I DON'T OWN SOUTHERN VAMPIRE MYSTERIES OR ANY RESEMBLANCE THEREOF.
THANKS TO MY "GUSHING" BETA MS. HOPESTREET.
I PROMISED MORE FRANCE, AND MORE FRANCE YOU SHALL NOW HAVE!
Chapter 22 – Paris, France
(Sookie POV)
If we had any fears about seeing Octavia again, it was calm when we both woke up that morning. We shared a dream again. It was vivid and strong, and now we wanted to know more. So as we made our way up the stairs to Amelia's apartment, it was with a purpose and anticipation.
"Morning children," smiled Octavia, opening the door for us. "I'm so glad to see you again."
She ushered us to the sofa, brought us some tea. After a little small talk, Amelia, Octavia, Eric, and I held hands and started our journey to the past.
My aide-menagere ran through my door, breathless and sweating. She had obviously gone mad! How dare she run in the room in that state! Before I could reprimand her, however, she spoke, out of breath and harried.
"Mademoiselle, he's coming! He knows about the child! Please, run, now!" Before I could even register what she had said, the door was being pushed open. Poor skinny Marie was no match for Guy, and as her shoes betrayed her stance, she was finally thrown to the floor.
Guy stepped through with fire in his eyes. He was boiling mad. His complexion had gone from its usual pale hue to bright red. He looked like a demon. Before he said a thing, however, he walked right up to me and slapped me across the face. I fell to the bed, shocked more than pained.
"I had to hear about our child from the stable boy!"
I had to gather my wits. Not only did the fool think the child was his, but he had just hit me. This was the final straw. If I had a knife or gun. I would have used one right then and there. Instead, I had to be tactful and compliant. If I didn't stop him, Eric's child might suffer, and I couldn't let that happen.
"Cheri," I said, as I let some tears escape from my eyes, "Please, think before you strike! You could have hurt your son!"
My words seemed to have worked. He stopped his hand in mid-air. He looked confused, and then my words finally sank in.
"My… son?" I could so easily hurt him. Kick him and run. But he was stronger and faster. "How do you know it's a boy?"
"A proud and powerful man like you could only ever father a son." It was nauseating saying the words. I could feel the bile crawling up my body.
"A son… of course I would have a son! You're right! Of course, my dear, you're right!" His eyes changed and flashed anger again. He crawled onto the bed, straddling my body between his knees. The demon was back. "None of that changes the fact that you hid my child from me! WHY?" The words caught in my throat. He was terrifying then. "ANSWER ME!"
I had to think quickly… again. "I was… afraid, cheri."
"Afraid of what?" he asked as his head lowered and whispered menacingly into my ear.
"Afraid that… that God would punish my zeal and take your son from you!"
"Why would he do that?" he snarled.
THINK SUZANNE! "Because… it's happened before."
"Explain yourself… quickly."
"I was pregnant once before, but it didn't keep. I bled the child out before I could even come to you with joyous news, cherie. This time I knew I must stay humble and quiet until I knew the child was safe." I was breathing heavily, my heart beating in my throat, my body vibrating with fear. PLEASE, GOD, LET HIM BELIEVE ME! PLEASE!
Just then, his body relaxed. He raised his head. His eyes were once again human. He lifted his hand, and I flinched.
"Wonderful woman," he said, as his hand gently brushed the side of my cheek. I took a deep breath and let it out. THANK YOU GOD! As the tears of relief fell from my eyes, Guy became gentle and kind. "Shhh, don't cry now. What do you need? Pillows? Milk? A doctor! Yes, of course, a doctor!" With that he flew off the bed and ran out of the room.
I let out a sob, closed my eyes, and curled myself on the bed. A moment later, a cool, wet cloth was being pressed against my brow. I opened my eyes to see a smiling face hovering over me, wiping my face of its tears.
"Can you sit up?" she asked as she dropped the cloth and held her hands out to me. I nodded, grabbed her hands and sat up. I took deep breaths and calmed myself.
"Thank you," I was finally able to say.
"You're welcome, Mademoiselle."
"That was a very brave thing you just did for me."
"Jean found me and told me to run up and warn you." She hung her head, "I'm only sorry that I didn't get here sooner."
I lifted her head with my hand, "You were wonderful, and you stayed here with me." Something occurred to me then, I didn't know her name, I never had. "I'm almost embarrassed to ask, but can I have your name?"
