Chapter 17: Victories
February 26, 1782
"What do you mean, 'It will only be a few weeks?'" Genevieve demanded as Lafayette continued to pack his bags. "I'm pregnant!"
"I know, mon amour, but Washington was finally forced to plan a victory tour. Unfortunately, that includes me." He explained for what seemed like the tenth time. "It is only the Eastern states and it won't be for long," he made a mental note to never leave his wife's side again after this mandatory trip. Placing a hand on her swollen middle, he felt a kick against his palm as if the baby didn't want the father to leave either.
"See?" She sounded slightly smug. Scooting up farther up the bed, she sighed as her back eased against the pillows, "Even the baby doesn't want you to leave."
"I know, but," he held onto her ankle where he sat at the end of the bed, rubbing small circles on her skin, "think of it this way. I can irritate you less when I am in Virginia."
"And why can't I come with you?"
"You are pregnant."
"So?" With a roll of his eyes, he resumed packing his bags. "I hate you,"
"I know," he closed his bag and crawled up onto the bed beside her. Resting his head on her bump, he tried to imagine the little being inside. "Mon petite, je t'aime. I will be right back." Raising his eyes to look at her dark ones, he realized she was more upset about not being able to come than him leaving. He kissed her lips, each cheek and pressed their foreheads together.
"Lafayette…"
"I will make sure every man, woman, and child knows that you helped liberate our country."
"I still don't see why I can't come - all you're going to do is be eating, travelling and talking to the public. I am excellent at all three."
"Not in your current state."
"Carriages do exist, you know." She brushed her fingers against his cheek and he frowned slightly. "The baby isn't due for another three months." Her insistent gaze coupled by the fingers running through his hair and the other rubbing his arm made him cave. And that smile. God, he'd die to see that tender smile for the rest of eternity. His wife leaned in to kiss him and he reciprocated eagerly.
When she pulled back expectantly, he sighed. Giving her a reluctant nod, the marquis pulled back into a sitting position and rested a hand on her abdomen, "I will write to Washington." Her smile grew, a hooked smirk as her eyes sparked with mischief.
Then did he realize she played him like a fiddle.
"You… you…" he scrambled for the right word, "you wicked woman!"
"I love you," she pulled him in for a hug and he just let defeat wash over him, rather used to it. The Frenchman seemed to be losing a bunch of battles lately concerning his wife. Of course, he didn't mind it at all.
March 7, 1782
"Virginia,"
"Yes."
"And Thomas Jefferson lives… there?"
A sigh. "Yes."
"It's impressive." She just barely managed to say that as they rode past Monticello. Across from her, Lafayette was staring at the anachronistic building as well. No doubt was it expensive. "Are we meeting him?"
"Not today. Tomorrow night, perhaps. His wife has been under the weather lately." Nodding, she turned to face her husband again. Resting her head against the side of the carriage, she closed her eyes.
"It must have taken every favor Washington owed you for him to allow you to bring me along." She remarked, eyes still closed and he chuckled. Recalling the former general's face when he saw her state, she allowed her own wide smile.
"He is growing sentimental in his old age," Lafayette quipped and she opened her eyes. His dark eyes met hers, light with laughter. "What do you say about Georges?"
"Georges?" She repeated, tasting the name on her tongue. A fonder smile came over, a smaller one yet more meaningful. The name of their firstborn after one of the greatest. "For our son."
"Oui." He said nervously, "Do you like it?" Her thoughts swirled around Washington. He was an irreplaceable ally, leader, and acquaintance, but she knew that to Lafayette, he was a father and a role model that he never got to have. "He is like a father to me and I would not be here-"
"Georges is perfect," she assured, reaching for his hand. As are you. "And if we have a daughter? No doubt the universe may swipe the rug from under us again." Lafayette seemed mildly confused by the idiom but ignored it anyway. The carriage shook gently as they were pulled along. Châtain was with the General, no doubt going to be the one to pull their carriage. She missed her steed but he was no doubt enjoying the pampering he was receiving as they traveled through the states.
