Hi,

A short transition chapter. Next chapter should be more exiting.

Vonny25

Chapter 5

The next morning Philippe woke up early to milk the cows, he had just finished milking the first cow, when Adelyn walked in to the barn. She had woke up early, and saw Philippe exiting the cottage. She quietly went in to the washroom to put on the blue dress as Francesca had also given her an old gown too sleep in. After she got dressed, she brushed her hair, and washed her face and hands.

Adelyn approached Philippe, who heard her footsteps; he turned his head around, and gave her a happy smile. The girl said "Good morning messier Philippe." Philippe said, "Good morning madam Adelyn. Please call me Philippe" Adelyn gave him a wide smiled and said, "Philippe, please call me Adelyn." The young man continued milking the cow and asked, "Did you sleep well Adelyn?" She responded, "Yes, I did, is there something I can help with?"

Philippe asked, "Do you know how to milk a cow?" The girl responded. "I'm afraid, I don't. I grew up in Paris, and there weren't many cows around."

The young prince, turned farmer thought about it. It would be nice teaching her how to milk a cow, but not today, it would require too much physical contact. He did not want to scare her away. He finished milking the cow, wiped his hands on a rag he had hanging from his breaches, and approached her. After kissing her hand, which cause her to blush. He said, "If you want you can help me to pick the eggs, let me show you how."

Philippe took a woven basket and walked to the chicken nests, he showed Adelyn how to look for the eggs. He put some hay in the basket and deposited a couple of eggs in the basket before handing in to the girl. He said, "If you need help or have a question, I'll be milking the cows."

Adelyn took the basket and said, "It does not seem that hard, I think I understand." She proceeded to pick the eggs, but she definitely was not used to being around farm animals, each time a hen approached her, she jumped, when she heard, the cows moo or the lambs bee, she jumped. Philippe though that was extremely cute, and was spending more time watching her, than milking the cows, but he was experienced, and still manage to finish milking the five cows, before Adelyn finished picking the eggs.

After putting the milk outside of the barn in a safe place, Philippe went to help Adelyn. As they were putting the eggs in the basket they hands kept touching, they both enjoyed it and ended up laughing. As they walked back to the cottage Adelyn said, "You most think I am silly, jumping each time an animal moved or made a noise." He said, "Not at all, I understand you grew up in the city, and actually I thought it was cute." She blushed a little, and then without thinking she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Philippe blushed, and Adelyn blushed after realizing what she did, she was about to take off running as she was so embarrassed. But Philippe took her hand kissed it, and said, "No need to be embarrassed, I actually liked that quiet a lot." Before they entered the cottage he said, "Adelyn, I would like to have my father speak to your father, and ask him for permission for us to see each other." Then he felt stupid, and thought he obviously was going too fast, he panicked thinking he had lost all chances.

To his surprised Adelyn smiled at him, blushed, and said, "I would like that very much Philippe." Then she looked at the floor slightly embarrassed. She had met Philippe only a few days ago; if her dear mother was still a life, what would she think? But she could not help it she liked Philippe very much, and wanted a chance to get to know him.

They entered the kitchen, and found Frances starting breakfast. Philippe kissed, and hugged his grandmother enthusiastically almost lifting her off the ground. She smiled, and said, "Good morning my son, I see you are happy this morning." He said, "Good morning grandmother, it surely is a beautiful day." Francesca was happy for Philippe, she did not know Adelyn but if having her around made her grandson happy, then she had to be a good girl. Philippe had a sixth sense about people, and she did not believe he would fall in love with someone that did not have a pure heart.

Adelyn said shyly, "Good morning Madam D'Artagnan, may I help preparing breakfast?" Frances looked at Adelyn, wondering where she had grown up; she did not speak like a farmer or a pauper. She told the girl, "Yes, I can always use some help, why don't you start frying the eggs? I have the fry pan ready."

The young woman walked to the cooper pan to started cracking and frying eggs. Suddenly Philippe felt protective, if she did not know how to milk a cow or gather eggs, probably she did not know how to cook either, what if she got burned? He approached her and said, "Forgive me for asking Adelyn, but have you fried eggs before?"

Adelyn smiled, she liked him caring about her, she responded, "Yes, I used to help my mother when she was still a life. Before she married my father, she worked in the Royal kitchen, and was a very good cook." Philippe said, "As I said, it was an absurd question, I'll leave you lady's cooking." He went too wash up, and get changed, as he was wearing his work clothes, and wanted to look his best for Adelyn.

Later that morning, D'Artagnan and Philippe took the Monteiro family to the cottage near the winery where they would be staying. They would have to do the bottling at the new building. The cottage was sparsely furnished and needed to be cleaned.

