Wondering for at least the fifth time that day what he, Sir Edward Hastings,
was doing with an apron tied 'round his wrist, hands moving steadily, making
lunch. He was not, by any means, any more accustomed to cooking than he had
been when he first arrived in France. Men were never taught such tasks back
home in England, and he was fairly sure that if any of his friends were to
see him presently, they would laugh him right out of their circle.
Still, the last thing on his mind these past days were thoughts of home.
Instead, his mind was filled with thoughts and conversations and pictures of
his Adelle, looking beautiful as ever. After their near-separation, he had
made it a policy to stay in France. He needed to be with her as much as he
possibly could. True, this probably drove her crazy, but after some time,
they both fell accustomed to his acting like a love-sick pup, following
closely to the heel of his master.
Adding all the incredients into the water heating over the fire, he wiped his
hands off and pulled off the smock that protected his clothes before tossing
it aside. He was well educated in several subjects...but being successful at
major tasks back home in England were never half as gratifying as it was to
be able to throw a simple meal together here in France.
Making sure everything was ready for lunch, Edward moved his tall frame over
to the door and, after pulling on his jacket to at least appear a little more
respectable, he peered his head outside to see if he could catch sight of
Adelle approaching. When he did, his face burst into a smile and, not caring
the least for looking a fool, ran out to meet her, lifting her into his arms
and spinning her some before planting a quick kiss on her cheek. "Hello,
m'love..."
Laughing as Edward spun her around, Adelle remarked "You always know how to
make my sneaking out of work worthwhile." Taking his hand she walked inside,
tossed her belongings aside, and took a moment to allow her eyes to adjust to
being inside.
Watching her toss her things aside, Edward clucked his tongue and tried to
look sternly at her. "Young Lady...what have I told you about carelessly
discarding your things on the floor...?" Bursting into a grin, he tossed his
own jacket down onto the pile of her things before sweeping her off her feet
and carrying her into the kitchen, where he carefully set her down upon a
chair. He felt as though they were already newly weds, though no real
thoughts had been given to their marriage. At least no thoughts that drifted
from fantasy to reality. Still...he would question her feelings. Soon.
'Throw them where you won't trip?" She offered playfully. "Everyday I half
expect to come here and find that you've gone back to England." Adelle
confessed as she situated herself in the chair, happy to find once again that
her unfounded fear had not yet come to pass.
"I assure you, love, I'll only go back to England when I have you safely by
my side. And not a moment prior."
Grinning sincerely, he quickly retrieved the food from the fireplace area and
set it on the table before here. "There you go. Food fit for a Queen. Though
I reckon if I were the queen's cook, she'd have offered my head long ago.
You're mighty more tolerable when it comes to meals, m'dear."
Adelle did not hear Edward's remarks about the food at all. She was still
stuck on his first comment... "I assure you, love, I'll only go back to England when I have you safely by my side. And not a moment prior."
He was staying here soley for her. He was waiting here......for her. Halting
his life and his responsibilities at home for her sake. Hands in her lap and
eyes downcast, a shy smile slowly made it's way across Adelle's face. "Then I
suppose we shouldn't keep all of England waiting." She said quietly.
Smiling slightly, Hastings took his seat beside her, taking her hands into his possession. "Adelle, I did not say that as an implication of my readiness to return home. It's difficult to halt a life in one place, where you have grown up, to move to another. I don't mind staying here. My life back in England was incomplete all these years." Grinning some, he lifted his hand and brushed her cheek lightly with his index finger. "We shall leave when you're ready. I'll do no insisting on that matter. I will, however, insist that we eat." Grinning playfully, he said a brief blessing before digging into dinner.
Adelle repeated his "amen" and turned to face him before she began the meal.
They had taken tremendous joy in the moments they'd been able to spend
together and while they spoke openly of their feelings, marriage had never
been formally discussed. True, they both had planned in their hearts that
Adelle would go to England and they would be married but the words had yet to
be spoken out loud.
Adelle swallowed with an odd sort of adrenaline as she watched him eat.
"Edward" she began, " I was not saying that because I am eager to leave.
Although even I can say the experience would not be that painful. I would
miss Annette and La Comedie but not much more." Images of what now identified
her beloved France danced through her head. " My class is now "winning" I
suppose but I take no pride in their victory. There are not many things left
to take pride in. Except us." Her eyes glistened with her fervor as Adelle
continued. " I said that not because I am eager to leave, but because I am
eager to be yours. You have been in France for sometime and it is high time
that you returned to your home...and that I was introduced to mine."
Turning his head to look at her, Hastings tried to remain calm, though a thoroughly ecstatic grin could not be held back a moment more. Since having met her and having disastrous results at prompt, hastened proposals, Hastings had, up until that time, let the idea of Matrimony slip from his mind until she was more comfortable with the two of them being together. that wasn't to say that he didn't think of her being his wife every now and again, for nothing was a greater joy to him than the fancy that one day she would be forever by his side and share his name, as well as his life.