"That is for you to decide, although I hope we do not."
"Why?" She asked, slightly bewildered and offended.
"Because," a smirk, "if she is like you, there is no doubt, all men will fall at her feet." Feeling her baby kick, she felt a warm feeling glow in her chest. Pulling her braid over her shoulder, she sighed and looked out the window.
"Father wanted to name Ettie Joanne, after my mother. I think he knew she was going to die," a wry, sad smile, "but when the time came… Joanne became Harriet. It was her last wish." Lafayette nodded, silent. "I want to name her after my mother but I don't think my mother would like it - she was always a virtuous woman. She'd want something different." This time, the smile became softer around the edges as she recalled her mother's arguing with her father.
"What about Emmeline?"
"Emmeline?"
"Yes, William. Lillian is so… common."
"But it's a beautiful name."
"As is Emmeline!"
"Can we continue this tomorrow?"
"Or Harriet? Ettie for short."
"Joanne, please sleep."
"I won't sleep until I win this argument."
"It's one in the morning!"
That had made her laugh and even now, it brought a nostalgic smile to her face. Emmeline… she liked the sound of that.
"Whatever you choose, it will be perfect," he said confidently as she looked down at her swollen abdomen. You're already perfect, she thought to her baby. I will love you, always.
.
"Thomas Jefferson won't be here," Washington muttered. Genevieve and Lafayette looked at each other. "His wife is, unfortunately, extremely ill."
"Give him my condolences." Lafayette muttered good-naturedly. Nodding, Washington turned to the marquise, concern radiating off of him strongly. It took all of Genevieve not to crack even just the slightest of chuckles.
"And how are you? The pregnancy is not taking too much out of you, I hope." Genevieve smiled, amused by his concern. He knew his way around an army, but not around women.
"I'm just fine, General. It helps when Lafayette can barely stop worrying. He worries enough for the both of us."
"Sounds just like him," the General clasped his hands behind his back and nodded firmly. "Good job, son." Ducking his head, Lafayette smiled embarrassedly to the floor. Clapping the Frenchman on the shoulder before leaving the two, Washington disappeared among the crowd again. Genevieve hid her smile by resting her chin on Lafayette's shoulder as Alexander came over with Hercules.
"What'd he say?" the man asked, curious as Hercules snorted at his friend's expression. Lafayette's face was slightly red as Genevieve proceeded to explain.
"Embarrased him to no end."
Alexander nodded sagely, personal experience making him wiser, "Ah, so the usual?"
"Yep."
March 21, 1782
"John!"
"Oh, good Lord help me." John muttered under his breath. He was met with women cheering his name. It seemed the suave soldier persona along with his handsome features had made him a popular and unfortunately, eye candy to desperate women.
"Mr. Laurens!" They just had to be going through the streets of Charleston, his home town. And then the peace was disturbed. Lafayette hid his smile as Genevieve and Hercules share a look. Alexander clapped his best friend on the back. Not many people knew he was courting Peggy Schuyler.
Good thing even less didn't know that Lafayette married. Only a handful of women had come up to the Frenchman in hopes of winning over the handsome debonair.
John glared at them over the people crowding around him, screaming silently for them to help and Genevieve finally broke free from her slight giggle fit. "Alright, ladies, break it up!" She yelled over their cheering and they looked at her, almost in unison.
"Who are you?"
"Who are you to tell us what to do?"
"Would you not be in love with this man?" One girl - younger, perhaps in her teens - insisted and Genevieve rolled her eyes. They knew the marquis was married, just not what the bride looked like.
"Genevieve du Motier, marquise de Lafayette, thank you very much." Clapping her hands in front of her, she clasped them together in fake enthusiasm. "Grand. Now that introductions are out of the way, please give my friend a bit of personal space." And they did so. It wasn't even that her tone was particularly violent, aggressive or threatening. In fact, it oozed with benevolence, perhaps a bit of sarcasm, and a sweet tone. It was more that her aura scared them out of their skins. Although she was playing nice, Lafayette knew she was on her wit's end. He knew that she was barely keeping it in control because of her hormones - for once, he was glad not to be the victim of it. John let out a breath. Lafayette could barely contain his wide smile as the women, some pale and some muttering apologies, looked away.
