The span of time between my first meeting with the comtesse was by far the happiest I had been in quite some time. I attended her lectures and read her books, and often stayed many hours after to talk and study together. Sometimes we would walk around her gardens and simply speak of matters of no consequence, as friends might on such fine, glorious days. I stayed for dinner many times in that period until even the servants, housekeeper and coachman knew me by name. It was a wonderful time, and I lavished upon every second I spent within the comtesse's home.
Fleur and Thérèse were amazed that I was almost as well educated as Lady Ninon, and often they would ply me with questions throughout my day. I would answer to the best of my ability, but the only time I could truly get them to remain quiet was when I was tutoring them in needlepoint work. I offered many lessons to them for that reason alone. They seemed glad to have someone else they could talk to about their education, and I saw no reason why they should not seek to better themselves, though it remained a vigilantly maintained secret. Especially from Fleur's father.
It was refreshing to have so much female company for a change. I loved my brother, as well as Aramis, Porthos and d'Artagnan, and I was exceptionally fond of all the musketeers, but it was wonderful to simply sit amongst women and speak of womanly things and be understood. Complaining about boorish men was a favourite topic, and I had my fair share of stories to recount to the other ladies which always left them in fits of giggles or gasping in shock at their unmannered behaviours.
Unfortunately due to my commitments to my work, I could not go as often as I would have liked to see Lady Ninon and attend her lectures, but I ensured to go at least once a week, even if it was just for a private conversation. Speaking with her was like a breath of fresh air. I felt more alive than I had done in the past five years, invigorated by her intellectual mind which stimulated my own. I had not even realised how dead I had become inside until I began to frequent the comtesse's home. Now, all I craved was knowledge and books.
Even Athos had noted the difference in me, observing one morning how I had changed. That I appeared happier. "It is not that you seemed unhappy before now," Athos noted as he watched me twirl with the damp bedsheets I had just washed, flicking them out artistically to drape them in the sunlight to dry. "Only I am now realising that there was a distinct absence of happiness in you previously. What has brought this on?"
"A wonderful woman, whom I admire and esteem," singing with a broad grin, I playfully flicked at my brother with another damp bed cloth. "And that is all I am going to say on the matter." For a moment Athos stood there in bewilderment, which of course made me laugh. "If you are only going to stand there, then you may as well help me." Without allowing him time to refuse, I threw several damp bundles at him which forced Athos to curl his arms around them so that they did not fall. Now he was trapped. I giggled at his perplexation. Gradually, he began to assist me with the laundry.
"Whomever this strange woman is, then I can only be grateful to her," Athos eventually stated, so I quirked an eyebrow at him in question for his strange words. "If she brings you joy, then I am glad for it. You have my support, little sister. If it contributes to your happiness, then I shall not question it." Now I laughed again, only harder and louder. I laughed until my sides ached and felt they were about to burst, howling with tears streaming freely until they were stinging. "Have I misunderstood something?" Eventually my laughter dried itself up, bursts of giggles and snorts as I dropped my sheets back into the basket and walked to where my brother stood, taking his face into my hands.
"My dear, oblivious and utterly clueless brother…it is not like that!" Sweeping upwards I kissed his cheek fiercely, overflowing with love and adoration. "But I am touched that you would support me should my inclinations lie in such a direction, but I assure you they do not. It is only friendship between myself and the lady, but it has breathed new life into me and now I feel like a bird who is beginning to remember how to fly." Athos stared at me incredulously. Perhaps it took him several moments to intake all of this information, but eventually he released a soft sigh and curled his hands over mine.
"Then fly, sweet sister." I kissed his cheek again then resumed my chores, only now with my voice casting itself into an aria which carried throughout the barracks, expressing my joy as it refused to remain contained within my body. Athos did not ask me anything more regarding Lady Ninon as he knew I would not say, not until I was ready. For the time being I wanted to keep her to myself like a treasured secret, unwilling to release the source of my happiness until I had thrived a little more upon its beauteous existence.