"Madam...is it...is it my understanding that you wish to be married?" Laughing at the absurdity of his question, he clapped his hand against his knee in amusement. "Sink me! I think this be the first time in history that the lady proposed to the man. I'll have none of that known, mind you. It is my duty to get down on one knee, and get down on one knee I shall!" Wiping his mouth with his napkin, a purposeless, useless manner that at the time was unnecessary, he folding the napkin up and placed it on the table before pushing his chair away from the table and standing to his feet. Taking Adelle's hands, he lead her to the garden area, where it was at least a little more scenic. "My sister always mentioned gardens as being the most romantic place for gallantry." Grinning, he placed her in just such a position that seemed accurate enough to be a fairytale, then stooped down on one knee. Reverted now to a childlike excitement, one of his hands, shaking, found hers and quickly took !
hold, while he licked his lips and searched his mind for any intelligent words.
Finding nothing logical, he turned to the illogical, allowing his heart to speak for him. "Adelle, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to hear you accept my proposal and agree to be mine for the rest of our days. I am warning you, however, we will both grow old eventually and, while you'll retain your beauty and charm and grace for all eternity, it is doubtless that I will become a rickety, somewhat distasteful old man in times to come. I do promise, however, to make up for any ugliness I may reflect by spoiling you silly with the most extravagant gifts I can find, from London to China. So you see, you can lock yourself away with your things if need be, and bless me with a glance now and then, and I'll be quite content with that." Grinning, he lowered her hand enough so that he could place a gentle kiss upon it. "So...what do you say?"
"Need you even ask?" Adelle said laughing as she knelt down beside him and
threw her arms about his neck. "And no worries, I shall love you in spite of
your becoming a rickety old man." Her voice grew softer and she stared at
him, smiling shyly. " But you could never be less to me then you are right
now." Gently she moved a strand of hair out of his eyes. The same warm brown
eyes that had made her melt so many times before. "Wonderful, handsome,
wonderfully handsome...."She laughed quietly then grasped his hand tightly.
"And mine."
Stroking her hand gently with his thumb, Hastings smiled in adoration at his fiancee. "Indeed. Yours, for now and for ever." Getting to his feet, he helped Adelle to hers before escourting her back into the kitchen. "England shall love you, almost as much as I myself do. We're in need of more charm, wit, and beauty, I believe."
'Well then they must want you back desperately!" Adelle quipped. She
and Edward were often having such sticky sweet exchanges but for a couple
newly in love, that was not uncommon. All memories of her brief infatuation
with Paul were quickly forgotten in Edward's presence. " I suppose we should
tell Annette...." Thoughts of how much in debt she was to her sister ran
through the seamstress's head for it was she who set their courtship in
motion.
After he thanked the land lady he left Adelle's place with hasty steps.
Now and then his eyes drifted off to the white card in his hand, which had
the address of where she was at now. Normally Paul wouldn't go through
such trouble to find her; not after what had recently happened, but it was
not for him he had to speak to her. It was for a child he had met in the
prison this morning.
As he walked through the streets his mind drifted back to the morning. He
was sitting in his office, working on some papers, when Ayden came in
unannounced. Paul was quite surprised at the visit and immediatly he stood
up as Ayden came closer. The soldier didn't waste time and spoke to him
quickly. He told the deputy about a girl in the prison, who was just
brought in the day before. She requested to speak to Déroulède and now
Ayden came for him. Paul had agreed and now as he turned the final corner
the words of the girl haunted him. Her story had touched the deepest of
his soul and he had no choice but to fullfil her final request.
Finally he had reached his destination and as he contemplated the reason
he rapped on the door before him. The door of Edward Hasting's
lodgings....
"Who on earth could that be?" Adelle broke their embrace and moved to her feet. "Perhaps someone from the theatre has found my hiding place and come to fetch me back to work." She teased. She made a moved to open the door but stopped short-this was not her home after all.
He keeps knocking, a bit firmer now "Adelle..I know you're in there.
Open up"
"Well, they'll not have you. I'm in a particularly greedy mood this evening,
and anyone attempting to steal you away with make me positively fit to be
tied." Moving over to the door, he quickly ushered Adelle a little behind
him, should danger be behind the door, not that he expected any, but in
France just then, it was hard to tell who was friend and who was foe.
Peering cautiously out the door, he saw a stranger and, at least it was not
someone he recognized from the theatre. Grinning, he turned to Adelle. "Your
secret remains safe another day, m'love." Throwing the door open a little
more, he turned his attention back to the somewhat pale man before him,
raising an eyebrow in question. "How may I help you, good sir?"
"I'm glad tha---" Adelle's speech cut short as she caught sight of the man
on the other side of the door. "Paul......." It came out barely louder than a
whisper and wide-eyed, the young frenchwoman stepped back farther into the
room.
Edward frowned, immediately drawing Adelle closer to him and looking back at
the man at the door. "Any man upsetting my fiancee best have a good reason
for dropping by..."
Paul hadn't moved. He was still standing exactly at the same spot as
before and was staring at Adelle. Seeing her hurt him and he tried
to hide the pain but also anger which rose up inside of him and came
almost visible in his eyes. He hung his head. No longer looking at
either in the room and he simply said "I have a message for Citoyenne
DeBlois" He reached in his inside pocket and took out a
wrinkled, dirty envelope and held it in front of him.....