She smiled broadly. "Of course, it's Marie, Mademoiselle," and she curtsied for me.
"Well, Marie, thank you again." She was beaming. "How old are you?"
"I'll be 18 in May, Mademoiselle."
"We're practically the same age then. Marie, who's Jean?"
"My brother, the stable boy."
"Marie, how did he find out?"
"I don't know, Mademoiselle. I didn't tell a soul! Not even my brother, I promise!" She was getting worked up. I had to calm her fears. I trusted her now. She had risked her job and her physical wellbeing to come to me, and she was still by my side.
"I don't doubt you Marie. Any ideas though?"
"Yes."
"Can you let me know?" She was hesitant. I understood, she didn't want to be in trouble or cause anyone else's either. "I won't act upon it; I just need to know so that I can be more careful."
That seemed to ease her fear. "I believe it was the laundress. Although I take care of cleaning your room, she is charge of the bed sheets…"
Of course! Month after month she gathered stained sheets, and then for the past two… consistently clean. "I should have thought of that. She must have realized and let it slip… she couldn't have known the trouble it would cause."
"No, Mademoiselle."
"I assume that you also know this isn't the Comte's child."
"Yes Mademoiselle. And can I say that Monsieur Du Nord will give you much more beautiful children than the Compte could ever give you." I paused to look at her, my face in pure shock! It was a bold if not true thing to say. Then out of nowhere, we began laughing as if we hadn't laughed in years. For me, anyway, it was true.
I can't say that I had ever really had a friend. I played with other children and my brother when I was child of course, but when I was 13, I began being groomed to be a wife and longer had time to play. When I was 15, my older brother joined the army leaving me alone, and I when I was 16, I was wed to Vallon.
Marie and I laughed until our sides hurt. I felt like a free woman for the first time in years.
The next day a doctor came to examine me, saying that I was good health and needed plenty of rest. He left promising to come back in a few weeks time. In a few weeks time, I hope not to be here, I thought to myself. Marie was wonderful. Ever since that day she came in the morning and spent time with me, giving me all the latest gossip that our loud mouthed laundress had learned. We would laugh and talk.
I met her brother, a nice young man, a year older than Marie and myself. Their mother used to work in the kitchen before she died, securing them their positions before passing. It was just the two of them. I know I hadn't been friendly with them for long, but it felt so wonderful to have just a few more people on my side looking out for me.
Marie was a tyrant when it came to my health. She was adamant about daily walks and eating well. She wouldn't let me stay on my feet for too long or tie my bodice tightly. My stomach was growing, and my dresses barely fit anymore. It was hunt day once again, and I wanted to look wonderful for Eric. She helped me into my favorite yellow dress but refused to let me put on my corset. With nothing but my linen under things covering me, I felt wild and free and wondered why I ever wore the infernal things to being with.
Marie helped with my hair, and I waited until the familiar knock on the door set my stomach all a flutter. She opened it and let Eric in, smiling and curtsying to him. He looked confused and looked from me to Marie and back several times.
"Thank you Marie," I said. She winked as she closed the door behind her.
"And just what was that all about, cherie?"
"It's a long story Eric."
"I'd like to hear it."
"Marie knows about us, and the baby, and even…"
"Yes? And even what?" I had to be careful about the next part. I didn't know how Eric would react. Sure he had taken the news about his child with grace, but how would he behave once he heard about the way Guillaume attacked?
"Let's sit on the bed, shall we?" If I was going to tell the whole sordid thing, I was at least going to be comfortable saying it.
Eric sat and listened to the entire story. The way Guy stormed in, the way he hit me, the way Marie and Jean had been looking after me, the doctors, my health, all of it. His body tensed and quivered with anger at the way Guy acted. He looked forlorn and sad when I told him how I had to lie to Guy to protect myself, and He was genuinely pleased at the doctor's analysis of my health. He was especially pleased to hear about my newfound friendships.
When I finished with everything, he was silent for a while, taking everything in. I didn't know what the silence meant. Was he upset? Was he happy? Was he ready to take some sort of action? Would we simply continue our lives the way they were? Hundreds of possibilities ran through my head. What if I stayed and gave birth to our child in Guy's house? Would he get suspicious when the child stayed blonde and blue eyed, never taking on his dark hair and eyes? What if we ran off? Would Guy follow us?
