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Chapter 16: Memories
2 weeks later
These past two weeks had been pure bliss for Jacqueline. Every morning she had risen when she wished. Ate a large filling breakfast that was better than any she had ever cooked and sat curled in front of the fire like a lazy cat for as long as she desired.
When the afternoon arrived so did Ms. Potts to help her dress in a gown that was even more beautiful than the one the day before. After arranging Jacqueline's hair Ms. Potts would often stay and visit with her awhile and Jacqueline greatly enjoyed the comradery that was growing between the two of them.
After dressing she usually went exploring. Even in the two weeks she had been here she had still been unable to see the castle in its entirety not to mention the grounds (excluding the stables of course.)
After spending the day exactly as she wished she would return to her room where once again Ms. Potts would help her dress for dinner. Personally she didn't see the point in changing clothes so many times but her opinion wasn't sought out on the matter.
After dressing much more formally then before she would join the Prince for dinner in the dining room. Sometimes Minister Longfellow would join them or some other such politician like a general or something. But Jacqueline found she much preferred when it was just the two of them. They didn't talk much but that was ok. It was a comfortable silence, and when they did speak it was also quite pleasant.
At least that had been the routine up until a few days ago. When Chip had informed her that the Master was busy and couldn't eat dinner with her. At first she hadn't minded. Reveling in the solitude. But it had quickly lost its luster and now she only felt a frustrating loneliness.
She didn't know why she felt that way, it wasn't like she was alone. The castle housed roughly 100 people not including the occasional visitor. According to Monsieur Lumiere they were running on a mere bare bones staff and if they were running the place correctly there would have been roughly triple that number. Not to mention courtiers and ambassadors.
That was a dizzying amount but at the moment she would have gladly welcomed them all. She currently sat curled up on the rug in front of the fireplace watching the logs sputter and crackle.
The sun had returned for the first time in weeks, just barely beginning the task of melting the mountains of snow that had gathered burying them even deeper in the forest. Though Monsieur Chip had said she shouldn't become too accustomed to the warmth because the winter was far from over.
With that in mind she should have been outside enjoying herself but she hadn't moved from the rug since rising.
Laying with her ear to the floor she brought her knees to her chest making herself as small as possible. Trying to hide from the streak of sunlight that was coming through the window pane and slowly moving its way across the blue and gold Persian rug.
The sun was far too sure a thing and she currently needed to think…sunlight was an obstacle to clear thought.
It had been five days since she had last seen the Prince…roughly. She had to admit she hadn't paid much attention to the days passing at first but as her frustration grew so did her notice of them.
She supposed the reason she was so displeased with the lack of his company was because he was the only one who treated her like an equal.
Well maybe equal was the wrong word. The servants were all very kind but depending on their age they treated her either as child in need of protecting or some great lady who was above themselves.
Not that she minded either of these things. It felt nice when Ms. Potts chastised her for going out without a cloak. Or Monsieur Lumiere walked with her through the endless corridors explaining the different paintings or tapestries with a grandfatherly air. Or when one of the other servants snuck her little treats from the kitchen when Ms. Potts wasn't looking.
But the Prince was different, more…fatherly. Though she hesitated to use that word. She personally had little regard for the concept of fathers. Not seeing what good they did in this life, yet it seemed the only word that fit.
He was a kind, comforting presence…and she missed him.
The clicking sound of the doorknob opening drifted through the room but she did not hear it being too busy trying to decipher the character of those around her and their value in her life.
"Jacqueline? My dear what are you doing? It is past two!"
Ms. Potts threw open the heavy drapes which had only been cracked before, allowing the sunlight to pour in. Jacqueline scurried away from the offending light by clambering over the bedframe and burying her head beneath the pile of feather pillows.
"Now, really!" Ms. Potts reprimanded as she pulled the pillows away. Her cover having been removed by the enemy, Jacqueline covered her head with her arms and moaned in protest.
"Honestly child, one would think you were poisoned."
Jacqueline uncovered her face at this trying to figure out the logic behind that statement. Ms. Potts took advantage of her moment of weakness and pulled her from the bed with a force that was surprising given her rotund figure.
Jacqueline gave up the fight and stood at attention for Ms. Potts inspection.
The portly housekeeper crossed her arms in disapproval at her ragged appearance. Wrinkled nightdress, tangled mass of hair, despite Ms. Potts instructions to braid it before going to sleep, and a pale face that hadn't felt fresh air in far too long.