"It's.....all right Edward." She said absently, focusing on the man in the
doorway. Slowly Adelle stretched out her hand and took the note, a sharp pang
of sadness mixed with fear rose as her hand touched Paul's. Taking her time,
she unfolded the letter and read the uneven, mispelled script of a child:
As she finished the note Adelle grew pale and her heart began to beat faster.
Nadine..... Nadine was the small daughter of the Bouliers, who frequently
sought out the seamstress' talents. In working for them Adelle had come to
know the young girl and would watch her for the Bouliers on occasion,
especially when they threw large soirees and the staff would be occupied with
other things. Wheeling around she looked to Paul once more, her eyes full of
unknown fears and unanswered questions. "What is the meaning of this?!" she
demanded.
With sad eyes he looked at Adelle. Paul remembered the first time he
looked in those hazel eyes and he swallowed hard. Oh hurt him so much
to see her and not being able to hold her. His short revery was
interrupted when he felt her touch. It warmed him inside but he
quickly pulled back his hand and hung his head.
While Adelle read the letter Paul leaned casually against the door
frame. His eyes now and then shooting up and eyeing Edward
suspiciously. What in god's name did she see in him? Paul shrugged.
He couldn't figure it out but he didn't really bothered to try
either. Then he noticed that Adelle looked at him. Paul lifted his
eyes to meet hers and he frowned in responds to her question "The
meaning of what Citoyenne?" Questioningly he kept staring at her....
In obvious distrust of the man presently gazing longingly at his fiancee,
Edward made it a point of playing the wounded, protective young man that he
was and quickly stepped foward, slipping an arm about her waist while looking
over her shoulder at the piece of paper before her. "What's the matter,
m'love?"
Adelle's attention at present was not on her husband- to- be but at the one
who had brought such awful news. Stepping out of Edward's embrace she moved
toward Paul and angrily waved the letter in the air. "The meaning of this
note!!!" Adelle cried in frustration. "It's from Nadine....she says she's in
the prison...." Her eyes welled up with tears and she leaned against the door
for support. "What is she.....WHY is she....." Unable to say anymore she
stared weakly at Paul, silently pleading with him to explain this away.
He lifted himself and stood up straight when Edward came closer. At
the sight of the affectionate display happening before him he averted
his eyes and heaved a slight sigh of annoyment.
At Adelle's cry he lifted his head with a snap gazing at her
confused "I don't even know what's on the note Citoyenne. And why do
you think I know more than you do? All I know is that she asked for
me. I went and she gave me that to deliver to you. Which I have
done...and now I'm going home...So au revoir Citoyenne" He tried to
keep the emotion and pain out of his voice but if he succeeded he
didn't know. Still there was no point in him staying there. She
already had a shoulder to cry on and he wasn't needed there. He
coughed and bowed deeply "I take my leave now..." He took a step back
but remained infront of the doorstep, contemplating more about
staying or leaving
"No!" Adelle ran forward and clutched at his arm. "Paul.." She managed to to
get out,not letting go of his sleeve for the world. "There is a six year old
girl in the Temple Prison and I need to know what on earth she has done!"
Tears streamed down her face, her mind raced, and her life that for a moment
had looked so bright was fast growing dimmer. "She is a child, Paul!!!!"
Adelle knew Edward was there but being an Englishman there was little he
could do in a situation such as this. She reached back with her free hand,
searching for his. But her gaze never wavered from the man who held some
power, some clout-Paul could fix this.
He was surprised and stared at her hand on his sleeve awkwardly. Then
he stared at her. Seeing her so upset brought his spirits down and he
took a step closer. Paul didn't care about the presence of Edward and
he lifted his hand "She's an aristocrat Adelle" As he spoke he
stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers "That's all they need
these days" Caring he looked at her as his tender touch continued to
sooth her "and I know she is a child dear but what do you want me to
do about it? I am just as helpless in this situation as you are.
Helping her would only mean endagering myself and then what?" He
shook his head "I'm sorry but it's useless" He heaved a sigh and
could no longer look in her in the eye from shame because he can't
help her or the child....
The moment Adelle reached her hand out to him he took it gently, hoping to
soothe her in any way he possibly could. His heart ached to see her in such
pain and, if he were so inclined, he would have marched to the prison
himself, thrown open the gate, and retrieve that child himself.
When he broke from such fancies, he saw Paul lightly stroking his fiancee's
cheek. Confusion and apprehension growing, he tried to put a finger on all of
this going on. Who was this man? Did he have some kind of past with Adelle?
Is this the reason she had refused his attentions for so long?
Sending a warning glare in the man's direction, Edward gave a little tug of
Adelle's hands, which pulled her just out of the other man's reach. Jealousy
overtaking him, he pressed a kiss to the top of Adelle's head, before resting
his chin lightly upon it.
"Nothing, luv, is ever useless. This man may be too self-absorbed to atleast
attempt to help, but I will do my all to find some way, anyway, that we may
draw her from that prison." Even now, his mind was forming a plan that was at
best crazy and at worst...?
