Chapter 46 Paris: The Victory Parade

They spent the next couple of days mostly relaxing and enjoying each other's company. They toured sites, stayed out quite late and slept in longer than usual. When they returned to their room after a romantic evening out, their love making was urgent and passionate; when they awoke in the morning, it was slow and tender. But either way it had taken on a new purpose as they hoped to welcome a new life to the world. He treated her with just that extra bit of care as the prospect of her carrying their miracle came over him. She felt the change and decided to relish it. Having her husband to share the experience with would be so wonderful and she was hopeful that they would be blessed very soon.

The day after their visit to Notre Dame, they were expected at the dressmaker for a fitting of the dresses that had been ordered for her. She really wasn't that interested in spending money on a new wardrobe while she only had the residents of Hope Valley to wear it for, but she knew that times were changing, and she was wearing many of the same items for almost a decade now. Some of the younger women like Mei and Fiona and even Faith had embraced the new trends in hemlines and silhouettes. She knew Rosie was also ready to step forward into the next decade and so she had reluctantly agreed to update her wardrobe to some extent, but insisted that it be understated except for a few gowns for special occasions. She let Lucas and Rosie make the selection, but she insisted on final approval.

They took the car that the hotel had hired for them and made their way to Maison de Couture at 3 Rue de la Paix in the designer district near the Champs Elysees. Rosie had selected Jeanne Paquin who was the most noted female designer of her times. She would soon be retiring, and her assistant Madeleine Walls would take over as lead designer. Madeleine was there to greet them warmly and was assisted by a couple of seamstresses who were to alter Elizabeth gowns. They all fit quite well as Rosemary had sent them a few patterns to work from in terms of size. Elizabeth came out to show Lucas each gown and was convinced by his reactions to accept each and every one. She grumbled a bit, but he just donned either a knowing or full dimpled smile and won her over. She was even convinced to drop a neckline or two a bit further and inch up on a couple of hemlines. Lucas was impressed by his "well behaved" wife; she had hit it off with the designer and he imagined that she didn't want to insult her.

Lucas discussed the arrangements for shipping the wardrobe with the business manager. He was to have their mostly empty trunk sent over to the fashion house. It contained a few of Elizabeth's clothes that she wouldn't be taking with her to Spain, and they would add the new garments. A few of the special occasion dresses were to be held back for pickup in a few days as those would be traveling with them to Spain. There was a soiree at the American Embassy in Madrid that they had been invited to by Mrs. Trembly Fluffy's owner; one of the gowns had been selected for that occasion. They said goodbye to Madeleine, who hugged and kissed each warmly and headed to the Eiffel Tower, around which they hoped to find a Bistro or café for lunch.

They found an eatery with outdoor seating so they could enjoy the view of the Tour Eiffel from their table where they ordered Elizabeth's favorite salad Niçoise which was accompanied by warm bread. Lucas ordered a bifstek et frites for himself as his appetite wasn't as delicate as his wife's. They chatted amicably about their morning and the wonderful fashion designer they had met.
"So, I am sure you can tell me about the Eiffel Tower, my darling man with his head full of fascinating facts," Elizabeth teased.

"Would you like me to list the size, dates and other facts or do you want to hear the love story of the tower?", he asked her, knowing the answer of course.

She rolled her eyes for the drama more than the inclination, "why dimensions of course," she laughed.

"Well, Gustave Eiffel was well known for having built countless bridges, stations, and various metal structures for buildings and even played a role in the metal structure for the Statue of Liberty. The Universal Exhibition of 1889 was coming up and he wanted to surprise the world. Two of his assistants proposed that he build a giant tower. The architect asked them to polish their idea and was pleased when their idea looked like an "A". As a young man, he had been in love with a girl named Adrienne and wanted to marry her, but her father refused to allow it as he didn't feel he was good enough for his daughter. Now, a famous man at the age of 50, looked at the design for the tower that reminded him of his great love. And so, it was built for the exhibition and will stand in its spot in Paris for generations to come and enjoy in The City of Love."

