Marguerite's Journey

Marguerite spent hours in her suite that evening, part of the night sobbing, mourning of her lost child, part of it anxiously pacing back and forth looking for Percy to return, though she knew he wouldn't be back that night, and probably for many other nights as well. He knew of the awful things she had done, and never asked her, never confronted her about them. She faced the dreary reality that the painful existence she had been suffering through these few short months were all that was left in the life in front of her.

Despite this all of this, Marguerite couldn't help but to constantly go to the window to look for Percy. The thought of spending day after day here, waiting for him to return nearly drove her mad. She began her rapid pacing again, wondering what to do, when something caught her eye. A small pile of letters rested on a desk in her suite, and on top rested a letter from Paul in France. She picked it up, her hands shaking so badly she didn't dare to try to rip the envelope. Instead, she laid it aside and went to her closet. She pulled out her own trunk and began to fill it with her own clothes, the clothes she brought with her from France. She rang the bell and asked a servant see that a coach was prepared for her.

She finished hastily putting the most important of her belongings into her trunks and had them brought down to be placed in the coach. She filed her purse with money set aside for her and wrote a note explaining her plans to be left for Armand, and she asked that he explain things to Helene and Suzanne.

When she was told the coach was ready, she rush down the wide steps and quickly stepped into the carriage, not bothering to look back at the manor. She instructed the drive her take her to Dover, the little town she remembered staying in for a short bit after first landing in England, and then promptly fell asleep.

It was well into the night when she arrived in Dover. The driver arranged for a room for her at a small inn. Without supper or so much as a drink, Marguerite went to sleep, leaving instructions that passage be booked for her and only her on the next boat to France.

Marguerite rose before the sun was up, and paid her bill at the inn before setting out to board the ship where her passage had been secured. From the ship's deck she watched as the shoreline of England began to fade away, before locking herself away in a small cabin on boat. The trip seemed short and the sea calm, which seemed to ease her nerves.

By that evening she had arrived on the Northern shores of France. She quickly found a driver who would take her during the night to Paris, though for what she thought was a rather high amount of money, but she gave him what he asked for anyway, and settled in for the night ride. Marguerite tried to sleep during the journey, but the bumpy road made that near impossible. By the afternoon of the next day, Marguerite, tired and weary, had arrived once more in her beloved Paris. She directed the driver to her flat, which she had paid for ahead of time, so that Armand might have a place to stay should he return to the city to finish school. Once her things had been brought upstairs and a few pieces of furniture uncovered, Marguerite felt resigned to rest, yet couldn't bare to even look at her own bed, the bed she had once shared with Percy. Instead she slept in the small bed in Armand's room.

The hours past and by the evening Marguerite woke very well rested, yet tired and lonely. The streets seemed quite this evening and she decided to venture out. It cool so she felt safe wearing a cloak with a hood to hide her face. Swiftly she walked through the streets of Paris happily remembering her life before Sir Percy Blakeney came into it. She finally arrived at her destination and gave few swift knocks on the door. A sudden noise from down the road startled her and cause her to turn away briefly as she waited for someone to answer her knock.

It had been a rough couple of days but by now the pain had almost subsided and he found it possible to move his injured arm at least a bit. Still it hung in a sling around his neck as he rested in his favorite arm chair. In contemplation he sat there. Wondering what the hell went wrong.

It had been all which occupied his mind during these days of recovery. What had gone wrong? was the question he posed to himself over and over again. Even that much to the point that when no answer came he felt rage and helplessness take over his senses. Especially when he thought of Ayden. Another question rose...what had happened to him? It had been days and no word of the man. Paul closed his eyes and felt a surge of sadness creep in his heart.

He sighed and covered his eyes with his good hand. Perhaps he had overestimated his own abilities or underestimated those of his opponents. Either way, something went terrible wrong and the responsibility ,which was his, became a heavy burden to bear now.

Then he heard a knock. He lifted his head with a start and gazed down the hall which lead to the front door. He swallowed. He wasn't expecting anyone but it could be a numerous of possibilities. Not especially the one which frightened him.

Slowly, as he made his way to the door, he removed the sling and as best as he could kept his arm close to his chest. That way lessening the shocks which each step caused and the pain that followed.