"Thanks, Genny,"
"You're all quite ridiculous, you know that?" Genevieve snapped, her hormones getting the better of her. Those were her parting words as the group of them walked past the women. Hercules snorted and Alexander stumbled towards the spy, barely containing his laughter. Genevieve huffed and Lafayette wrapped an arm around her, kissing her temple to try and appease her.
"Tu es fantastique."
"Shut up,"
April 9, 1782
"God, I hate South Carolina."
"You grew up here,"
"You grew up in the Caribbean - did you like it there?"
Alexander shut up.
April 23, 1782
"You are heavenly," Genevieve groaned as Lafayette massaged her foot. Leaning against the couch, she let her wet hair drip down onto the floor as he chuckled. "Seriously - I cannot stress that enough."
"You're carrying and forming a child inside you. Nothing is too much," he assured and she sighed. Their hotel room was relatively small - they didn't need much - and after a busy afternoon parading through the streets of New York City.
"I just wish we didn't have to go to that party later."
"Washington said this one is mandatory."
"I know." He set down her foot and leaned forward to kiss her. Giggling under her breath, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he smiled against her lips. "I love you, you know that?"
"Je sais,"
May 30, 1782
Genevieve stared out the window, leaning on the edge of the carved out space. Touching the frosted glass, she sighed. Her baby wouldn't seem to settle, even if she wanted to, which ended in a few sleepless nights and many naps during the day. She didn't want to bother Lafayette and Eliza suggested more pillows. However, her belly seemed too big to find a place to sleep.
"It is quite big - bigger than when I was pregnant with Philip. Perhaps your son will be as big as a pumpkin when he's born."
"God, I hope not. A pumpkin coming out of me? I might as well die!"
Smiling fondly to herself, she sighed. No matter what, she'd be glad when he was finally in her arms. Or she - a daughter would make her just as happy.
Lafayette rubbed at his eyes, blinking once or twice before closing them again. Turning to throw an arm around his wife, he opened his eyes when he realized she wasn't beside him. Getting up, he could make out the slight crack of the door. He felt goose-flesh rise as he opened the door, a shiver crawling up his spine. The wooden door creaked and he winced, stepping into the hallway.
The image in front of him made his heart leap into his throat.
Pale silver light came through the window in gentle rays, allowing him to make out the faint pieces of dust that floated like stars. Genevieve was leaning against the sill, skin porcelain in the light as her green eyes, at half-mast and deep, reflected the moon's rays. Her hair was washed in grey and her hand resting on her now large belly traced small circles as if to calm the little life inside. His eyes traced the line of her scar and he fell in love all over again.
She looked ethereal in his eyes - a Huntress of Artemis bathed in her goddess's favor.
"Gen?" He rasped and she finally looked at him, breaking that image yet bringing it into reality. She pulled the shawl tighter around her arms as he walked up to her. Kissing her deeply, his fingers brushed against her jaw.
"I didn't mean to wake you,"
"You didn't, ma chérie." He whispered and hugged her. She snuggled up against him. "Why are you awake?"
"He was keeping me up," she mumbled and he chuckled slightly, resting his chin on her head. Sneaking a hand onto her navel, Lafayette closed his eyes. The baby was indeed moving a lot.
"Mon petite, please stop moving. If your father has anything to say about it, it is go to sleep. Your mother will be truly upset if you do not and I will be the one to face her in the morning." The movement settled. She swatted at him, a slight smile on her face. He could hear it when she spoke next.
"Well, no need to act so haughty. Just because he listens to you doesn't mean you will be his favorite."
"I never said a thing."
