Margot’s Dressing Room
Marguerite was sulking in her dressing room. A disagreement with her current lover had put the actress in a slightly depressed mood and so she came to the theatre early to sort of hide from it all. In the back of her mind she wondered if he would come tonight. He was supposed to, but in the end it made little difference.
She heard more rustling outside her door and knew people were beginning to arrive for that night's performance, but she put off getting ready, quite content to lay across her couch until curtain. It wasn't until a knock on the door, which she knew was locked, forced her to get up and open the door to find a stack of her costumes wrapped in Adelle's arms.
Marguerite, in little mood for talking, just opened the door wider for the girl to enter.
Adelle manipulated her way through the doorway with her load. "Bonsoir Mlle. St. Just!" she greeted cheerily as she carefully hung up the costumes. "Would you like me to help you dress?"
Marguerite shut the door. "Um, sure." she said, not really paying
attention to the girl. "you can just put the costumes on the empty rack
over there, I moved everything around before." she said absently. "Um,
what time is it anyway?"
Adelle nodded and silently did as she was told. "It is almost 6" she answered, pulling Marguerite's first costume off the rack. She seemed bother or at least uninterested in what was going on-very unlike the rumors Adelle had heard. Everyone always spoke of how dedicated she was to her shows, but
now the woman seemed distant. "Are you alright Mlle.?" Adelle inquired.
"6 o'clock" Marguerite muttered to herself as she went to the window "One
hour."
She heard Adelle speak to her again. Marguerite turned around and saw
her getting the first costume ready. "No I'm not alright, not that it
makes a difference anyway." she said, nearly snapping as she sat back on
the couch to pull off her shows and stockings. "I doubt it would make a
difference anyway. Not to him, not to anyone."
Adelle tensed when the lady snapped at her. She hadn't meant to do anything wrong, she was just concerned. She pursed her lips, slightly embarrassed. Turning slowly to face Marguerite and taking a deep breath, she spoke soothingly. "I'm sure that is not true Mademoiselle. If no one cared, would I have asked?" She offered a small friendly smile, terrified on the inside to be snapped at again this time for not remembering her place.
Marguerite stood and stretched. She turned her back to the girl but saw the reflection in the mirror and the frightened look on the girl's face. "You don't need to be afraid, you're not the one I'm angry at." Marguerite looked down and began to undo part of her dress, muttering to herself, "You're not the one that put down everything I said
today with out cause, you're not the one that trampled on my feelings and then tossed them aside with utter disregard."
"I'm sure that was by no fault of your own. Men have no respect for woman these days" " Adelle said disgusted by the memory of the men she had seen as of late. She helped Marguerite out of her gown and laid it across the couch. "But he is the past for now and there is an audience preparing to come
and see the most talented actress in France. Think on happier things then men who don't deserve you Mlle." Adelle ventured. She had far exceeded her station by voicing her opinion as she did, but she said it with sincerity and hoped the lady understood her good intentions.
"I only wish it was the past. But it wasn't, it was today, and it will tomorrow and then the next day. He'll be there, sitting in my living room, drinking my tea, talking to our mutual friends about politics and philosophy." Marguerite stammered, still angry at the events earlier in the day, but feeling a bit better. She frowned, looking at her reflection. Her costumes for this performance were generally lower cut and required her to adjust her corset and other layers underneath. the corset as is had shifted and was painfully rubbing into her side. She reached back and began to tear at the string holding it together getting painfully frustrated when she had trouble with a knot.
"Oh I'm sorry I did not know you were marri-" Adelle immediately shut her mouth. Marguerite did not have to be married. She could be living with this man, she could mean at parties, she could mean any number of things. What was she thinking? She was not so naive to think that actresses never had lovers. Seeing Marguerite struggle with the knot gave her something else to focus on rather then her blunder. "Here let me help" Adelle said quickly as her nimble fingers undid the knot, loosening the corset.
With the corset loosened, Marguerite drew in a few deep, slow breaths, to settle herself down. As she began to put the corset back in place, she spoke once more to the girl, "Thank you, it's a wonder why woman have put up with these things for so long. And no, since I know you are wondering, I am not married and I doubt I ever will be, and I am not his mistress."
Tying the corset back Adelle spoke. " Mlle. it is none of my business but.... if you are so unhappy then why are you seeing him?" She strode across the room and returned with the first costume in hand, undoing the buttons in the back.
"I'm beginning to wonder that myself." Marguerite said, finally satisfied with the corset which she held in place for the girl to tie up. "Things were different between us at first, but things have changed lately. With the growth of the revolution and politics and such he's become more involved elsewhere and brought his work into situations he hasn't before. Not that I mind his dedication to his beliefs and his work but today he argued against me and tomorrow he'll argue my beliefs against someone he doesn't like. It's enough to make me go mad."
"Relationships are often confusing, but I wish you luck." Adelle said with a smile. "But right now there is a show in about 50 minutes and you can put off thinking about yours for a little while."