He remembered the idea Percy had whispered to him through drunken speech one
night long ago...Posting allegiance to a League, sailing to France and
drawing aristos from the very jaws of death. It seemed as though Heaven were
sending down a second chance for Edward, and he'd be damned if he didn't
seize the opportunity.
Looking at the man Adelle (oops, almost wrote Erin. *hits her head*) had
called Paul, Edward realized he may have to ask for the man's help. His
stubborness melted away the instant he saw the pain this situation brought to
Adelle. "When you spoke with this girl, were you given privacy?"
Adelle was barely aware what Paul was doing. Her thoughts were
flying every which way and what was happening at present did not much
matter. She was however, aware when Edward held her and promised to
help. "Edward" she said sadly "you are an Englishman and your
influence does not carry here. Paul works for the Republic...he.."
She reeled around, eyes suddenly ablaze, forgetting any manners or
sense of gentility she had been brought up with. "Damn you Paul do
not tell me you cannot help!!!!" She half-sobbed. "It is impossbile
for a mere child to be a traitor to anything, you *know* that! Nadine
cannot be sent to the guillotine simply because she was born into a
role she could not change!" Momentary silence engulfed the trio
following her outburst. Swallowing hard and trying to clear her
blurred and tear filled eyes Adelle pursisted, begging the man she
had once loved. "Paul.....Paul please...."
The sudden move from Edward had slightly startled Paul and like an
idiot he stared at his raised hand that was just sortoff hanging in
thin air. He sighed deeply and clenched his fist as he lowered it.
Staying here in the presence of the woman he still loved with a
passion and with her lover was a test of will and the thing to do was
not look at them. He had to stay calm, avoid eye contact and just
answer in a cold tone. Don't show you still care. That was the key.
Don't show anything and be the diplomat that you are. That was what
he told himself while he listened to Edward's insult and Adelle's
ranting. He tried not to be affected by the words from either. He
didn't respond to Edward. For Paul the boy was simply not there and
he heed him no attention any longer. Then he heard Adelle's angry
voice again. He clenched his teeth and kept his gaze at the floor.
For he knew that if he looked in her eyes and saw the pain he'd be
lost and to get involved in this would not be wise. Not now. He was
busy with other important matters "Look Adelle I won't stand here and
explain the republic's politics to you. But you're smart so you know
aswell as I do that age doesn't matter. If you are an aristocrat you
get denounced. No matter how young you are" He took a breath before
continueing. Now there was a slight presence of anger in his
tone "and don't curse at me Adelle. I am not responsable for any of
this. You know that. So don't act like this my fault! Goddamn you..."
Infuriated, he quickly yet gently moved Adelle aside and swiftly took hold of
the little frenchman before them by the collar. "While you are in my
lodgings, and before a lady, you'll refrain from such language. Furthermore,
you'd be wise to remember to keep your tone at a more acceptable level. As
for your impertinence in not answering my questions, it's demmed rude.
Especially when I have a way to help the child, and you choose to play God
and deny me the information I need to make my plan happen. Now, either you
answer the questions my FIANCEE and I have asked," Edward hadn't intended for
the possessive title his voice indicated, but now that he had spoken in such
a way, he was glad. He wanted to make it clear that any noble or pitying
actions done by this man would not make Adelle leave him. The sooner he
realized all this, the better. "Or you can kindly leave my lodgings." He kept
his hold on the man, partly because half of him wanted very much to beat him
to a pulp, and his hold on the clothes prevented him from doing so, and
partly because he was afraid if he were to let go he might actually regret
what he had just said and done. "The choice is yours."
At first he was shocked but then he looked down upon the hand that
held his collar with darkening eyes. Paul chuckled before grabbing
hold of Edward's wrist and putting some pressure on it, forcing him
to let go "First off all Sir I loath violence but if you ever touch
me again I'll gladly make an acception. As for my choice I'm leaving.
For I do not need a lesson from some english snob as you" Momentarily
Paul wasn't thinking of the child or of Adelle. All that was on his
mind was the gall that the boy had and his wounded pride. An offense
which he couldn't let go unnoticed....
"Please......" Adelle said shaking her head and tugging on both men's
sleeves. There were more important things then their rivalries---like Nadine.
At the moment she was powerless. She could do nothing to save the child, and
her fiancee and first love were on the verge of a fight. Her eyes were
growing red as the tears continued to well and Adelle was certain that at any
given moment she would collapse. Nothing was getting accomplished yet
something had to be done. Without thinking Adelle turned and blindly started
to walk unsteadily toward the root of the problem-the Temple Prison leaving
Paul and Edward to sort out their feud however they chose.
Paul's eyes shifted to Adelle when he felt a soft pull. He didn't know
what to say. He just stood there, almost lost, and gazed at her with
unshed tears in his eyes "A..Adelle..." He sighed and wanted to say
more but his shale cut him short and by the time he had gathered
himself she was already walking away. Paul didn't really know her
intentions but in his bones he felt it was nothing good and he shuffed
Edward aside "We'll deal later boy" Then he runs after Adelle and
gently grabbed hold of her arm "Adelle..where are you going?" He made
her face him and just looked in her eyes with warmth in his. "What are
you planning on doing m'dear?"
