Loved by the Beast Page 5

  Léa turned her head up. She was so grateful to have this woman in her life at such a time as this. “Will you help me? Prepare myself, that is.”

  “Of course, mon chou. We can talk things over for a time, but there is one thing I want you to do before you go home and spend your remaining time with your family. I want you to take some time to yourself here, where you can have quiet and privacy, and work out your own feelings. To perhaps grieve, cry, be angry if you wish,” she smiled and hugged her. “All that you do is for others, for a little while I want you to give yourself some time, answering to no one but yourself.”

  Léa nodded. Madame stepped out for a moment to give some direction to her maid and then came back. The two talked as any mother might talk to her daughter on the eve of her wedding, only with a much more somber bent. Finally, Madame led her to a room upstairs where a warm bath was prepared. “Take your time, dear Beauty,” she said and told her to come find her when she was ready to walk home.

  Léa undressed and soaked in the warmth of the water. With it came a flood of emotion that surprised her. Of course she was upset about the situation, needing to marry a man she’d never met was unexpected and thus disheartening, but not so wholly unusual either. Needing to escape a man she had met certainly added to the distress of the situation. But she also found that her heart ached for the “might have beens.” She mourned for the loss of a dream, of falling in love and having her own home with a loving husband. She grieved that she wouldn’t be able to see her family again. She fumed at her siblings for their cold-hearted reaction to it all and at her father for being so foolish as to go where he didn’t belong and take something as silly as a rose, even if it was for her. Finally, after the tears were gone, she plunged under the water and came up with a measure of peace and acceptance in her heart and mind.

  A new dress and linens were laid out on the bed. She touched the simple but pretty burgundy dress, Madame had thought of everything. After dressing, she brushed out her hazelnut brown hair, braiding it into a single plait. She went downstairs to find Madame Beaumont, who was reading by the fire.

  “You look lovely, Beauty. And confident. Have you worked things out with yourself?” she asked.

  “Yes. For now.” She took in a shaky breath. “Thank you so much for the dress, and just for everything. I can’t tell you what it means to me.”

  “Well, I had a feeling your father would not think of such things,” she smiled, “Are you ready to return home?”

  “Yes, I think so.”

  “Hannah and I shall accompany you home, and we will take the long way round to avoid a certain tavern that I fear may hold someone we’d rather not see at the moment.”

  Madame pulled two books off the shelf then picked up the basket with the parcels that she had brought in earlier, and they set off for home. They skirted the town square through an alley and made their way back onto the path once they were well away from town. When they came within sight of the Du Bois family cottage, Madame stopped.

  “We shall leave you now. We don’t want to intrude. Now take this,” she handed her the basket, “it’s nothing much, but I wanted you to have a little something to bring a smile to your face. Open what you will when you’re feeling especially homesick.”

  The women embraced long and hard. Madame Beaumont finally kissed her cheek and pulled back, her eyes moist with unshed tears. “Goodbye, and God be with you.”

  Léa watched them for a moment as they walked back, her heart aching, then turned toward home.

  Inside, she was pleased to find everyone gathered, including Martin. There were wildflowers and what appeared to be the girls’ hair ribbons decorating the sitting room. Her father approached her and kissed her cheeks, a sheepish smile on his face.

  “We decided a party was in order for our Beauty,” he beamed, “Marie gathered the flowers, and Juliette decorated.”

  “I used my best ribbons, Beauty,” she added.

  “Pierre bought a hog, it’s already roasting.”

  “It smells delicious!” Léa exclaimed. Her heart swelled, perhaps they did care after all.

  “It was François’ idea to bring Martin along.”

  “Hello, Martin! I’m so glad you came.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it!”

  François seemed a little put out, but he nodded in her direction.

  “And, here, sit down,” Du Bois led her to his own chair, “Jacques, Martin, and I are to be your entertainment!”