"Well, that is enough!"
Taking her young charge by the arm she drug her to the porcelain washbasin and pushed her face into the cold water. Jacqueline sputtered and flailed in rebellion but Ms. Potts just calmly began to rub soap onto her face with a vigor that made Jacqueline fear her skin would fall off.
Once deemed clean she begrudgingly sat in front of the mirror whilst Ms. Potts arranged her chestnut locks in an elegant Grecian style which put her hair up, highlighting her high cheekbones. But also leaving one curl down and laid over her shoulder showing off her long neck. The finishing touch was two black ribbons that were laid across the style giving the impression of a tiara.
Altogether it looked very sophisticated and Jacqueline felt some of her sour mood dissipate at the sight of the finished product.
Ms. Potts now wore a smug little smile seeing that her efforts were beginning to pay off. Waltzing confidently to the armoire she withdrew a gorgeous black velvet dress.
It was simple but elegant with long sleeves, a square neckline, high empire waist, and a row of tiny velvet covered buttons running down the back.
Jacqueline looked at the supple velvet with longing.
"For your dark mood."
Jacqueline gave Ms. Potts the look of a pouting child at that comment, but the older woman just smiled lovingly and began to undo the numerous buttons on the gown.
After dressing her Ms. Potts placed a beautifully embroidered woolen shawl in her hands. Then she lightly scooted her out the bedroom door.
"Now go get some fresh air before you're old and crippled."
3 hours later
She had wondered aimlessly for a while and now she was sitting on a stool in the kitchens watching the chef decorate a cake with little figures made of marzipan. It was a very impressive cake and Jacqueline was quite mesmerized by it.
She had lost count of how many layers of actual cake he had used to create rolling hills and valley shapes on a wooden board that was longer than some tables. Then he had covered it in fondant which he painstakingly painted with coloring to resemble green pastures and hills. Next a river was created running down a hill into the fondant valley below and little candy rocks were placed in its way to give the impression of a babbling brook.
As if this wasn't wonderful enough next the chef had created trees and flowers out of marzipan and had strategically placed them along the river bed and over a hill creating an enchanting forest.
Next, a large temple made of hardened sugar was set atop the highest point with white sugar columns and edible gold paint decorations. Now he was making and placing tiny people and fantastical looking beasts all around the scene.
There was a unicorn, several lions, sheep, and many animals Jacqueline didn't know the names of. The people were dressed strangely with little crowns or helmets. One even had the lower half of a goat instead of human legs, and she even thought she spied a mermaid lurking behind a rock. The chef had told her that it was a Greek temple and that the figures were ones from mythology but she had no idea what any of that meant. Still it was magical.
The chef put the last finishing touch on his masterpiece and then ordered several of his assistants to carry it into another room where it wouldn't risk melting the sugar from the heat of the ovens. Jacqueline watched six grown men struggle under the weight of the enormous cake and slowly make their way through two double doors while the chef anxiously hovered over his creation.
Once they had left Jacqueline began to wonder how else she could entertain herself.
She didn't have long to ponder before Wilton came crashing into the kitchen and ran into one of the scullery maids.
Seeing her sitting on a stool he ran over to her.
Wilton was actually Porcelain's (Ms. Potts) older brother. But he had suffered an accident when he was young that left him not quite right in the head. He had a stutter and often fidgeted his hands when he became confused or nervous. That was why he worked in the stables, he got along much better with animals then people.
Jacqueline had a soft spot for Wilton. She didn't open up much, something everyone in the castle had noticed. But Wilton was like a child and she felt a certain amount of protective instinct for him.
"Wilton watch where you are going!" screeched Lavender who had just managed to save a pot of soup from a near death because of Wilton's charge.
The tall stable hand ignored his younger sister and instead grabbed Jacqueline by the hand and began to pull her towards the door.
"C-Come see! C-C-Come see!"
She had no choice but to follow, practically running to keep up with the gangly man who pulled her along in his haste out the door into the snow covered gardens. Not noticing that she had no cloak.
Jacqueline used her free hand to wrap the shawl around her shoulders as they ran along the gravel paths that had just been recently shoveled clear.
"Wilton, where are we going?"
"C-Come see!"
"See what? SLOW DOWN!"
He complied and stopped. Turning to look at her with an excited grin on his face.
"R-Rabbits! J-J-ack, R-Rabbits!"