"I hope so." she remarked almost bitterly, "He was supposed to come tonight. I wonder if he still will."
"If he does come and is as intelligent as you make him sound then he will see your brilliant performance and realize what he has." Adelle assured
the actress as she picked up odds and ends of underclothes off the floor.
"Sometimes I wonder if he can see past his nose." Marguerite said,
pulling in her small belly as Adelle began to lace up the corset, "Not too
tight, I have to sing as well as breath."
Adelle laughed at Marguerite's comment as she began to lace up the
corset. "I know, I know" She admonished. "I'm not *that* new at this Mlle!"
Marguerite drew in a deep breath, making sure she could still fill her
lungs with the air she needed to breath. "Sometimes I wish I was new at
this. At men and relations anyway. He's older, perhaps he thinks that
because of that he's older and wiser and feels he needs to teach me about
the world. Well, I can learn fine enough on my own."
Adelle finished lacing up the corset. "Is that comfortable?"
She asked, readying the bodice of the first costume. " Undermining
your opinions seems a funny way to teach you about the world. But at
least you talk about things you *have* an opinion on! Most of the men
I've seen lately would rather have a statue to brag to."
"It's fine," Marguerite answered as she adjusted it just slightly herself
the way she liked it. "A woman should have an opinion on events and
philosophies. After all, the new laws and act in effect, they affect
woman and children as much as they affect the men. An enlightened man
will listen to an educated woman that has opinions and convictions."
"If only they all thought that way" Adelle grumbled as she
slipped the gown over Marguerite's head. "But they are all too
preoccupied with the rallies and demonstrations to ever talk about
anything else! Don't get me wrong, I am all for the power having more
power, but it is not something I wish to discuss every waking minute!"
"Believe me, I know the feeling. That's all he talks about anyway. He
wasn't always that way, but now, oh what does it matter anyway. I'd
probably be better off without." Marguerite grumbled as she let the girl
fix the dress. "Did Marie adjust this costume?"
"I'd try to find a man who wasn't so involved in all that's
going on but just about the only ones who aren't are aristocrats and
they don't ever talk to me unless they want an outfit made." Adelle
said with a sigh. "But that is life I suppose. Well she let out the
side seam a little and tightened up the shoulders. Why? Is something
wrong? I might be able to fix it."
"well, if they are not involved in what's happening, they're fools.
Things are going to change in Paris in the next few years, I just know
it. And it's going to be difficult for the uninformed. As for the
aristocrats, I don't care what they think, although I think they know
what's coming." Marguerite said still fiddling with the costume.
"Nothing's wrong, it just feels different. I suppose it will do, I'm only
in it for one scene anyway."
"Oh I'm not saying I want a man completely unaware and uninformed,
that might prove more dangerous then not. I just don't want someone who makes
it the reason for his existence. I do think there are many aristocrats with
far too much power but not all of them are awful and one man cannot take on a
whole country by himself. " Adelle reasoned, backing away to check the fit of
the outfit. " It looks alright. But if you find it uncomfortable......"
"Why all this talk of aristocrats anyway? I'm not that type of woman you
know. I'm not looking to be some rich man's mistress, and I pity those
that do. To be a kept woman." Marguerite turned to exam the blouse of
the costume. "I supposed it will do."
"That is not at all what I was implying." Adelle said, furrowing
her brow in confusion as she fetched the petticoats.
"Sometimes it's hard to tell with people. They see me with a man, they
assume I'm his, like I'm a doll he picked up in a toy store." Marguerite
stepped into the petticoats Adelle brought over. She let her fuss over
them before putting the skirt on as she ran a few tired fingers through
her hair.
"It goes the same for all the women here Mlle." Adelle said
sadly. Straightening the petticoats she inquired with a frown "Are
you wearing a wig tonight?"
Marguerite sighed, "It's a sad thing that woman are labeled so. I wear a
wig each night." Marguerite said. "Unfortunately this one is a bit too
tight and hurts my scalp." She closed her eyes and ran her hands through
her hair."
"Just checking. What with only 30 minutes left and you not
fully dressed I was going to offer to do your hair but if you are
wearing a wig...." She explained taking down the full skirt and
handing it to the actress. "Is there anything else you need?"
"I could use a hand getting the wig on." Marguerite said as she put the
skirt on. "The stitching on this costume is done a bit to well for a
peasant don't you think?"
A satisfied smile crossed her features. "I was thinking the exact same thing coming up the stairs. But I wouldn't dare tell Marie that!" she said confidentially. "Though maybe no one in the audience will notice. I might fiddle with it before tomorrow's performance if you don't breathe a word to Marie!"
"Don't bother, no one will be able to tell. Marie's so proud of
everything she does anyway. Besides, less chance of something coming
undone during a dance or quick change or something." Marguerite laughed
a bit as a she stepped down from the stool she had been standing on. "Would
you mind handing me that wig, the one with the blue cap?