Could be anyone he held before him. He had been absent in society for at least two days. Probably someone to check up on me he thought. With a smile on his face which hid any pain that he may be feeling Paul opened the door.

He saw a thin frame before him, wrapped up in a heavy cloak. A frown set on his brow instantly as he gazed at the person before him "Citoyenne?" He saw her attention was diverted so he decided to first get it before asking for an explanation for her presence at his door.

Marguerite didn't turn to face him as he called to her, her attention still focused on the going s on in the street, but a few rowdy drunks and angry soldiers caught her eye. Watching them as she backed up, Marguerite slide through the door to Paul's home and firmly shut the door, waiting until she was inside to pull off the hood of her cloak.

He kept observing the, to him, stranger on his doorstep. From where he was standing he could not see the face hidden under the cloak. So he had no idea the woman standing before him was once the angel he adored.

Paul waited, not speaking again so not to startle her but when she slipped inside his home without an invitation he rose his head in suspicion and with some dislike. "Excuse me" he said with a stern undertone. "Can I he...?"

When he saw who it really was his eyes widened and his mouth fell slightly open in shock and utter surprise "M..Marguerite?" he swallowed "Mon dieu..w..what are you..How? I..." Paul couldn't complete a sentence after the discovery of the mysterious intruder. He just had so many questions popping up right now that making sense out of them wasn't easy. It were just ramblings...

Marguerite just smiled and threw her arms around her dear friend's neck, placing happy kisses on each of his cheeks. "Oh Paul, my dearest Paul how I've missed you. I know, I know I should have wrote, but I would have gotten here before the letter anyway. once I had it in my mind to come to Paris I couldn't stop myself."

At first he thought it was his previous fever which was now still playing tricks on him and he shook his head in attempt, if this was his delirious mind at work, to get rid of the image before him and to show its true form. But then he heard her voice and there was no doubt about it. It was Marguerite. The fairest flower in all of France and a smile came up on his face as she came closer.

But soon after happiness was mixed with pain when she hung around his neck. The pressure on his shoulder becoming just a bit too much to bear and a wince was uttered before he could suppress it. Still, he pretended it never happened and while biting his lip he wrapped his arms around her body. He didn't hug her too tight, not wanting to burden his injured shoulder more but not hugging her would make her suspicious and Paul was not willing to let her share the dangers which he had brought himself into lately. Worrying was the last thing he wanted to do. Especially since the reason for her being there was not quite clear to him. In fact he had no idea. Surely it wasn't just to see him. No. He shrugged off that flattering thought and went over other possibilities as he held her in his arms.

"I don't mind Marguerite. Your visit is a very pleasant, unexpected, but pleasant surprise" He let go of her and as he gazed in her eyes he took hold of her hand and gracefully kissed the fingertips resting in his "You should know it's always a delight to see you but I do not think it was entirely wise for you to come back to Paris. May I ask why you undertook such a dangerous and weary trip to a place I had thought you had left behind?" With question marks flashing in his eyes he kept his look fixed upon her. So many questions and answers were strongly needed to appease his worry for her....

"Oh Paul, I would think you know me better than that." Marguerite said, "Paris is my home, it always will be. Did you really think I'd be able to leave it and never return?" She reached one hand back to free her hair from under her cloak. "Now don't look at me like that. You make me nervous. I thought you'd be happy to see me."

He gently took hold of her hand, squeezing it softly "Of course I am happy to see you" Paul smiled warmly as he gazed in her eyes. The questions were still not answered but he accepted her words for now. Later he could always probe for the true reason for her being there.

"And I make you nervous?" he continued "I think from what occurred before, it's Paris that makes you nervous dear. Perhaps returning at such tumultuous times was not a good decision"

"And when have you ever know me to be wise Paul?" Marguerite asked. "I was terribly homesick and finally had enough of England, so I decided to come back to Paris for a visit. You look at me as though I've committed a crime. Now, do you plan to invite me in or make me stand here all night?"

He smiled, chuckling lightly "Wise.." nodded in agreement "Yes indeed. Not exactly the first word that'd pop in my head when thinking of you dear" Grinned playfully at her.