Wilton often gave others shortened abbreviations of their own names since he found it difficult to pronounce complicated words. So for him at least Jacqueline had been shortened to Jack. It was ironic Jacqueline thought seeing as how her father would have much preferred it if her name really had been Jack, for then she would have been a boy.
Once again Wilton took her hand and pulled her across the gardens. Careful to avoid the stables on the way. Even Wilton understood not to take her near the horses, something everyone had become mindful of since Lumiere explained finding her terrified in the stables. Of course Jacqueline was unaware of this fact along with many other countless kindnesses that had been performed on her behalf since arriving.
Finally Wilton stopped in front of a building that looked much like a stable except the doors were much smaller. Hesitantly she followed the stable hand as he happily rushed inside.
The building was full of different sized cages, stalls, and hutches for random animals. And in fact she was greeted by the squawking of a pair of prized geese when she passed their cage.
It took her a little bit of searching until she found Wilton again. But when she did it was an adorable sight.
Sitting on the floor with his long legs sprawled out before him sat Wilton. And carefully held close to his chest was a beautiful little rabbit with fur the color of ash and white feet nibbling on the stump of a carrot Wilton had snuck for him from the kitchen.
The rabbit practically disappeared in his big hand but Wilton was careful not to hold it too tightly and his childlike face was crinkled in deep concentration and fascination.
Resting on her heels Jacqueline squatted beside Wilton and put a hand out to stroke the little thing's fur.
Wilton quickly put a hand up protectively in her path. Obviously afraid she might accidently pet to hard and injure his little friend.
"D-Don't…T-t-t-ouch…J-just l-look."
"Pleas may I pet him Wilton? I promise to be careful."
Wilton looked first at her and then the bunny. He seemed to be thinking very hard about his decision, not wanting to make a mistake.
"Ok, b-but b-be nice."
Jacqueline nodded and then very slowly stroked the small animal with just the very tips of her fingers so Wilton would be sure that she meant it no harm.
His face broke into a silly grin of joy.
"H-He l-likes you, J-J-Jack!"
"I like him too…and it looks like you take really good care of him."
Wilton nodded his head vigorously to insure her that he took his responsibilities very seriously.
Jacqueline smiled in approval. After a few minutes she became cold and decided to go back to the castle. Wilton wanted to stay so she left him behind.
As she walked back across the gravel path she pulled the shawl tighter around her shoulders. Looking across the landscape she saw something she hadn't noticed before. It was a large building made completely of glass except for about five feet of brick at its base. She wondered how such a large structure could have possibly escaped her notice.
Having absolutely no idea what such a thing could be she decided to investigate.
Opening the large wooden door was a challenge because of the ice that had formed on the hinges but she managed to pry it open. Upon entering she was met by a somewhat surprising sight.
Before her were rows upon rows of red roses…as far as they eye could see. Not a single other flower grew, it was nothing but the most exquisite red roses she had ever seen before in her life. And it made her heart stop.
"Enjoying the conservatory?"
Jacqueline would have jumped if she could at the unexpected voice but her feet were frozen to the ground where she stood.
She heard the sound of a cane hitting stone as he neared but still she couldn't will herself to look away from the garden of red.
The Prince
When she didn't turn he slowly made his way to stand beside her. Looking at her face she still didn't seem to see him, instead just staring at the mass of roses with an expression he could not judge.
He hadn't meant to follow her here, but he had felt the need to come to this place….as he so often did.
She looked pale in her black gown like she was in mourning. Her violet eyes seemed to have grown twice in size and she was hugging her arms around herself like she was afraid that if she let go something terrible would happen.
Concern filled him as he studied her. Jacqueline was an interesting girl. So strong headed and willful, yet he felt like emotionally she was just a little girl, too terrified to even cry. And if he had ever met someone in his life who was truly lost….it was her.
Without ever looking away from the flowers she asked in a small but surprisingly wooden voice.
"What is this place?"
A stab of pain hit his heart and he gripped his chest even tighter.
"I knew a woman once who loved roses. I built this for her."
Jacqueline nodded slightly and he was shocked to see tears glisten in her eyes. She didn't let them fall but he wished she would he felt it would help her to cry. A really good long cry for whatever it was she kept bottled up.
But she didn't, instead she blinked them away and her features settled into a cold mask.
"I hate roses."
"Why?"