"Oh my, what a lovely yet bittersweet story," she told him, now looking at the tower with new appreciation. The waiter delivered a slice of tarte a pomme, which they shared as was their habit.

"As soon as you finish this sumptuous dessert", shall we walk over to the tower?

"What do you mean, you had some too."

"Oui, ma cherie, I had a bite, so I know that it is sumptuous," he grinned at her teasingly. He knew his lovely wife and she was keen on her desserts. He felt full from his rather large meal of beef steak and fried potatoes and happily left the dessert for her pleasure.

They walked to the tower and marveled at its construction. Lucas of course rattled off all sorts of facts about size, weight, time to build, etc.. Along with more information about the exhibition where the tower was the shining star. They noticed that there were more people than usual on the streets as visitors headed into Paris for the Victory Parade occurring in a couple of days. "Excitement for the festivities is certainly building," said Elizabeth. "When will Antoine arrive?"

"He said he should be here tomorrow night so that he has a day before the parade. He is wondering if you might like to go out to Versailles for the day…..," he told her.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea. I heard from my parents how lovely it is. A view back to different times before the revolution."

"Well, I will inquire with the concierge and make the arrangements."

"And tomorrow?", she asked.

"The Louvre has been closed since the start of the war and isn't expected to open again to the public until January. But there is a limited exhibition that has been prepared for the incoming dignitaries for the parade. Mr. Trembly has called his contacts at the embassy here in Paris and has received an invitation for us," Lucas told her with excitement in his voice. He was an aficionado of fine art and had dabbled himself in oils. She had never seen his work with the exception of one small painting in his office. She herself liked to draw and loved the thought of visiting the Louvre with him.

"Oh my, that is so exciting. I can't wait!" "She hugged him around the waist and squeezed tightly. "Thank you," she said as she looked up at him with a big smile.

"You are most welcome. You will have to remember to thank Mr. Trembly when we arrive in Madrid." He kissed her on the forehead and then put his arm around his as they headed back to their hotel.

They got up earlier than they had been, as they needed to get dressed and get breakfast before venturing out to the exhibit. There would be introductions promptly at 10:00 and then the tour would begin.

"Bring our journal, Elizabeth. So, we can record the works of art that we see today. This is truly a historic moment in history."

"Okay, I have it here in my bag along with our pens. We can take turns recording the exhibits. I can't tell you how excited I am," Elizabeth said and she practically glowed. He smiled as he took in the joy emanating from her and absorbed it for himself. He had visited the Louvre on more than one occasion, but this was special. Special because France had managed to preserve the works from the enemy during the war, special because they would be the first to see them again, and special because he was sharing this with her.

They arrived a bit early at the reception and sought out the embassy staffer that Mr. Trembly had contacted.

"May I introduce my wife, Elizabeth Thornton Bouchard. Elizabeth this is Mr. Percy Jamison," Lucas told her.

Elizabeth and the man shook hands. "I cannot tell you how excited I am for the tour. We can't thank you enough for this kindness," she told him.

"You are most welcome, any friend of Mr. Trembly is a friend of mine," he said.

"Well, to tell you the truth, we have yet to meet him. We became acquainted with his wife during our transatlantic voyage," Lucas said. "It is rather a long story, but our son and her dog are best friends. We will be meeting them when we are in Madrid."

"A Fluffy, well I understand now why he was so interested in getting you tickets. His wife is quite fond of that dog," he told them.

"Yes, and we are fond of her too. She and our son were lost together for a while and were locked in a baggage hold. She was a great comfort to him until we rescued them."

"How long are you in Paris?" inquired the man.

"We arrived on the night of the ninth and we will return to the Jura three days after the parade tomorrow. My cousin Antoine will be arriving tonight to join us for the festivities. He is no longer in the military but served during the war," Lucas told him.

"And you, Madam, how are you enjoying the city?"