"I guess you are right...." She conceded as she picked up
the designated wig. Every costume piece always fascinated her. The
thick glossy hair in the wig was carefully brushed and set.
Delicately she handed it to Marguerite.
Marguerite gently pinned all of her hair up and on top of her
head. Carefully, she took the wig and pulled it over her own hair,
adjusting it and trying to get it to fit somewhat comfortably. "There,
not do you see any red sticking out in the back?"
"Just a bit" she answered, tucking the stray hair under
the wig. "there!! perfect. I’d be a nervous wreck with only 25
minutes until curtain time. I don't know how you do it!" Adele
admitted.
"Lots and lots of practice." Marguerite said as she looked herself
over. "How long have you been working here?"
Adelle nodded knowingly. "That is the only thing that keeps
me sane enough to meet the theatre deadlines sometimes! I've only
worked here almost a month but I've been sewing for awhile. I take
individual jobs outside the theatre as well. Dress making and such."
"My mother used to be a seamstress." Marguerite reflected, "she worked in
a dress shop until I was born and then took to doing stuff out of the
house." Marguerite sighed a bit, "Do you happen to know if there are any
understudies on tonight or is everyone here?"
"Did she?" Adelle asked, pleased to find a connection with someone
else at her new place of employment. "That is probably how you recognized the
stitches were too fine! Everyone is here except for Luc. He was not feeling
well and his understudy is going on for him. Lucky for me they are nearly the
same size!"
"Poor thing," Marguerite mused as she did some of her makeup, putting
the memory of her mother out of her mind. "He was struggling last
night, sneezed on me during the last song of the first act even. Who
is the understudy?"
"I know." Adelle said sympathetically. " He should have taken a
rest last week when he started getting ill. Thankfully no one else
has caught whatever he has though! I think. . oh what is his name?
Sebastian is his understudy I believe."
Marguerite groaned. "Sebastian used to have a bad habit of stepping on my
feet. I don't think I come that close to Luc usually. I think I'll be
safe, but just in case, can you see if I have any stronger shoes that
look like my pair for the second act?"
"He steps on your feet? Oh no!" Adele said laughing. " I know
for certain we don't have any extra shoes-I had to loan a pair of my
own boats to one of the chorus girls the other night! But we can
stick some thick fabric in the front of your shoes."
"It doesn't matter, I don't come that close to him in this production."
Marguerite said as she finished the makeup. "There, so I look alright?"
"You look marvelous Mlle." Adelle said sincerely, though not
without a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "But then again, you
always do." If only she could be more like her.....
marguerite turned to the other girl and smiled at the compliment, "Thank
you," she said simply before getting back to the business at hand, "Now,
have they made call yet?"
"I've been in here as long as you have so if you haven't heard
then neither have I! But I expect they will soon so close to curtain.
And I believe there were some special patrons they are taking
backstage before the performance tonight so you will all have to be
out and about to smile and shake hands I expect."
"Special patrons? Do you by any chance know what kinds of "special
patrons" these are?"
Adele though Marguerite sounded concerned. She hoped, for the
actresses sake, that one of the patrons was not the man she had
spoken of. " From what I've heard I gather that they are no more then
an elite group of regulars who have donated some money to La Comedie."
Marguerite groaned. "Would you do me a favor and just peak outside the
door and see if there are any in sight, but don't leave just yet. I'm
thankful for their charity but have other things to think about so close
to curtain."
Adelle nodded and opened the door just a crack. Quietly
shutting the door so as not to be noticed by those in the hall she
reported her findings. "The new girl Axelia is out there, along with
Claude, Monique, and Sebasian, but I don't see the patrons yet."
"good, just stay near." Marguerite said as she took a sip of water. "If
anyone comes to the door, especially a patron, tell them I'm getting into
character and can't be disturbed. If it's a patron and the manager
insists, cough really loud and open the door and tell them they can have a
peak but no more."
Axelia sighed. She was bored, and wondered why Marguerite had not showed
up yet. 'Oh well, can't do anything about it...it's not in my place...' She
rearranged her dirt blonde wig some, finding it becoming more and more
obnoxious.
The carriage arrived outside and a man moved around to open the door
for the Aristocrat inside. With a yawn, a man towering over six feet
stepped outside the vehicle and then leaned on his walking cane.
There was no limp to the man, only a laziness about him that he would
rather be doing anything but being here at the theatre.
Putting on his top hat, he increased his height visually and appeared
to loom over any other patrons standing just inside the theatre
house. When he was told the show would be starting soon and he
should take to his box seats, the tall blonde man pulled out his
pocket watch and then tucked under his arm the cane. Tipping his
head forward, he tried to balance his hat on his head, while using
the other hand to bring up and around the eyepiece.
"So it will be." Were the only words to follow the extremely lengthily
effort he just partook in, balancing more objects than nearly a
circus clown. Bringing a bare hand to his mouth, he yawned and
looked at the other patrons. Any place but here would have been a
good place, his face read.