"Cherie? Did you hear what I said?"
"Hmm? Sorry. I was elsewhere."
"I can see that."
"Please tell me again?"
"I want to take you away. I won't have that buffoon hurting you or my child again. He can't be trusted."
I felt like I could fly! It's what I wanted to hear so desperately, but I had no idea if he would feel the same way.
"Would you like that cherie?" he asked as he pulled me toward him. "Would you like me to take you away? To the south where it is warm. Where the beaches sparkle?" he asked as he held me to his chest.
"Yes Eric! More than anything!"
He kissed the top of my head. He pushed me away slightly and then kissed my lips, sending shivers down my spine.
"Let me take this dress off, cherie."
I stood and turned my back to him, to let him unbutton me, when a small knock came at the door. We both looked at each other startled. He stepped in front of me and motioned me to stay back… I did as told. He went to the door and quietly asked who it was.
"It's Marie, Monsieur."
We let out a collective sigh as he opened the door to let Marie in.
"You must go immediately. The hunt party is coming back right now! Monsieur Cardin fell from his horse, and they are all rushing back as we speak! Please, Monsieur, leave!"
Eric took two large steps to kiss my cheek, then he bent over to kiss my stomach. Before he ran out the door, he kissed Marie's hand and thanked her. She blushed profusely and seemed slightly stunned. I could hear Eric running down the hall and down the stairs before Marie closed the door. We fell on the bed, relief washing over us. Once again, I was saved by Jean and his sister.
There hadn't been a hunt in many weeks due to Monsieur Cardin's injury. I kept growing, and soon enough needed new dresses and under things. Also, I needed a ball gown. Guillaume was throwing a lavish party to celebrate 'his son.' It was a celebration for a child that might not even be a boy and certainly was not his. But who was I to argue. Guy was so excited about the child that wasn't his that he had the nerve to invite the newly crowned King, Louis XIV! I knew he wouldn't attend, but the ego of this man had no bounds!
The morning that the dress maker was scheduled to come to the house, Marie came to my room and handed me a letter. It was from Eric. He had his chauffer hand it directly to Jean knowing he would hand it directly to Marie and avoid the usual questions that would arise. He had never sent me a letter before, and I was bit excited and curious. I broke the seal and read it:
Amour,
Although I will be at the ball, I will not be able to enjoy it at your side.
There will be no dancing or kisses for us, so I request a small favor…
Wear yellow, cherie.
If you do, I'll know it was for me.
Wear yellow, and I'll be able to make it through the night without you.
-Eric
I let the tears fall as I read and reread the note. When I finally put down the note, Marie took it from me and slipped it into the fire, making sure that no one could read it again. I was in heaven. I twirled around and landed on the bed.
"Something good, Mademoiselle?" asked Marie. I smiled and told her about Eric's request. She sighed and gushed with me, and when the dressmaker showed up a few hours later, I told him to make me a ball gown out of the finest yellow silk he could find!
The night of the ball arrived, and Marie helped me with the dress, my hair, and shoes. She warned me not to stay on my feet in excess, and I promised her to be good. She helped me down the stairs and handed me off to my husband who was displeased my choice of a yellow ball gown.
"Only children wear yellow," he complained. "It will have to do though," he said in a huff before hooking his arm into mine and walking me the ball room. I could hear music coming from the grand room and smiled when I walked in. The room was stunning, sparkling with candle light, and covered with large urns of flowers. A few guests had already arrived, and we welcomed them. As the room began to fill, I kept my eyes on the doors, always looking for Eric.
I was sitting by the wall, surrounded by ladies, and keeping Marie's orders in my mind not to stand in excess, when I looked to the doors. Finally, he had arrived! I could see his slicked back blonde hair. I rose carefully so as not to draw attention to myself and stayed put pretending to listen to babbling women around me. He hadn't found me yet, but I could see what he was wearing… a yellow silk vest.
"Ladies, if you'll excuse me, I believe I need some air." I felt brave, and my poor fluttering heart needed to be closer to him.
I made my way through the crowd, getting as close to Eric as I could without making my intentions too obvious. As I approached, he saw me. We looked at each other for just a moment before breaking contact and continuing our separate ways. That moment was extraordinary though. I wore yellow for him, and he for me. His eyes sparkled as I passed. The fluttering in my heart turned to thumps, and I hoped he would join me outside – damn the risk.
