Disclaimer: "I do not own the Count of Monte Cristo, any of the characters, or any part of that franchise. Alexandre Dumas is the one who wrote the story, and all credit for that should be his. Any quotes from the 2002 movie version of this book belong to the producers, editors, writers, and so forth. I only own Hadlee, and any original content I make her do or say."

Chapter 4

Hadlee couldn't believe what an uproar the entire city of Paris seemed to be in, all over this new count who had arrived. The Count of Monte Cristo, as he was called.

Hadlee had only ever heard of the place Monte Cristo before, because of the time she spent travelling in search of Edmond. It was a small island. A pretty and beautiful one, there was no doubt. But small, and uninhabited. At least, as far as Hadlee had been able to see in passing. Why a person would want to be the Count of such a small place, she did not know. People with money enough to own an island typically didn't wish to own such a small one.

But that was, again, just another part of the mystery that surrounded the Count. Aside from his name, and that he was richer than any man that anyone had ever known… no one knew anything about him. Not where he came from, or where he'd been before arriving in Paris. It was said that he owned several properties in several different cities, all kept in pristine condition at all times, so that whenever he wished to return to one, it would be prepared for his arrival at a moment's notice.

Not that the Count's arrival in Paris was of great concern to Hadlee. Not really. It was only on her radar at all because one of her informants felt the need to tell her that the Count had bought a man's house in Paris. A house that hadn't been for sale… until Monte Cristo came on the scene and offered him a large sum. Far more than what the house was actually worth.

He was a confusing individual. This Count of Monte Cristo.

Either way, Hadlee had thanked her informant, and then reminded her old shipmate that she could no longer pay him for information he brought to her. But, as with all the informants she'd obtained over the years, he did not care in the slightest.

Her brother wasted all of his money on gambling, and was in debt up to his ears, though no one had the courage to press him for it yet. Hadlee, on the other hand, had spent her money looking for Edmond. And what money wasn't spent on Edmond, was spent on the people she met.

Lucian, the man who informed her of Monte Cristo's arrival, had been in need of a job when she'd found him. He was then brought on board the ship she'd served at the time, and was tasked with swabbing the decks, the captain taking him immediately upon hearing Hadlee's recommendation. For though she was a woman, most of the captain's she ended up serving knew that her perceptions of people were to be taken as a gift. Those that she became wary of, never remained on the crew for very long. Those that she claimed as friend, were quickly moved into higher ranking positions.

And rise quickly he did, and never has Lucian forgotten Hadlee's kindness. And in spite of the fact that it was he who owed her his life, when he needed money to ransom his poor wife and children, Hadlee had not hesitated. She gave him what he needed, and even went with him to see that his family was retrieved safely.

The only thing she had ever requested from him, was information on unusual events happening in the city. Back then, she had still paid him for his service, though he would've gladly done it for free. And even now, when she could not afford to pay him, he continued to supply her with information he came across.

This opinion of Hadlee, though in high society she was looked at as a disgrace, was the opinion that was shared by all those who truly knew her. The captain of the ship that Hadlee had sailed on for so long entrusted the hiring and firing of his crew to her. And she had never failed in only bringing him trustworthy sailors. Even as they were smugglers themselves, there was an honor to be had among thieves. And Hadlee ensured that the people she brought to the ship had that same honor.

In any case, Hadlee was held in high regard by the lower part of society. It was the part of society that Hadlee had come to like best at that. And is why her informants, even without being paid, still supply her information whenever they find it.

But concerning Monte Cristo, Hadlee did not feel she needed to care. He would surely learn soon enough, from the rambling gossips of the upper class, that she was the disgraced daughter of a Count. His wanting to know all of the Mondegos, if he wanted to know any of them at all in the first place, would quickly not include her, based on what other people had to say.

At least... that's what she thought. But today, as she was tending to her garden in the back, a man with a thick Spanish accent asked, "Mademoiselle?" Hadlee turned to find a dark skinned man with a top hat standing in the doorway leading to the outside in the back of her shop. His eyes were briefly widened in awe at the array of plants, but then settled back onto her.

His smile was out of place, in her opinion. He seemed to be looking at her as though he thought she were someone he greatly admired and adored. And as far as she could remember, she had never seen this man before, so he had no reason to hold that opinion.

Regardless, Hadlee stood up straight, revealing the tights that led up to her skirt that was short in the front and long in the back. Her shirt fell off at her shoulders, revealing the two thin straps that still held the rest of it in place. And yes, her shirts were still lower cut than they had been so long ago. She had no care for whether or not anyone else liked them or not. She liked them, and that was the thing that mattered.

Wiping off her hands, she extends one to the man before her and says, "Hello. I'm Hadlee Mondego." Her name usually made people recoil before they asked her for what they wanted. This man took her hand eagerly, placed a kiss to her knuckles, and then says, "I am Jacopo. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Hadlee raises an eyebrow at him, but then simply asks, "Can I help you?" "Yes, I believe so. I serve my master, the Count of Monte Cristo. And I am here on his behalf. He intends to host a welcome party at his villa at the end of this week, and would like flower arrangements to be made accordingly."