Turning, moving his cane about in front of him in a tight circle, he
tried to amuse himself as he strolled down the main aisle of
seating. Quickly, one of the ushers took a hold of his arm and
pointed the way he *should* be taking.
"Oh right my good chap. Right O." The body halted all together and
the lazy blues looked around Le Comedie, observing from top to bottom.
Hearing a commotion outside the door , Adelle peeked out once more. She
viewed an unusually tall man who looked...rather bored to say the least. A few
others she did not recognize were also crowded not far from Marguerite's
dressing room. "The patrons are here." Adelle told the actress. " I need to
make an appearance but I'll let the manager know you are busy."
"Fine. but come back and stay with me afterwards, until I have to
go," Marguerite asked, "please." as she watched Adelle slip out the
door. She began to clear her head and run through some music to warm up
for the performance.
"Don't worry, I will" Adelle promised, smiling at the actress.
She seemed a little on edge and Adelle would be sure to return to aid
her. Quietly she slipped out the door into the hallway to be
introduced to whichever patron was near.
Although told where he could go, the tall Blonde Englishman had no
will to follow the directions given to him and take to his seat up
the staircase to the boxes. In fact, in his sneaky little way, he
was hanging around the hallway hoping to catch a far away glance at
the very woman he came here tonight to see.
In a dull and confused sort of manner, he saw a young woman exit out
of the back. When this woman began to speak to some of the guests,
in that lost sort of manner, he wandered near and easily had the
vantage point for all good things worth viewing. Years ago, good old
George taught him well.
"Excuse me?" He said and looked about at the group. "Can someone
tell me if it is a woman or a man in the girlish lead tonight?"
Acting anything but intelligent, the tall man smiled warmly and with
the distinct look of a horse in the lamplight, met the eyes of the
woman who just came from the backstage.
Axelia heard a door open and wondered if Marguerite decided to come
out ... she had nothing against the woman, oh no, it was just odd that the
leading lady had not shown up to greet the patrons. She shrugged it off,
thanking silently that her nightmare hadn't shown up.
Not long after exiting Marguerite's room young Adelle was accosted by the
manager and the patrons who were following quickly behind like ducklings to
their mother. She had begun the familiar "meet and greet" process when she
heard the group being addressed and caught the eye of the tall gentleman.
Stepping out of line she moved to where he was standing. " Adelle DeBlois
monsieur" she said demurely and gave a small curtsey. She had almost called
him citoyen but a lilt in his voice caused her to rethink his origin. "And to
answer your question Mademoiselle St. Just will be playing the lead this
evening." The manager had instructed the staff to try and engage the patrons
in pleasant chitchat. Wracking her brain for a topic her mind moved back to
the task at hand. "Do you often attend performances Sir?"
Thankful that this women caught his English and spoke to him in the
same, when she offered her introduction, he attempted to take her
hand and give the tips a kiss as his English upbringing
demanded. "Sir Percy Blakeney, Baronet from England." He smiled
good-natured at her.
"Please to meet to you" She interjected before he continued.
Evidently there were still some gentlemen left in the world. It was rare, if
ever, that a man greeted her so politely and kissed her hand. Especially a
patron considering she was no more then a behind the scenes aid.
"Oh good. I am happy to hear that." To keep on the bored act and to
detour himself away from any interest in the woman he traveled 400+
miles to see, he added quickly, "It is good to know that the old days
of the theatre are passed when all roles were played by males, say
whot? I can't imagine such a thing as popular as it appeared to have
been once."
He was happy to hear that Marguerite was going on that night? She
smiled. imagining what sort of connection, if any he had to the headstrong
Frenchwoman. "I know what you mean. Not only would we have less audience
members but many talented women out of a job! But it has been a long time
since men have played women on this stage."
The woman seemed modestly dressed and not remembering her on the
stage, he quickly decided she was either paid by the theatre to greet
and promote or perhaps lit the candles. Either way, it did not
matter to him save the sake of conversation. "When time allows I do
find that a proper gentleman should attend the theatre." He covered
his mouth with a yawn and turned his head.
The woman seemed modestly dressed and not remembering her on the
stage, he quickly decided she was either paid by the theatre to greet
and promote or perhaps lit the candles. Either way, it did not
matter to him save the sake of conversation. "When time allows I do
find that a proper gentleman should attend the theatre." He covered
his mouth with a yawn and turned his head.
"Excuse me. Long ride you know. Do tell Adelle." He smiled and
waved his hand in the air at the rhyme and decided to have some
Blakeney fun. "Where in the hell, or in the swell, of the depths of
this charming bell, or a theatre cell do you dwell?" He smiled and
looked about to see if anyone else might be charmed by his verbiage.
Glancing back towards Adelle, he added quickly to no one in
particular, "By Jove, I think I rather enjoyed that one *well*."
