Love's Vengeance (8 page)

***

It was near dusk, after the evening meal had been taken that Bridgett excused herself and retired to her room to read. This left Desiree sitting with the Roche’s, talking idly of her plans for her trip, as Michel’ lighted candles about the comfortable drawing room to chase away the shadows of night. A hearty rap upon the door hastened Michel’ to the front hall, where in a moment he reappeared with Honore’ Romains at his side.

“
Bonsoir
.” Honore’ greeted the Roche’s with a nod. He curled an index finger at Desiree, “May I speak with you for a few moments privately?” he inclined his head toward the front door.

Desiree watched her godfather as she rose and his pointed lack of eye contact with her left little doubt in her mind as to the purpose of Honore’s visit, “Francois you didn’t invite Honore’ over here to change my mind about my trip?”

“He but cares for you Desiree, as do I. You can not make such a drastic decision without at least allowing me my opinion.” Honore’ spoke up, his deep booming voice full of determination that indeed,
he would
, have his say.

Desiree shook her head with a disgusted sigh, “Why is it that my every move must have the approval of a commission?” she sneered teasingly at Honore’ as she moved to his side, clasping his hand in her own, “Come along then, let’s have this out.
Merci
Francois, for setting this one upon me—if it comes to blows, I am at a marked disadvantage.” She laughed.

Honore’ was not exceedingly tall but stocky with a muscular body and strong sharp features that were almost hawk like in their intensity. He looked as though ever ready to do battle and in most instances this was true, for he loved to fight and had the size at nineteen to level most of his peers. But Desiree had always admired his clear, sky blue eyes and blond curls that saved him from looking like one of Satan’s own.

Desiree dragged him through the front hall and paused while he opened the door, then preceded him out onto the veranda but came to an abrupt stop at the threshold and then she attempted to retreat a pace. Her retreat though, was brought to a resounding halt by Honore’s sturdy frame.

In the dim light cast by a lantern at either end of the veranda, she could see Antoine leaning casually against the rail with his arms folded over his chest and legs crossed at the ankles. Rene’ sat at the top step of the landing, one leg drawn up before him and his arm dangling loosely across his knee—a grin from ear to ear—the
blackguard
! Philippe sat in a wrought iron chair, with his feet propped up on the rail beside Antoine and all eyes were on her!

“Oh no—please, not four of you!” she pleaded dramatically, lightly placing the back of her hand across her brow as if to swoon, while the other hand rested over her heart, “Have pity upon me! I feared defending my actions to Honore’ but all at once—I haven’t the strength!”

“You little fool—stop overacting and come out here!—at least enough to allow Honore’ to close the door.” Rene’ chuckled, rising from the steps. He strode across the veranda, bringing a chair back with him. Placing it in the center of the group, he patted the seat invitingly, “Have a seat Desiree, you have some questions to answer.”

When Desiree didn’t move to take the seat, Honore’ closed the door behind him removing her access to escape and holding her by the shoulders, led her to it, “Sit!” he barked firmly.

“Now then!” Antoine began, running his fingers through his windblown hair, then clapping and rubbing his hands together in anticipation. He adjusted his position to allow Rene’ and Honore’ to join him against the rail and at the same time Philippe swung his legs down; sitting up and taking heed as Antoine continued, “Tell us why you would wish to go. Haven’t we paid enough attention to you lately?” he teased.

Desiree looked at the three before her and then to Philippe at her side. He watched her intently; leaning his arms upon his knees, his chin resting upon his folded hands, expectant. She would have answered in a lighthearted vein as Antoine had asked but she knew that beneath the light words, they honestly wanted and deserved to know her reasons. Solemnly she began, while looking one by one to each of the four.

“In a matter of weeks, I have lost my father, my mother, my home—nearly every material possession. And I have lost more than this. I have lost my freedom, my security. My whole life has changed! I don’t walk out of this house without fearing what may await me. I am guarded constantly, night and day and it is not part of my nature to live in fear. I shall find passage to the colonies—go to my Aunt Colette’s home and see a new land and my only relatives—without fearing for my safety or the safety of those I love—which includes all of you! What befell my parents and almost myself could be repeated at any time. I want some time away and I know—it shall not solve the problem, but in some instances it is better to run away from a foe rather than to attempt to fight—especially when your foe has no form which can be battled.” She leaned back in her seat, indicating she had finished her piece.