With so much vibrancy in my life, I began to allow myself a little more freedom to simply be a young woman once again instead of focusing solely upon work. Fleur even persuaded me to join herself, Thérèse and Constance for the parade where the king and queen were to appear before the people, a tradition which was maintained to bolster their public image. Before I would have refused, citing that I had too much work to do. Now I reasoned that work could wait a few hours, and so I happily obliged Fleur's pleading pout and accepted.
In their excitement, both Fleur and Thérèse smartened their appearances by tying ribbons in their hair and wearing their best frocks. Constance and I chuckled at the girls as they twittered and fluttered around like little birds, walking with them to the parade where we could hear their revelling shouts and cheers from many streets away. The city had turned out in force to greet their king and queen who rode in a carriage of ivory and gold, drawn by four brilliant white horses. Ahead of their procession ran four elite guards and Captain Treville himself, to whom I blew a kiss as he passed. I caught a hint of a smile as his charger continued proudly forwards.
Behind him came Porthos and d'Artagnan, however I did not see Athos and Aramis, whom I knew were also meant to be in the parade guarding the king and queen. Where had they gone? "There they are!" Fleur gasped in wonder as the carriage made its grand appearance, feathered plumes fluttering as the carriage made a steady and quick pace through the streets. The commonfolk of Paris were granted only a brief glimpse of their sovereign rulers before the carriage swept past, taking the royal occupants with it.
Having already seen the king and queen at a distance and in passing when working at the palace, it was no great marvel or thrill to see them again so I did not crane my neck to watch the approaching carriage, however I naturally began to think of the queen and recall her loveliness, and soon found myself remembering the pendant she had gifted Aramis for his chivalry in protecting her. It was a brief thought, however in my distraction, I failed to realise that Thérèse had pulled away from myself and Constance, suddenly dashing forwards into the street to rush at the royal carriage and attempted to leap upon it. A strangled cry broke from my throat upon realising what Thérèse had done, making haste to try and chase after her before she could be viewed as a threat by the numerous guards protecting the king and queen.
Having torn free of the crowds, it was untold horror I bore witness to dear Thérèse losing her grip upon the carriage which was moving too quickly for her to gain a foothold. She lost her balance and next anyone knew, she had fallen underneath the carriage wheels. The sickening sound of bones breaking ripped through me as I froze, staring as the crowds gasped to see a young girl struck down before their very eyes. The carriage passed over and left Thérèse lying upon the ground, panic and shock spreading like wildfire as everyone stared.
Before I could allow myself to fully freeze, I sprinted towards Thérèse as the royal carriage came to a halt, the commotion bringing Treville back from the head of the column. "Thérèse!" Reaching the girl, I gingerly touched her face and sought to find a sign of life, holding my finger under her nose and my palm over her mouth. She drew no breath. Her body, still warm from the residue of life, was nothing more than an empty shell. There was nothing I could do for her. Nothing at all.
Blearily I recognised that the weight of the carriage must have broken her spine. There was blood upon her temple, so she must have hit her head also. All I could say for certain was that she was dead, and it must have been quick. At least she had not suffered in pain. "Oh Thérèse you foolish girl…" carefully I drew her up, enveloping her frail body in my arms which suddenly felt as light as a feather. Cradling her head into my neck, I embraced the poor child so that her spirit might find comfort as it departed for the heavens.
"Madeleine, I'm here. I've got you," suddenly I felt the sturdiness of Porthos' body appear behind me, his low voice rumbling in my ears which had dulled out the cries of the onlookers. His arm snatched itself around me, holding me firmly as I held Thérèse, blinking in a daze of distraught disbelief. "Did you know her?" Mutely, I nodded my head. Holding me close, Porthos began to look over Thérèse, reaching for something clutched in her hand which I had failed to notice until then.
"Was she armed?" In a commanding voice, Treville approached us as d'Artagnan also appeared, his own hand jumping to my shoulder in reassurance.