Adelle grinned, unsure of whether to talk this seriously or not. An
odd one this patron was..... " Ah, so you are a poet eh Monsieur
Blakeney?" She said with an amused chuckle. "I dwell as far down into
the recesses of this theatre as I suppose is possible. I'm the
assistant costume mistress here."
Seeing the young woman pleased with his humor, he smiled and had no
intention of changing it. "Dwell say?" He smiled, simply convinced
she was trying to continue his rhyme. "Mistress of costumes? Sewing
all day to make pretty plumes? Going from dressing to dressing
room? Ever stab your finger that makes you fume?" He gave a bit of
a laugh and glanced about. The silence did not last very long. "One
would think that work to death would make you end up in a tomb. Oh
dear me. I better stop before I stir the very womb I came forth in
good huuuuuume," He hung on this syllable a bit. "Humor."
Quite pleased with the bout, he smiled stupidly and beamed at the
French woman.
Marguerite paced back and forth a bit nervously. She needed a reason
not to go out there in case a manager popped in and asked her to.
The fact that she was the lead actress was excuse enough but she felt
bad using just that. Finally, she shook off her nerves, planted
herself in one spot, and began running through some scales and
warming up her voice.
It was in it's own way amusing but on the inside Adelle cringed
slightly. It was not so endearing the second go at the rhyme. But it was her
job to appease and placate the guests and that she would do with as much
interest as she could muster. Who knew, perhaps the conversation would
improve. " How creative!" She exclaimed. " And I do try to avoid "stabbing my
finger" as you say but unfortunately it happens!"
Paul watched this amusing conversation from a distance. Then he shook
his head and seeing Adelle was busy he decided to pay Marguerite as
visit. He quickly made his way to her dressing room and knocked on the
door
Out of the corner of her eye Adelle saw a man knocking on
Marguerite's door. "I beg your pardon Sir, just a moment." She apologized to
the Baronet as she quickly stepped over to the man. She hoped it wasn't the
disagreeable suitor that had been spoken of earlier and lightly put a hand in
front of him on the door blocking his entrance. " I'm sorry Citoyen, this
dressing room belongs to the lead in our show tonight and she is preparing
herself right now. Could I leave a message with her for you?"
A bit annoyed Paul stared at her hand. It has been a busy and hectic day for
him and honestly he could do without this obstacle. So gently he took hold
of her hand and removed it from the door " I am a friend of Marguerite
Saint-Just Mademoiselle. So if you'd be so kind to remove yourself and let
me enter. You see I just want to exchange a few words and I'm sure she
wouldn't mind. So please..." motioned with his eyes for her to let him in...
Adelle stood her ground. She had strict instructions from
Marguerite to make sure no one bothered her under any circumstances.
But it would not do to start an argument with this man. "I'll see if
she can spare a moment." Giving a quick "one moment more" look to the
Englishman nearby she slipped into the dressing room.
Paul nodded to her as he entered the dressing room. Then he turned around and
held his hands behind his back. Unconsciously his eyes wandered to the
Englishman and as he was patiently waiting he looked the man over....
Marguerite watched the door in the mirror as it opened and breathed a bit
of relief as Adelle entered and shut the door behind her. She stopped her
scales and turned around, "Have the patrons cleared the halls?"
"There is a man outside the door who claims to be a friend of
yours and wants to speak with you." Adelle said simply.
"A man outside?" Marguerite openly groaned. "Did he give his name, or
what he wanted?"
"He didn't give his name." Adelle apologized. "And I didn't
think to ask for it. He said only that he was a friend and that he
wished to speak with you. Apparently he's familiar with the theatre-
he knew right where your door was."
"Oh dear," Marguerite said and paced around a bit, "well, um, what did he
look like?"
"I know, I'm sorry but he was very adamant about speaking to
you." Adelle said, embarrassed that she could so easily screw up a
simple order. "Let's see-he had dark hair, is about your height,
and older then the both of us I'd guess..."
Marguerite continued to pace, knowing it was not good to be worked up so
close to curtain. It might be him, it might not, "What about his eyes,
did you happen to see his eyes?"
"I didn't know I had to study him!" Adelle said exasperated.
This was too much to worry about so near to curtain. " I can tell him
to see you after the show, Marguerite." Suddenly she let out a small
gasp. "Oh I'm sorry Mademoiselle I didn't mean to address you like
that." A million apologies ran through her head. The girls were
relatively the same age but you never addressed another without
permission to be so familiar.
Marguerite was barely listening to Adelle, until her tone changed a bit
and she apologized. "Sorry? what did you do?"
"I....I called you Marguerite is all Mademoiselle." She
said quietly. Zut! She should have just said "nothing". Adelle
quickly changed the subject. "His eyes....oh I don't know, I think
they were dark. Not blue or green or the like. Brown perhaps?"
