***little detail, I know that most lady's maids of the 1800's lived at their employer's house, but Marie lives super close to Bella's manor, so she goes home to her family every night***
The day was long, and when I got home, I went immediately upstairs and fell upon my bed. I was exhausted, but also felt happy, it was the kind of feeling I normally got when I had a great long gallop on Whimsy. "Do you want anything?" Marie asked sweetly, tucking the boots I had kicked off into the corner of my room. "No, thank you." I rolled unto my stomach and propped myself with my elbows so I could see her. "Why the long face, Marie?" Her little face was sorrowful, and her blue eyes looked to be filled with unshed tears. I pushed myself up, holding back my uncomfortable groan as I realized we would be having an emotional talk. I patted my bed and she sat down next to me, sniffling. "What is the matter, Mar-Mar?" I realize that most would find it completely scandalous that my maid is my best friend, but she is, and I felt like its my duty to ask.
"There is a boy." I say knowingly but not unsympathetically and offer her a handkerchief after she nodded. "He works at the opera house, a props designer. He is friends with my older brother and eats dinner at my house every so often." She accepted the handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. "He never even looks at me! Benjamen is so wonderful, but he doesn't even know I exist!" Her pained voice chocked on tears, and I looked at her plain face sadly. "That couldn't be true! You're so funny and lively!" She shook her head and I gave her a hug. Though Marie is not stunning, once you spend time with her, her prettiness becomes evident; like her long eyelashes and white hands and straight nose. And she is tall, but has very little features, and so appears young and sweet. "I should get back to work. It does no good to think of his black hair or adorable spectacles." She sniffled. "Just be yourself next time Benjamen comes over, and I'm sure you'll amaze him" She smiled weakly and grabbed my muddy boots as she left my room. At that moment, I vowed that I would find the boy tomorrow at the opera and tell him all about my wonderful little friend.
"Bella, I hope you haven't forgotten about the, ummm, 'lady lessons' that you have today." My dad stuttered as I prepared to head out to my carriage the next morning. "How could I forget?" I laughed nervously, and accepted his hand to help me up. "Okay, well, Mme Delacrux shall be here at 2:30 on the dot, so please be be on time. She has been writing your mother, and I really would like for her to get a good report." He kissed my cheek through the little open window, then signaled for the driver to steer the carriage out to the opera house.
When I reached the magnificent building, there was a crowd of people standing outside in the rain. I spotted Meg and hopped down and waved the driver to go. "Meg, what is going on?" I asked, while I pulled my soft red-pink cloak tighter around my shoulders. She shrugged and continued to monitor the action. We were joined by a gaggle of her dancer friends and I rolled my eyes as they loudly gossiped and giggled. The loudest was one of my least favorite people, Lorraine. She has silvery blond hair that is as like silk, and she always wears it loose and tosses her head and giggles as if everything is too funny. "I hear that Monsieur Cullen is leaving!" Lorraine shouted and did another triumphant head toss. "Really." I muttered and pulled the hood over my big hair. Rain just makes my curls go crazy, so living in dreary, always raining Fourchette is a dream come true for me. Not.
Lorraine looked over after I sarcastically answered her, then widened her already wide blue eyes. "Yes, Edward Cullen himself told me!" She smiled viscously then narrowed her eyes at my dubious expression. "What, you think he talks only to you?" I shook my head in disbelief. Mt time at the opera house had revealed that Edward wasn't really a big fan of loud, gossiping ballerina girls, but why should that stop him from talking to them? "Ah, so how long did you have to watch me to know that Edward talks to me?" I ask like I'm incredibly bored.
Meg seemed oblivious to our tissy and shushed us, shrilling excitedly ," Look, there he is!" I peered over and saw the golden M. Cullen standing with another man. Well, boy really. "Oh, who is he?"Lorraine's ever-roving eyes landed on the boy and she smiled like a hunter does after finding his prey. The boy is quite handsome, with long, shiny black hair and big hazel eyes and clear white skin. He looks incredibly familiar, in fact. Then M. Cullen walked to the top of the stairs and the boy followed, grinning flirtatiously at the dancers, who of course, smile back even more so. "I have had many wonderful times at this opera house ,but I'm afraid that my true calling is elsewhere. In the medical field, to be exact. Being the town doctor is no little task, and I am going to be returning to my real duties full time. Since I won't be here, I've decided to sell the opera house to the most deserving of buyers, who will be here momentarily. In the meantime, give a warm welcome to the new patron, Jacques De Noir." The boy stepped forward and waved to the small crowd quite charismatically. I really feel like I know him from somewhere, but yet no memory emerges. He made a small speech about how he is glad,blah blah, then beelined straight into his carriage, after a wave to his admirers. He had breezed right by me, and suddenly, I remembered him. My grandfather had trained his parent's horses some years ago, and so we had played together as children. We would go for rides on our ponies, and tell wonderful stories to one another. Once upon a time, that boy had been my favorite person. He had treated me like an equal, not a silly girl who was only good for giggling and flirts.