"It radiates off of you… like an aura." She pulled her head away to look at him. His eyes narrowed with mirth as hers did with faux-annoyance. "It is sickening," the stress on the last word made him laugh. Kissing away her pout, he lead her back to bed. By then, her smile had returned and she settled back down beside him. Leaning over to kiss him chastely, she pulled the blankets over herself and laid down.
"Goodnight, Gen."
"Goodnight, love."
June 14, 1782
It's just her luck.
Her stupid, stupid luck.
Lafayette was out with Rochambeau on some correspondence or whatever and she was with Washington in the Schuyler Mansion. Eliza was out with Alexander and Philip, their adorable little son. Angelica and her husband were at some other event out of town and John had taken Peggy out to the lake in the nearby park.
They had left her with William Alcott, Philip Schuyler, and George Washington. Three overprotective men who hovered over wherever she went.
"This isn't funny, Hercules," she grumbled as he strolled through the front door. He was already laughing at her waddling as Washington descended the steps after her, extremely stressed out at how much she was moving.
"Alcott, sit down!"
"For God's sake, I am pregnant not injured!" She retorted but the man stubbornly followed.
"Genny, wouldn't you think-"
"Father, do not test me." By now, Hercules was bent over, slapping his knee as his gut ached from his peals of laughter.
"Genevieve!"
"All of you! I am fine!" Clearing her throat, she turned to Hercules, irritation still marked all over her face. The tailor sniffed, clearing his throat and wiping his eyes. "Hercules, what do you need?"
"I'm, uh," he chuckled still, trying to keep the laughter at bay, "I'm h-here to," then he broke into another fit of laughs. Letting out an annoyed yell, she turned away to ascend the steps when she felt something warm trace the inside of her thigh. Fear flashed inside her and she lifted her skirts to see if she was just hallucinating. Bending over, she saw the clear fluid drip from between her legs and, aggravated, continued to try and storm up the stairs.
"Are you serious right now?" She let out another infuriated shout. Washington looked slightly distressed as more water trailed down her thighs. Contractions ripped through her and she bent over, groaning. Leaning against the stair rail, she clenched her fists.
"What's happening?" Hercules asked, snapping out of his fit when he realized she was truly in pain. Panting, she felt the contraction pass and looked at the four men.
"I think I'm in labour."
"What do you need us to do?" Washington asked, sharing a terrified glance with her father. Her green eyes, a fiery blaze, met his and she snapped.
"Get a doctor, you complete idiot!" Philip Schuyler came to help her up towards the bedroom and William followed after. They each took an arm as Washington sprinted down the stairs. "You liberated America and you still have no common sense!" The brunette was about to reprimand them even more but another contraction crashed upon her. Hercules decided not to stay for the screaming about to ensue and followed after the General.
"Wait for me!"
"Come on, Genny, a few more steps," William soothed and they staggered haphazardly towards her room. Laying her down on the bed, they made sure her back was against the pillows as she rested her head on the headboard. Bending her knees, she felt another on top of the first one. Swallowing thickly, she let out a growl through clenched teeth.
"Goddamn, where is her husband?" Schuyler asked, panic and annoyance mixed to form extreme short-tempered protectiveness. "He should be here right now!"
"He's busy with Rochambeau or something," William winced as his daughter dug her nails into his hand. Genevieve groaned, head resting on the pillow with a sigh. Where are you, Lafayette? She growled hopelessly. Staring up to the sky, she prayed that he'd get here soon.
.
Lafayette didn't expect to return early in the morning to a pacing, anxious Alexander as Bennett sat on the stairs. Back and forth the scribe walked and Lafayette looked up to see John similarly pacing on the upper floor. Letting a servant take his jacket, he rubbed his jaw.
"Lafayette!" Bennett's eyes lit up and the man grinned tiredly. "Thank God you're here."
Alexander's tone was slightly frigid as he looked up. "Get your ass up the stairs now."
"Alexander-"
"Is he here yet?" Peggy appeared beside John who was now leaning over the rail. "Oh, good. He is." There was a low groan that echoed through the home and Lafayette felt his heart drop into his gut. That was not a sound he wanted to hear. He ran up the stairs without any persuasion and past Washington, her father and Schuyler. He burst into the room.