Marguerite breathed a sigh of relief, "it's not him, I suppose you can let
him in, but tell him it would mostly likely be just for a
minute." Marguerite waited as the girl went to the door, "And Adelle,
nobody calls me Mademoiselle, don't worry about it."
"Of course Mademoi......Marguerite." With a smile she left
the dressing room to come face to face with the stranger again. "
She'll see you, but only for a moment." Stepping out of his way, she
watched him go in then rejoined the Englishman. "So sorry Sir" she
apologized. (Boy was she apologizing a lot tonight!) "I have to keep
an eye on Mademoiselle St. Just as well. So....where were we?"
Déroulède turned around when he heard the opening of the door. Calmly he
listened and when she was done he bowed his head "Merci Mademoiselle" He
smiled. Then he entered the dressing room. "Bonsoir Mademoiselle Saint-Just"
Paul was happy to see her again and it could be seen on his face as he
walked closer. His eyes where warm when they met hers and gracefully he
bowed deeply, took her hand and kissed her fingertips "It's always a
pleasure to see you again" Lifted himself and stared in her eyes "and it
appears there is quite a turn out this evening. So many people will have the
pleasure of seeing you shine on stage m'dear"
Marguerite laughed, "oh Paul, come in, come in I didn't expect you to be
here tonight." Marguerite put both arms around him offering a soft hug as
her lips pecked each of her cheeks. "You must excuse Adelle, I wasn't
sure who'd be by tonight so she was watching my door."
Paul kissed her cheeks softly, closing his eyes as he did, when she gave him
a gentle hug "Well you know me Mademoiselle. I never turn down an offer to
see you on stage and oh yes" He looked down a bit shameful "You'll have to
remind to apologize to her when I leave. I have been somewhat rude to her
and as you said she was only doing her job" The shame could still be seen in
his eyes. Paul was not one to be rude and disrespectful to women but this
day was different and she was standing between him and the door that lead to
the angel that brought him comfort. Her smile, yes that smile, that made his
heart melt and made him forget his worries for a while and that was what he
needed right now. He needed to escape this world and let his mind be free of
any troubling thoughts. Something that always worked when being around her
for then he was too happy to let the darkness in his heart and soul...
"Oh, but I'm glad you've come, but I only have a few minutes before
curtain." Marguerite said, glancing out into the hallway to see a number
of other cast members bustling around in the hall. She also noticed a
tall stranger, most likely a patron separated from the group. "What are
you doing tonight? Some of us are meeting for dinner at a bistro
tonight. You're welcome to join us."
Paul laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder "I'm glad you're glad" He
laughed with his silliness "and tonight? Hmm" Frowned in
thought "Well tonight I have absolutely nothing to do but I must
decline your offer" He said this with sadness in his heart for he
wouldn't want anything more than that but the thought of Citoyen
Chauvelin being there too made him already lose his appetite...
Marguerite's smile disappeared for a moment, "But why, if you have
nothing else to do why don't you come to dinner with us, please. I know
you probably have to work tomorrow, but come just for a little while."
Paul rubbed his chin while he thought of a nice way to put it "Well
Marguerite because as much as I enjoy your company I despise the company of
M'sieur Chauvelin. Something I think you already knew. So my apologies and
it's with pain in my heart that I refuse your company for the evening"
Marguerite giggled, "Paul I am well aware of the fact that you have no
love for Armand. Anyway, he and I had a bit of a falling out earlier and
I don't expect him to visit tonight, not that he ever joins us for dinner
at the bistro anyway."
Paul raises his eyebrows "Oh?" The news came as a surprise although
he had prayed secretly for such a day. Still he knew or thought
Marguerite must be upset about it and he hid his happiness behind an
emotionless face "well eum I'm sorry to hear that Mademoiselle and
perhaps you should talk to him instead of dinner with me"
"Still so quick to be rid of me? I'd thought you'd be pleased I asked for
your company over his tonight Paul. Besides I haven't seen you in a
while." Marguerite paused as she heard someone coming through the hall
announcing ten minutes until the curtain.
Paul heard it too and he quickly glanced over his shoulder at the
door. Then faced Marguerite again. He laughed in responds to her
question "Of course not Mademoiselle! And to be honest I am thrilled
and since you insist it would be my pleasure to accompany you to
dinner this evening" He took her hand in his and again kissed it but
this time it was not a quick hello kiss. It was more a tender, loving
kiss. He kept his lips on her hand for a few seconds. Then lifted
himself "You are right. We have some catching up to do so I'll see
you here after the performance, alright?" He let go of her hand
slowly as he walked backwards to the door to give her time to
answer....
Marguerite nearly held her breath as Paul gave her a lingering kiss on her
hand. Her heart nearly stopped for a moment and she looked up to quickly
glance into the hallway to make sure Armand wasn't out there. He wasn't,
but she still held her breath all the same until Paul stood up. It took
her a moment to understand what he was saying so that she could answer,
"Oh, of course Paul, but next time if Adelle stops you, you had better
listen. I wouldn't want you walking in during a change." she giggled.