"Only with this." Porthos turned over the scroll of paper which was sealed with wax but did not open it, returning his attention instead to me. "Do you know what this is?" Again, all I could do was answer mutely, shaking my head. I touched the ribbon in her hair as I tenderly rocked her body. Only that morning I had helped to brush and plait her hair and pin it in place. She had smiled so prettily at her reflection…had that only been an hour ago? Distantly, I was aware of Constance pleading to be let through.
Treville must have signalled to allow her approach as she soon dropped down beside me as the captain asked who the girl was. "Thérèse Dubois," gasping for air, Constance placed her hands upon Thérèse's arm to try and rouse her, but when her face met mine and saw the desolate expression I bore, she knew that it was too late. Thérèse was gone.
"What was she doing?" Lost for words, Constance was as lost as I was in this situation. Neither of us knew what had provoked Thérèse to rush at the royal carriage, nor why she had been holding a scroll of paper. I looked to it when Porthos unravelled it, discovering a small and neat scrawl within. I stared at the words but I could not read them. My mind had ceased to function, and the letters may as well have been written in an unfamiliar language.
"Fleur? What does this mean?" Constance called to her ward, taking the letter from Porthos only to look up and discover that she could no longer see Fleur. "Fleur?" Hearing the growing concern in Constance's voice, I raised my head and attempted to look into the crowd but my vision was blocked by both Porthos and Treville. I took a breath, squeezing Thérèse closer against me before finally bringing myself back to my senses.
"We…should bring her away from here," I spoke softly but Porthos immediately turned to pay attention, looking at me with a worried gaze. "The crowds may break out of control, it is not safe to remain." At my reason, Porthos nodded his head and conveyed my thoughts to the captain who readily agreed. Thérèse was carefully removed from my embrace by two of Treville's men whom I watched like a hawk. "Careful!" Shooting to my feet as they lifted her up, my fingers reached helplessly into the air. The soldiers blinked at me. "Be gentle with her…she is but a child." Softening, they nodded their assent and carried Thérèse away with all the due care they possessed.
A sudden faintness overcame me, the shock of the event suddenly bearing down upon my senses. I felt my legs grow weak and feeble, refusing to support my weight so I began to fall backwards but as ever, Porthos was a dependable man. Sensing my unbalanced state, he allowed me to fall into his chest where his arms became my strength and support, bearing my full weight so that I did not humiliate myself in front of so many strangers by falling. "I've got you, darlin', I've got you. Lean on me, I won't ever let you fall…" it was sweet music to my ears. I was distantly aware that Treville ordered Porthos to take care of me as he had to attend to business at the scene.
With a rush of strength Porthos effortlessly swept me from the ground and nestled me into the cradle of his arms, hushing me softly and promising me that I would be alright. What more could a woman ask for than this? I felt safe and comforted, allowing myself to rest against Porthos to wallow in my shock until it could subside. For the moment it held sway, but Porthos kept a firm grip upon me as he carried me to his horse and placed me upon the saddle before mounting up behind.
Constance was brought by d'Artagnan who called to Porthos, telling him that they were looking for a girl named Fleur. I straightened at the name. "Fleur," yes, I could not forget Fleur. Where was she? Twisting my head from atop the tall horse, I could not see her amongst the crowds. Porthos pulled up the reins and pulled the horse's head about, walking it forwards so that we might scan the area better. "I do not see her…she is gone."
"We'll find her, worry about yourself first." An arm curled around my middle to shift me in the seat, ensuring that I was properly positioned and would be comfortable.
"I am alright, it is just the shock…we must find Fleur." Looking imploringly to Porthos, he smiled at me with understanding.
"And we will," he promised. "But you're not leaving my side whilst you're like this." When Porthos made a decision, it was almost impossible to make him change his mind. To prove that he was determined, his arm tightened its grip around me. At least we could search better whilst riding a horse. I did not quarrel with him, merely continued to search as Constance and I called out Fleur's name, but no familiar head of light hair and blue ribbon turned its head, no frightened faces distinguishing themselves from the crowd. There was no trace of her.