"And here are the new managers of the Fourchette Opera, Monsieur Firmin and Andre." M. Cullen beamed at the new additions and nudged two men forward. I hadn't even noticed come in behind the boy, and I guess no one else had either. They made a similar speech, while the other performers whispered, "They must be rich!" Then, after all the excitement, we were herded in from the misty rain and into the opera house. I slowly walked into my usual spot before rehearsals began, and smiled gratefully at my feet. I hadn't tripped while walking up the many stairs that led to the main theater.
I realized I was one of the first ones to go backstage as I looked up and saw only a stagehand and a seamstress kissing in a shadowy corner in the distance, with two drunken props-makers making crude gestures near them. I had never seen the area empty before, and it was awkward, but interesting, once I got over the creepiness of it. I wondered where the rest of the cast was when no one came into the theater, and headed out into the main hall before the theater. There was a huge crowd surrounding what looked to be six men fighting, and the cheers and shouts were deafening. I quickly returned to the quiet backstage and sighed with relief and the dark calmness of it. There was no new additions to the amount of people in the room, and I looked around me before heading to the grand piano tucked into a corner. The fight looked like it still had quite awhile to go, so I figured I was safe as I sat down on the well-worn bench. I couldn't help but smile happily at the white and black keys. At my mother's house, there had been a beautiful piano that I would play every day. But I moved, and my father doesn't have a piano. So I haven't played for awhile, and I've bitterly missed the feel of the smooth keys against my skin. And with one final look toward the door, I began to play.
I always been gifted with piano. Learning flute and violin took quite some time for me, but piano I picked up right away. After I learned how to play, I began to create accompaniments and write my own songs for the instrument. And so, I began to sing Angel of Music while I played. And I played and played and played, it was wonderful and magical, in that nearly empty theater. "Bella."
I jumped about a foot into the air, but somehow managed to land back on the bench. Then, after I caught my breathe, I was able to look at who interrupted me. It was the composer himself! I looked away from the piano guiltily. "You dropped this," he laughed, and dropped my favorite green scarf unto the top of the piano. "Oh, thank you." I said, and let my hands glide over the keys longingly. "The fight is still going strong, it looks like it will continue for more time yet. Don't let me stop you from playing." I smiled gratefully and resumed to play my favorite song. But to my surprise,he stayed next to the piano bench and watched my fingers dance. Oh, he moved a bit farther away from me instead of being right next to my shoulder, but still, it was the closet I had been to him in a while. So, I felt compelled to show off a little, and sang to my song as I went on. During the breaks where I didn't sing, I turned back to him and looked at his expression. His eyes were closed and his face was turned up, and looked peaceful. Odd, I thought.
But the magical moment couldn't last long, and too soon the fight broke up and the theater was filled with many loud people. I jumped away from the piano and Edward slid into my place. Had he just been waiting to sit down, and not enjoying the music? I shook the thought away from my head and smiled my thanks, then was herded off to the center stage where Rosalie was impatiently tapping her delicate foot. I cast a curios look to the girl, and she haughtily whispered, "We are doing the duet." I nodded, and the accompaniment music began to play, courtesy of Edward, while the orchestra warmed up.
When I got home, my father was already sitting at the dinner table. This was unusual. "Father, you're home early." He nodded at my and ran his hands through his dark brown hair anxiously, which was never a good sign. I sat down at the table and nodded to the maid who was fluttering near the door. She had wanted to know if dinner was to be served early. It was, food always makes me and Charles feel much better. "What ever is the matter?" I finally asked. "Two things, bad and worse. Which you do want first, Bells?" I gasped and said, "Who has died?!" He gave a weak laugh at my theatrics, then said, "No one you knew." I looked down at the table and twisted my hands, and so Charles continued, "Worse news first, I presume?" After I nodded, he gravely said, "A man, Luc Chanier, was found just outside of Fourchette last night. Dead, by a vicious animal attack, we assume." My eyes widened in horror. I didn't know there was any blood thirsty animals near the sleepy little town. "We shall need to keep the far pastures extra safe!" I blurted out, thinking of dear Whimsy.