Blushing he looked down and chuckled "I will Marguerite and I'm sorry
for interrupting you and treating this girl so badly but I had to see
you before you went on stage" He smiled at her and a sparkle appeared
in his dark eyes as he stared in her eyes....
"Impatient tonight aren't we Paul? couldn't even wait a few minutes for
the curtain and yet before your continuously tried to deny me your presence
at dinner tonight. Well then, why were you so impatient to see me?"
He coughed and nervously played with his tri-colour. Should he tell
her the truth? He had been avoiding her a few days and thought about
letting her know how he truly felt but as he's standing here tonight
in front of her he couldn't bring himself to unload his heart and he
quickly thought up a not so revealing reason for wanting to see
her "Oh nothing special Mademoiselle" He shrugged "Just a bad day at
work and I had a desire to see a friendly face for a change. I know
it is a silly reason and doesn't justify my behaviour towards this
Adelle but I promise I'll apologize to her later"
"Oh, my poor Paul," Marguerite said as she heard the second call being
made. "Meet me here after the show and we'll go to dinner and you can
tell me all about your awful day."
He smiled and swallowed "Eum would you mind if I stayed here while
you're on stage?"
Marguerite paused. "Paul this is my dressing room, I need this space to
change the longest I'm in a costume is two scenes I'm in and out all
night," she paused and noticed a slightly distressed look on his face,
"Alright you can stay, but, the door stays opened and you have to duck
behind the screen and turn your eyes when I come back."
Looked at her with tired eyes "Marguerite when you get I'll be
sleeping. So don't worry. I won't see you and if it'll make you
comfortable I'll sleep behind the screen. Then you're sure I can't
see you" He smiled and yawned slightly "Forgive me but I am just so
tired"
Marguerite suddenly looked concerned, "Paul, are you unwell?" Marguerite
stepped closer and put one hand up to his cheek. "What's wrong Paul?"
Déroulède stared at her through half closed eyes. Ever since he got
up this morning he'd been feeling sick. It started with a small
headache but as the time past his headache got worse and luckily for
him he survived the meeting at the Convention. Then when he left the
building he felt an uncomfortable warmth and spells of dizziness came
over him. Now and then he saw black spots and that's his true reason
for being here. He needed her and only she could ease the pain but
he'll never tell her that. It would be foolish and he couldn't handle
a rejection. So when he saw the concerned look appear in her eyes he
was slightly happy. He knew she cared for him but to see it made him
feel good. But now it didn't matter. He was so sick that he couldn't
keep a smile set on his face. His gaze became weaker, his featured
changed and his complexion became pale. Trembling could be heard in
his voice when he spoke "I think I am Marguerite" He winced when he
felt a pain shoot through his temple and when Marguerite laid her
hand on his cheek he closed his eyes and let it rest on that hand. He
stayed there for a while, enjoying the softness of her skin against
his.....
"Oh dear Paul," Marguerite said. She took one of his hands and led him
over to the small couch in her room. "Please Paul, you should sit
down. Goodness you shouldn't even be here, you should be home in
bed."
He didn't refuse. Even if he wanted to, which he didn't, he couldn't
because he was too weak. And as Paul followed her with slow steps he
felt his legs get heavier with each effort he made. He also felt the
sweat run down his back and just before the couch he couldn't move
anymore and collapsed on the ground. His vision was blurred by a dark
spot in the center of his eye sight and he didn't or couldn't get up
right away. So he stayed on his knees and covered his eyes with both
hands, shielding it from the light because it hurt him. With pain in
his voice he spoke "I..I know Marguerite but work. Work couldn't wait
and...if you're sick you're useless to the republic and you know
what..." winced "what that means"
"Oh my god," Marguerite said as Paul nearly collapsed beside her. She
quickly dropped to her knees beside him, "Adelle! Adelle!" she called out
for her dresser, hoping she was still standing outside her door. she
moved so he could lean a bit against her and helped him up and too the
couch. Just as she sat him down final call was being made. Once more she
brush his cheek to find he was burning up. "Paul, that's call, I have to
go, but I'm going to send for a doctor and have Adelle stay here with
you. Do you think you can stand it until the end of the show?"
Paul clinged on to her for dear life and with her support he managed
to lift himself and stand on his feet. Then with dragging feet he took
the final steps to the couch and let himself fall in it. Déroulède
looked at her and when she touched his cheek he moaned slightly
because it felt so good "Yes I know" he said as he took her hand "but
no doctor Mar..I mean Mademoiselle and thank you.." he pressed his
lips on her hand and kissed it while a sigh of longing rose from the
depths of his heart. How much he longed to hold her right now. Even
for a second but it couldn't be. Letting her know could be dangerous
and disrespectful so he decided not to. Still he had a hard time
controlling her and then reason left him and with swift, unexpected
move he pulled her in his arms and kissed her on the lips
passionately....