"What does it matter to you what I'm planning?" She choked out between tears.
"There is a *six year old* in the temple PRISON Paul. And I don't know what
I'm going to do once I get there but whatever it is, is more then you were
planning in doing yourself."
"It matters a lot to me, alright?" While sighing he closed his eyes
and rubbed them. This was all getting a tad bit frustrating and he
needed a moment to collect his thoughts. After he's calmed down Paul
looked back at her "What are you Adelle? A fool? Do you actually
think that when you get to the prison you'll be able to help her. Is
that it? Well think again. The only thing that's going to happen is
that they'll throw you in there as well and then you can walk together
to the guillotine"
"Adelle..." Growing increasingly impatient with the man practically holding HIS Adelle in his arms, Edward pushed aside feelings of jealousy by reminding himself that the two of them would be safely out of France as soon as possible, and then run ins with this lover would never occur again.
Stepping swiftly over to where the two of them were, Edward quickly peeled Adelle from the other man's grasp, placing a gentle kiss atop her forehead in an attempt to calm her. "Adelle...I want you to listen carefully and trust what I am saying to you. There is a way we can extract this child from the prison. But it will do no good if you barge into there with no other mind than that which is set on risking all to save her life. We have to be practical about this whole situation." Absentmindedly rubbing her arms, to calm himself moreso than Adelle, he lifted his gaze from her eyes a moment, looking to the sky in agitated frustration, before sighing quietly and looking back at his fiancee. "Will you trust me to sort things out and find a sensible way to get the child from prison? I know I'm an Englishman, and I realize that I am asking you to rely a lot on faith...but I promise you...I will not let that child be killed." Thinking a moment, he hoped Adelle knew a little of English culture while adding, "you have my word." a sacred promise sealed with a light kiss upon her lips.
Adelle stared back at her fiancee, dumbfounded. So much had happened in just
the last few minutes. She and Edward had agreed upon marriage, Paul had shown
up, she'd heard that Nadine was in the prison....and now her own Englishman
knew of a solution? To her that seemed as likely as he and Paul suddenly
sitting down for a drink together. "Of course I trust you" She responded,
thoroughly confused. "But there is alot about our society nowadays that you
don't know about Edward and I don't see how........."
He was now very frustrated because every time he tried to comfort
Adelle he was interfered in his effort. Calmly he took a step back and
with a stern face he looked at Adelle "Can we talk about this in
private Adelle? Maybe some place without interference?" He lifted his
head a bit and gazed down at her. Slowly he was beginning to lose his
patience....
This was ridiculous. All three of them were wasting valuable time. "Paul,
Edward is my finacee. Whatever you wish to say, go ahead, for I do not mind
him hearing."
Spoke up quickly and a bit harsh "Well I do mind. Incase you haven't
noticed he is english and I am a deputy in the convention. Our
countries are not on the best of terms so me being seen with him can
look suspicious. Especially now when I'm under investigation. Unless
it would please you to see me denounced?"
He did have a point. That was yet another part of the current society
situations that Edward might not understand. With an apologetic look and a
gentle touch, Adelle left Edward's side and crossed to a shopcorner with
Paul. "Quickly."
Watching the woman he loved do the one thing he prayed she wouldn't, Edward found himself alone in the middle of the street. All the time he spent courting her, trying to prove his love to be more than just a silly momentary infatuation, seemed to be in vain.
He wouldn't stop her, of course. Couldn't stop her, even. Adelle had a mind and heart of her own, and though it may pain him, he wanted her to be happy. And if that meant going back to an old flame and casting him aside, so be it. He had to think about her before he put any of his feelings into the picture.
Still, he wanted to help the child. And he knew there was a way he could do it, provided he had a moment to think things through. Glancing at the corner where his love and the fiend were, he made his way down the street a ways, hoping to catch a glimpse of the prison where she would be held. Whispering a silent prayer to God, pleading for Adelle's faithfulness, though he knew he had it, he quickened his pace. Love is a strong bind. A moment from the past couldn't break something that had existed for longer.
Feeling more positive that he was not walking away from Adelle, and that she in turn was not leaving him, he continued to walk toward the prison.
Paul followed somewhat in stupor and when they were around the corner
he stopped her "Excuse me? Don't you think we should talk about this
slowly? Many lives depends on this you know? Especially mine if I
decide to help...which I am not quite sure of yet"
"Paul I don't want her in there any longer then she has to be. Time is only
required for details like what to do, not whether to act at all." She stopped
short. "Many lives? Is there nothing you can do to just get her out? Must it
be underhanded as all this?"
"He took hold of her hand and let it rest in his "Adelle I know you
want her out of the prison but what do you think? Do you think I can
just walk in there and get her out? Well nothing is less true. I
can't even go talk to her without making sure no one is watching. Let
alone open her cell door and escort her out of a fully guarded
prison. Now even double guarded because of this Pimpernel fellow"
Paul let go of her hand and stood with hung head in front of her "No
dear. I really have to work it all out. Every detail I have to look
over carefully and I'll have to rely on help of others. Each will be
risking their lives for this girl Adelle... A girl they don't even
know" The tone in his voice was now a mix of anger and pain. He
honestly didn't know what to do. He's thought about it so many times
when he was alone, surrounded by darkness and only stars as
witnesses. And now someone confronted him with his helplessness in
such matters and it was hard for him to deal with it. Especially when
it brought pain to those he loved and even more so when that person
held him responsible.
