proceeded to head inside, seeing as no servants were there to greet them. They passed through a foyer and took a turn down a white marble hall toward the sounds of a gathering. In a large, resplendent library, a dozen women or so were spread out among sofa chairs and settees, many with open books splayed in their laps.
Athos roved his gaze around the scene, which seemed innocent enough. Not that he expected to find anything untoward happening.
A striking woman strode toward them, her bearing clearly defining her as one of the nobility.
"Comtesse de Larroque," he greeted with a slight inclination of his head in respect. "I am here on behalf of the King. My name is—"
"I know who you are," she cut him off. "I've often seen you at court and thought how handsome you are."
Athos faltered.
"There is a melancholy aspect to your looks that I find intriguing," she went on. "But it's probably only mental vacancy."
A few of the women around them chuckled.
"I hope not," Athos said, abruptly finding himself wrong-footed. Not a common occurrence. "But forgive our intrusion."
"I will not forgive it," the Comtesse replied tartly. "This is a place of scholarship, where women can enjoy each other's company without the crude attentions of men. What is it that you want?"
"Mm? Ah…" Athos already found their reason for being here distasteful; he did not want to have to explicitly state it. "There have been some…concerns for some of the women you've taken in. I'm sure you have your affairs well in hand but we are just following orders."
The Comtesse narrowed her eyes at him. "Just following orders," she repeated coldly. "Well, you've come. Now you can go."
"Your brooch," Porthos interrupted. "What does it mean?"
She glanced down and fingered the gold pendant. "It is a wren. A bird that cannot be caged. A symbol of hope and freedom."
"A symbol of your own dreams and ambitions, I would imagine?" Aramis put in.
The Comtesse arched a brow at him. "Ah. We have a romantic in our midst." Her tone was not so appreciative of the word, and the women chuckled in response. She raised her voice for them all to hear. "Observe, ladies, the remarkable phenomenon—a man of wisdom and perception."
"If by romantic you mean a man who gladly acknowledges the superiority of the female sex, then…I accept the description." Aramis gave a slight flourish of his hand and flashed them one of his dashing smiles.
Athos could have rolled his eyes were he not still trying to figure out how to delicately address their mission here.
The Comtesse smirked. "Your charm won't work here. We are quite immune."
"We are not here to discuss your beliefs," Athos said, redirecting the conversation back to the matter at hand. "The Cardinal has ordered a search of the premises. He wishes to confirm that things are as they appear."
The Comtesse's eyes flashed with fury. "And what precisely is he looking to find?"
"Something that only exists in his sordid imagination," Athos replied calmly.
She regarded him shrewdly for a moment, then drew closer. "Am I right?" she asked in a slightly sultry tone. "Is there an inner sadness that informs the beauty of your features? Answer me honestly, and I shall allow you to search my house."
Again, Athos struggled for a response. "We all have our deep secrets and hidden emotions, Comtesse. Allow me to keep mine to myself."
"A barely adequate answer," she replied. "But I am feeling indulgent. Follow me."
With that, she turned on her heel and started walking away. Athos glanced at his friends who seemed content to remain where they were, exchanging sly smiles at his expense. Athos drew in a breath and followed after the Comtesse.
She led him through her halls, opening every door for him to peek into chambers and sitting rooms. Everything was kept well in order, as was fitting her station.
"As you can see, there is nothing amiss," she said.
"As I expected," Athos replied.
"Do you know how many husbands, fathers, lovers, brothers, come here looking for their lost girls?" she asked. "It can never be that these women choose to leave of their own free will. It must always be that Ninon de Larroque has corrupted them."
"Therese was far below you in status," Athos pointed out. "She was not in a position to make a decision of her own free will."
Ninon lifted her chin. "I view all women as equals, no matter what the circumstances of their birth."
Athos shook his head; she was as misguided as her charges. "You have the money and position to indulge such whims. Look outside your window and tell me everyone is equal."
"You accuse me of hypocrisy?" she rejoined, visibly affronted.
Athos, however, had no desire to get into a spat. "Thank you for your help," he said instead, moving past her.
"Will I see you again?" she asked abruptly.