"Belle, only you would think of your horse over your own safety. But yes, I will be at work more often than not, to bring down the creature. I want you to not ride out far, at least until its caught, understand?" His voice was tired and sounded worried. "What, earlier you said you "think" Luc Chanier was killed by a beast. Why are you not certain? Is there a chance that you think he was...murdered?" Charles looked away and said, "Bella, its not a subject that I can talk to a lady about, I'm sorry. Here, this will distract you. The bad news; we will be hosting a party of the fifth of next month. Your mother forced, I mean ASKED me to. It will be fun." Charles's voice sounded terribly afraid and resigned at hosting said party, but I felt pity toward him and said, "Oh, I'm sure it will be fun...with dancing and lots of food..." Of course, dancing is never fun for me. He smiled gratefully and replied, "Wonderful! I'm glad you feel that way. Mme Delacrux, your instructor, will help with the planning. Don't forget, you have your first lesson tomorrow." I groan, then bit my lips to hold back complaints. But then dinner was served, so our conversation ceased and we concentrated on the delicious food, though I had nagging thoughts in the back of my head about the murdered man.
The next morning, I woke up to a dark gray sky. Thought the Fourchette sky is usually gray, it is a misty, light sort of gray. This sky was threatening and gloomy, with the promise of thunder and lighting and buckets of rain. Oddly enough, this brought a smile to my face. Marie then came in with my cup of chocolate, and gave me an odd look. "Does the weather please you?" She questioned, and I nodded. I do love storms. Oh no! I had just remembered that I had forgotten to search out Benjamen yesterday and tell him all about my fine friend. I'll do it today. I silently decided and got out of bed. I chose a form-fitting silvery blouse that opened at the throat and a black skirt to wear, and Marie helped me get dressed. I wrapped a a silk ribbon round my neck for a choker, and twisted my dark red curls into a high bun, leaving a few tendrils down against my face and neck. Lastly, I put some smoky powder on my lids and pinched my cheeks. "Is there someone you want to impress?" My maid asked in a very amused voice. I had a brief image of Edward in my mind, but shook my head and said, "No, I have a "Lady Lesson" today, and I don't walk to look like a barbarian. So it won't hurt to look nice, will it?" She smiled and gave a small laugh, then held open the door for me as I headed outside. The skies had yet to rain, and I got into my carriage easy enough. The air had that sort of yellow tint to it that it always gets before a big storm, and my silk shirt clung to me from all the electricity in the air. The carriage horses could feel the coming storm too, and danced around in their harnesses as the coachmen made sure my door was securely shut. When finally gave them the command to go, they charged off at a speedy gait, and I laughed delightedly as I bounced in the air from the bumps in the road.
After he got the horses in control, and made sure I was all right, the driver finally headed off the the opera house, and I saw the first few raindrops hit the road. I arrived at the theater, and the sky continued to hold back. When I walked unto the stage some while later( I stared at the sky for a bit), everyone was staring at me. I brought a hand up to my hair, it was still in place, and smoothed down my skirt. People still continued to stare at me, so I just shook my head curiously and headed over to the props department to talk with Michel, who was supposedly friends with Benjamen. Meg still hadn't arrived at the opera.
"Bella, you look amazing!" He gushed, and plucked a red rose from the potted bush in the corner and placed it above my ear. I should have reprimanded him at the forward gesture, but he had given me my favorite flower, so I stayed quiet, except to murmur, "Thank you." So that was why people kept on watching me. They thought I looked that good. "Hey, Michel. Are you good friends with a boy named Benjamen? He has glasses and dark hair?" He scowled and ran a hand through his fair hair, then muttered, "Really, Bella. You should not waste your time on him, there are many better suited men-" I interrupted him and gasped, "No, no! Do not tell the others, but my friend is interested in him. I should like it very much if you could tell him good things about her. Her name is Marie, she is tall and quite pretty, and very smart and kind. You might even know her?"
My words brought a smile to his face, for whatever reason, and he said, " Yes, I do. She is a nice girl. I shall put in a good word for her." I gave him a big smile and said my thanks, while he continued to gaze at me with a loving expression on his face. Not good, I thought, and headed toward the piano where the girls where chatting. "Bella! Over here! Or should I say Belle? That is what every one is calling you now." Meg's bright voice invited me into the crowd of girls, even though Lorraine was sending daggers at me with her light eyes. I chatted with the group until we were interrupted by a low voice.