"Very much, we spent our first day at the cathedral and I don't think there are words to quite describe the beauty of the stained glass. Then yesterday we were in the designer district and to the Eiffel Tower."

"A good start then. Well, the speaker is about to start. I need to go to my post now." He bowed to them slightly and headed towards the podium.

They spent two hours touring and then the guests were invited to an informal buffet lunch before returning for another two hours.
Lucas and Elizabeth were surprised at the size of the exhibit which included some large sculptures along with some of the most treasured oils in the Louvre's collection. They carefully catalogued each in their travel journal wanting to have the list to share with Rosemary and others when they returned. Lucas estimated the sizes so they could add that. She was surprised at the small size of the most famous painting, The Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci and marveled at the utter size of the statue, Winged Victory. The exhibit organizers had selected works from masters of the schools of art across Europe. For example, from the Dutch school there were paintings by Vermeer and Rembrandt, from Italy Da Vinci and Rafael, from Spain there was representation from El Greco and from England there was Remington. Each work was easily attributable to the artist and each as beautiful as the next. They tried to pick a favorite but couldn't although Lucas was sure that Elizabeth's favorites included "The Lacemaker" by Vermeer and "The Madonna of the Rocks" by Da Vinci. Lucas had seen most of the paintings before, but he was intrigued by the style of the Spanish school which he wasn't as familiar with. He looked forward to visiting the Prado Museum in Madrid which would have a large collection.

After the exhibit ended, they headed to the Mon Martre district and sat on the steps of Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart) to add notes to their journal. They had left spaces after each work just for this reason. They entertained themselves with discussion and notations until the sun began to set. They had told Antoine they would meet his train and then they would all head to listen to some new jazz music at one of the clubs.

"Mon cousins," Antoine shouted to get their attention as he stepped down from the train to join them. He hugged them both with several rounds of kisses that were deliveries from Tante, Laura and Jack. They headed to a nearby bistro for some dinner and chatted amicably about the adventures on both sides… Paris and Poligny. Antoine told them of Jack's antics on the farm; he missed them but not terribly as he had all the children to play with and Laura to act as pseudo mama. All of the women were giving him attention and the men dotted on him as he tagged along with them to the barn or vineyard.

"He has sent you each a painting that he made for you. Tante has taken out her paints and taught him how to use watercolors. Next, they will be dabbling a little in oils I hear. He is a talented little boy and Tante wants you to be sure to encourage him when you return home. She will buy him some materials for you to take with you. He is ready for a small easel which perhaps you will be able to find in your Canada," Antoine told them. They both smiled with pride.

"Oh Antoine," said Elizabeth, "we went to a special exhibit at the Louvre today. They are reopening to the public early next year but there were many works at the exhibit organized by a coalition of embassies. It was glorious!"

"Ah, yes, our Lucas is quite fond of the gallery. He has an artist's heart says Tante," Antoine told her.

"I thought he had the heart of a poet," said Elizabeth.

"That too," replied Antoine. Elizabeth was sure that Lucas was blushing now, but it was too dim in the candlelight to give him away.

He looked at them both holding up a bottle, "more wine?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

Antoine chuckled, "why of course my dear cousin."

After dinner they headed to a jazz club and stayed for just a while as they needed to retire reasonably early in order to catch the car to Versailles that the hotel had arranged. They all agreed to return to the club before they left Paris. The music was new and exciting, and they were anxious to hear more. An all-black band from America, called the Jazz Kings, was in Paris and would be performing.

They spent much of their day in Versailles, the 17th century palace built by Henry XIV. The ornate décor was not to Elizabeth's taste, but she was glad that they had come to see it. "No wonder there was a revolution," she said to no one in particular.

Lucas laughed, "remember our discussion of "Dangerous Liaisons? Now you can really feel the opulence of the era."

"Ah Elizabeth, you know this book? It fascinates Lucas because of the history. I have read it myself and find it intriguing that the story is told through letters," Antoine said.