Paul was very glad to have her here. But his worry for her easily overwhelmed his joy. For she may not think this is a crime, others are sure to digress. Still he did not ruin the mood any longer.

"Oh sure..please do come in" He held out his hands "Er may I take your cloak? And sorry for keeping you standing so long. I bet you're very tired from your trip" He motioned for her to step in further....

"Oh yes, thank you," Marguerite said as she took her cloak off and handed it to him. She took a few steps into his home. "It's so nice to be in warm, familiar places again."

He draped the cloak over the chair, which stood in the hall, as he watched her venture further into his home.

"You really have missed your home, haven't you?" He took a pause "England not what you hoped it would be dear?" After he had taken care off the cloak he followed her into the dining room. He didn't wait and went straight to the liqour cabinet "Can I please you with something to drink while we reminisce?" While waiting for an answer he began pouring himself one. The pain in his arm had increased slightly, due to the pressure which he had put on it and he hoped the liqour would bring a soothing effect...

"I would like a drink, thank you." Marguerite replied as she sat down at the table, beginning to oddly crave a taste of alcohol. She waited until he had handed her the glass of wine and took a large sip before continuing. "And no, life in England is not at all what I had hoped for."

Remembering from the past he poured out two glasses of red wine, it being her favoured drink. Then he, with some trouble, put the bottle under his arm and balanced the two glasses in one hand to where Margot was seated since he found it necessary to let his injured shoulder rest. A doctor's advise he decided to now follow.

He handed Marguerite her glass before seating himself opposite from her in his comfy chair "What had you hoped to find there Marguerite?" Paul never really understood why she left France, her home, to marry an Englishman and even though Percy was a friend he had never imagined her actually going through with it....

With another tilt of the glass Marguerite took a second drink of wine, having already finished half of the generous glass Paul had poured her. "Happiness" was the only answer she gave as she looked absently at the glass in her hand.

He frowned while in thought his eyes followed the swirling of his glass "Happiness?" he asked in surprise "You're not happy with Percy at Blakeney Manor?" Deep down he knew the answer. From the letters he got he knew something was amiss and perhaps now he'd find out what exactly "Why not Marguerite? What's missing?" He lifted his dark eyes and gazed at her. The glass slowly moving to his lips to take a sip...

Marguerite all too quickly finished off the glass of wine before beginning to tear up. "It's awful Paul. Life in England has been a nightmare. Percy doesn't love me, he won't have anything to do with me anymore. He's barely at the manor, and when he is he always finds excuses not to be with me. I'm lonely, and miserable, and I hate it."

He was shocked by what he heard from Marguerite. It's normally not like Percy to act like this and Paul couldn't help but think, at first, that he must have a reason for this odd behaviour. But he shrugged off the thought of Percy and concentrated on his guest.

Slowly, so not to startle her, he kneeled in front of her on the ground. Paul took her hand in his "Mon Dieu Marguerite..what has happened? Y..you use to be so happy together. What changed?" With sadness lingering in his dark eyes he watched her. He was tempted to comfort her more but the gentleman in him wouldn't allow it just yet....

Marguerite tightened her grip on Paul's hand and leaned forward to rest her head against his shoulder. She continued to sob as she told him what had happened in the few months she had lived in England. "I had done something awful, but I didn't mean to I swear it Paul, and I thought by the time I had reach England it was all behind me, but Percy found out. I don't know how, but he did, and he never spoke to be about it. I don't know why, but he must have grown angry with me. The night after we arrived in England he left for several days, and its been like that ever since. He'd come back to the manor for a short time, and then leave for days and days at a stretch, and even when he was at the manor, he always tried to avoid me. I grew upset and depressed, I got sick, and didn't eat. Finally I had seen a doctor who told me I had lost a baby, I starved our baby to death. I told him, I had to, and I never saw such anger, such rage in his eyes. I was so frightened, and yet he still wouldn't talk to me, he stormed off, he went off riding, and I waited and waited that night for him to come back, and he didn't. It will be days before he'll go back, I'm sure of it, and I couldn't stand waiting. I had to leave that place, I had to leave him."