"Perhaps she returned home," I suggested to Constance after several hours of searching, the horses brought to a halt beside one another. The alternative was that Fleur was utterly lost, and I could not bring myself to imagine how frightened she must be after witnessing something so dreadful and horrific as the death of her friend. I could understand her running away, but now with the late hour, my concern was deepening to pure panic. She was not at the house when we returned, Constance leaping from d'Artagnan's horse to fly inside and shout her name.
The rest of us followed more slowly, Porthos lifting me down from his horse where he then held his hand against my middle, keeping me close to him to ensure I did not lose my balance again. "You sure you're going to be alright?" Such a soft-hearted man. The care and concern Porthos displayed for me was touching and helped me to feel a little better, or at least not so helpless as before in the wake of Thérèse's sudden death.
"When you are here, how can I not be?" Taking his hand in mine, I brought his gloved fingers to my lips to kiss him sincerely in gratitude, closing my eyes for a moment to draw upon his natural strength before I looked upon him once more. My entire body softened in relief. "I can always rest easy when you are near, Porthos." Having not expected me to say such a thing, Porthos stared at me silently. His mouth hung open, unable to produce a response to my sincerity, so I chuckled and flicked him on the chin. "Open mouths catch flies. Come, let us see if Fleur has returned." I went ahead of Porthos who remained rooted to the ground.
When I looked back at him from the door, his expression had become brooding and pensive, as if thinking deeply on thoughts which either eluded him or were quite complex. I waited before calling to him, prompting him to awaken. He jolted in doing so, blinking rapidly as his head swung towards me then hastily tethered his horse beside the other. I held the door for him then entered as Constance lamented over the thought of Fleur lost in Paris by herself. "We'll find her, I promise." Seeking to console her, d'Artagnan was tenderly reassuring as Porthos and I entered the room.
"Oh…what am I going to tell her father? He's my husband's cousin." Knowing Bonacieux, he would blame Constance entirely for losing Fleur whilst under her care. Pray we found Fleur before her father could realise her absence. I went to Constance's side and stood beside her as she sank into a chair, Porthos and d'Artagnan taking up seats of their own to begin asking their questions. They were kind and gentle, not one hint of accusation or suspicion tainting their voices.
"How long have you known your friend Thérèse?" Having no reason to lie, Constance answered truthfully.
"A month or so? There is one thing that might help," both men sat forwards attentively. "Comtesse de Larroque had taken an interest in her. She was teaching her to read and write." This alone did not seem unusual, as d'Artagnan correctly reasoned, many nobles who were broadminded gifted their servants and education to show their favour. "No, it was more than that. Thérèse knew Greek and Latin and…and even studied the stars. Fleur attended some of her lessons too. They…went in secret." At that point, Constance turned to look up at me. She lifted her hand to grip mine which was resting upon her shoulder, looking at me with imploring eyes. I exhaled heavily.
"The comtesse is a clever woman and believes that it is every woman's right to receive even a basic education," I explained to the men, "and I have also attended several of her lectures. She is a fascinating woman, and her library is nothing short of remarkable. If Thérèse's actions were inspired by anyone, it would be the comtesse." I loathed admitting the truth as it felt as if I were betraying a friend. "There was no malicious intent, I am certain. This was just a terrible accident."
"An accident maybe, but if the actions of the girl and Fleur being missing, both have ties to this comtesse." D'Artagnan reasoned, so I swiftly silenced myself. I would say no more against Lady Ninon. I would wait for them to leave and go myself. If Fleur did not return here, then the only other place I could think of that she might seek refuge would be with Lady Ninon. Thankfully, they did not stay long. They asked a few more questions and then took their leave. Constance was too exhausted to rise from her seat, so I walked them to the door in her stead. She must be worried for Fleur. "We will keep you appraised of what we find. If we locate Fleur, we will ensure she comes back safely." D'Artagnan promised with a final glance towards where Constance remained.
