Chapter 13:
"Thank you, Señor. This was a lovely lunch." Candela said as she lifted her napkin from her lap and laid it next to the plate after wiping the edges of her mouth.
"Think nothing of it, my dear. Are you ready? I shouldn't like to be late for my appointment with your uncle. I am afraid tardiness wouldn't leave a good first impression." Despite having lived two scores on the earth, the Marquis found himself feeling like a nervous youth.
A good impression was imperative.
The maid giggled and stood up, scraping the chair against the marble floor.
"You have a point there. It would hardly commend you in his eyes." A happy smile teased at the corners of her eyes as the Marquis disappeared for a moment to pay for the meal. Smoothing the silk of her lavender gown, Candela calmed her nerves and convinced herself to ignore the feelings of unease about the finality of his consulting her uncle.
Their relationship would be considered a proper courtship in the eyes of everyone. To break it would require some great breach of promise or etiquette. In a year, he would propose, in two, she would be a married woman, a Marqesse.
Candela Valentina, the Marquesse de Bonnaire. It did sound nice even if it was lengthy.
"Ready, Candela?" He asked as he took on of her gloved hands in both of his.
"Yes, I'm ready." Giving him a kindly smile, she followed him out of the small café and up to the cab that was waiting for them. After helping her into the carriage, the Marquis boarded and gave directions to the cabby before settling back and tapping his fingers against the silver top of his cane.
"You said your uncle's name is Nadir Khan, correct?" Candela nodded. "And, he's Persian?"
"Yes. You see, my mother had a sister who eloped with a sea captain. When he died in Persia, my aunt was left all alone and met Uncle Nadir. They were married and when things became too uncomfortable for my uncle, they moved back to Spain. My aunt died a few years before my mother and, once they both had passed, Uncle Nadir decided to bring me here to Paris." The statement was one of her larger deceptions but she considered it a necessity. Besides, wasn't it just a little close to the truth? Nadir had left Persia when things had become too dangerous for him. He just hadn't been married to her non-existent aunt.
"I see." Jules remarked, tossing the ideas around in his head. His bride of choice certainly had an unusual family. No father, a dead mother, and living with an uncle. But, he considered it was quite befitting of the odd girl that was Candela de la Vega. If her family had been normal, it would have been at odds with her peculiar personality.
"He's crotchety but I think you'll like him once you get to know him."
"I hope you're correct. After all, I hope to court and marry his niece." Grasping her hand, he lightly kissed the back of it and smiled up at her. The Spaniard giggled quietly and lightly touched the palm of her hand against his cheek.
"That is very sweet." He opened his mouth to respond to her but the carriage rolled to a stop before he could speak another word to her. Giving her hand one last kiss, he stepped out of the cab and helped her down the steps. After paying the cabby, the Marquis and Candela walked up the pair of steps to the door of the flat.
Sliding a key into the lock, Candela turned the knob and stepped into the dimly lit hallway.
"Darius!" She called out, as she closed the door behind the Marquis and shed her cloak onto the coat rack. Moments later, the Persian servant appeared and gave her a kindly smile as he helped the Marquis out of his coat and hat.
"Good afternoon, Mademoiselle! I trust you had a lovely outing?" He inquired, hoping his actions came across as relaxed and that the lone week of practicing familiarity between them had been successful.
"Yes, I did. Thank you, Darius. Where is my uncle?"
"In his study. Shall I bring in tea?"
"Yes, please. Señor, if you would follow me?" She said, gesturing for the Marquis to walk with her. glancing behind her before she mounted the steps, Candela noticed the awe with which her suitor was gazing at the various artwork and décor on the walls.
"Do you like the decorations?" She inquired as they walked up the stairs.
"Yes, they're very beautiful. Your uncle must still love his homeland very much."
"He does." She remarked as they traipsed down a hall to a single door. Hiding a trembling hand inside the folds of her skirt, she lightly knocked on the and a voice answered her,
"Come in." A hesitant smile later, she opened the door and stepped through, the Marquis following her as he hid his shaking fingers behind his back.
Nadir glanced up from his work and forced himself to not give the typical smile he gave everyone. He must play Erik. And, goodness knows he could play that role well. Thirty years of acquaintance was enough to learn something of a person's habits.
"Uncle Nadir, this is Nicolas Jules, the Marquis de Bonnaire. Jules, my uncle Nadir. Now, if you gentleman will excuse me, I will be about the house." With a smile, a nod of the head, and a short curtsy, Candela abandoned the scene to Nadir and quickly left the room, scampering her way to the kitchen to help Darius with the tea.
E-OC
"So, tell me a little about yourself." Nadir said as he leaned back in his chair and loosely crossed his arms. His knowledge of the Marquis was far more extensive then he would let on then. Years of practice as an investigator had served him well during the past week.
"What would you like to know?" The nobleman replied, extending a smile towards the Persian gentleman.
"Your family, your relationship history. I want to know who I'm letting court my niece."