"Excuse me, mademoiselles." I turned and saw Edward standing near the piano bench, which was blocked by three giggling girls. They all shrieked and gave him huge smiles, and when they moved, they all rubbed up against him in the most un-ladylike way. But its not like I could blame them, really. He was looking exceptionally handsome, with a jet black suit and snow white shirt that made his dark gold eyes shine. I was shocked that I didn't gasp at the mere sight of him. Then he turned from the silly ballet girls and looked at me. His eyes widened and he, too, stared. As shallow as it was, it made me feel proud to be beautiful at that moment. And I couldn't help but boldly stare back at him. Time seemed to stand still. Without me even meaning to, I drifted past the other girls so that I was closer to him, till we were about a foot and a half apart, separated by just the piano.
A huge crack of thunder made everyone jump, except me and him. Then there was a flash of lightning seen from the huge stained glass windows, and the sound of buckets of rain falling, and everyone ran to the windows to get a good look at the storm. I stayed where I was and we stared at each other. With the next ear-splitting thunder crack, he tore his eyes away from me and said, "This cannot happen." I took another step toward him and breathed, "What cannot happen?" It was like there was an invisible string that kept pulling me toward him. He looked up at me from the bench, and his expression was suddenly angry. "We will not be friends, Belle Dawier. Now just sing the damn song so you can warm up." I realized he was playing the tune I had tried out with, called; "Think of Me." I also noticed that he was breathing hard and that he ,for once, wasn't the picture of politeness. The enchanting moment had been broken, and I could not help but smile a little at how we had reacted afterwards. Edward had gotten angry and delved into music, and I had tried to get even closer to him. He looked up at me expectantly when I didn't start to sing, and I smiled coquettishly at his rigid position and shaking hands. As much as he tried to hide it, Edward Cullen knew that he and I had shared a moment. I bit my full bottom lip, and he gasped and sucked in a big breathe of air, then looked like he wished he hadn't. The air smelled fine to me. After another half minute of teasing him, I finally began to sing, "Think of me, think of me fondly..."
When I finished the song, Edward stormed away from the piano. The tempest was still raging, but the new managers had somehow gotten every one to rehearse. I watched the bronze-haired man leave the theater, and walk into the pouring rain and thunder and lightning. Is he insane? I thought to myself, then was joined by Meg, who was stretching. "What was that all about?," she asked while pulling her leg up to her head with the help of a wooden bar attached to the wall. "I honestly don't have an idea." I replied, then saw Rosalie saunter on to the stage. "Duet time," she said to me, then returned to admiring herself in the polished reflection that the stage produced. I nodded wearily to her, then as I walked over to join her, turned and said to Meg, "If I have a party, will you come?" She gave an excited "Yes!" and I smiled to myself as the composer directed the orchestra to play the proper music.
The time flied until it was time for afternoon break. And that meant it was time for me to leave for the dreaded lady lessons. I tied the leather strap on my black cloak round my neck, and headed outside. The storm had let up, but the sky was still a very angry shade of grayish black, which meant that there was more to come. Everyone was already outside, marveling over the sky and the great puddles to entertain themselves during the free time. " Goodbye." I said to my friends, after I gave an edited version of why I was leaving early. My carriage was waiting in the road, and I handed my bag to the driver and gave one last look to my beloved opera house as I mounted a carriage step. I saw Edward talking with his sister, the pretty little ballet dancer who kept to herself. Alice, I believe her name is. He kept on glancing back at me, and I wondered where he went after I sang, "Think of Me. Then there was a huge burst of thunder, and the horses spooked forward. I went flying back into the road, since I had been getting into the carriage.
My very breathe was knocked out of me, and I lay dazed in the middle of the road. The carriage was jolted around by the horses, I saw, but it didn't really register to me. I heard the bystanders scream as lightning flashed in the sky, and the sheets of rain fell once again. It felt like I wasn't even part of the world. Then I heard hoof beats, and the sound of carriage wheels, and I attempted to see where the vehicle was coming from. There was more screams as I realized the out of control carriage was heading my way, and I tried to push myself up from the road. But my arms went out from under me, and I couldn't move. I could only think, How ironic is it that I should die by the hooves of my favorite animal?
Suddenly, I was swept into a pair of strong arms and pulled out of the way. I heard the crunch of wood as the passing carriage door was crushed in, and heard the driver yell his horses to "Whoa!" I looked up into my rescuers face and saw dark gold eyes staring into my own, and felt cold hands gently taking the crushed rose from beneath my hair. Then I fainted.