Honore’ cleared his throat and spoke up, taking the first swipe at her resolve, “For a young beautiful woman to travel with only the company of her maid is foolhardy Desiree. Then to board a ship—a ship full of men that shall be in close proximity for a long voyage—it could be…dangerous!” he nervously looked to his companions for assistance.

“What he means…” Antoine continued in his stead, “Is that sailors are not known to be the most gallant—” he paused.

“What Antoine is trying to say is that you may find yourself—they could…” Rene’ attempted but also faltered, so quickly changed the subject, “And there is your arrival at the colonies, finding your aunt! It is just too large an undertaking! If you must leave—go to Paris! Travel Scotland, Wales, England—somewhere closer to home!”

Desiree shook her head decidedly, “No I have been to Paris and I have no desire to travel England or the rest. Listen to me—Bridgett has no qualms!—Not in the least. She grew up in Liverpool. She is familiar with ships and sailors. She has no fear for our safety. Goodness, you make it sound as though civility has forgotten the waterfront! I have met many of my father’s sailors and they are fine, decent men. As for the colonies, I shall be going to a port town. My Aunt lives near the port and I shall have no trouble locating her. I have sent word already which shall precede our arrival and she will be looking for us.” she laughed gently, “Next question.”

“In that case, since you are so sure of your father’s men, take one of his ships or Francois’, he has a vessel.” Antoine pleaded.

“Once more my reasoning there is sound. For I want no forewarning of what ship I will be taking. I wish to arrange this with a party completely disassociated with myself. The only way to do this, is to search out and attain passage on my own and immediately before my departure and with this task, Bridgett shall assist me.”

Philippe reached out, taking her hand, “Well
Ma Cherie
’ how long do you plan to be gone?” he chuckled, resigning himself.

“Philippe!—you are not helping matters!” Honore’ growled kicking Philippe’s chair soundly.

“She has her head set on it.” Philippe grinned, patting Desiree’s hand, “Once she is set on something, no amount of talk will change her mind and all of you know that as well as I.”

“Finally! The voice of reason!” Desiree laughed, leaning over and hugging Philippe excitedly.

“How long will you be gone?” Antoine grumbled.

“I hadn’t thought on that—it shall depend. A year possibly.”

“A year!” sputtered Rene’.

“We shall see.” Desiree said with a laugh, standing and hugging each in turn, “I must go in now. It is getting late but I shall see you tomorrow.” she reminded Honore’ pointing a finger at his chest, “We were planning a picnic remember?”

“
Oui
I shall be here.” Honore’ sighed, still dejected by their defeat.

“Cheer up fellows, I shall not be leaving until the end of the month.” Desiree called over her shoulder as they plodded down the steps. She opened the front door, starting in but stopped short, listening to a comment from Antoine.

“Picnic, eh? Well stay clear of the creek or dress for a swim.” he warned, “You never know when she will strike or for what offense.”

Desiree closed the door, laughing gaily and peeked into the drawing room on her way upstairs, “Francois, I am afraid my plans still hold. They understood.” She drawled with a teasing voice.

Francois shook his head with a disgusted look directed toward his wife, “They will convince her—eh?” he grumbled.

Chapter Six

It was a cool morning in late May, that Desiree and Bridgett began their adventure. The Roche’s carriage pulled up to the busy docks of Rouen and each in turn, Francois assisted his wife, Desiree and Bridgett from the high coach. Philippe and two other boys approached and unloaded the trunks and cloth satchels, carrying them the short distance to the small sloop that stood waiting.

Without much fanfare but plenty of warm hugs and kisses, Bridgett and Desiree bid farewell to Madeleine and Francois, then stepped aboard the boat with assistance from Philippe.

“Now you take care Philippe!”
Monsieur
Roche’ barked and was answered with a curt bob of his dark head.