"Is she alright? Is she okay?" He asked frantically. The doctor was in between his wife's legs, checking on the progress of the baby. The Schuyler sisters were all in the room along with Ettie who was holding onto her hand.
"She's been in labour for ten hours. Where have you been?"
"Meeting ran late," he mumbled, taking Angelica's place at his wife's side. Squeezing her hand, he kissed her forehead. "How are you, ma belle?"
"In great pain, why do you ask?" She gritted out sarcastically. "I'm only pushing out your spawn." He chuckled nervously as Eliza snorted from where she held the other hand. Angelica wiped at her forehead. A scream built from the back of her throat, voice cracking as she clamped down on their hands. Wincing, he squeezed back to try and stave off the pain. Her green eyes, narrowed in agony met his. "If you leave me again, I will shoot you before you can say France."
"Duly noted, love,"
The next few hours passed with whispered threats, groans and fire burning on her lower half. Lafayette had not moved a single muscle, staying by her side. Exhausted, he only kept himself awake knowing that in the end, a beautiful baby would be in their arms. "Tell me when the pain intensifies on a scale of one to ten." The doctor ordered, wiping his hands. "Ms. Eliza, place a hand on her abdomen but do not push. I need you to tell me when you feel a contraction."
The middle Schuyler nodded, gesturing for Ettie to take her spot as Peggy came back in. She had been tending to Philip since his mother was extremely busy. "Philip is asking for you."
"He's always asking for me," Eliza sighed. "Where is he now?"
"Washington has him although he looks more worried than anyone else."
"Seven," Genevieve gasped, breaking their conversation as she sucked in a quivering breath.
"What are we waiting for?"
"For the baby to slowly make his way out. When the baby's head comes out first, that will hurt the most."
"Eight,"
"Ms. Peggy, prepare the linen towels. We have to keep this baby warm." The woman nodded, taking the fabric and unfolding it. "Monsieur Lafayette, all I need you to do is play the part of loving husband. Hold her hand, support her. This will hurt like hell."
"Nine," The doctor sat back down between her legs and although he knew it was necessary, Lafayette couldn't help the protest building in his throat. It was silenced when Peggy sent him a glare. "Ten,"
"Ms. Eliza, whenever you feel a contraction, tell her to push." Nodding, Eliza watched the bulge as if it could help. Her hand was on the woman's bare belly.
"Push," Genevieve stiffened beside him, crushing his hand as she curled forward, eyes closed tight. The screams echoed off the walls and the marquis murmured soft things to try and take away the pain. His bones were crushed and he felt like she was making due on her joke months ago that she'd break his fingers. For Genevieve, it was as if a ring of fire was pressed against her, burning and stretching her skin until it would snap. "Push."
"The head is almost out. One last push."
"Push." There was a shaking sigh and Genevieve collapsed in a heap of sweat and tears. The doctor took the linen from Peggy, wrapping the being in his arms. The doctor's eye softened as the bundle let out a hoarse yell, wriggling around. Peggy held the bundle, letting the doctor cut the umbilical cord before settling the baby in Genevieve's arms.
"Congratulations, you have a baby girl." The doctor announced. The bundle shifted and Genevieve inhaled sharply when she saw the gentle face.
"Elle est belle," He murmured and she looked at him, sharing a kiss. "I am so proud of you, mon ange." They were so caught up that they didn't notice the doctor sit down again, wiping his arms. Gesturing for Peggy to bring more linen, he gave them a stern, sympathetic glance.
"Monsieur Lafayette, take your daughter."
"What's happening?" Angelica barked as the doctor turned back to in-between Genevieve's legs.
"Is there something wrong?" Genevieve asked, voice cracking as more tears were shed. Ettie gnawed on her lip, clutching onto Genevieve as hard as she could. This was exactly how they lost their mother. "Please, am I going to die?" Lafayette regarded her sharply, shaking his head. The doctor mimicked his actions, gently probing between her thighs.