Athos paused, brow quirking in confusion. "Why?"
Ninon suddenly grasped the lapel of his coat and drew him in for a kiss. He was so stunned he hardly knew how to react, but the moment was brief.
"That's why," she replied. "Come back this evening and dine with me."
Athos was a man of few words but that was by choice. At the moment, however, she had rendered him utterly speechless. It was a feeling he was so unaccustomed to that he found himself inexplicably inclining his head in agreement.
Her lips twitched, and then she proceeded to escort him back to the library.
"Find anything?" d'Artagnan asked, though by his tone it was clear what he expected the answer to be.
"No, we can go."
"Did she flirt with you more?" the young Gascon asked cheekily, quickening his pace to match Athos's hasty exit.
Porthos snorted. "Rubbish. She couldn't stand him."
D'Artagnan and Aramis shared amused snickers.
"One day," Aramis said, "we'll sit down and, er…I'll explain women to you."
Porthos scoffed.
"She invited me for dinner," Athos admitted.
"Did she, now?" Aramis said, tone far too gleeful. "And what did you say?"
"Does it matter?"
"You said yes," the marksman deduced with delight.
"Oh, he did not," Porthos huffed.
Aramis skipped ahead so he could spin around and walk backward across the street while facing Athos. "Could it be our Athos has a little touch of the Comtesse de Larroque?"
"I am merely being polite."
"I think he does," d'Artagnan said with a grin.
Athos exhaled sharply. He regretted saying anything at all about it.
"Come now, Athos," Aramis cajoled. "It's about time you got back out there. The Comtesse seems like much more interesting company than your usual bottle."
Athos ignored him. He was not interested in an affair, a dalliance, or anything in between.
And yet, there was something undeniably alluring about that woman. One night of conversation wouldn't kill him…
.o.0.o.
Despite his brothers' merciless teasing and the slight attraction Athos held toward Ninon, there was another reason he decided to accept her offer. She was a woman of admirable ideals but misguided in her pursuit of them, and Athos felt a certain duty to illuminate that to her before more young girls suffered unduly for it.
He returned to her home that evening and found her waiting for him on the stoop.
"Don't look so worried," she greeted with a teasing smile. "I won't kiss you again if you don't desire it."
"I'm better prepared to fight you off this time," he replied, the responding banter surprisingly easy to slip into.
"Shall we dine?" Ninon suggested.
Athos sobered. "There's something I need to show you first."
She arched an intrigued brow but slipped her hands into a pair of gloves and held her arm out for him to take. He escorted her from her house and through the streets of Paris to the city morgue. Ninon cast him a questioning look as he led her down the steps to the dark, underground chamber dimly lit with candles. That curiosity dipped into a frown at the numerous stone slabs and lumps covered with sheets.
Athos nodded to Poupart, whom he had notified of their visit and told to have the girl ready. The man walked over to one of the slabs and pulled the sheet back, revealing Therese's battered face.
Ninon gasped and raised a hand to cover her mouth. "Why are you showing me this?"
"Don't you feel responsible?" Athos replied, standing on the other side.
"I gave her an education, clothing and food. Is that a crime?"
"It is if you encouraged the reckless act that cost her life."
"I did no such thing," she snapped. Her expression fell as she turned her gaze to Therese, hand reaching out as though to touch her face but faltering at the last moment. "I was so fond of her. I feel pity and sorrow, but not guilt," she added with a sharp glance at Athos.
"I didn't mean to upset you," he said.
"Yes, you did," she rejoined angrily. She looked back at Therese sadly. "This is the way we all must end. Our foolish heart stopped. Souls utterly departed. She was too young." With a sniff, Ninon stepped back and gestured to Poupart. "Please, cover her face."
Athos felt a tinge of remorse for having brought her here, and he wordlessly walked around the slab to take her arm and lead her out of this house of death. Perhaps she was not as arrogantly idealistic as he'd originally believed, though he still thought she should have educated Therese Dubois more properly when it came to challenging societal norms. Then again, even if she had, it had still been the child's choice to act as she did.
The walk back to Ninon's house was filled with a despondent silence between them. Athos suspected dinner was off the table now—not that he hadn't on some level perhaps intended that consequence with his surprise stunt this evening.