He listened attentively. Not interrupting, not even moving besides gently stroking her hand. Unfortunately for him she had chosen his injured shoulder as resting place for her head. Paul wanted to shift her but he couldn't interrupt her for his own comfort. She needed to get it off her chest as it seemed and he wasn't one to disturb her while she unloaded her heavy, burdened heart.

After he had listened somewhat he placed his glass out of the way and instinctively wrapped both his arms around her sobbing body. He tried to sooth her by rubbing her back softly, holding her close until he heard those last words. Another shocking moment for him and he recoiled his head slightly so he could look in her eyes to see whether or not she meant it "Leave him?" He frowned deeply, the concern now very visible on his face "A..are you serious dear? I mean..what could be so awful that he'd reject the woman he loves so truly and forcing you to leave him?" He swallowed, almost afraid to ask in fear he too may not like the answer "What have you done Marguerite? What caused Percy to shut him off from you?"

From the moment she avoided eye contact with him Paul knew that that what she had done was severe and he took in a small breath of air. He braced himself, keeping before him not to lose control or burst out in any way. It wouldn't help one bit. Only upset Marguerite more and maybe even drive her away from the one place where he could protect and look after her.

Calmly he listened and when he heard the facts he didn't even flinch although inwardly his heart was heavy and troubled by this news of her activities in Paris. A remarkable actor he was, as it seemed and even he was surprised by the serenity he managed to keep.

"I see" Paul said in a low tone voice. But then she continued and he hushed. He simply nodded in responds. He wouldn't lie to himself, wouldn't hold before him that it didn't gave him concerns to worry. But he kept it all to himself.

After Marguerite was finished a deafening silence occurred. All Paul did was gaze at her but not with hatred nor dispisement. It was a look of sympathy for what she was going through. A look of a friend who was concerned about her "I understand Marguerite" He finally said while removing her hands from her face so she could see the warm, forgiving smile on his face "and I don't think you're awful at all. I know you had your reasons. Now whether or not I believe they were just doesn't matter. The fact is you did and at that time, you acted as your heart told you. I cannot hate you for that. I just cannot for no matter what I do or feel will alter what occurred. But one thing I know Marguerite..I love you and no matter what, I will not leave your side. Especially not when you need a friend. As for Percy..have you told him this? The reasons I mean? Surely he can understand the dilemma you were placed in?" By now he had both her hands gently pressed in his. He wanted to hug her again, to give her all the comfort but he would not allow himself to take advantage of this situation. So he stayed put, waiting, like before, for her to go to him....

Paul's word did nothing to calm her or sooth her pain. Instead Marguerite quickly stood up and backed away from him. "You don't even have to say anymore Paul. I know what you think of me. You think I'm just another blood thirsty san cloutte don't you? You think I wanted to shed the blood of a French aristo once before I fled from France, don't you!"

Marguerite expected him to move towards her, so she quickly took a few steps away. "There were many innocent deaths, yes Paul, I know that, but the Marquis St. Cyr was not one of them. Do you know what would happen if Brunswick invades Paris, how many innocent women and children in the slums of the city he'll slaughter? But I can see that doesn't matter to you, No doubt you now find my presence as appalling as Percy does. I'll be sure to stay out of your way from now on." Marguerite said in a near yell as she started towards the front room were Paul had left her cloak.

He watched utterly confused as she backed away from him. Paul had no clue to what caused this unexpected and even odd reaction. He was dumbfounded and to keep his balance he placed his other knee on the ground. Now he was steadied after this undeserved blow he had just received from someone he always had considered a friend. But now she was like a stranger to him. He had not suspected this kind of reaction from Marguerite. Especially not after the kindness he showed her during the entire conversation.

"I..I don't understand" he stammered out, the pain he felt in his heart can be heard in his voice. "What did I do?" Slowly, with some fear for a further outburst, he approached her. His steps were considerate and thoughtful. One hand was reached out for hers as he ventured closed "I mean..what's wrong?"

He wanted to ask if paranoia was on her list too but he restrained himself from mentioning it when she continued on with her outburst. Each accusation she threw at his head hurt more than a slap ever could. If he had a choice he would've preferred the latter since her words stung him in the very core of his heart.

He swallowed back the lump in the back of his throat and watched her with dark, saddened eyes. The smile from before has by now long since faded.