"Assure her that she is not in trouble, if you do find her," I instructed, thinking how a girl her age might, "she will be in shock from seeing her friend be killed in front of her so suddenly, be gentle with her."
"We shall," d'Artagnan took his leave first, nodding to me before making towards his horse, leaving only Porthos at the door.
"Are you sure you're going to be alright if we go?" He persisted, seemingly unconvinced that I was recovered enough to be self sufficient. "I can stay if you need." I chuckled lightly.
"You have a duty to perform, and I have tasks to return to. I am well, Porthos. Thank you." Scrutinising me closely, Porthos frowned deeply before finally he gave a gruff laugh and ruffled my hair a little too enthusiastically. I scowled at him under a mass of tangled strands. He grinned wolfishly at his handiwork.
"See you soon, darlin'," I retract all the good things I said about Porthos. He is such an oaf! Closing the door a little too firmly after him, cutting off the sound of his laughter I tried to smooth back my hair so that it did not look so unkempt but failed miserably. Stray wisps stood upright at every angle, forcing me to use a cloth to bind back my hair which made my head look far too small for my shoulders. Perhaps I was simply cursed.
"Are they gone?" Constance whispered softly so I hastened to return my focus upon her.
"Yes, they will look for Fleur and bring word to Treville." Knowing that I would have little time before soldiers would be sent to the comtesse to search for Fleur as well as interrogate her about Thérèse, I picked up my shawl from where I had left it this morning. I paused upon seeing a pale blue ribbon, one that had not been chosen to adorn the girls' hair. A tug pulled at my heartstrings and I had to breathe deeply to steady myself.
"Are you going somewhere?" I snapped back to my senses.
"I am going to join the search, as well as see the comtesse myself. She might not talk to soldiers, but she will talk to me." Exhaling, Constance nodded in understanding.
"You think she went to the comtesse?"
"It is what I would have done, if I were in her shoes." Having grown close to Lady Ninon, I could understand why young girls such as Fleur and Thérèse would feel safe with her. Lady Ninon had given them a voice, not just an education. When under her roof they could speak their minds and ask questions without the fear of ridicule. It was a safe haven for women. A place we could all be ourselves. I drew my shawl around my shoulders.
"If you find her, tell her that she needs to come home. Her father will worry himself sick if he doesn't know where she's gone, and I…" trailing off, Constance rubbed nervously at her neck.
"We shall see what happens. Do not worry, I will come back before nightfall at the latest." Squeezing my friend's hand in a silent promise, I hurriedly left to make for Lady Ninon's residence. I was permitted inside without question where I was duly informed that Lady Ninon had stepped out to seek an audience with the king and had just returned. My timing was indeed perfect. Upon hearing that I had called upon her, Lady Ninon had me brought to her private drawing room so that we could speak freely.
"Oh Madeleine, you do not know how glad I am to see you," proving her words, Lady Ninon surprised me with a tight embrace the moment I was within her reach. It startled me, but I readily accepted the expression of affection. "Have you heard the news about poor Thérèse?"
"Yes, Lady Ninon. I was there when it happened. I held her in my arms," she gasped.
"How horrible for you, you sweet thing, I had no idea…come. Sit. Be comfortable and try to eat something. Would you like some wine? Or perhaps something a little stronger? I have a fine case of brandy, should you like it," doing her best to console me, Lady Ninon brought me to her favourite chair and sat me upon it, offering me cakes and all manners of sweet things, but I had not the appetite.
"It was quick and painless. Thérèse would not have suffered, if it is any consolation, Lady Ninon," I offered the truth as I saw her eyes grow red and misty from tears, her hand resting over her mouth as if afraid that removing it would tempt the nausea to make a physical presence. "I held her in my arms and she looked peaceful. She has gone to a better place, a pure soul who will now bask in God's grace."
"Yes, you are right, it is only…it is entirely unjust that her life be cut short when it had barely even begun." Sniffling in sorrow, Lady Ninon began to dab her eyes with her sleeve so I promptly provided her with one of my own embroidered handkerchiefs. The patterns and motifs made her smile. "How pretty, is this your work?" A little bashfully, I admitted that it was indeed my own. "You are gifted, Madeleine. It is beautiful."