I made my way to the garden around the side of the house and walked to the bench that was hidden between two juniper trees and behind a large row of tall manicured bushes. I sat there impatiently for what felt like hours. Then I heard footsteps and a soft voice whisper, "Suzanne?"
I stood and poked my head around the tree to see Eric looking for me. My yellow silk dress shimmered in the moonlight, and he spied me, making his way to me in great big leaping steps. When we were face-to-face, he took my head in hands and pulled me to his lips. That taste, as always, it was sweet cream.
"Cherie, you wore yellow for me."
"I'll wear it for the rest of my days if you want." He pulled me in for another kiss, and my knees weakened in his arms. He went to the bench, still holding on to me, and sat me on his lap.
"You look like an angel tonight, thank you," he said as he buried his face into my body. "Mmm… roses, you always smell of roses. Are you well? How is Le Petit?" he asked as he put his hand gingerly on my stomach.
"I'm well now that you're here, and the doctors say that things are going well."
"Thank god for that. When we're in Marseille, I won't leave your side not for a minute."
"Oh Eric…" I began. But a distant rustling caught my attention. Eric stood and pulled me behind him, but there was too much gown to be hidden behind him. We had no choice but to stay still and hope not to be found.
"She's a pretty little slut," I could hear Guy say. They were just ahead of us, in front of the large bushes.
"Is this the one with the pink tipped breasts you always boast about?" It sounded like Monsieur Cardin.
"Yes, she should be here in a minute. Now don't go spraining that other arm when you fuck her Cardin."
"A little faith please, Vallon…" he answered. Soon enough I could hear the swish of skirts coming toward us.
"Ahhh there you are, Virginie," Guy said.
"What a beautiful pink flower," Cardin answered.
"Now, take off that apron and show us those pretty tits." There were a few moments of silence, then a collective "mmmm" from both men.
I was sickened to my stomach. Eric turned around to hold me to him. We couldn't move. If we did, we'd be found out. The silks in my skirt made too much noise when I moved. Eric could escape of course, but I knew he wouldn't leave me alone.
Virginie moaned.
"Now, my pretty young flower, take of your skirts. Monsieur Cardin wants a taste of that cunt of yours."
I could hear rustling as Virginie took off her skirts.
"On your back," Guy ordered. Eric looked into my eyes, mouthed the word, 'sorry' to me, and then pressed me to his chest again, as if trying to shield me from the vulgarity that was about to take place.
"Spread your legs; let Monsieur Cardin see how much you like this…"
Silence, then another moan from Virginie.
"She's wet for us already Vallon."
"Yes, like a good little slut."
Then there was a small collection of sounds and the distinct sound of Guy grunting - over and over. He was fucking this girl in the gardens, on the night of the celebration of his child, in front of another man. He made all those revolting noises he would make when screwing me and it was repulsive. My only saving grace was that I knew he was piss poor lover and wouldn't last long. True to his reputation, he finished loudly but quickly with a shower of noises, and then silence.
I couldn't help it as tears began to fall. This was too much endure. If it weren't for Eric's strong arms around me, I would have fainted or ran long ago.
I could hear Guy panting. When he finally stopped, he began moving about… probably putting his pants back on.
"So Cardin, would you like a go. What do you say Virginie, wet enough for the good monsieur?"
"Yes sir," she answered provocatively.
"Well then, I leave you to it Cardin." We could hear Guy as he walked away with his heavy steps. We were relieved he was gone, but we couldn't leave yet. Cardin had yet to have his turn, and we would have to stand there, and listen to the whole affair.
Although older, and even with an injured arm, Cardin was a better lover than Guy. If I hadn't been so disgusted with the events of the night, I would revel in that fact. As it was, it only cemented my grief. Virginie was obviously having a better time as well from the sounds she made. I don't know how long we stood there. Me with tears trickling down my face, and Eric with his arms never releasing me. But when the final grunts and screams of pleasure came, I was relieved.