The D'Artagnan's brought supplies for their new employees with them, eggs, wheat, rye, oats, buckwheat, onions, carrots, cabbage, garlic, turnips, peas, cheese, lard, salted pork, butter, and a small barrel of wine. Their land produced all the different foods. Serge said, "Thank you, this food should last us for a long time." Philippe said, "I will be checking on your supplies frequently, to make sure you have all the food you need."

Philippe insisted in helping them get settle, before he left to help his father with the planting. He told Serge to take a couple of days to rest before starting his job.

Philippe galloped in his black horse checking the different parcels where the farm hands were planting. He dismounted frequently, and did some planting himself, as he liked leading by example. His cousins did the same, and it helped to keep their workers motivated.

D'Artagnan was a natural lieder and a good administrator, his saving from his time at the musketeers were growing, as he bought more land, and planted staples that were in demand. They were joining the La Petite Bourgeoisie class despite the heavy taxing by the King. The winery would help to assure their future. He had not touched the money or the jewels of Anne, as he thought they belonged to Philippe.

Over at the palace Louis was throwing a ball as he did often. He was wearing a brand new costume that he ordered for the occasion. His advisors were trying to tell him that the people weren't happy but he ignored them.

Louis entered in to the ballroom the music stop, and the courtesans open a path to the throne for the King. Louis was dressed in a blue costume with a gold crown of olive branches. He regally and arrogantly walked to his throne and gave an order to continue. A noble lady that he had invited approached and stood by him. Soon Louis and his dance companion were dancing and did not stop until the ball was over, as Louis loved dancing.

The young monarch retired to his room, and from there entered in to the room of his mistress in turn. She was a commoner and therefore had not been invited to the ball. She was patiently waiting for him in her light nightgown.

The Queen mother was walking to the chapel, as it was her costume each morning; she listened to mass, and then prayed for the safety of her two sons, and the love of her life. She had not been able to exchange any correspondence with D'Artagnan and Philippe in years, for fear of making Louis suspicious. He continued to believe that his brother was dead. Anne thought that since the time when Louis believed Philippe dead, the young king had become more self-centered, and pleasure seeking.

Anne had been a recluse up until D'Artagnan liberated Philippe, but now enjoyed horse riding, and staying at a country state occasionally. She went when it became too painful to watch Louis behavior. She wished she had a way to go to Gascony without her attendants, and musketeers.

Over in the Village of Ausch Philippe was talking to his father. He said, "Father you know I like Adelyn…" The musketeer said, "I do my son." The young D'Artagnan continued, "You were right she likes me too, and I want to be able to see her. Do you think you could talk to her father to ask for his permission?"

D'Artagnan looked at his son and decided to have a talk with him; he did not want him to follow in the footsteps of Louis. He said, "Yes, I can talk to him, and I think you should be present. Let me get some wine as I would like to talk to you."

A few minutes later D'Artagnan came back with a couple of glasses of wine, and a plate with bread and cheese. He looked at his son and said, "My Philippe, I know that you are an excellent young man, and that you've had some female friends in the past, but I've never seen you in love before. I also believe Adelyn loves you. Always be respectful of the love that you have for each other, never put her in compromising situations, as she is a nice lady from a good Christian Family, even if they are destitute. Always remember that she is a human being the same as you, listen to her, even if you don't agree with her, and guide her kindly."

Philippe had no idea of why his father was having this talk with him. He said, "Father have I've not treated my lady friends nicely? Have I've done something wrong? Because if I have, I want to know about it. I like Adelyn very much, and I don't want to offend her in any way or risk losing her."

The older man had to laugh and said, "No you have done nothing wrong, I think I let my concern take over. As you know, you and Louis are identical twins, and sometimes I worry that you will end up changing women like shirts, the same as your brother. I know you are different, but is my obligation as a father to guide you, and help you to become the best man you can be. Unfortunately I could not do that for Louis."

The young man smiled at his father and said, "Thank you, I'm lucky you are my father. I like having you to guide me. I am sure if you had raised Louis, he would be a different man. I feel bad for him as he missed out on having a great father like you."

D'Artagnnan patted his son on the back and then told him, "Let's give Serge a week to settle in, and then will go to talk to him." The young man said, "Thank you father." After a couple of minutes he said, "Do you think maybe we can give Serge a salary advance, so he can buy clothes for his family, and other things that they might need." His father responded, "That is an excellent idea, since it is your project, it is up to you to decide the amount, and when to give it."

Philippe went to talk to his cousin Michelle, and gave him some money to give to Serge as an advance. He did not want to do it himself, as he did not want for Serge to feel cornered to accept him seeing his daughter, because of fear of not getting his salary. Michelle told him, "You really like Adelyn, don't you?" Philippe responded, "I do, she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, also a hard worker, and my father told me she is a good Christian."