"May I ask…" he began curiously. "Do you dislike men?"
Ninon glanced at him. "I have had many suitors. Some really quite acceptable. But I believe marriage to be a curse. I will not submit to it."
"As it happens, I agree. But why?"
She regarded him seriously. "I am a wealthy woman. But on my wedding day, everything that I own becomes the property of my husband, including my body. I will not be owned by anyone."
Athos could appreciate her answer. "So, what they say is true. You are a rebellious woman."
"Does that frighten you?" she asked.
"No. But…" He stopped in the street outside her home and turned to face her. "I was married once, and…now I'm done with romance."
"It ended badly?"
Athos swallowed a snort. "You could say that."
"I am sorry for it," Ninon said genuinely. "I want equality between the sexes, not hate."
Athos nodded. It was a noble desire, but he would not point out that there could hardly be equality between the sexes when there was as yet no such equality even between men.
They were suddenly interrupted by the doors of Ninon's house banging open and shouts echoing from within.
"Get out!" Aramis roared, tossing a red guard down the steps. The marksman looked up and spotted Athos. "Trouble," he barked before turning to march back inside.
Athos had no idea what was going on or what Aramis was doing there but he could hear the chaos coming from inside the house and he surged forward to rush inside, Ninon right behind him. They followed the sounds of raised voices to the library where the place was in utter chaos. Red guards were throwing books from the shelves, ripping them to pieces, while others chased women around the room trying to herd them together. Aramis alone was brawling with some of the soldiers.
Ninon yelled in dismay. "My works! Stop!"
"Stay back," Athos urged. He moved forward and seized the nearest guard. "Where is your authority for this?" he demanded.
The guard threw a punch which Athos ducked under. Athos grabbed him by the back of his uniform and flung him head first toward a support column. He spun as another guard rushed him and swung a fist at the man's face. He couldn't draw his blade on them in case they did have the authority to be here, but Athos was not going to tolerate this abuse of power.
He spotted Aramis grappling with two red guards, the marksman also not drawing his weapons and relying on brute strength instead. Though the Cardinal's men had no such restraint and one of them drew his rapier.
"Aramis!" Athos shouted, grabbing a large book and tossing it across the room.
Aramis caught it, giving it a brief dubious look before he used it to parry a blow from a sword and followed through by clobbering the red guard with it.
Athos snatched up another book and flung it in the face of a guard rushing at him. This was getting them nowhere and the two musketeers were sorely outnumbered. Then several red guards came out from a back hallway with four young girls in their nightclothes ushered between them.
"We found them," one of the men announced to their captain, "sleeping in a hidden chamber."
The captain of the Red Guard gestured for his men to seize Ninon. "Comtesse de Larroque, on the orders of the Cardinal, you are under arrest for the abduction of young women."
"What?" she exclaimed. "This is ridiculous! I did no such thing!" She threw a pleading look at Athos. "Please, make them stop."
Athos faltered. He wanted to help her, he did. But things did not look good, especially with how young these girls were, and if their families didn't know they were here…
The red guards kept shoving at the girls, who were huddling together with sobs and cringes.
"Hey," Aramis snapped in warning.
"They are coming with us," one of the red guards barked, eliciting a few more frightened cries from the young girls.
"You are making a mistake!" Ninon pressed.
Athos splayed his hands helplessly. There was nothing he could do.
Suddenly every candle in the library exploded with a whoosh and a roar, flames shooting straight up several feet. Women screamed and red guards who were standing too close scrambled away as tongues of fire licked at them. Athos stared in bewilderment.
One of the curtains caught and Aramis moved first, grabbing the drape and yanking it down to stomp out the flames before it could set the entire library ablaze.
The captain of the Red Guard jabbed a shaky finger at Ninon. "Comtesse de Larroque, you are under arrest for witchcraft! Get her out of here!"
The red guards flanking Ninon grabbed her arms roughly and yanked them behind her back, then forcibly dragged her from the house. The girls in their nightclothes were herded after her, and the candle flames died down to normal levels.
Athos exchanged a shocked look with Aramis.
What the hell just happened?