"Tell me Adelle why should I care for this
child? Why should I risk my life for her?" Asking for guidance he
leaned against the wall and slowly slumped to the ground "I shouldn't
get involved in this. Already I'm being courted by the devil and it's
only matter of days, maybe weeks before he'll get his clutches on me.
Until that happens I have to use my time wisely and I have to make
up for the sins I've committed. I have to make amends for the things
I've done before I became the man I am now...I have to...Only then
I'll be able to die with a peaceful mind. Only then I can dream new
dreams within the gates of paradise"
Paul was drifting off into his
mind like he has done so often. Normally it happened when he was on
his own and at night as he felt the inferno. Then he just sat there
and stared in the dark, thinking about his life. Thoughts of the past
filling his head as he contemplated the reason of dreams he has had
and dreams he had pondered when late at night his mind would wander
to the things he had done. Things he quickly regretted later. He saw
before him how each vision, each dream he had was completely
dismembered. He saw the cruelities which he inflicted upon those he
first hated. The same he know tried to help. But can one make up for
the wrongs he has done in the past? Wrongs that had caused many
people their lives? He never found the answer to that question and
more thoughts raced through his mind.
He thought about the man he was
now and the man he has been long ago. He thought about the sins he
had committed towards mankind. Sins which he hoped God would forgive
him for and even forgive him for sins which he couldn't remember. As
he then sat there in the darkness, all cards shown before him, not a
sound to hear but the sound in his heart, plans formed in his head.
Plans of rescue and as of latest his greatest plan. His greatest
rescue and one he hoped that would spread a warm feeling of peace
throughout his body and across soul.....
Throughout Paul's speech Adelle was slowly resigning herself to the fact
that he was not going to be of much help. If it took that much forethought
for him to decide then it was not likely he was getting involved. "Then do
not trouble yourself so much to amend for you sins and go ahead and let an
innocent young girl die Paul. I'm glad to know that it won't upset your sleep
at night." She replied grim-faced.
Those words stabbed like a dagger into his heart and he lifted
himself swiftly "What?!" He chuckled and shook his head in
disbelief "I can't believe what I'm hearing Adelle" He watched her
and with big steps walked closer. Now his eyes had a piercing, dark
glare when they met hers "Do you honestly think it doesn't affect me?
Do you think so little of me Adelle? That I am so heartless? Well if
you do then let me enlighten you. See m'dear you know nothing of me.
Nothing! So don't have the nerve to assume such things. My god Adelle
I can't even remember when I had one night of true peaceful sleep.
One night without shadows haunting me. Shadows of the past and of
those faces that I see. You're ignorant and selfish. You know nothing
of what I face every day when I go to work. You're not the one who
hears their cries for help. Not of just children but of adults...
People who have done nothing wrong. Who are just as innocent as this
child. But I can't help them. I can't help them all and I know that."
He turned his back to her as he continued "I know I have let many
innocents die Adelle. You don't need to remind me of that. I do that
myself every day. I care for each person who is trapped inside that
prison and when one them is executed a part of me dies too. I know
that I am responsable for what they're going through. I helped with
the revolution did you know that? I too have send many people to
their deaths and you cannot possible know how heavy that weighs on my
soul. So please I don't need you to load me with more guilt, with
more insults because there is nothing you can say that I don't say to
myself. So you see I don't need you to hurt me..I think you've already
done that enough"
He walked away bit, ready to leave, but then
abruptly he turned and faced her again "And you dare accuse me of
doing nothing. Adelle every night I sit in my room and think up
plans. Rescue plans. For ways to help those that I have done so much
wrong to in the beginning. I have risked my life countless times
m'dear and I know that one day I will lose my life but if that is the
price to pay. Then so be it. I will pay it but I cannot save everyone.
That is the only flaw that I cannot alter" Now unwanted a certain
sarcasm crept in his voice "You care for one child Adelle and
already you think you're better than me. But you are not. You're a
hypocrite. You're only helping her because you have own interests in
the matter but what about the others? The other innocent children in
prison? Will you give them a moment's thought when you'll be in
England? Have you even given them a moment's thought or is it your
lover that owns them? Are you so persistant to help them? No...you're
not. Until now I have never heard you even utter a thought of
concern. You didn't care before...because the ones in jail didn't
matter to you and now..when it does you expect everyone to just jump
and get her out. Something which isn't so easy. So go back to your
lover...Go to England. We are done here" He bowed his head to her and
turned on his heels. Then he walked down the street, away from her.
He needed to be on his own, needed to think about it all.....
