Marguerite shook her head, closing her eyes, "I just want to sleep now, maybe in the morning." she said weekly through a yawn.
"It is morning dear but it can wait. You need your rest and I'll leave you to it" He removed some hairs from her eyes and then kissed her forehead before tucking her in warmly "Sleep well and I'll come back tonight if you want Marguerite"
Marguerite felt Paul brush her forehead and say that he was leaving her. She reached out blindly for him and protested, almost beginning to cry, "No, no Paul please don't go. I'm still frighten, what if he comes back, can't you stay here with me?"
When he saw her reach out for him he made sure she didn't touch his painful arm and with a swift movement he held it behind his back. Then he wrapped his other arm around her waist and held while he sat back down "Alright Marguerite. I'll stay. I'll stay as long as you want dear" He knew he had other matters on the agenda but he couldn't leave her alone. She was his top priority and whatever consequences there were for not going to Rhiem..well he'd find out about it soon enough and take the punishment for what it was. Even if he would lose his head he knew he wouldn't regret his decision. For holding her, comforting her was all he ever wanted and now his dream has come true. And for Paul it was a dream worth dying for. "Calm down now Marguerite. I'm here. I'm with you" Tried to calm her down with soothing words of love and promises that he's there for her...
Marguerite finally let some of her tense muscles relax as Paul held her in his arms. She sat settled down and began drifting back and between being awake and asleep. "Paul," she softly whispered, "what were you doing here when the man attacked me?"
He looked down in thought. Then back at her and with a sigh he answered "I came to say goodbye Marguerite" added quickly "but that doesn't matter anymore" He smiled "So you just rest and I'll eum sleep on the couch or something"
"No, no, no" Marguerite whispered, "Please stay here, at least until I fall asleep." She grabbed for his hand and gave tiny squeeze. "Where were you going?"
He smiled and nodded in agreement. Then took her hand to his lips and kissed it softly "I'll stay Marguerite" Carefully so not to hurt his arm more he crawled over her and laid down on the other side of the bed but above the sheets "I'm sorry but this is more comfortable" He took her hand again and held it tight "Oh I was going to Rhiems for business but like I said. It doesn't matter anymore"
"Oh," Marguerite moaned, "I don't want to keep you if there are thing to attend to though. I'd feel bad if you had trouble at work not going directly. When do they expect you?"
"About an hour ago Marguerite" He stared at her and even though it was his own choice he feels awkward laying in her bed and lets go of her hand. Then he gets up and walked around the bed back to his chair "and any trouble is worth it. So don't think about it"
Marguerite watch as he pulled away and sat back in a chair. She did feel guilty for causing him such trouble though. "But it is trouble, so I will try to sleep, once I'm asleep I'm sure I will be fine." she murmured.
Moved his chair closer and took her hand in his "It's no trouble and I'll be your guardian angel, guarding over you while you sleep. So close your eyes and dream of happier times love"
Marguerite gave a soft smile and closed her eyes as he took her hand. In a meek whisper she thanked him before drifting off into sleep.
He held her hand tight. Then slowly so not to wake her he took his other hand to her face. He brushed some hairs away and stroked it gently "Sleep well Marguerite and no harm will come to you ever again. I swear that on my heart and soul my love"
Marguerite finally fell into a peaceful sleep. For a few hours she laid still and rested until he came to her. In the darkness of a dream she could hear his threatening voice. She felt a chill surround her, and no mater which way she turned or how fast she tried to get away, he was there. She started to tremble and shake. She thought she felt him again reach out and touch her. She flinced away but it wasn't enough. In her dream she suffered through the nightmare she lived through the night before. In her bed her body tossed and turned as she softly cried out, begging him to stop.
He kept stroking her hair until he saw she was peacefully asleep. Then he slowly pulled back his hand and laid it on his lap. He didn't keep his eyes from her though. He yawned a bit, fighting the sleep in his head so he could watch over her but eventually and after an hour or so he fell asleep.