Elizabeth glanced at Lucas who was looking at her with a smile, they too were telling a story through letters, their journal, a conversation between hearts. "Yes, I was aware of it and some passages, but read the book after I met Lucas and he had quoted a passage to me," she told him. "We often exchange our thoughts on the books we read; I have the same passion for literature that your cousin does."

"That is good, it will serve you well especially when you are both old and gray and sitting in your rockers on the porch or by the fire," Antoine said with a catch to his voice.

Elizabeth reached out and squeezed his hand. She knew that at that moment he was remembering the woman he had thought he would be getting gray with. He smiled at her and whispered, "thank you." Lucas observed the exchange in silence. He too knew what had passed through his cousin's mind. Lucas knew Antoine would never forget her, but he hoped that he would find true love again someday.

They took their lunch to the area in the gardens that was reserved for visitors to enjoy. Elizabeth sat on a bench by a fountain while the men opted for the ground on the blanket the hotel had provided along with the picnic lunch. They chatted away while feasting on the hand pastries that had been packed along with fruit and a bottle of fine white wine. They discussed the palace and its opulence and discussed some of the points that highlighted this in "Dangerous Liaisons"."

Elizabeth watched lovingly as she listened to the two men alternatively debate and agree on lessons they saw in the book. She thought to herself how lucky she was to have found Lucas who suited her so well, and to be with his family here in France… all the love and caring… it truly touched her heart.

They had eaten in the hotel and retired early as they wanted to be fresh for the next morning when the Parade would begin around 8:00. They were all excited, but Antoine in particular, as he would be meeting some of his comrades after the parade. Most had not seen one another since the end of the war the previous Autumn. They had lost many but were grateful for those remaining.

They left early as they would have to make much of their way on foot. Elizabeth had packed some rolls in her bag for breakfast and they munched them as they made their way to the Arc de Triumph where the Parade would be centered. It was also Bastille Day today, the 14th of July, a day commemorating the French Revolution. So, in fact it was a dual celebration and crowds were gathering in anticipation. Today, troops from all of the French allies of WWI would be joining in the parade to commemorate the end of the Great War.

They made their way to a spot that gave them a good view of the parade as the troops came through the Arc. First up was a large group of veterans that had been disabled in the war. Men without an arm or a leg; some carried on stretchers as they had no legs. Blind men led by their comrades who were also maimed. It was an austere sight, and all felt the ghosts of the men who wouldn't be walking with them today. Cheers erupted from the crowd as they honored these men who had lost muc, but who marched together on the Champs Elysess.

Antoine stood with tears streaming down his face as he thought about those of his countrymen that were maimed or gone. Brothers in the trenches during the horror whose lives would end in the mud or on a roll of barbed wire. Lucas put his arm around his cousin knowing that there would be little he could do to console him, but wanting him to know he was there. Elizabeth held on to Lucas's arm as much for needing to be close. at this historic moment, as to ensure that they didn't get separated in the crowd.

Once the injured veterans had all passed by, the units marched through; those from France, but also from as far away as New Zealand. The majesty of the North African troops in dress uniforms on horseback was a sight to behold. Troops from the Americas, both the United States and Canada marched as well. They cheered for all of them but of course there was an extra sense of pride when their counties troops marched by. It took over two hours for the parade to pass by.

Antoine had made arrangements to join his comrades once the troops were dismissed. Lucas and Elizabeth waited with him for their arrival but left Antoine to get caught up with his friends once introductions were made and pleasantries exchanged.

They decided to walk back to Sacre Coeur and have lunch on the steps while writing in their travel journal about the events of the morning. They knew there was no way to totally capture the occasion but would do their very best. It was certainly not anything that they would ever forget.