It takes a moment for Hadlee to get over the fact that, not five seconds ago, she was thinking to herself how little she'd have to be concerned with the Count of Monte Cristo. And now, here was his servant, apparently sent to purchase flower arrangements from her shop.

She wasn't entirely surprised though. Hadlee didn't just have a green thumb. She had two green hands, and she was quite certain she got better every year. And everyone in Paris knew that. Its why, even though people recoiled from her name, they still came to her shop for their arrangements when needed. No one could put a more beautiful display of flowers together than Hadlee Mondego.

Nodding, Hadlee gestures around her expansive garden and says, "Everything grown here is for purchasing. If you have a particular flower in mind, I can show you where it is. More exotic flowers are in separate greenhouses further back. Has Monte Cristo requested anything specific?"

Jacopo smiles again and says, "He said to say that he wants his home to express a grand feeling of welcome. To show his wealth, without it feeling oppressive to those who enter. He told me to tell you this, and then to say that your judgement on the matter would be more than sufficient."

Okay, now Hadlee is really confused. If the Count had heard anything about her at all, surely it was that she was the disgraced Mondego daughter. No one would've bothered to mention her shop, or anything else otherwise. How was it then, that he felt it a good idea to leave the arrangements for his welcome party to Paris, in her hands?

Capable hands, she gives herself that much credit. But still… how did he know that?

Regardless, Hadlee pondered a moment on the description that Jacopo had given to her. An exotic flower was obviously the best choice. They were more difficult to grow and keep, and were therefore the more expensive flower. But which one would tell the people that they were welcomed? That a person was rich enough to afford it, but only did so with the intent of pleasing his guests as they walked about his grounds?

There were two flowers that came to mind. One was actually expensive. The other was not as expensive, and was equally beautiful in her mind. The Count could have whichever he preferred. Or… whichever Jacopo preferred. Leading him to one of the greenhouse rooms in the back, she heads down the middle of two rows of flowers. Gesturing to her right, she says, "These are Lilies. Not hard to come by, but their beauty is never to be underestimated." And then, to her left, she says, "And these are the Saffron Crocus. Rare, and more difficult to upkeep. Plus they will not likely last outside this room for more than a couple of weeks, and that is only if tended to properly."

Turning back to Jacopo, she says, "I would recommend either of these. The Lilies would be the more affordable. They are also more recognizable and would draw a smile to people's faces. The Crocuses are rarely seen around here, outside of my shop. They'll attract an eye of wonder and fascination." Hadlee then shrugs, "Whichever you think he would prefer."

Jacopo barely takes a moment to decide. He glances from left to right, and then nods to himself and says, "Both." Hadlee's eyes widen, but she nods and says, "Very well. And how many arrangements will he be needing. I can…" "All of them."

She freezes in place, finally frowning. Glancing at her crocuses, she says, "I… all of them?" Jacopo nods, but his own smile slips upon seeing the troubled expression on Hadlee's face.

The money she would get would be more than she'd ever made all at once. Hell, it would practically be double the amount she would make in a total of two years. She could expand her shop more with that money, and create room for more of the precious plants she loved so much.

On the other hand… Hadlee loving her plants is the problem. The Crocuses were hard to come by. She had spent a great deal of time gathering them, collecting them, and keeping them up and healthy. They were beautiful, and she did not want to be parted from all of them so rapidly. It would take her an exorbitant amount of time to replenish what she lost, if she gave them all to Monte Cristo for his welcome party.

But, as though sensing her distress, Jacopo suggests, "How about this? We will pick up the arrangements on Friday, and keep them through Saturday, which is when the party is to be thrown. On Sunday, given that you are open, we will return them to your shop. If you are not open Sunday, we will return them Monday."

Hadlee tilts her head at Jacopo, and has half a mind to ask where he even came from. But she bites her tongue for a moment, and then says instead, "That… is very agreeable. The price for only a couple of days is reduced, of course. I can give you an estimate and…"

But Jacopo shakes his head, "We will pay for the flowers in their entirety. My master was very firm on that point." "But surely…" "I must insist, Mademoiselle. For if he were here, I'm sure the Count would say that it was well worth the price, to have such beautiful flowers in his home for a day."

Hadlee tried to argue further. Yes, she would appreciate the money, but this felt almost like stealing. But Jacopo would not be swayed on this matter. So Hadlee finally wrote him an estimate, and promised him that the arrangements would be ready for pickup at eight o'clock in the evening on Friday.

As Hadlee paces in her backroom later, she murmurs softly, "Ten-thousand francs. Who in God's name is this Count of Monte Cristo?"

When Friday came, Hadlee had all of the arrangements potted and nearer the front of her backyard, so they could be easily transported outside and into whatever Jacopo brought to carry them in. She had, when he returned earlier in the week with half of her payment, offered to use her own cart. She had one horse and a cart, which she sometimes used to sell flowers and herbs nearer the shore in the warmer months. It was not nearly big enough to carry all of Monte Cristo's flowers in one trip, but she would not have minded making several, considering the money she was getting paid.

