Okay, this is part 2 of 3. It gives in an insight into her childhood this time, enjoy!

OVERSHADOWED

Six months later …

The gardens were breathtaking. Each flower had been strategically placed so that their fragrances blended together to create an atmosphere that was undeniably beautiful. She was at complete peace with herself as she stood admiring the beautiful foliage that surrounded her.

A warm hand was placed on her shoulder, heightening to the sense of comfort she felt.

True to her word, Antoinette had visited Baron de Renoir after her letter. They had met again in a quaint restaurant in Paris where they discussed their interests over a delicious meal. His company had been agreeable as she remembered and they soon found themselves meeting quite regularly. This was the first time she had seen his home and recognised the step they had taken in their relationship, things were becoming deeper at a record pace. She had felt slightly out of her place in the majestic chateau at first, but Philippe had reassured of her grace and that to him she was of the highest class in existence.

The sun was setting, which was their main reason for venturing out of his chateau. It was beautiful, with the bright, golden light of day succumbing to the mysterious darkness of night. She stood close to the Baron, standing in front of him to allow him to view the scene over her shoulder. Their closeness denoted a intimacy she had not felt for many years.

She knew he was going to offer his hand in marriage to her. She was a shrewd woman and his mannerisms and increasingly nervous behaviour confirmed the idea to her. The brunette had felt uneasy at first, but this small feeling had grown into an inner turmoil she had not known since her husband had died.

She loved him, that was clear and in a fairytale land that was the only requirement for marriage. However, Madame Giry was firmly present in reality and knew there were various factors for her to consider.

The main issue for her was class. The Baron de Renoir was undeniably of high class and was one of the most eligible bachelors in the Parisian high society. He had been surrounded with finery and praise since the day he was born to his most noble parents. She, however, was born in a provincial town to a blacksmith and his wife. Her parents were deeply in love throughout their childhood and had leaped at the chance to get married as soon as they could. Her father, Jacques, had a secure profession and could offer his bride a relatively safe future, where food was always on the table and there was a roof over their heads. Marie Giry was a pleasant woman, whose beauty was known throughout the small town. Many felt she could marry above her class due to this, and were bitterly disappointed when she decided to marry the common blacksmith.

Together their love had created her, and when she was born they rejoiced. Her vaguest childhood memories were of her father presenting her with a train he had forged whilst working, that was still with her to this day. Early on they had noticed her passion for dancing and had secured her a place at the Opera Populaire as a chorus girl at the age of eleven. She never did find out how this occurred, but she suspected it was a result of one of her mother's past suitors who wished to gain her favour again. Though slightly older than the other girls, Antoinette soon become an integral part of the chorus until she was given her first dancing solo at the age of seventeen. Her parents died after living very fulfilled lives, about a year apart from each other, neither being able to live without the other. Meg was blessed enough to have memories of her grandparents, a luxury she did not share, as hers had died long before she was born.

However, the fact remained her family background was of low class, despite her daughter's marriage and her success on stage. She did not want to damage Philippe's reputation in any way.

The second, and slightly more personal issue was that of her late husband. She had been shown the unforgiving and cruel nature of men and she was not yet sure if the Baron would turn out to be the same sort of man after they were married. It involved a risk. A risk was almost a luxury to her, when Meg was growing up she could never take any, not wanting to endanger her daughter's life for her own gain.

Now however, Meg wrote her dozens of letters telling her to encourage the Baron's affections, knowing her mother was lonely and the match would be good for her.

She sighed slightly, looking up at the handsome man behind her, watching him smile. With a slight smile herself, she looked back at the dwindling sun, enjoying the warmth that Philippe radiated.

"Marry me?" A whisper next to her ear asked, as an arm encircled her, holding a simple diamond ring.

Antoinette looked at the simple engagement ring, at once knowing she would regret it if she declined. Many of the upper class gave their wives to be gaudy rings encrusted with jewels to show how much money they are willing to spend on them, because to them money equalled affection. Knowing that Philippe had bought a simple ring showed her he really knew her, that he had no desire to make her into an trophy wife who he would dress up in luxurious clothes.

She had been staying at the chateau for a week now, all in secret and wore nothing but her dancing skirts that Raoul had purchased for her. No comments were made on her choice of dress and the Baron had commented more than once that she looked beautiful.

Her fears had clouded her judgement. Philippe was a good man, and she would be honoured to be his wife, he showed he did not care for her background and she should have realised it a long time ago.

"I would be honoured to." She replied, allowing a real smile to enter her face, accepting the ring that she immediately placed on her long barren ring finger. She had stopped wearing her first engagement ring a long time ago and given it to Meg so she could have something to remind her of her father.

No more words were spoken as the last rays of the sun descended below the horizon, none were needed, as the strong hold she found herself in said more than anything else ever could.

……………………….

Aww, I am a bit of a sap sometimes.

I am not sure if I am 100 happy with this vignette but I like how it is quite simple.

The next and last instalment will be the wedding (obviously!).

Any comments/emails/pm's/reviews/ are all very welcome

Until next time,

M.P