Michelle laughed, and said, "It seems fitting for a prince to fall in love with someone raised at the palace." Philippe gave his cousin a friendly punch, and said, "I'm no prince, I'm a D'Artagnan. I don't have my head in the clouds believing myself to be a nobleman. I am a farmer, and soon the son of a winery owner."

Michelle withdrew his sword, and said, "Then if you are no prince defend yourself." The two cousins started a friendly confrontations, whose only propose was to practice, and improve their skills, they went on for 45 minutes until they decided to call it a tie, and dropped exhausted and sweaty to the ground. They had not even rested for five minutes when out of nowhere, Tangy and Francois jump off their horses, and withdrew their swards. This time the younger boys were the winners, but it was not easy, even as tired, as Michelle and Philippe were, they still were able to spear for 30 minutes before being defeated.

Serge was settling in to his new job. Michelle and Tangy were going to accompany him to buy the barrels for the wine to age in. Bu at the moment Philippe was only concerned about Adelyn, as his father and he were galloping towards the cottage of their wine master. Serge was expecting them as D'Artagnan had told them they would be visiting. At first, he thought they wanted to talk about business, but seeing Adelyn so happy, and singing made him think otherwise.

The two D'Artagnan's dismounted, and knocked at the door. Adelyn was waiting by the door and opened it. Serge came to welcome them accompanied by Jean. The three men and the boy sat at the table drinking wine, while Adelyn served them some fresh baked bread and cheese. She kept smiling at Philippe who kept admiring her.

Finally D'Artagnan said, "Serge, my friend, I am here because my son would like to be able to visit with your daughter. I assure you he has good intentions. I don't want you to feel pressured because you work for us, whatever your decision is it will not affect your employment." Serge thought about it and said, "Forgive me for asking, but is your son anything like the King, when it comes to women?"

The former Captain said, "No, they might look alike but there personalities are completely different. My son is kind and gentle. He has had some female friends but nothing else. This is the first time he asks me to request permission for him to see a lady."

Philippe said in his own defense, "Messier Monteiro, I assure you that my intentions are honorable. I only wish to get to know your beautiful daughter better. I think I might be in love with her. I could never hurt her or put her honor at risk. I don't know much about my brother, but I am a different person, besides he is a King and I am a farmer, that alone should say a lot."

Serge called Adelyn, and asked her to sit with them, then looking at her asked her, "Adelyn do you wish to get to know Philippe better." The girl took a couple of breaths for courage and said with a grin, "I do father I like him very much, I think I am falling in love. It would make me very happy if you allow me to see him"

The wine master smiled and said, "I see no reason why you cannot see each other. I know the D'Artagnan family is one to keep their word. I trust your word Philippe, please take care of my Adelyn, she and her brother are all that I have left." The young man responded, "Thank you I assure you I am a man of honor like my father, and I will take good care of Adelyn."

The next day Philippe found some time to make it over to Adelyn's cottage, and found her getting water from the well, immediately he went to help her, and deposited a kiss on her hand. She smiled at him and said, "I'm glad you are here, I was getting lonely." Philippe asked her, "What are you doing?" She responded, "I am getting water to wash out clothes." The young man said, "Let me draw the water for you."

After Philippe finished getting the water he said, "What are you cooking? It smell's lovely." She answered, "Pork stew, would you like some? I was getting ready to have my noon meal." He said, "Yes, thank you, but will it be enough left for your father and brother?" She chuckled a little and said, "I was hoping a certain someone would stop by, and made some for him."

Adelyn handed him a bowl, and after taking the first bite he said, "It's delicious, did your mother teach you how to make the stew?" Adelyn was beaming and said, "Yes she did… you know I think she would have liked you." Philippe said, "I wish I could have met her." Then Philippe seem distracted. His girlfriend asked, "Is there something wrong?" He said, "No, I was thinking about my own mother, you know I've only seen her once… I wish… I could get to know her….But I know it cannot be. At least I have my grandmother and my aunt Giana."

The young woman put an arm around Philippe's shoulders lending moral support, not knowing what to say. That was enough for the young man he put an arm around her waist, and kissed her temple gratefully. After a few minutes, Adelyn asked, "Did your mother give you that crucifix?" He nodded, she said, "I remember seeing your mother at the gardens of the palace from a distance, she always wore that crucifix, you must mean a lot to her to give it to you."

A week later Serge, Jean, Michelle and Tangy were on their way to by oak barrels. Adelyn would be staying at the D'Artagnan's cottage as she could not stay in her cottage without protection. It seemed Philippe and Adelyn would never stop grinning.

I appreciate the review of Oliver Alexander Green, I'm glad you like the idea of Philippe being in love. Romance for D'Artagnan will come in time.

Thanks for your reviews Olivia. I am so happy you like the story and my writing.

Please review! I thrive on reviews. Ideas and constructive criticism are also welcomed.