Elizabeth awoke the next morning to the sun shining through the window as they hadn't closed the drapes the night before. She was pinned in place by her sleeping husband who had her tight against him. She lay for a while feeling his chest rising and falling as he slept soundly and listened to the sound of his breathing.. not quite a snore but obviously the sound of a sleeping man. She needed to slip out of his arms and did her best to not wake him. When she returned, he peeked at her with one eye slightly open for a fleeting moment. She looked at him, her beautiful man with his luscious mane of hair mussed, a wave fallen across his forehead. The dark lashes against his cheeks, those perfect brows… like they had been carefully drawn. "How could this angelic looking man belong to her," she wondered. For indeed he looked like an angel whose halo had fallen off while he slept.

"I can feel you watching me," he whispered.

"I cannot help myself you beautiful man," she whispered back.

He raised the covers for her to slip inside with him. "Come here mon coeur and I will show you who is the beautiful one." And so, he did. Caressing her slowly, as if still half asleep, taking his time to worship her as the sun cast a glow over them. It was tender and sweet as he leisurely awoke the passion in them. Later, as he held her in his arms, she felt nothing….. if not beautiful.

"So, where are we off to today?," he asked. "How about we graze the book stalls along the Left Bank?".

"Oh yes, let's," she replied. She was anxious to see the famed book stalls along the Seine. They planned to purchase some books for Jack and themselves and were looking for a few specific ones for the library. They spoke to the concierge who located a driver who would take them and then return at a prescribed time to bring their purchases back to the hotel. The hotel would make the shipping arrangements for them.

They strolled hand in hand along the bank of the river, looking through the endless books, selecting one here and there as they made their way. Lucas selected several books he knew that Jack would like. At one stall he opened a book of French lullabies.

"I think perhaps that is too young for Jack, Lucas."

"It isn't meant for Jack….. but just in case….." he trailed off not wanting to say the words out loud yet.

She nodded understanding that this was her husband, the hopeful Papa.
"It is lovely, let's buy it," she said as she rested her hand against his arm letting him know she understood.

When they had more than acquired the books they hoped for, the driver arrived to pick up their purchases. "Merci," Lucas told the man and gave him a tip for his service.

"Where to now?" he asked.

"Would you mind if we sat over there," she pointed , "so I can make a rough sketch of the view of the book stalls with Notre Dame in the background?"

"Of course not," he told her, "and then lets cross over the bridge and visit again. The sun is bright today and Our Lady will be aglow."

So, they sat, while she sketched in their journal the view before them. When she was satisfied that she had captured it to her satisfaction, they headed for the bridge to make the trip across the Seine to the church. Before they left the bank, Lucas noticed a watercolor of the very scene that Elizabeth had drawn. "Shall we buy it?" he asked, "to hang in our home to remember this moment?"

"Yes, it is really lovely," she told him.

"It is," he said, "but my favorite will be saved in our journal for us to look back on." She smiled up at him knowing he was flattering her, but she was proud of her sketch too.

They wandered Notre Dame, paying closer attention to other stained glass and decoration of the church this time. They stood a long time gazing at the West Rose Window before finally exiting to the brightly lit day.

"Is it too far to walk to the flower market from here?" she asked him.

"No, it is here on the Isle de Paris just some blocks away."

"Well, I would like to see it, but also, I would like to purchase some flowers for the maid who helped me dress the other night. She has been kind since, dropping by to see if she can assist me. As you know, she is an expert at hair dressing. I saw you watching us in the mirror when she came by to fix my hair before dinner last night."

"Ah, yes, I confess. Watching her put your hair up, baring that beautiful neck of yours… she is an artiste," he said.

"Well, she is very good, and I would like to buy her some lilacs. She smelled my bath scent and commented that they were her favorite flower."

And so it was; they browsed the flower displays at the "Marche au fleurs – Ile de la Cite" and before leaving, they bought a large bouquet of lilacs.

On their last full day in Paris, they browsed a few of the museums, returned to the Eiffel Tower area for lunch, and relaxed in one of the local parks. That night they were to go out with Antoine and a couple of his friends to a dinner club that would be showcasing The Jazz Kings. They were excited to hear more of this new music from America that would soon be taking the world by storm.