"Then you may keep it. A token to our friendship." Smiling graciously, Lady Ninon dried her eyes before resting back upon her chair, pinching the bridge of her nose as she closed her eyes for a time. "Lady Ninon, I also came to ask about Fleur." One eye opened to look at me, peering through the devastation of grief. "She vanished from her guardian amidst the chaos and cannot be found. Has she found her way here to you?" For a moment, Lady Ninon did not answer. "I only wish to know that she is safe. If not, then I shall continue to search Paris until I have turned it inside out."
"Knowing you as I do, I can well believe you would do so. Rigorously." A pained chuckle passed her lips as Lady Ninon forced herself to rise to her feet. "Come with me." I did so without question, allowing Lady Ninon to lead me away from the parlour. She brought me to her main parlour where she gave her lessons and lectures. For the moment it was empty, for it was not yet past noon and other ladies would not arrive until after luncheon. Holding my hand, Lady Ninon brought me to a particular bookcase and, to my amazement, opened it to reveal a hidden chamber within. "Go inside. I shall wait here," inclining my head in gratitude, I stepped forwards and slid myself around the door to enter a room which was lit by numerous candles. There were no windows as it was an inner chamber, but there was light aplenty which cast a warm, homely warmth upon the walls.
Several beds were laid out and freshly made with warm looking coverings, bedside tables outfitted with a lamp each and several volumes of books to read and study from. I heard an initial gasp and discovered not only Fleur, but several other girls hiding within. "Madeleine!" Fleur cried my name and flew to me, reaching her hands as her face crumbled with despair. "Oh Madeleine! Thérèse is dead! She is dead! The carriage…I saw it all!"
"Hush now, little one. It is alright, everything is going to be alright." Capturing Fleur as she fell into my arms, I supported her body as she began to sob uncontrollably. The other girls watched quietly as I managed to pull Fleur to one of the beds so that we might sit, allowing her to cry all she needed whilst I stroked her hair and comforted her. It was a long while before she quietened. "Fleur my love, we were so worried for you when you disappeared. Constance and I thought something terrible had happened," sniffling, Fleur managed to sit herself upright as she blinked tearily at me.
"I was frightened, I did not know where else to go."
"You could have gone home, Fleur. What possessed you to come all the way here? I know that Lady Ninon is a kind and generous woman, but we cannot trespass upon her goodwill any longer. It is time to come home."
"No!" Fleur leaped away from me as if I had stung her, rushing to put as much distance between herself and me as possible as she shook her head determinedly, caught somewhere between fear and anger. "I will not go back! If I go home, then father will stop me from coming here! He says that I am to marry! I do not want to be married!" Slowly I rose to my feet with a staying motion of my hands, wanting to calm Fleur down so that we could be rational creatures.
"Believe me, I understand the sentiment, but you cannot hide forever, Fleur. It will be better to come home now. Constance and I will take care of you. If your father is pestering you to marry, then I shall have a word with him. A strong one, if necessary. I give you my word that you will not be forced into anything." This settled Fleur, her shoulders dropping as she overcame her fear of being forced to return before she was willing.
"I do not want to leave. Not yet. I am afraid. Please do not make me leave, and do not tell anyone I am here!" This I could understand too. Fleur had endured a terrible day, and if this was where she felt safest, then it seemed cruel to force her from it. I looked to the other girls, all of them young and nervous looking.
"Are you all claiming sanctuary here for the same reason? You are avoiding marriage?" All of them nodded their heads. "Very well. I shall leave you here tonight, Fleur. However, you cannot avoid your problems indefinitely, eventually you will have to step outside again." Slowly approaching her, I brought Fleur into my embrace, wanting to offer her one more measure of comfort. "But when that time comes, I shall be by your side, so do not be afraid. Nolite timere." The familiar lilt of Latin drew a breath from her, Fleur's small frame nestling neatly against mine. "Sweet dreams, little one." It felt strange to close the door and secure it behind me, leaving Fleur and the other girls inside, but I did so regardless of how I felt. Lady Ninon was still waiting outside.