When he saw she was getting ready to leave he rushed over to her. The pain in his shoulder caused by the sudden, swift movement was willingly ignored and he grabbed her by the arms painfully. He was unaware of this though because his emotions were now controlling his actions.

Paul gazed piercingly in her eyes "What have I done to make you feel this way Marguerite? Tell me and I'll undo it but don't go. Maybe my stupidity and bluntness caused me to say things which hurt you but I must admit I am a fool for I have no idea what it is which caused this. Please tell me so I can make amends for the pain I caused you. I will do anything to get you to forgive me...please tell"

Pleadingly he looked at her, still having a hold on Marguerite so leaving wasn't an immediate option....

Marguerite, so full of anger and loss, didn't hear as Paul called after her, only thinking of her missing cloak and going home. It wasn't until she felt him grab her arms that she returned her attention back to him. He held her close and tightly squeezed her arms as he spoke to her, but the pain was too much for her still fragile arms. She turned her head away and closed her eyes as he yelled at her. When he had finally stopped, all she could do was offer a slight whimper. "Please don't hurt me Paul, please let me go."

His eyes widened in further shock. It seemed to be quite a shocking evening for him. In fact this was getting too much. He found that he was losing control over this situation. That he was placed in an unknown position and it made him nervous and feelings of being lost filled him inside.

Paul swallowed hard and gazed deeply in her eyes. She was serious was his conclusion but he had no idea why she said it as he was unaware of the pressure he placed upon her fragile arms.

"W..what? Hurt you? M..Marguerite" he paused uncertaintly, not knowing what to say next..He cut of his sentence..repeating her name in a question this time "Marguerite?"

Silently he kept his dark eyes fixed upon her. His eyes restlessly anted swiftly searching for an explanation for this odd and hurtful behaviour towards him.

"My arms, Paul," Marguerite whimpered as she closed her eyes and turned her face to the side. "You're hurting me, please let me go."

It hit him in the face like a wet towel causing his cheeks to redden with shame and he swiftly let go of her arms "Mon dieu..I had no idea. I'm sorry Marguerite" Slowly he approached her and gently, carefully he put his arms under Margot's and pulled her close into a warm embrace. He laid his cheek against hers and closed his eyes, silently whispering words of endless apology into her ear.

Marguerite at first let her arms lay limp at her sides, before slowly raising them to wrap around Paul's neck. "I'm sorry Paul," she whispered in his ear, "I'm so sorry. I know you don't think I'm an awful person, right Paul? I know you understand what I did."

He nodded, not lessening his embrace "I understand Marguerite and you're not awful. You're the most gentle creature I know" As he spoke to her he comfortingly rubbed her back "There is not an evil bone in your body and you did this with only good intentions at heart. That's what I believe"

Paul smiled to himself and then stepped back. Once more gazing in her eyes "You may have doubts after what occurred Marguerite...but despite that I am your friend. I'd never hurt you, not intentionally. I hope you believe that. I hope that you realize I had no wrong intentions at heart" He smiled warmly at her, placing one hand on her cheek "Now why don't you sit back down...relax. Stop this trembling m'dear...and let me help you"

Marguerite sniffled and nodded slightly. "I know you are my friend, Paul, and I shouldn't have accused you of such things. Things have been difficult for me since I left Paris. You must understand, I thought I knew Percy too."

He took hold of her hand and let it rest in his. Then he wrapped the other around it like a glove "I understand Marguerite. You're upset. You feel lost and alone. Like you're losing grip on reality, on your live and it gives you a feeling of helplessness"

Slowly he lead her back towards the chair she sat in and helped her to sit down "As for Percy..I am sad to say that no one really knows the other. We all have secrets dear. All have parts of our life, our past we rather keep hidden than sharing. That's how it is" He added with a sigh...

"I wish Sir Percy was a part of my life I could keep secret. I want to banish all memories of him from my mind. I want to go back to my old flat, and my old job at the theatre, and my old life." Marguerite said as she allowed herself to be lead back to her seat at Paul's table. She reached out absently for her glass before realizing she had already drank her wine. "I wonder what secrets he kept from me. He always talked about his business and had small his mind was. I doubt he was often tending to business. Probably tending to his wardrobe," Marguerite said as she began to ramble on. "or at a gambling hall, or with another woman, wasting time away in a house of ill repute somewhere."