"I have no real relatives. I came from a small family and my parents have been dead for many years. I one cousin and her son, who are going to becoming to stay with me for the duration of the winter. She married an English Duke when she was quite young. He has passed away, leaving her a widow with a large fortune. I was married once to a weak-willed woman of dubious reputation who I was forced to divorce out of expediency to both of us."
"Why?" Nadir questioned, frowning at the sound of divorce in the Marquis's history. In all his experiences, divorces were nasty things that left must trouble later in life, especially involving wills and money. While Candela might not have thought of it, he certainly thought and now worried over it.
"She found another man's attentions more pleasing than mine. It was her who made it clear she wanted nothing more to do with me and I released her for her vows. I haven't the slightest idea where she is now. I haven't seen her since the day she packed her things and left with her lover."
Relieved of that concern, Nadir stared up at the ceiling for moment, tossing questions around in his head. Having never had a daughter, he couldn't draw on former knowledge of how to determine is someone was a worthwhile match. At last, he settled on the best question he could think of,
"Do you love Candela?"
Without a single hint of dishonesty, the Marquis locked eyes with Nadir and solemnly replied,
"Yes."
E-OC
"Duchess, we have arrived." Her coachman said as he opened the door and unfolded the steps.
"Excellent." The lady from within replied as she stepped out onto the stairs and down to the gravel drive of the town house. The latest of fashionable footwear was laced to her feet, almost completely concealed by warm gray yards of expensive fabric forming the shirt of her dress and leading up to a bodice unencumbered by a corset.
Thick locks of fiery red hair tumbled over her bosom, and, completing the entire ensemble, a face echoing spirit and vitality even through tired expressions and weary eyes.
"Duchess, your cloak. It's quite cold out here." Her lady's maid draped the heavy material over her lady's shoulders only to have her shrug the item off.
"Don't worry about it, Mary. I shall enjoy the nip of the cold. The carriage was getting a bit stuffy."
"I don't want to you catch cold, Madam."
"I'll be quite all right. Keep it close for me though, will you?" The dark English girl bobbed her head and draped the cloak over her arm, determining never to stray a moment from her lady's side should she end up needing something to block the cold.
"Where is everyone, Madam? I thought they were expecting us?"
"We are supposed to arrive tomorrow, Mary. But, I doubt my cousin will mind too much." Smoothing a portion of her dress, she grinned at the clattering of hooves behind her accompanied quickly by the squeals of her young son.
"Mother! Mother! We're here!" He flung his arms around her waist, knocking her off balance for a moment. After a short chuckle, she tightened her hold on him before pulling away.
"Yes, we are. And you must be on your best behavior. If you do so, maybe Jules will teach you how to fence." Wetting a finger, she brushed a couple strands of hair out his face.
"Yuck! Mother!" He pulled away and wiped at his hair. The red-headed woman laughed and grasped he hand, tugging him along with her as she walked towards the front doors. The coachman quickly stepped ahead of her and knocked with the brass knocker. Several moments passed before the butler opened the door and said, in rapid-fire French,
"Good afternoon. How may I help you?" Reine, after hesitating for a moment as her mind retraced old, well-worn patterns in her brain, formed a clear French sentence.
"Good afternoon. I am the Duchess of Albans. I'm here to see my cousin, the Marquis. I believe we are expected tomorrow." A playful smile teased at her lips as the butler gasped and quickly bounded back from the door, gesturing for them to come in quickly.
"Forgive me, Madame! Forgive me! It's just me, the two maids and the cook here. The rest of the servants left with our master and mistress on their trip to Italy." Reine chuckled and quickly stepped in, releasing her son's hand and letting him wander a bit in the hallway.
"Think nothing of it. I understand. Mary, John, go bring in our things." After shooing the pair out the door, she turned towards the butler and grinned. "John was a footman before he became my coachman so he will be more than willing to aid you with keeping your house in running order. I have brought my own lady's maid so you needn't spare a kitchen maid."
The butler grinned before returning to his slightly more somber self.
"Thank you, Madame. Does he speak French?"
"Enough. What he doesn't know, he will learn. He is a quick study. Now, if you will please show me to my room?"
"Of course, Madame." The butler bowed slightly to her and snapped his fingers to a girl cowering in the corner, staring in awe at the lady before her.
"Celeste, help the Duchess's servants with the baggage." Nodding, the tiny girl darted away, so tiny in comparison to Mary who a thin-boned as it was.
"She is so small." Reine remarked as she watched the girl.
"Yes, she is four months off the streets. We were forced to dismiss a maid when the Comte died and soon after, several others found better positions. The new Comte wished to continue with his brother's tradition and found an honest girl off the streets. She is a hard worker and will go far in the world of servants. This way, Madame." He gestured for her to follow and, after calling her son back to her side, she trailed behind him, admiring the house.
"Might I ask why you dismissed her?" Reine inquired, hoping to make passible conversation between her and the butler.
"At that time, we had too many servants and not enough work for her. She worked hard but we couldn't keep her. I was sad to see that Spaniard go." He gave the Duchess a tight smile before opening a door for her. "This is your bedroom, Madame. Your son's is right next door. The Marquis informed us that you would like to have him close."