Philippe smiled at Desiree and there was no one who could doubt that he would guard her with his very life. Bridgett knew he was fiercely protective of Desiree and although she could hardly abide his constant attentions to her charge, she knew that he cared for her very much.

Philippe seated himself opposite his two passengers and with a flick of his wrist, released the lines and pushed off from the dock with an oar, casting a worried eye toward Desiree. She was teary eyed as she called her goodbyes to the Roche’s and then waved to their receding forms along the dock until they were out of sight after rounding a bend.

“Will you be all right Desiree?” Philippe asked with concern.

“Don’t worry Philippe. You know me, a crying baby of late. I am thankful I said my farewells to the rest yesterday, I’m afraid I might have made a huge scene.” She smiled softly, reaching out to clasp his hand for a moment. She wiped a tear on a lace kerchief, smiled a bit more convincingly at her friend, and then filled her mind as well as her senses with the activity about her.

Other sloops, with their tiny sails flapping in the cool morning breeze passed them, on their way back up river loaded with passengers or goods bound for some small hamlet. Their oars stroked in assistance to sails, fighting the current. A few of the captain’s called greetings as well as offering information regarding conditions on the river ahead to Philippe.

Although her reasons for leaving were not ones of happiness, Desiree began to feel a mounting excitement and interest, thinking of the adventure she was undertaking. Her mood brightened as they moved closer and closer to Le Havre, until by the time they arrived, she felt truly as if going on a holiday rather than an escape from danger.

***

The port city of Le Havre was a bustling waterway to the sea, the major landing along the northwestern coast for foreign traders. The Seine’s mouth opened into the channel at this point and ships from every port around the world were anchored in the wide
Baie de la Seine
. The flags that flew above each vessel told of their origin and ports of call and from the distance, the gay colors made the waterfront look lovely and festive.

The sloop weaved in and out between great ships and lesser boats until they arrived at a dock and landed amid a throng of their own kind. Philippe leaned out and caught hold of the dock, pulling the boat along side, then tied the lines to cleats and held a hand out to the women, helping them up from the low vessel.

“Ladies, you may start to the inn if you like. I will see to your things. You simply walk straight up there.” He pointed to the cobblestone path leading up into the town. “The inn will be just before you as you crest the hill—Le Havre Inn. There is a large sign out front. You can’t miss it.” He grinned at Desiree and she favored him with a gleaming smile.

“
Merci
Philippe and you will see to our bags right away?” Bridgett asked, wanting to get the matter clear. She knew only too well that items would disappear from the waterfront quickly, if left unattended.

“
Oui
Bridgett. Right away.” He bobbed respectfully.

***

Starting up the path in search of the inn, Desiree’s attention scanned right and then left as she took in everything. She had visited Le Havre several times over the years but always more inland on the far side of the city. The smell of salt water, fish and overripe fruit mixed and mingled with a multitude of other odors, permeating everything. Peddlers of every description called out to them, attesting to the fine quality of their goods they displayed on small carts along the cobblestone road. Desiree resisted the temptation to look at bolts of bright satin and velvet materials. Her trunks were bulging with a new wardrobe that the seamstress in Rouen had worked feverishly to complete over the last two weeks, replacing many of the items lost in the fire. She could not possibly stuff another thing into her bags.

As they continued on, a small form seated beside a vendor cart caught Desiree’s attention. A little girl was crouched at the side of the road, her long blonde hair, tangled and tossed. Her hands, bare feet, clothes—were grimy and she was devouring a hard roll as if it were a grand feast. The peddler, seeing the upset in the women’s eyes, shooed the little urchin away. The little girl scuttled off down the street, only to take up her meal once more near another cart.

This occurrence abruptly reminded Desiree of Frances undeniable woes. Here at the waterfront, they could be seen more dramatically than in her hometown. Her eyes now swept the street, falling on several other young children with dirt-streaked faces and tattered clothing, walking aimlessly from cart to cart, looking for perhaps a lost coin or a scrap of food. Desiree had often heard her father and other men discussing the cause of the unrest in the country. Seeing these little children who seemed to suffer the most, she couldn’t help but curse good King Louie within her mind.