Paul took a seat opposite from Marguerite and listened silently. His hands resting in front of him on the table. His warm eyes fixed upon the troubled woman before him.

The Deputy had never seen her like this and it caused his heart to ache. He reached out over the table for her hand. "The past can't be undone Marguerite. It's the past but" he coughed to clear his throat, getting ready for the words that came next "you may not find that this is your home any longer" It troubled him to say it but he knew there lingered truth in the words. Running off in a time of dire need and marrying an Englishman isn't exactly what the Citizens of France would call patriotic. Some may even define it as treason, despite the favour she did for them before when revealing St-Cyr's treacherous intentions.

After he had uttered the words he dropped his head. Fearful to look her in the eyes he placed his attention elsewhere. Right now it was the bottle of wine to his right and he took it and filled both glasses again. Keeping himself occupied with that so that he could avoid looking at her....

Marguerite only half listened to Paul, not wanting to hear most of what he had said. As soon as he had filled her glass she greedily picked it up and drank the better part of it. "If this isn't my home then where am I to go? Blakeney Manor was never a home to big. It was a large, cold cavern where I was held prisoner by my own illusions. I hate that place and I hope never to see it again."

He paced himself and only took a sip of the wine before him. Paul wasn't one who found enjoyment in liqour as an escape route away from pain and heartache. However he wasn't one to take away the pleasures of others and if Marguerite needed wine to calm down he wasn't going to stop her.

Again he nodded. There wasn't much to say. He knew Marguerite. Knew what she liked and cold England had never been a place he had imagined her living at and enjoying it. "I don't know for the rest of France dear but here..." he motioned to his house "you will always be welcome . If you want you can even make it your home"

"Thank you Paul," Marguerite said, taking a much smaller and more controlled sip of the wine. "You were always good to me, often too good to me."

He quickly answered her "There is no need to thank me Marguerite. You know I do this with pleasure and I have only treated you how you deserve to be treated" He had made eye contact again but something he felt inside him quickly made him divert his eyes. It made him feel uncomfortable and her probably too. So whatever it was that he was doing, he stopped with it immediately and retreated his hand, keeping his distance.

"As for home, where are you staying Marguerite?"

Marguerite watched as he avoided her gaze again. She slowly and unsteadily stood and stepped closer to his chair. "No, that's not true. You've always been a gentleman, and kinder to me then most people deserve to be treated." She moved to step behind him, leaning over and wrapping one arm gently around his shoulder and neck. "No matter what you always treated me so well, whether I was ill and treated you horribly, or even when I allowed you to court me, you were so reserved. You never even allowed me to properly seduce you, my kind Paul." Marguerite leaned in and gently placed a kiss on his cheek, "You were always too much of a gentleman too me."

Attentively, like a dog that heard a noise, he lifted his head and stared at her quizzically. He swallowed nervously as his eyes followed her every move.

Paul didn't know what to think of this and he felt very awkward, even uncomfortable. He knew the best action in this matter would be to stand up. To keep his distance as he had so boldly told himself before. But now when time comes to pass he found it impossible to move . His limbs, his entire body felt like it had turned into liquid. His mind and heart divided. At war with each other about the course of proper action.

He flinched slightly when he felt her touch but he didn't retreat from her. Another swallow, a close of the eyes was all he could manage of movement as he savoured the feathery and gentle, soothing and kind feeling her embrace brought him. "M..Marguerite.." he whispered with a tone of longing in his voice he wished he had suppressed "I..." He couldn't think up anything to say and slowly he turned to face her. After several seconds he found his voice again, having regained his composure "I only did what any person would do" His cheeks reddened a bit "Like I said..you deserved whatever I did for you. For you are special and should be reminded of that now and then"

Marguerite lifted one hand to hold his cheek as he turned to her, gently brushing it with her fingers as he spoke, "I'm afraid you may never find your match Paul." she said before taking a few short shuffles backwards closer to her chair.