"You're giving birth."
"Again?" Eliza's shocked tone resonated all their feelings. Lafayette swallowed a knot in his throat as the doctor nodded.
"We're going to have another child?" He choked out and the doctor snorted in amusement.
"Yes and yes." Genevieve's lower body was lifted to change the linen coverings before being lowered again. The doctor frowned slightly. "The next baby should come in ten to fifteen minutes - rarely is it longer and rarer still are they born only seconds apart." Gritting her teeth, Genevieve felt more tears pour down her face.
"Thank God. Did you hear that?" Excitement made him jumpy as he cuddled his daughter close to him. "You're doing fine, Genevieve."
He was met with a sarcastic response, "Really? I hadn't noticed! It's just my luck," she grunted and Lafayette kissed her sweaty brow. "I have two of your spawn to deal with."
"You don't mean that," he said knowingly and she squeezed her eyes tight. Hours seemed to pass when finally, her body was ready again.
"She's dilated. Ms. Peggy, towel!" A contraction shook through her as there was a knock on the door.
"What's going on in there?" William asked on the other side, nearly dead with worry. Philip Schuyler gripped his silver cane until his knuckles blanched while Bennett and John tried to distract themselves. Alexander and Washington were engaged in a serious conversation, sending quick glances to the closed door. "Genny? Genny!" Ettie looked helplessly between the door and her sister. Understanding, Angelica left bedside to go to the door. Opening it just a tiny sliver, she fixed a commanding mask upon her face.
"She's fine - please be patient. Just a tiny surprise but it will be okay." With that, the door was closed.
"That probably wasn't the best thing to say to them, Angelica," Peggy quipped over Genevieve's pained sounds.
"Leave it to you to joke as I push a baby out of me, Peggy," Genevieve hissed. The words built into another hoarse yell that subdued itself into a long-drawn moan. Finally, he slipped out and Genevieve raised her head. There was no cry - no sound from her newborn. "Is he okay? Is he hurt?" She asked, panting. Lafayette, one arm holding his daughter, other holding onto his wife, waited anxiously as the doctor snipped the umbilical cord once again. He administered sharp taps to his bottom when the baby didn't start crying.
"Doctor?"
"Just wait." A cough. Then he started crying and wriggling against the linen Peggy wrapped him in. "There you go. A strong pair of lungs your boy has." A large smile surfaced on all their faces as her baby son was placed in her arms. A son and a daughter, the best of both worlds, Genevieve mused. All pain was forgotten as the doctor birthed the placenta easily. Leaning into Lafayette, she gazed at her two children.
"Emmeline," she mumbled suddenly and her husband watched as her bent finger gently traced her daughter's face. "Emmeline for our daughter." Brushing her temple with his nose, Lafayette breathed in happily.
"Georges for our son," there was something completely filling about the fact that their family was now even more complete. "Mon fils, ma fille, bienvenue à le monde. I love you." Whether directed to her or their new children, Genevieve didn't know. It didn't matter anyway - she felt the exact same way.
"I love you," she pressed a soft kiss against her son's forehead, inhaling that heavenly smell only babies could have. The past seventeen hours were nothing if it meant a lifetime with the people she loved the most. As she held Georges in her arms, she felt a part of her completely heal - two puzzle pieces clicked together and her life fell into place. And somehow, the brunette thought that maybe, just maybe, her mother was proud of her in heaven.
A/N: Choked. I have been waiting to write this for a long while and I'm so glad I've finally reached it! Thank you so much for the support and love; I love y'all so much. BriCat03 asked a good question: Am I continuing this fic since none of them are soldiers now or am I doing a sequel. The answer: Yes, I'm continuing this fic until the very end of the French Revolution. I originally wanted to do a sequel but I thought it'd be easier to just make it one big fic and separate it into two acts. We're nearing the end of the first act, guys and in act two, Genevieve is gonna become a different kind of soldier. HINT HINT.
Until next time!