  They proceeded to bring out their instruments, Du Bois with his flute, Jacques with his lute, and Martin on the fiddle. They delighted everyone with their music, especially Léa, who savored it all. After that, Marie recited a rather solemn poem. Then they all feasted. Pork, potatoes, a variety of roasted vegetables, and several pies were among the sumptuous fare. Léa wondered where they got it all, for surely they didn’t make it, but said nothing, just appreciating the thought that was put into each element of the party.

  As everyone lounged about after the feast and François took Martin home, Du Bois pulled Léa aside into the kitchen. They sat down on his cot and he hugged her to himself.

  “How can I let you go, my Beauty?” he said more to himself than anything.

  “What I want to know is how you will all survive without me,” she turned tear filled eyes up to him and laughed.

  He laughed genuinely for the first time in two days, “I wonder that too, I surely do! Ohh,” he sighed, “Beauty, are you sure this is what you want? If you say the word, I will move land and sea to find some other way. I’m not afraid of prison, if I knew your brothers would look after you…”

  “No, Father, I believe this is the right decision—for all of us.”

  He stared at her for a long moment, “I shall accompany you tomorrow then.”

  “No, I don’t think that would be best. Let’s not tempt Duchesse d'Aramitz further. I will leave in the morning, on my own.”

  “Brave Beauty, I don’t deserve you.”

  “Perhaps not so brave,” she turned her head down, “but determined.” She looked back up with exactly that in her eyes.

  That night, as the girls prepared for bed, Juliette stood before the mirror brushing her hair. Her face was clean, all rouge and powder washed off. Léa sat in the bed observing her.

  “You really are beautiful, Juliette,” Léa told her.

  Juliette hesitated as her face softened for the briefest moment before she nonchalantly responded, “I know.”

  “Promise me you’ll marry someone who deserves you.”

  Juliette turned toward her, shrugged, and answered lightly, “Of course.” She put the brush away and climbed into bed beside her. Marie followed soon after next to Juliette. When the candle was blown out and the room was dark, Juliette spoke softly, “I’ll miss you, Beauty.” Marie turned onto her side to face the wall. “I’ll miss you both too,” Léa answered.

  Chapter 6

  Léa dressed and had her belongings ready before the sun rose. She was anxious to have the worst of it over: the unknown. An attempt was made to eat some bread and butter for breakfast, but she could barely swallow for anticipation. Slowly everyone rose to bid her farewell. She embraced each one warmly, then made her way down the path to her new home. Léa feared staying too long would weaken her resolve and she didn’t want to weep now with long goodbyes.

  The clear morning air filled her lungs, giving her hope and energy. The clouds were white in the sky and the birds were chirping in the trees, a strange juxtaposition to the turmoil of her situation. When the gate of Château Rousseau came into view, her nerves surged into her fingertips and her stomach clenched into knots. A voice whispered on the breeze, Don’t be afraid...

  “Can I help you, Mademoiselle?” the gatekeeper called out, startling her into dropping one of the parcels from Madame Beaumont’s basket. She bent to pick it up and looked over to see the gatekeeper standing in the door of the gatehouse. “I believe Duchesse d'Aramitz is expecting me, my name is Be—Léa D
u Bois.”

  “Ah, yes, Du Bois. One moment, Mademoiselle.” He took out a key from several at his side and unlocked the gates. It creaked as he opened one side. “Go on up to the house, they’ll be expecting you,” he said as the gate shut with a loud clang and the lock clicked away any escape.

  Léa took a deep breath and turned toward the château. Her family had lived in a large home when Du Bois was still a merchant, but this was like a palace. The lawn surrounding and the flowers in pots were all neatly manicured. She climbed the steps and stood before the towering, ornately carved doors. No going back now, Léa thought as she took another deep breath and knocked firmly.

  After several moments a manservant answered the door. He seemed slightly confused. “Mademoiselle Du Bois?”

  “Yes,” her answer came out a bit breathless. Were they not expecting her?