Her eyes took on a faraway look. She wasn't seeing the roses anymore she was somewhere completely different. Someplace painful and alone.
"My mother loved them….they were her favorite flower…But she died during the winter…and there weren't any roses to put on her grave….. …and when spring came and they would bloom I would think, about how much she loved them….and when she died…..there weren't any for me to give her…so I hate them."
A great heaviness settled on his chest causing even more pain to wrack him worn body. And a fear gripped his mind, one he could not bear to say out loud, but was real none the less.
Her mother is dead? Who was her mother?
He wanted so desperately to ask, but he couldn't for fear it would make his worst nightmare a reality.
Trying to shake the horrible thought away he focused his attentions once again on Jacqueline.
"Come with me my dear."
Jacqueline
She followed him back to the castle and through endless hallways and up numerous staircases. Often times having to help the sickly man because he breathing would become labored so easily and it was apparent that the pain he was always in had become worse since their conversation in the conservatory. Jacqueline worried she might have been the cause.
When they at last reached the drawing room he had guided her too the Prince's skin felt clammy, his breathing was ragged and his voice was hoarse. Jacqueline helped him to a sofa and rang for a servant.
Luckily Chip wasn't far away and came to help. After seeing the Master's condition he quickly rushed to retrieve his medicine. When he returned Jacqueline was shocked to see the tray piled high with various vials and herbs.
After taking several concoctions he assured a very concerned Chip that he was fine. After much reassuring the steward in training finally agreed to leave them alone, promising to return in several minutes with tea for the pair.
Once he had gone Jacqueline studied the Prince.
He didn't look fine. In fact he looked no better than before, possibly he looked even worse. Though he breathing at least had improved, his coloring certainly had not.
Wringing her hands slightly Jacqueline approached the sofa where the Prince sat. His head laid back and eyes closed in exhaustion.
"Your Highness?"
He opened his blue eyes and looked at her. He raised his eyebrows for her to continue.
Mustering her courage she spoke.
"I know it isn't my place but, those medicines that Monsieur Chip gave you don't seem to be working. Have you considered enlisting the service of a different physician? Maybe he could help you."
Jacqueline thought she saw a smile form beneath his red beard as he motioned for her to join him on the sofa.
She dutifully sat with all the grace Ms. Potts had managed to drill into her over the past weeks. She saw a look of approval and pride in his eyes at her new skills and she sat a little straighter.
"I have seen many doctors for many years. And I am afraid that from what I suffer there is no cure."
Jacqueline felt a great sadness at his words.
What could be wrong with him?
"But let's not worry about such unpleasant thoughts. I have a question for you."
Jacqueline waited patiently.
"Do you know how to play chess?"
Jacqueline shook her head no and she thought she saw another smile tug at the corners of his mouth.
"Then it is high time you learned."
From that day on every afternoon regardless of his schedule the Prince dedicated an hour to teaching Jacqueline the art of chess. She was a quick study and he felt sure that in no time at all she would prove a formidable opponent.
They both began to look forward to this time together, and it held a special place in their hearts.
One day while playing he struck up a conversation that unintentionally shed some more light on her past.
"I am very glad to hear that you have made a friend of Wilton. He is a gentle soul who needs kindness."
Jacqueline nodded her head but her eyes never left the chess board. Her brow was furrowed whilst she calculated her next move. Maybe it was her split focus that made her speak so unreservedly but he wasn't sure.
"He reminds me of my brother Louis. He was only three when mama died so I had to raise him. He used to be very sweet but as he got older he began to take after the other boys until one day he didn't like me at all."
He was surprised she had mentioned her family at all, he was beginning to believe she didn't have one.
"How old is Louis now?"
"Eight…he would have been better if mama hadn't died. She could always bring out the best in us."
Before he knew what he had done he heard himself ask the question that had burned in his mind for so long.
"What was your mother's name Jacqueline?"
She paused for a long time. As she moved her Queen into the position of check-mate she answered him. Smiling as she won the game.
"Belle."
The Village
Gaston sipped his beer absently whilst his mind worked.
It had been nearly a month since his daughter had runaway and drowned in the river. He couldn't say anyone was terribly sad about it except that one friend of hers, and maybe LaFou. Of his sons Louis had been the most upset but even he had moved on with relative ease.
Every seemed to accept her death with minimal effort…..except him….Something was wrong…..he didn't know what but his instincts told him that things weren't as they seemed.