Some rustling and loud kisses later, we could hear Cardin say "a shame to cover those amazing pink nipples, but I'll be seeing them again," before he walked off. Another wave of relief washed over me. Just Virginie, then we could run, leave, or even move. We could hear her taking her time, humming happily as she got dressed. Finally, she began to move. When I thought she was far enough away, I sank to the bench. Eric sat next to me, apologizing over and over again, as if it were his fault that I was stuck with such a man. As if it were his fault that I had to hear him slobber and grunt over another woman.
We stayed as long as it took me to calm down.
"I'm getting you out of here, and soon cherie. That man is a dog; I won't let him touch you anymore."
He took my hand walked me toward the house. He kissed me. "You have to go in first amour. I'll follow in a few minutes." I nodded and began walking away. "And, cherie," he said stopping me in my tracks, I turned to look at him, "Je t'aime."
"Je t'aime," I answered back.
It had been 3 days since the ball. Eric had sent me another letter via Jean telling me not to worry, that he was working on how to make our escape. It was the only beacon of light in my life. After the event in the garden, my hatred of my husband had only doubled. He was a vile slug, and I hope to high heavens he would be stepped on.
A knock on my door, and Marie stepped in. She looked pained.
"Marie, are you alright?"
"Mademoiselle, I have something I have to tell you…"
"I hope it's the gossip of the day, I could use the amusement."
"It is the gossip, but I don't think you'll be amused."
"I know I will, now tell me Marie," I asked and motioned her to come to the bed.
"Mademoiselle…" she paused.
"Come on then Marie, it can't be all that bad!"
"It has to do with Virginie." The name made me freeze. "She says, she saw you and Eric in the garden the night of the ball, confessing your love for each other."
"Oh my god! Do you think Guy knows?"
"I can't say Mademoiselle; I have no way of knowing."
"How? We watched her leave! We waited until we were sure she had left." I was flustered and upset now.
"Tell me everything," she asked. I did. I told her about Cardin, about the sex, about Eric and I frozen just beyond the trees, and when I was finished, she held me as I cried.
"What should I do, Marie?"
"I think we have to get word to Monsieur Du Nord non?"
"Oui." I sat at my desk and wrote a quick note, and handed it to Marie.
"Bon, I'll get this to Jean right now."
"Thank you for everything Marie." She smiled and ran out of the room.
I saw her later in the day as she helped me get ready for bed, but there was still no word from Eric. She told me to stay calm and rest. I tossed and turned that night. I was beside myself with nerves. Finally, my own mind too exhausted to hold on any longer, I drifted off to sleep…
I woke up to the sound of the door slamming. I turned to see Guy stalking to my bed in the candlelight. He climbed onto the bed… the demon was back. He sat on my legs to keep me still. His large hands found their way to my neck and wrapped around it.
"You tell me you love me right now, you traitorous whore!"
But he began to squeeze, and I could barely breathe.
"NOW!"
He squeezed tighter still.
I couldn't breath. I couldn't move. My child! Eric! Then everything went black.
I woke up to the sound of thunder, Marie at my side.
"Doctor!" she squealed.
A doctor showed up at the other side of my bed and took my arm in his hands. He pressed and prodded, then finally smiled and nodded.
"What of my baby?" I asked.
"It's hard to know, but seeing as how there is no blood, we can only hope the child is well."
"Thank you," I answered quietly.
"I'll be back later in the day to check on you." With that he gathered his things and Marie showed him out. As soon as the door was closed, she came to me and wrapped her arms around me gingerly.
"I was so worried! The whole house could hear him scream. Then there were the slamming doors and the stomping!"
"What happened Marie?"
"Virginie. She was in his room last night. She must have told him, and he stormed out. The rest you know. He came and tried to… to…"
"It's alright. He didn't succeed. But what do I do now? OH MY GOD, MARIE… ERIC!"
"I'm sure he's fine, Suzanne." She had never used my name before. It felt so comforting to hear it. I looked to her then, but she wouldn't look in my eyes.
"Marie? You're not telling me something."
"No, no, everything is going to be fine," but her bottom lip trembled. There was a crash of thunder.
"Marie, please I need to know."
"I can't, Suzanne, please."
"Marie," I said, taking her hand in mine, "You're my only friend in the whole world! Please, I need you to tell me! I'm begging you!" A horrible crash of thunder shook the room.
"He challenged Eric to a duel by the Seine. Today!"
"No! NO!" I got up as quickly as I could and got light headed. "I have to get to them!"