"He informed you well. Thank you." Turning to her coachman, she said,
"John, please help the Butler with anything he needs. Marry and I will make sure mine and William's room is in order." The proper British servant nodded sharply and turned to address, in broken French, his temporary supervisor.
"I am at your service, Sir." The Duchess grinned and vanished into her room, followed by her maid hoisting the several pieces of luggage she had brought along with her.
E-OC
The tea kettle whistled and Darius pulled it off the stove and poured each of them a cup before filling a tea pot.
"Want any sugar or cream?" Candela nodded quietly and took several lumps of sugar.
"Are you all right, Mademoiselle? You don't look like a happy bride." Forcing herself to smile, she sat up a little straighter and squared her shoulders.
"I'm fine." Darius gathered up the tray and, as he started for the door, he paused.
"You're not fine. Tell me. What's wrong? I thought girls were happy? I thought you were fond of this Marquis." Her hesitation told the Persian servant all he needed to know. "You gather your thoughts. I'll be back in a moment." After giving her a kindly smile, he disappeared towards the study, leaving her to think through it all.
Again, her stomach churned, her gut frowning on the steps she was taking to further herself. Darius had told her to gather her thoughts…but she didn't know what those were anymore. When her mind blanked on her, she gave up on thinking and simply contented herself with sipping her tea and enjoying the heat the stove.
Ten minute later, Darius returned and refilled her cup, handing her the sugar bowl.
"Are your thoughts still running wild?" He inquired, gently pressing the subject. Despite having very little contact with Nadir's servant, Candela decided he was a good enough confidant. Slumping in her chair and dropping the faux smile, she said,
"I guess I'm still not at ease with where this is all going. I have been telling myself that this is for the best. This will further my future in the world. I don't want to be a servant for the rest of my life." Darius was quiet for a moment before he said,
"In Persia, I saw many girls who married to further themselves. Lower noblewomen would commonly marry high nobles so they might have wealth and position. Love almost never was considered. They were considered fortunate if they tolerated each other.
"But, Mademoiselle, I have never seen women whose eyes were so dead as those women. They pretended to love the life they were living but their dreams never came true. But then, I remember a little servant girl in my master's house. She married the stable boy. They were very much in love, two very lucky people. They were poor servants but she was so very happy. Her eyes were bright and there was never a frown on her face."
At Candela's confused face, he clarified his meaning,
"Grasping at sunbeams doesn't always give one's life light. Now, if you'll pardon me, Mademoiselle, I must go to the market for dinner." Rising to his feet, Darius bowed low to the girl and disappeared from the kitchen once more, leaving Candela again alone with her cup of tea.
E-OC
"Congratulation, Monsieur. I see no problem with you courting my niece." Nadir rose to his feet and extended a hand to the middle-aged Marquis who reminded him a great deal of a youth with the light currently burning in his eyes.
"Thank-you, Monsieur Khan! Thank you." Jules shook the Persian's hand firmly and tried to school his face into a calmer expression, only to fail miserably. "May I go see her right now and tell her the good news?"
"Of course. I believe she will probably be in the kitchen. It's the warmest place in the house these days." Allowing himself to break character, Nadir gave the Marquis a hearty smile before guiding him towards the kitchen, a tiny room tucked in the farthest corner of the house.
As they entered the doorway, the Marquis's face turned tender at seeing his Spanish lady sitting at the table with a cup of tea in her hands and a frown tugging at her lips.
"No need to be sad, my dear!" He exclaimed, surprising the girl when he stepped towards her. "Your uncle has agreed to allow me to court you!" To get down on her level, he dropped to one knee and grasped her hand. "Isn't this wonderful?"
Candela immediately forced a completely excited aspect on her face. This is good news, she told herself. Very good news.
"Yes! This is wonderful!" Boldly, she slipped an arm around his shoulders and gave him a gentle hug, wondering what it might feel like to embrace a man.
She drew back a disappointed woman.
"Shall we go out to dinner to celebrate?" The years peeled off the Marquis's face with every passing moment; he reminded her now much more of a youth then ever before. it pained her to take away that excitement but the Phantom would be wanting her home and she didn't want to risk his missing her again.
"I'm sorry. I can't. Not tonight. Maybe we can another night?" The age returned to his face but there was still that sparkle haunting the depths of his eyes.
"Of course, I understand. I will bid you adieu then. My cousin in coming tomorrow and I must be sure the house is ready for her."
"Yes, do go. I will see you again soon. Good day." Nadir showed him away from the kitchen and returned several moments later, his frown echoing hers.
After several moments of silence between the, he said,
"Not having second thoughts, are you?" Candela glanced upward at him and shook her head.
"No, I'm not."
"Good." He turned to leave but paused. Turning back to face her, he said, "Don't break his heart. He loves you." Completely unaware of how his words tore at her heart, he left the Spanish maid to finish her tea flavored with confused tears.