He dropped his eyes as he thought about the words she said "My match Marguerite? Match in what?" Paul laughed slightly with his own ignorance "I am sorry dear but I do not understand your meaning" He kept his eyes on her, eyes curious and begging her for a further explanation

"I don't think there is anyone out there worthy of you kindness Paul." Marguerite said, as she tipsily dropped back into her chair. "Can you forgive me for the way I treated you. Not just tonight be always."

"I think Marguerite you give me too much credit and I also think it's the other way around" He said with a sigh "It seems I am unable to find someone who.." Paul shook his head, not continuening with the sentence since it hurts to speak off it. "Never mind" He quickly jumped to another subject, hoping to leave that one behind "And of course you are forgiven dear even though there is no reason for it. I can't remember a time when you ever did something which requires my forgiveness"

Marguerite quickly finished off her wine as Paul continued to speak. "Well, this section of the conversation is growing draining Paul, and no doubt you have better things to consider, such as sleep before work tomorrow."

Paul smiled gently at her while shaking his head "No m'dear. I'm not going to work tomorrow. So fortunate for you or unfortunate, depends on your point of view" he said with a slight laugh "but you're stuck with me for as long as you desire"

"Oh, so now you've finally decided to take a break from your work?" Marguerite teased. "Enjoying a little leisure time I suppose."

After a moment of thought he nodded, finding it a better explanation than the truth,

"Yes, exactly Marguerite. I needed a break from it all" he sighed "Politics can be rather stressing" Absently his hand touched his shoulder. He was tempted to tell her the truth but he shrug the temptation off and moved on to safer grounds "Now.." once again he refilled the glasses "what are your plans m'dear? Any idea on what to do next?"

Marguerite reached out and took her glass, hesitating slightly but then deciding to take a drink anyway. "I don't know what's next for me." Marguerite said, "Settling back in I suppose, figuring out a way to earn some money, finding a lawyer. There's a lot to be done."

He frowned surprisingly "A lawyer?" Paul placed his hands flat on the desk and leaned closer to her. Intently he peered at her "Perhaps dear, you're jumping to conclusions too fast. I mean...perhaps you should try to communicate with Percy first. Before you take such extreme measures"

"Communicate?" Marguerite said with a bit of anger creeping into her voice, "He hasn't communicated with me since our wedding. He avoids me, he goes on trips, he takes rides, he locks himself away from me. No doubt he would welcome this action more than I would."

Paul folded his hands in front of him on the table as he dropped his head. The anger in her voice was an indication he should've kept his mouth shut. But he rarely ever manages to do that before it's too late.

"A letter perhaps?"

"Fine then, a letter." Marguerite said as she took yet another taste of the wine. "I suppose you wouldn't mind supplying the paper and ink."

He sighed with obvious frustration, rubbing his temple "If that's what you want but if you don't. Forget the idea and tell me to shut up if I'm annoying you..please. Before I say more inconsiderate things and anger you more"

"It wouldn't matter if I wrote him anyway. No doubt he's use it as kindling for his fireplace." Marguerite said in a sulking tone of voice.

He patted her hand lightly "You know what you need, something to boost up your spirits" smiled "So how about we er go somewhere"

"Paul, it's the early hours of the morning, where could we go?" Marguerite said as she wearily rubbed one eye. "Though I suppose since it's late I should go home."

He shrugged " Take a walk? But..." Paul repeated it reluctantly "home...yes. I guess it's time you go home" Slowly he reached for his glass and sipped it empty in one draught.

Marguerite stood and moved towards the front room to once more try and find her cloak. The wine was making her steps unsteady, causing her to sway from side to side as she moved down the hallway. "Yes," she called back to Paul, "after all these months it will be nice to spend some time in a place I can call home."

"Yes indeed. There is no place like home" As she stood his eyes followed her curiously and when he guessed her intentions he jumped and rushed to her aid. "I don't think you can manage on your own Marguerite" Paul said as he offered his arm to her "Let me help you get home"

Marguerite nodded, "Well, I didn't expect you'd let me wander around the city on a night like this alone." she said. "now would you be so kind as to help me with my cloak?"

"Of course I wasn't dear but a carriage was an option. Although after watching your steady steps I think I better join you all the way to your doorstep" he said with an amusing grin on his face as he reached for her cloak.