Adelle had just begun conversation with the English gentleman again when
Marguerite yelled her name. The call sounded urgent so Adelle hastily said
goodbye. " I hate to have to run off again but duty calls. Perhaps if you
have more questions you can find me later. Enjoy the show Monsieur Blakeney!"
Hurrying to the door and throwing it open she found Marguerite in the middle
of a passionate embrace with the stranger on the couch. She spun around and
faced the wall , clearing her throat and muttering "It doesn't really look
like you need my help *here* Marguerite...."
Marguerite had just dropped Paul on the couch when suddenly she felt his
arms around her, pulling her down to him, his lips desperately and
passionately seeking out her own. She tried to push out of his arms, but
was only able to after Adelle came in. Adelle, Marguerite thought, oh my
god she saw that. Marguerite stood, nearly panting, covering her mouth
with her hand. She quickly crossed to Adelle. "Um, Adelle, this is Paul,
a friend of mine, he's terribly sick, and I need you to help me. Please,
during the first scene, send for a doctor, and during the show, please,
act as my dresser, and keep him out of sight." Marguerite lowered her
voice to add, "I believe the fever is getting to him, it might be wise to
stay out of arms reach as well."
"He doesn't look very *sick* to me" She murmured with a smile
under her breath as Marguerite left to take her place on stage. Even so, she
would watch her step with this sickly sweetheart. "I believe we've met Paul,
I'm Adelle." She said raising an eyebrow staring down at her charge. "Can I
get you anything?"
He knew that what he was doing was wrong and against his upbringing
but he could no longer live a lie and had to let her know his true
feelings. Paul loved being around Marguerite Saint-Just but not being
able to love her the way he wanted was painful to his heart. It was
frustrating and was slowly bringing him to his knees. So he could no
longer handle it and acted upon his true feelings for her. Yes it was
stupid. He knew that. He also knew it might cost him his friendship.
Something he'll miss terribly but his heart gave him no choice. So
when his lips touched hers he let free all the passion he felt in his
heart. Tightly he wrapped his arms around her body and kept holding
her. He wanted the kiss to last a while longer. For letting go meant
letting Marguerite go and in his mind he knew it would be for good
because this was unacceptable. Then he heard the opening of a door and
startled Paul let go of Marguerite. He was utterly surprised when he
was staring with wide eyes in those of the woman he met before. This
had to be Adelle he thought. Oh dear! She saw it! She was witness of
his disrespect against Marguerite and suddenly he felt even sicker. He
felt his stomach turn over and felt the warmth increase. Paul knew his
face must be scarlet but if it was the fever or plain embarrassment he
couldn't tell. He felt so ashamed and he didn't speak. All he did was
hang his head and casted his eyes down before he hid them in his
hands. Déroulède was close to tears because a throbbing pain was
tormenting him and because he was afraid of what'll happen now. He was
caught up in his world of darkness that he did not hear Adelle
approaching. So when she spoke he was startled and snapped up his
head. Again he was staring in this woman's eyes and he froze. "E..eum
a caléche would be nice M..Mademoiselle" was all he could say
"You can call me Adelle." She said with a sympathetic smile.
Obviously this man was not feeling well by the way he reacted to her
approach. That and the fact that his face was flushed and he looked
rather worn. "Do you have your own waiting outside or should I go
request one?"
"Eum" He swallowed, coughing because he had a very dry throat "I have
one outside..." Then it hit him "Oh Merde!" Winced when he cursed at
himself "Mine was outside b..but I told the coachman to come back
after the show" He cleared his throat again, obviously he's having
some trouble and he coughed slightly "J..just get another one
please..Mademoiselle" After he spoke to her he leaned back in the
couch, laying his head backwards and closing his eyes "A..also some
water would be nice. If it's not too much trouble that is"
"I'll be back in a flash." She reassured him, quickly exiting the
dressing room making sure to close the door behind her. The manager
would not be pleased if he found customers in the actor's dressing
rooms!
In between scenes Marguerite ran back to her dressing room for a quick
change to find Paul there alone. "How are you feeling Paul, and where did
Adelle go?"
He didn't move much. Paul just kept sitting there head back ,eyes
closed but he did stretch his legs "Eum she's getting me
some..w..water" Paul's answers were quite, almost inaudible and he felt
bad telling her this lie. Although it wasn't really. It was only part
of the truth. Still it hurt him more than his head did to deceive
the woman he loved so dearly bit if she knew he was planning on
leaving she'd stop him. It was in her nature and she wouldn't allow
him to leave in such a state. So he hoped she didn't caught on his
lie....
"Ok then, you just rest." Marguerite said. "Now, I'm sorry I can't stay,
but I have just enough time to change. I know you're a gentleman so I
trust you'll close your eyes while I change." Marguerite turned her back
to Paul and pulled her blouse off and grabbed the one she needed for her
next scene.