In total I spent several weeks with the villagers directing repairs and arranging the ledgers to begin assuming my role as their liege lady and protector. Edmond recovered in that time, although still weak and requiring absolute rest, he became strong enough to travel and the baron did not hesitate to whisk him away back to his own land. He barely spoke upon his leaving, and offered no word of thanks. I thoroughly disliked the man, and I was glad to see the back of them.
My complaint had been lodged with the Rouen judiciary, and now the proceedings for a formal appeal were underway. Surprisingly, however, when the address was made to the baron, he agreed to pay the fines and a significant sum of compensation to my estate, measuring in a worth far exceeding the damages he had committed. He made no argument or attempt to defend himself. Simply accepted the charges and paid his debts. I had never seen so much gold in my entire life, and for a while, had not a clue on what to do with it.
Eventually I determined that it was to be used. With the gold we were able to buy all we needed to replant the fields and even drew up plans to expand, thinking to widen our market into the wool trade as it was a profitable venture at present. Everyone received a payment of compensation, a purse of coin to apologise for their treatment and neglect, and a promise to never again disappoint them. I taught Jeanne how to keep accounts and nominated Bertrand as Mayor of Pinon, to act in my stead whilst I was away. He protested at first, but I insisted upon it. I could not remain in Pinon forever, for I had duties of my own, but we continued to maintain an open correspondence.
I had a mind to commission a seal for his own use, bearing the arms of my family crest so that his letters would be treated with care and brought to me directly. We spent those weeks continuing to plan and arrange all the necessary affairs. I focused upon the village, but I also had a mind to one day restore my own home to its former state. I visited it once before returning to Paris, wanting to look upon it again. It remained as I had seen it last, burnt and scorched because of Milady putting it to the torch, but some of the house remained untouched, merely weatherworn.
Having little knowledge of architecture or building, I did not know how best to go about restoring such a ruin, whether we could build from the foundations which still remained or if it would be best to simply tear down the entire house and start again. I exhaled softly. One day. The baron's gold would be kept safely in the family vault which was one part of the house which remained untouched. One chest remained at the village to be used as needed, for I trusted Bertrand and Jeanne to manage the finances and the estate in my absence. Reaching for my pendent, my fingers brushed against my brother's ring which I wore upon the chain. It was far too big for any of my fingers, so I carried it around my neck. It felt appropriate, for now the two most important aspects of my life were carried close to my heart. My family and the musketeers.
My own signet ring, bearing the crest of the wren with the musketeer's fleur de lys upon its chest, lay upon the index finger of my right hand. I twisted it absently, brushing against the crest as I gazed upon the dilapidated house. One day I would come back, and I would set to work restoring my family's home. Not now, however. Now, I was needed in Paris, at the palace, and still by my brother. If not me, then who else could protect him from the grasp of Milady? So long as she still lived and breathed, my brother would never be safe from her.
Turning my horse around, I pushed it into a gallop, flying back to Paris to resume my duties with a clear and resolute determination.