Adelle stood behind, mouth gaping open at his unfeeling outburst. She walked briskly to catch up to Paul and promptly stopped him cold. "How *dare* you. *I* am ignorant and unfeeling? *You* have never heard me utter a thought of concern? And how often have you gotten off your high horse to come and find out my opinions citoyen? I think about them everyday. How can I not when you and your men execute them every afternoon as though it were all some sort of parade? We are all tied to them somehow yet it is not everyday a poor soul inside personally asks for my help, I am only doing what I can. And selfish? Guess who is one of the seamstresses that your office employs to sew cloth bags when you find wood coffins too expensive and unneccessary for the victims of your new Republic? Yes, I am. And each time I am commissioned, I pray over each bag with all my heart that it will not have to be used. I may not parade my oppositions outside the prison... but at least I did not put them there." Red-faced and shaking with her own quiet rage Adelle stared down the man who had so quickly become an adversary. "Good day Citoyen."
As she spoke he didn't look at her. He just stared to the side and
folded his arms. Not looking interested at all but the words she said
only added more to his already unbearable torment "You just keep on
twitching the knife in the wound, aren't you Adelle" As he said this
he made the movement with his hand. He was also slightly laughing but
it was forced and only a method to keep his tears from
flowing. "Maybe you should shift careers. You're really good at
inflicting pain. A twitch to the left, a twitch to the right and then
plung it right in the heart" He smacked one hand in the other and
leaned closely, staring deeply in her eyes while laughing "Ah
yes..blame me for it all. Know what if you hate me so why don't you
just this cross this street" Pointed to a building across the
street "and go in that building over there. Go in and denounce me.
Maybe you'll feel better than. After all, if this is all my fault, my
death would be a gift to mankind wouldn't it? So go ahead...or
perhaps I should just do it myself hmm? Get the punishment I
deserve..."
"Shift careers?" Adelle repeated with a sad smirk. "Well I have always been in the business of telling the truth Paul. And what need would I have of denouncing you? Everyone already knows you for what you are. A man in power whose power grieves his conscience while he remains too cowardly to act against it. " She turned, as if to leave, but stopped herself and continued in all honesty. "I do believe that perhaps having to live with yourself is all the punishment you need." Not bothering to stay any longer in this very time consuming and tiresome discussion she walked away and did not look back. He'd said that he thought of rescue plans every night but actions spoke louder than words did they not? The fact remained that Paul's imaginary plans had not yet helped any of those in the prison and trying to persuade a man to action who was used to being stationary for so long was near impossible. Adelle would go in search of a real man-her fiancee.
He followed her. All thoughts she had about him were completely wrong
and even though he couldn't tell her the exact truth he had to tell
her something. In anger he grabbed her by the wrist and turned her so
she was facing him "The truth? You don't speak the truth Adelle
because you don't know it. Definitely not when concerning me and just
like everyone you are wrong when that is what you think" Unknowingly
he tightened his grip on her wrist and with stormy, dark eyes he
looked at her. His jaw was clenched, his breathing heavy "Why Adelle?
I loved you. In fact I still do..and you just keep hurting me. Tell me
dear what have I ever done wrong to you that you cause me such pain?
Can you explain that to me?" He kept an iron grip on her and with a
Pain strickened face he looked in her eyes....
Adelle felt a sharp pain on her wrist as she was spun around to face Paul.
Fear momentarily shot through her and memories of the strange man that
afternoon at the tavern rose. Her breath came in quick short bursts as Paul's
tormented tirade continued. Somehow she calmed down long enough to reply. " I
have already bid good day to you twice citoyen, was that not enough? This is
neither the time nor place for a discussion such as that. I am engaged, I am
going to live far from what France has become. " Her last words were heavily
emphasied for the iron grip on her wrist. "And right now I'm leaving so *let*
*me* *go*."
If Paul could see himself he would hate the way he's acting and the
man he momentarily has become but his emotional pain was too much to
bear and he wasn't thinking straight at all. He smiled in amusement
at her and kept holding her by the wrist "No! It's not enough. I want
an answer and I want it now before..." He cut himself short and his
breathing became rapid, his chest heaving "Just give an answer Adelle"
Shocked at his outright disregard of her demand for release her anger
continued to brew while her fear heightened. "Before what Paul? Before you
try what the man at the tavern attempted to do? Let me go...NOW."
"Keep your voice down!" He dragged her a bit further in the alley and
away from the eyes of passing people "You don't want anyone to get
suspicious now do you?" A threatening sparkle appeared in his eyes as
he kept staring at her "Else you might be the one that'll need
rescuing instead of this girl"
She froze. Ice water started coursing through her veins... How could he not
let her go? Stay calm, she repeated silently to herself. Calm?! That was
impossible-he was threatening her in a dark alleyway! "Paul..." Adelle's
voice quavered. Continuing to insult him wouldn't do any good. "Mon Dieu what
are you doing......Let me go."
Sternly "I have asked you a question Adelle and I *demand* and
answer. And after you've answered I may consider letting you go" One
hand was still holding her by the wrist and the other he placed on
her waist and pushed her with her back against the wall. Then he
leaned close to her, his face only mere inches away from hers as he
pressed the arm he was holding against the wall....
"A man who is capable of doing something like this is not a man I am capable
of loving." Then before she knew what she was doing Adelle spit in his face.