"Suzanne, no! The baby, you can't do this, you'll hurt yourself or the child! Think!"
"I can't think, Marie! I just need to move. You're either coming with me or I'm leaving without you!"
She stopped, tried to think of something to say – then dropped her shoulders in defeat. "At least put on your wools – it's cold out."
I kissed her on the cheek, "Thank you, Marie! Can you tell Jean to get my horse ready?"
"Horse! Are you insane? Non, absolument non! I won't have you bouncing on a horse in this weather and in your condition! We'll get the carriage together. You get changed; I'll meet you by the stables."
I didn't have time to thank her. She ran out the door, leaving me to get myself clothed as well as I could. I rushed as much as possible and made my way to the stable, cursing every stumble and every obstacle. I had to stop them! I had to! If Eric died, I would die too! Somehow, I had to make it right.
When I ran out the back door, the carriage was already there. Jean at the helm.
"Get in, get in!" yelled Marie as she helped me into the carriage. As soon as the door closed, the carriage lurched forward, the horses whinnying against the pouring rain.
Marie held my hand. We sat in silence, swaying with every turn, bouncing with every skip of the wheels. Paris rushed past us. The closer we got, the more my heart thumped in my chest. What if I was too late! Guy may be a useless fool, but he was dangerous and accurate with a weapon. They couldn't use pistols in the rain, but a sword could kill just as easily as a bullet.
We were so very close! Suddenly we stopped with a hard lurch. We could hear Jean yell and then a thud.
"Mondieu!" Marie screamed. She got out of the carriage, "Jean! Jean! Can you speak? Are you alright?"
I stepped out into the pouring rain to see Marie crouched over Jean. We had hit a large rock at a horrible speed, sending Jean off the carriage and to the ground.
"Yes," he replied weakly.
I looked to Marie. "Go!" she said.
I ran. I ran as if my life depended on it. My clothes became heavier and heavier with every move, the rain was relentless. My hair fell around my face, covering my eyes. I wiped them away with my arm. I had to drop my cloak, it slowed me down. I could see the river! I could see it now! Not much farther now! I would make it! I could make it stop!
"AAAAAH!" a blood-curdling scream stopped me in my tracks.
I was too late! No! NO! I couldn't be! I could barely breathe, I was so crippled with fear. A voice inside my heart told me to push, don't stop. Somehow my feet started moving. I ran as fast as my water logged body would let me. I could see them! One figure was above the other. A third, the witness, stood a ways apart. All I could see through the fog was two white shirts – one on the ground, the other hovering. The hovering figure lifted his arms, his sword at the ready to plunge into the other's chest.
"ERIC!" I screamed as loudly as I could. But my voice was swallowed by the rain, the thunder, the river. I had to keep moving. My tears mixed with rain pouring down my face… I couldn't stop; I had to get to him.
I was too late though. The man who was standing paused then plunged the sword into the struggling man's chest. The man on the ground twitched, and twitched once more. Then there was nothing. No movement – just the rain and my poor feet against the slippery, soggy road.
I called out again, against my tears, against the rain, I called for Eric, but the sound wouldn't come. The man pulled the sword out of the dead man's chest and shook his head in the rain… lighting crashed. I could see… I could see… blonde! Through the fog, I could see blonde! It was a blonde hair man standing in the rain! Eric! He was alive!
He looked up, dropped the sword, and ran to me. I fell to the ground, exhausted, wet and overwhelmed. Tears and rain fell from my face. Then he was there, lifting me up, holding me in his arms.
Alive! He was alive!
He never left my side, as promised. We fled for Marseille that night. Jean, Marie, Eric and I left in the night before the madness could even begin. The trip was long, but when I opened my eyes to sunshine and the sea, it was all worth it.
Marie was there at my side when our son was born. She handed him to Eric as the tears swelled in his eyes.
The name Guiallame Vallon was never again uttered by any of us. He was dead and forgotten, forever.
A/N
I know, it was all a bit dramatic, but come on it was fun too right!
Guysies, the poll was a huge success! 73 of you gave your opinion, and we can look forward to all kinds of mischief with Leonardo Da Vinci. However, I've decided that since 73 of you polled, 73 of you should press that rev button. I won't take no for an answer! But if more than 73 of you want to press that lovely rev button, I would LOVE that!