  “Forgive me, we assumed you would come as late as possible,” he cleared his throat and ushered her in, “Wait here, if you please.” The man was in his mid-sixties, tall and strong for his age. His white hair and long crisp coat gave him an especially dignified look. He disappeared up the grand staircase.

  A few minutes later he came back down with a maid.

  “Mademoiselle, this is Marguerite, she will be your lady’s maid. She will show you to your room and will come for you when the Duchesse is ready to receive you.” He gave her a warm, gentlemanly smile.

  “Thank you…” she waited for his name.

  “Ah, you may call me Devereux. We are very pleased for you to be here, if I may say so.”

  “Thank you, Devereux,” she smiled at his warmth but didn’t say more.

  Marguerite led her down the hall to the left of the main floor. She opened the third door down and waved Léa in ahead of her. A large four-poster bed with white sheer bed curtains tied back stood in the middle of the wall to her right. The bedclothes were a lilac purple. A wave of natural light came in through the large window on the back wall. Everything was neat and orderly, perfectly suited for a young lady. She could tell a great deal of care had been placed into its decoration and design. In spite of her nerves and uncertainty, the room was inviting and she couldn’t help but think how lovely it was.

  “If you need anything, miss, just ring the bell.” The maid pointed to a bell pull on the wall. “I’ll be in soon to bring you to Duchesse d'Aramitz.” As she turned to leave, she hesitated, then turned back to her. “You are very lovely, miss.” She smiled shyly. “We all hope you will be happy here, and that you will be able to lift the master’s spirits.” She closed the door as she left.

  As soon as the door closed, Léa let out a long breath. She held a hand to her stomach and closed her eyes. Well, she thought, at least the servants seem happy and at ease, that could mean they have a kind master, right? She turned to look at the room more closely. A dressing table and mirror sat across from the bed. It had brushes, powders, and perfume neatly arranged on it. Glancing into the mirror, she was startled to see a worried little girl staring back at her. “Pull yourself together, girl, you’re nearly twenty-one,” she whispered to herself. She tucked a few loose strands of hair back and tried to smooth her braid out as best as possible. If she must face Duchesse d'Aramitz again, she wanted to look her best and muster up as much confidence as possible.

  The basket of parcels fit nicely on the bedside table. She opened up the wardrobe and placed her bag inside. There was a single gown already hanging in the wardrobe, one suitable for wearing to the evening meal. Having nothing else to do, she sat down on the bed and sank into the feather cover, so soft! Glancing over at the basket that Madame Beaumont had given her the day before, she started sifting through it. There were two books tucked into the side—her favorites! Several small bundles were wrapped in brown paper. Deciding on one, she pulled it out, untied the twine and lifted the flaps of paper. Several chocolate truffles were inside. A card was enclosed that read, What is a Frenchwoman without her chocolat? Léa smiled and popped one in her mouth. It melted on her tongue and she closed her eyes to savor it. Folding up the rest, she tucked them back in the basket.

  Just then a knock sounded at the door. Léa rose quickly and opened it to find Marguerite waiting. “Are you ready, Mademoiselle?”

  “Yes, as much as I’ll ever be,” she couldn’t keep the groan out of her voice.

  Léa thought she saw a slight tug at one side of the maid’s lips and an understanding look, but couldn’t be sure. They continued up the stairs to the second floor where she assumed the family rooms must be. The hallway went to the left and the right from the landing and Marguerite turned to the right. Léa looked down the left hallway, curiosity stirring inside her about whether her future husband were in one of those rooms. She turned back to follow the maid, who waited in front of a pair of double doors. Marguerite knocked ever so softly and a voice inside told her to come in. She opened the door for Léa but did not enter herself. As Léa stepped in, the door closed behind her and she was a little sorry she wouldn’t have the maid there as she faced the commanding mistress of the house.

  Said mistress was seated in an exquisite armchair with another lady standing behind her. With a flick of a finger, she motioned for Léa to be seated at a simpler, but nonetheless fine, settee across from her.

