Richelieu's Revenge

Chapter Thirteen

"Well?" Richelieu exuded impatience through every pore.

The Red Guard in front of him looked uncomfortable and wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Aramis was guarding the Queen last night. She invited him into her chambers."

No longer bored, Richelieu sat forward and clasped his hands together on his desk. "How long was he in there?"

"No more than five minutes."

Not long enough for a liaison but suspicious nonetheless. "You've done well. Return to your post and remember you do not speak of this to anyone."

"Yes, Your Eminence."

Once he was alone Richelieu sat back. It was unheard of for the Queen to interact in that way with a common soldier. Their actions implied an improper relationship. He was becoming more and more convinced that they were lovers and that the child she carried so proudly was nothing more than a Musketeer's bastard.

He would have to tread carefully. Treville and the Queen had evidence of his involvement in her attempted assassination. If he threw out accusations they would counter with one of their own. The ensuing battle would break the King's heart. He would be forced to choose between his First Minister and his wife, potentially losing his heir as a result.

His man was due back from the convent later today. He would see what had been uncovered before deciding on his next move. Meantime he would continue his chastisement of the Musketeers. His plans had gone awry twice. This time there would be no mistakes.

TMTMTM

"There's someone to see you."

D'Artagnan looked up from his meal as the guard from the gate walked away. He had just come to the end of his two-week punishment and was looking forward to a quiet day. He couldn't think who would be calling on him. He rose from the table and walked towards the gates. His steps slowed when he saw who was waiting for him.

"Madame Bonacieux. This is a surprise. What can I do for you?"

Constance looked taken aback by his formal greeting. "There's no need to be like that. I thought we were friends."

"I thought we were a great deal more than that. It appears we were both mistaken." Despite his words he was drinking in every aspect of her appearance. Her hair shone on the sunlight. The curves of her body reminded him vividly of the few times they had made love. She had been passionate, taking care to see to his needs as well as her own. He shook his head to dispel the vision. Then he really studied her face. Beneath the hurt was a deep worry. Despite his best intentions he moved closer. "Constance, what's wrong?"

She had never been a woman to cry easily but there were tears gathering in her eyes. "I didn't know where else to go."

For a moment his heart leapt in his chest. "Is it Jacques? Has he done something to you?"

"Oh no. It's nothing like that." She took a shaky breath.

"Come inside and tell me." He led her to the table where he had been eating and pushed the plates of food out of the way.

She sat in a rustle of shirts and pulled out a handkerchief which she used to dab her eyes. "Our house has been broken into twice in the last two weeks. They never take anything, just overturn the furniture and break the crockery. Then, this morning, I heard there is a rumour circulating that my husband is selling poor quality cloth and charging outrageous prices for it. It isn't true but imagine the damage it will do to his business. We could be ruined."

"Who would target you like this?"

"I have no idea. Jacques isn't the easiest man to get along with but I don't think we have any enemies who would be this vicious."

"When did the break ins happen?"

"Both times in the evening while I was out. Jacques is traveling on business so I am alone in the house at night. It must mean someone is watching my movements. I'm scared, d'Artagnan."

He suppressed the urge to put his arm around her shoulders and pull her close. The physical contact would only make a difficult situation much harder to bear. "You did the right thing. How long will Monsieur Bonacieux be away?"

"At least another two weeks."

"There isn't much I can do about the rumours except to squash them if I hear them. I can do something about the break-ins. I'll move back into your house until your husband returns. I'm sure Athos, Aramis and Porthos won't mind checking in the vicinity to see if anyone is watching you."

"You'd really do that for me? After everything I've put you through?"

"I love you, Constance, and always will." He held up a hand to forestall her interruption. "I understand and respect your loyalty to your husband. The fact that we can't be together will never stop me helping you when you're in need. Go home. I'll pack my things and be there as soon as I can."

She raised a hand to touch the side of his face, stopping when she was inches away. Her hand dropped. "Thank you, D'Artagnan."

He walked her to the gate and saw her safely on her way. Aramis was just coming into the yard as d'Artagnan was making his way to his room.

"Was that the lovely Madame Bonacieux I saw leaving? Have you and she made your peace?"

"It isn't like that. Someone is watching her and breaking into her house at night. I'm going to stay with her while her husband is away."

"Are you sure that's wise? You know how people gossip. Oh, I understand why you want to help her but think about her reputation. How would she feel if a rumour started that you and she were lovers?"

"I hadn't thought of that," d'Artagnan admitted. "But I've given her my word and no gentleman would go back on that."

"I suppose you're right."

"There's more than just the break ins going on. There is already a rumour about her husband's business that could bankrupt them. Why would anyone try to destroy them?"

Aramis frowned while he considered the problem. "This doesn't smell right. Whoever is behind it must have known Constance would come to you for help. I wonder if this is another of the Cardinal's schemes."

"What could he hope to gain?"

"Well, for one thing, it separates you from the rest of us and I can't say I'm happy about that."

"I can take care of myself."

"That's what Porthos always says and look what happened to him."

"I'll be on my guard."

"See that you are. We'll stop by from time to time too and, if someone is watching the house, we will root them out."

"I must go. I don't want to leave her alone for too long."

"You can't watch her twenty-four hours a day," Aramis warned. "You have your duties to attend to."

"I'm free today and tomorrow. I'll worry about the rest after that."

"Alright. I'll brief Athos and Porthos when they get back. Don't worry, d'Artagnan. We will get to the bottom of this."

Tbc