She prepared herself for the evening in one of the new dresses that had been delivered from the house of Paquin. It had a new feel about it, comfortably looser than the fitted dresses she was used to with a hemline that showed off her slender ankles. She had purchased new shoes from Paquin's to go with the outfit; they were comfortable with only short heels and straps across her feet, buttoned at the side. She needed no help to get dressed in her outfit, a welcome relief. She had donned one of Rosemary's confections underneath. A silk camisole and matching loose pantaloons in a soft lavender color. She knew she looked good on the outside, and what was underneath as well.

She had her hair put up in a loose roll in the back with some curls left to cascade down and she was all set for the night. Lucas gave a low whistle when he saw her, "you look lovely my sweet," he told her.

They met Antoine and his friends in the lobby and headed out for what turned out to be a grand time at the club. The music was exhilarating, she felt like a different woman as she listened to this 'Jazz' all decked out like a woman of a new era.

They had left the club and were headed back toward their hotel when they heard music. A Victrola was playing and there were a host of couples dancing. Antoine and his friends found partners amongst the women watching and joined them as the danced under the gaslights and the starlit night. He twilled her along the broad sidewalk along the bank of the river. Lucas was enjoying the Elizabeth he saw before him. His heart was full as the laughing Elizabeth danced and even sang to the music. She was young and vibrant and full of joy at being in the City of Light and Love, and she was his.

She was giddy as they arrived at their hotel. She knew that she would be returning to her regular life, the one she loved most certainly. But for tonight, she would enjoy this place, this moment, this man who she loved without limits. "Would you play some music," she asked him. "I am not quite finished dancing."

He did as she asked and swayed with her in the moonlight, sensing her excitement. He loved the feel of her against him without a fitted gown to encumber her. He could feel her body through the light filmy fabric of the dress, to the silk slipping against her skin underneath as he stroked her back. She began tugging at his jacket, wanting to feel him as he felt her. He paused their dance to let her help him out of his jacket and vest. He was a bit surprised to find her unbuttoning his shirt as well and he removed the cufflinks so she could accomplish her mission. She raised her arms up around his neck and began to sway again. She kissed his chest and stroked his back as they moved together, bodies tight against one another. She stood up on her tiptoes and pulled him down into a passionate kiss. He held her tight and started to reach to scoop her up, but she softly whispered, "No," to him as she eased them towards the wall near the bedside window. She stepped away and when he tried to reach for her, she moved his hands to rest against the wall. She was taking charge and he passed control to her. She took her time exploring him, loving him and tempting him with her seduction. She had now removed her dress to reveal the silky camisole beneath. She was a vision in the moonlight, enchanting him with her sweet smile as she looked up at him with so much love. He could have drowned in the sparkling depth of her eyes and died a happy man. But she had other things in mind for him as she led him to their bed. She continued what now was an assault on his control until she was satisfied that he could go no further and she herself was at the edge with him. She looked down at him, her eyes locked with his, as she gave them what they could no longer live without, a union of their souls. And then she eased down into his arms as he whispered to her, "One." And it was as one that they entered dreams together.

The next morning, they both awoke just as dawn broke. They clung together, not wanting to start the day because today they would be leaving Paris. It wasn't that they didn't want to return to family, especially to their son who they cherished dearly. It was more that they had had the week of a lifetime on this honeymoon getaway. It had been something that they had looked forward to since before the wedding, and now it was like Christmas when the time came to take down the tree.

"Thank you, Lucas, for the most wonderful week. Being with you here, just focused on one another, it has been a blessing that I will never forget," she told him.

"Truly a blessing, but we will have other times in other places I assure you. This one is special because it is our honeymoon, but that doesn't mean that we can't have new and exciting adventures ahead. I have told you before, You, are my adventure; You, are my passion; and that, my love, will never change."

She curled into him, resting her head on his chest, her arm over him in an embrace. She knew he was right, there would always be an adventure ahead, as long as they were together. And with that she was ready to face their departure from Paris. "Jusqu'à ce que nous nous retrouvions….. until we meet again," she thought to herself.

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