It felt like she could barely breath so strong was her mix of rage and fear
of this man but at that instant she thanked God that they had parted ways
long ago.
Startled he snapped his head a bit back and closed his eyes. Whatever
kindness that was still in those normally, warm eyes was also now
slowly slipping away in a pool of darkness. He glared at her as he
slowly whipped the spit of his face with the back of his hand. His
hand was visably trembling from the rage with welled up in his heart.
Such disrespect as he's facing now reminded him too much of his past
and it only enraged him more. Paul clenched his fist and had to do
his darndest best not to smack her but for now he managed to get that
much of control over himself and he didn't.
He hung his head and heaved a sigh filled with sadness. But his hold
on her did not lessen "Of doing what Adelle? I'm not doing anything.
Except giving you the treatment which you deserve. Or what? With all
the disrespect you've shown me I should still be the kind man as
before? Well I can't. I lost my wife because of that" The tone in his
voice raised as he spoke "So no more! There is a limit to my kindness
Adelle and you crossed that limit a while back."
"Not doing anything? Since when is holding a woman against her will nothing?
I have done nothing to deserve to be threatened and held against my will
except chose another's love over yours Paul and I was not aware that thinking
for myself and choosing my own mate was ever a crime against you and the
Republic. " As for what he'd said about losing his wife, Adelle had no idea
what he was talking about unless he was refering to the possibility of having
her as his bride, which thank God was not the case. "A kind man? I don't
think any man who would do what you are doing now could dare call himself a
kind man." She paused, trying to see what lay behind the eyes that had grown
so cold but it was hopeless. "Paul I can scream damn well."
He sighed. It was all getting damn annoying, especially her and he
cracked the knuckles of his free hand to keep his calm "Chosing an
Englishman is. Forsaking your homeland is..but do you think I honestly
care for that? I don't. Even as we speak Adelle I've come to realize
that loving you was a terrible mistake on my part. You are not who I
thought you were. You are not the gentle woman who helped me when I
was sick. You've changed and not for the better Adelle. And you left
me choice.. I am doing this because you force me to it and please
scream. Scream from the top of your lungs. Because trust me...I won't
be the one getting in trouble when you do" He grinned, his features
hard and eyes dark like the night....
Having been quite successful in getting a good eyeful of the prison and the encircling area about it, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and began to walk back to where he'd left Adelle and Paul. He was fairly sure that anything he had to say to her would be well finished by now and that he would easily move in, steal his fiancee away, and leave that horrid man's presence once and for all.
When he saw them gone from the corner where he expected them to be, his heart lifted into his throat in sheer panic, as he crossed the street, practically running while trying to look the least suspicious.
The next instant he found himself in the corner, watching as the brute pushed Adelle roughly against the wall and spit threats at her. His blood boiled, remembering clearly the day he had saved her from such treatment before. Stalkling silently up behind Paul, he quickly grabbed the hand holding his love and twisted it in such a way to ensure that he would release her completely. That accomplished, he spun the man around and landed a punch to his jaw.
Releasing him, Edward moved quickly over to Adelle, shaking arms pulling her into a tight embrace as he ran his fingers through her hair to comfort her. "Are you all right, m'love?"
It all happened so fast Adelle wasn't sure quite had had occured until it was
over. She was about to yell out for Edward not to hit Paul but the warning
jumped out of her throat too late. She wasn't too fond of violence and Paul
*was* a member of the Republic but now that the punch had been thrown Adelle
wasn't too sure that she regretted the action.
"I.....I'm fine." Quickly she broke the embrace and grabbed Edward's hand.
Paul would only stay done for a moment and when he got up Edward had to be
gone. "Hurry!" Adelle said urgently, pulling on his hand.
He was caught completely off guard and the punch threw him to the
ground. Immediatly an intense pain shot through his body as he smacked
against the cobblestones. Paul shook his head calmly. Each movement,
no matter how slight, causing pain to his jaw. "Argh.." A silent groan
was heard as he shifted his body. He was dazed and needed some time to
recollect himself and he kept his head hung. His lip was bleeding
badly and when he sensed the taste of blood in his mouth he whipped it
on the sleeve of his shirt and on the back of his hand. He remained
staring at the dirty stones until the dizziness was gone. Then he
lifted himself with the help of the wall and turned towards Adelle and
Edward. Like a beaten puppy he stared in her eyes. He knew he deserved
it so he didn't do anything about it. He just watched with an
incredible amount of sorrow in his eyes. No words came. For what could
be said? He knew he hurt her but it was done. He had acted like those
men he despised. Like those men who hurt his wife and him and there
was nothing he could do to alter it. Paul swallowed as he casted his
eyes down. Nothing left to do but leave he said to himself and that
was exactly what he did. With wounded pride and feeling utterly
disgusted with himself he turned his back to the couple and walked
down the alley. He was either going home, to his office or to the
nearest bar to jug down a bottle of the strongest they had. But he
knew that wouldn't help and since there was no one waiting for him at
home he went to his office. Paul wasn't in the greatest mood so he
avoided the other deputies as much as he could. Chit-chatting wasn't
something he had a desire for right now and he slipped through the
less crowded halls of the justice building.