Jacopo, at the time, had simply told her that arrangements had already been taken care of. And then he shocked her by asking if he could inquire as to whether she would be attending Monte Cristo's welcome party.

Sensing her surprise, Jacopo had asked, "You received an invitation, did you not? I'm quite certain Bertuccio delivered it here personally." Hadlee had to take a moment to process all of that. Not just that she'd been invited to Monte Cristo's party at all. He hadn't been here long, so it was possible he still hadn't figured out that she was practically a pariah amongst high society. But Hadlee also needed a minute to get over the fact that Monte Cristo had sent one of his servants to personally deliver her invitation to the house.

After getting over that, Hadlee pondered if she may have missed it somehow. But surely an invitation such as Monte Cristo's would be designed in such a regal way as to be noticed and not forgotten. So how…

Then she'd sighed and asked, "When was it delivered?" Jacopo had tilted her head at her at the time, confused by her suddenly resigned expression and appearance. Then he answered, "Sunday, Mademoiselle." Nodding, Hadlee then explained, "Jacopo… you would do well to inform your master that, if he wishes to remain a pleasant figure in the eyes of his public, then he would refrain from associating too much with me. The flowers, everyone will understand. I take pride in saying honestly that you will find no finer arrangements in Paris than in my shop. But as far as keeping company with me personally… it would be ill-advised."

When Jacopo had simply frowned deeper in confusion, Hadlee continued, "I share the name Mondego… but I am only still connected to my brother through that name, and through my love and adoration for his son, Albert Mondego. Apart from that, he has cut all ties with me. But, as I still bear the name 'Mondego', I am, mostly by accident and sometimes as a joke, invited to events and parties."

Gesturing to where her mail usually is left by the door, she'd said, "My brother, when he feels he particularly wants to make sure I do not try to attend somewhere, will relieve me of those select invitations. Or… I should say, one of his servants will. And that is probably what occurred in the circumstances of Monte Cristo's invitation."

Jacopo's eyes had widened upon hearing that information, and Hadlee saw his hand clench his cane in what rage he had been unable to hide outwardly. Smiling gently, Hadlee assured, "But it is of little consequence. I likely wouldn't have gone anyway."

The reaction she got to that, was not was she'd been expecting at the time. Rather than simply inquire as to why she couldn't make it, Jacopo had leaned back in shock and asked, "Why? Have we offended you somehow? If so, I will gladly make amends and…" "No! No, Jacopo. You have done nothing to offend me. On the contrary, you have been a perfect gentleman with me, and that is a gift all its own in my life nowadays."

Then she'd shrugged and said, "I… do not care to keep company with those who do not even want me there. Your Count of Monte Cristo is kind to invite me, but in the sea of people that will attend his event, I would still find myself all alone, and shunned as though a dark cloud of misfortune forever looms over my head."

Jacopo hadn't tried to convince her otherwise that day. He'd seen in her eyes that, if he had, she would've shut him down. But come Friday…

Hadlee's eyes are wide as she watches carriage after carriage rolling up the street. There were at least ten, which might honestly be a few too many to carry her arrangements. Servants poured out of each one, ready to load the precious cargo inside.

Each one bowed to her with a smile, the same as Jacopo had done the first day they'd met. And with all of them carrying arrangements, what would've taken her an entire day to accomplish, took a mere half hour to load and begin carting away.

Hadlee was smiling as they went away, when Bertuccio and Jacopo approached her at her door. Bertuccio bowed deeply, and then extended an envelope out to her. Hadlee raised an eyebrow, but took it nonetheless.

The royal blue and gold design was exquisite. It was the invitation to Monte Cristo's welcoming party. Hadlee lifts her eyes and prepares to speak, but Jacopo says, "My master insisted an invitation be delivered. He cannot express enough, his gratefulness for your accommodating us with your beautiful plants. And he wishes, though he understands your reservations, that you would still attend his party. He will consider it a rather dull event, if the one who did not assist in making his home so beautiful is not also there in attendance."

Hadlee literally didn't know what to say to that. The statement was worded carefully enough so that, if she refused, it would appear she was disappointing and, quite possibly, even greatly wounding the Count of Monte Cristo.

Why in God's name did he want her there so badly? She was no one of importance. No one.

But regardless, she did have one fine dress still left in her closet. Her brother would've disapproved, because it was not large and did not have feathers and glitter and jewels embedded into every other seam. But it was one of her favorite dresses, and is why she hadn't sold it in all this time. It may not be the fanciest of dresses ever seen, but it would be suitable for a welcome party.

Finally, Hadlee nods and says, "Tell Monte Cristo that, though I consider this to be an egregious mistake on his part, I accept his invitation, and will be there tomorrow."

Bertuccio and Jacopo's smiles could not have been wider if they'd tried. They bowed deeply, and then took leave of her in the leftover carriages.

Hadlee puts a hand to her head after they're out of sight. Glancing up towards the heavens, she can't help but ask, "I know you are up there, and you have some hand in this… but what are you doing?"

Chapter 4! Finished! Hopefully chapter 5 will go up soon. But the internet is acting all hinky again... just to let you guys know.