"Well?" The question hung between us. It felt as if she was asking multiple questions in a single word. Having grown to know her, I could see the multitude of thoughts and impulses scattered behind her eyes. She wanted to know my thoughts of her actions, how I felt about her keeping these girls hidden from their own families. She wanted to know if I stood with her, or against her.
"They feel safe here, and I agree that this place is a woman's refuge," I answered her, readjusting my shawl calmly. "I will not force Fleur to leave, at least not today. This place brings her comfort, and that is what she requires as of right now." Lady Ninon allowed her breath to rush from her. She smiled in relief.
"I am glad you feel as you do. I…I am often spoken of as a rebellious woman. The rumours says that I keep young girls such as they for my own…" having difficulty finding the words, Lady Ninon shuddered before forcing herself to explain. "For my own pleasure." The understanding of her meaning dawned upon me readily. Such filthy rumours should hold no place against a woman such as Lady Ninon. They were unworthy of her in every manner.
"Rest assured, Lady Ninon, the thought never once crossed my mind," offering to walk with her, I reasoned that it might refresh us. Lady Ninon was glad to accept. As always she linked her arm through mine so that we could walk side by side. "What you are doing for these girls is admirable, Lady Ninon, however I cannot see how giving them sanctuary and concealing them from their families will save them from the inevitable. They cannot hide forever."
"Perhaps they should. No woman should be forced to give up herself and become the property of her husband. To lose all sense of self and be seen as nothing more than a housekeeper and eventual mother." We had discussed such topics at length many times. Lady Ninon had always avidly declared that she had no intention of ever marrying.
"But hiding is not the answer, it is only a temporary solution." Her bright eyes flickered to mine.
"Mayhap you are right," I felt her squeeze my arm gently and the discussion was put to rest, for try as we might neither of us could ever determine a solution to the issue. Instead I allowed my attention to wander elsewhere was we walked the gardens, taking my favourite route towards the pond. It was then I noticed her broach and commented upon it, as it was a beautiful and delicate piece of craftsmanship. Lady Ninon touched it fondly. "The wren has always been my favourite bird. It understands the will to remain free."
"If only all of us could grow wings and join them in the skies," it was a whimsical notion and bolstered Lady Ninon with a laugh. After the laughter settled and the peace returned, I summoned the courage to ask the question which had been playing upon my mind. "My lady…why did you reveal Fleur to me?" She stopped by the roses, their fragrance drifting around us as I observed my friend. "You did not have to tell me anything and I would have been none the wiser. I would have trusted you for your word had you told me she was not here." Distracted by one of her roses, Lady Ninon brushed at the soft white petals as she considered her answer.
"Because I trust you, Madeleine." Her response was simple. In fact, it was so simple that it astonished me. "I feel a kindred spirit in you, one that I admire and respect. I knew I could trust you with my secret and that you would not betray Fleur's faith." It was a heavy burden to be placed upon my shoulders, so much trust pressed upon me all at once, but I shouldered it with pride as I drew myself up and straightened. "You are my dear friend, perhaps the only true friend I have. My confidence in you is not feeble." Endeared by her stoic belief in my character, I touched Lady Ninon's shoulder lightly, drawing her around to face me.
"I will not tell anyone where Fleur is, only assure Constance of her safety. Let us see what tomorrow brings." Glad that I had given my word, Lady Ninon walked me personally to the front gate where I returned just as the carriages of other ladies began to arrive, signifying that it was time for Lady Ninon to begin her lectures and lessons. I returned to Constance and, true to my word, I did not reveal where Fleur had taken refuge. Constance could guess for herself, but I never confirmed her suspicions to be true, only assured her that Fleur was safe and protected tonight. At the very least, both of us could rest easy knowing this.