"And here you go love" He stepped behind her and gently draped it over her shoulders "Are you sure you're up to a walk though Marguerite?" He watched her warily, even worried....

Marguerite nodded as she adjusted her hood to hide her hair and part of her face. "It's not so terribly far. The walk would do me good. It's been a while since I've had some much wine."

After he draped the cloak over her shoulders he let his hands rest there, standing behind her. Only sound that could be heard from him was his soft breathing as he did his best to keep himself in check while being so near to someone he's longed for for so long. But he knew she would always be out of reach to him and he closed his eyes sadly before taking a few steps back and finally responding to her.

"Must be you needed it Marguerite and even though I usually don't encourage it, this time I didn't stop you. Perhaps I should've but I didn't think you'd respond to it too well if I told you what to do" he said apologetically, hoping the excuse would suffice. "My apologies if I let it get too far m'dear. If I had known..I may have acted differently"

"Well, if you tried to deny me no doubt you only would have added to my anger." Marguerite said, "Besides, I know Sir Percy goes through a fair amount of brandy, I see no reason then why I can indulge myself with a bit of wine to ease my pain."

Paul chuckled happily, relieved "Oh..good I followed my first thought then" He grinned at her briefly before taking his own cloak and draped it over his shoulders. Then reached for his hat.

"As for integument m'dear...remember wine only helps once. In the morning, when the daze has vanished the feelings from before will return. So I always find it best to skip the liqour and find a more permanent medicine for the heartache"

Calmly, after adjusting the hat and pulling it slightly down over his brow he opened the door "Now ready to go home dear?"

"No," Marguerite said as she shook her head. "No, you don't need to remind me." She securely wrapped her hand around his arm and quickened her pace towards her flat. "I know at some points this evening I probably was awful to you, and don't you even try to deny that, but thank you, thank you for everything Paul." Marguerite said as they turned the last corner to her flat.

He nodded in response and followed her with a slightly bowed down head. His arm was beginning to hurt and a burning pain surged through his body and tormented him. He knew he had to keep a straight face but the suppression of the winces which he felt he had to utter became almost impossible. Still,so far, he managed and in silent concentration he walked beside her.

Then his inner concentration was disturbed but he welcomed it. He needed to keep himself, his mind, occupied with something else to divert it from the pain which was threatening to overwhelm him.

"I'm not denying anything Marguerite" he said with a smile "I'm telling the truth when I say you weren't. Not that I noticed anyway m'dear. I was to overwhelmed with pleasure of your unexpected visit"

Marguerite merely nodded and clutch to him tighter until they reached the front door to her building. She released his arm to search through her pockets for her key. "Will you be alright, going home?" Marguerite asked as she pulled the keys from deep within aside pocket.

Paul took a step back and gazed at her. With a bow of the head he answered "I will be fine Marguerite" It wasn't the entire truth but not an entire lie either. For he was convinced he could manage to get home, no matter what he felt like right now. "It's not so far" His voice sounded tired and weak but he himself wasn't aware of it. If he knew, he would've hidden it for sure. Less not to worry Marguerite it was best to keep up a facade. What she not know, won't hurt her and that was fine by him. Although he hated to hid and keep things from her but this time it was for her own good and perhaps also his own.

Marguerite stepped closer and slid her arms around him gently to say goodbye. "Oh, how I've missed you my dear friend. I don't know what I would have done if you we're here."

He squeezed her lightly with his good arm and kept the embrace lasted for several seconds before slowly, maybe even with some reluctance, he took a step back before speaking.

Paul looked at her, the warm smile still on his face. "I'm always here for you Marguerite. All you have to do is let me know you need me and I'll be there to help you or whatever it is you desire from me, I will do it" He took her hand and patted it lightly with his other "Just don't forget that and I promise you'll never be alone but now I do have to bid you farewell" The deputy added with some haste in his voice. "It is getting very late m'dear. So au revoir. I will come see you tomorrow"

"Alright Paul," Marguerite said as she squeezed his hand before letting go to unlock the door to her building, "Come see me tomorrow night and I'll allow you to have the pleasure of my company at dinner."

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