  “I must say I’m impressed, Mademoiselle Du Bois. I did not expect you to come so promptly. I am aware that you come here as a service to your father, a martyris, as it were, but I expect you to fulfill your side of the bargain with decorum, respect, and without grumbling.”

  “Yes, Duchesse,” her voice held steady.

  “I chose you because you displayed these qualities, as well as wisdom, grace, and maturity.”

  Léa supposed these words were high praise from someone like Duchesse d'Aramitz, but they felt more like the words of a judge who was about to give her a sentencing.

  “You are free to spend your days as you please, to roam the grounds as you wish; however, you are to stay away from the hedged garden. You shall not come up to the second floor of the house unless called for and accompanied by a servant, and you must never leave the property or speak to anyone from the village. Do I make myself clear?” Her demeanor was commanding and her voice firm. Léa doubted very much that anyone dared to cross her.

  “Yes, Duchesse. I fully intend to be faithful to my word, as I expect you will hold to yours,” she spoke with calm dignity. Though she didn’t feel brave, the strength of her resolve for the purpose of protecting her family spurred her on to bravery. She could handle being taken from her family and isolated in this place with who knew what kind of man as long as the promised protection of her father was upheld.

  “You speak boldly for one so young, and for someone in your position to speak to me thus,” she raised her chin, “but I assure you I never go back on agreements.” The Duchesse held Léa’s gaze for a moment. “Now, this is Madame Villeneuve, the housekeeper,” she gestured toward the woman standing behind her chair, who nodded congenially. “She will give you a tour of the grounds so you know exactly where you may—and may not—go. Tomorrow you will have a fitting done and new dresses made.”

  “Oh, that is not necessary, Duchesse, I am quite content with what I have already.”

  “Be that as it may, I will not have my son’s bride-to-be dressed as a common dairy maid. There is a gown in your wardrobe that you will wear for tonight’s meal, it should suit for now. Now, before you go, do you have any questions?”

  “Yes, when shall we be wed?” The question had been burning on her mind as she found it strange that the lady hadn’t mentioned it yet, or given any indication of actually meeting the man she was supposed to marry.

  Duchesse d'Aramitz evaluated her for a moment, then said, “I am leaving that up to my son. He is…shy, and has some hesitations about the situation.”

  “But, Duchesse,” Léa’s face clouded. To be married to a stranger was one thing, even one they called a beast, but to not be married at all was far worse. What would happen if h
e never married her? She persisted, “What about my reputation? I may be poor, but I value my virtue and standing before God and man.”

  Duchesse d'Aramitz sounded annoyed as she answered, “Your reputation is of little consequence as you will not be among society. My son shares your convictions, however, so you can be assured he will marry you at some point.”

  Léa stared ahead, unseeing. How could she, a noble born lady, treat her concerns with so little respect?

  The lady let out an exasperated breath and turned her head to the side briefly, then turned back to her, “No doubt you have heard the rumors about my son. Naturally they are baseless,” she continued through gritted teeth, “he is no animal.” She relaxed her shoulders, “But he is…unique. He won’t want you to see him at first. But, I trust, with time, the arrangement will be found agreeable. You can understand that, can’t you?”

  Léa considered this. Madame Villeneuve gave her a reassuring, sympathetic smile.

  “I can but try, Duchesse,” she answered softly.

  Upon her dismissal, Madame Villeneuve escorted her out of the room and they began their tour. Léa was quiet as she contemplated her situation, so the housekeeper led her at a slow pace.

  “The east wing is the Duchesse’s domain, and the west,” she gestured to the other side of the landing, “is Monsieur Rousseau’s.” She had a gentle voice. They made their way down the stairs to the main entryway and Léa observed the woman as they went. The housekeeper had a graceful elegance to her, and a comforting motherly presence. She was tall and slender and had the beauty of one who has aged with grace. “The kitchens are through there, but if you need anything, you have only to ring and someone will assist you,” her words interrupted Léa’s observations. Devereux opened the front door for them, but Villeneuve paused before going out.