Suddenly soft, repeated cries woke him up from his light slumber. Paul shook his head, rubbed his eyes and when he removed his hands he saw a tossing and turning Marguerite. Immediatly he jumped to his feet and went to her. He sat down on the bed and laid a hand on her cheek. Softly he stroked it while calling her name "Marguerite. Wake up Marguerite. Y..you're ok. It's just a dream. Marguerite love?" With pain in his eyes he watched her helplessly until she woke up. Then he'd comfort her and hold her but for now he could only try to wake her and pray she'd wake fast so her nightmare would end...
Marguerite shook as she felt something brush her cheek. She pushed away but each time she felt someone rub it again. She tossed and turned and fought until finally with a start she woke up. She shoot up in bed, sitting up and realized she was in her own room and the hand stroking her face belonged to Paul.
Marguerite, with quick and frantic breaths, surveyed the room. She nearly threw herself into Paul's arms as she tried to shove away the thoughts that had filled her head in her nightmare.
When she lifted herself so suddenly he was startled and reeled back slightly "Calm down Marguerite. It's a nightmare" While he was comforting her she fell in his arms and instinctively he wrapped his comforting arms around her body "It was a bad dream dear. It's all over now so please try to relax" He rubbed her back and laid his head against hers. Then closed his eyes and held her. Paul knew what her nightmare was about and he continued soothing her with words "He's gone now Marguerite. It was just in your mind"
Marguerite softly sobbed a bit and wrapped her arms around Paul, running them over his back trying to calm down. She listened to his soothing voice, a voice she much perfered to the one which had been haunting her in her dreams. "Thank you," she began to whisper over and over in his ear, "thank you so much Paul, thank you," as she gently placed a few soft kisses on his cheek.
When she ran her hands down his back he closed his eyes and heaved a deep sigh of enjoyement. Her touch was heavenly, her kisses divine and he locked this memory in his heart forever. Softly he gave one kiss on her cheek before wrapping his arms around her tighter "You're welcome Marguerite. A..and eum perhaps you should try to get some more sleep now"
Marguerite yawned and nodded her head. "I should, but it hurts so much Paul. My face and neck especially hurt." she moans as she lessened her grip and began to lean back into her bed.
He kept one hand wrapped around her and gently helped her lay down. The other he laid on her cheek and softly stroked it "Can you lay on your stomach Marguerite?" Kept a cool hand on her bruised cheek, hoping it'll lessen the pain a bit.
Marguerite simply moaned in response. She took one hand and held his to her face. It was cold for whatever reason, but it felt good against her skin. "Paul, be honest, how awful do I look right now?"
He smiled "I'm the wrong person to ask Marguerite. For you'll never look awful to me" Leaned close and kissed her forehead "Now if you lay on your stomach I'll give you a gentle massage and help you to ease the pain, ok?"
Marguerite nodded and turned over onto her stomach. Her one shoulder didn't heel right from when she injuried it about a year before and it was sore tonight. "He threw me pretty hard against the floor before," she mumbled. "My shoulder hurts."
"Ok Marguerite. Now love just relax yourself completely and I promise that the pain will have lessened by the time I'm done" Moved closer and sat right next to her. With some hesitation ,afraid of hurting her more, he laid his hands on her shoulders. Then gentle started to massage her "Which shoulder hurts the most?"
Marguerite did as Paul told her and tried to let herself relax, but as worked up as she was, it was difficult until Paul began to rub her shoulders. She breathed a soft sigh as he let his gentles touch calm her down. Had anyone ever touched her so lovingly before?
When he asked his question, it took her a moment before softly repling, "My left one. I hurt it about a year ago, and it never healed properly, so it's always a little sore. When he threw me down, I landed on it first."
He frowned "Hmm I'm sorry Marguerite. I didn't know you had an accident" He sighed "Anyway lets see if I can't get the pain to disappear now" He kept the hand on her left shoulder and while massaging her further he moved the other one over her back to that same shoulder. Then he . Softly at first but slowly increasing his grip so it had more effect "Marguerite if it hurts let me know and I'll stop or be more gentle, ok?" Kneaded her shoulder blade and now he moved one hand closer to her neck and massaged that spot also...
Marguerite nodded as Paul began to caress and massage her back. "You're so sweet, so gentle Paul, I doubt you could ever hurt me."
Smiled while he removed some of her hair from her shoulder "Thank you Marguerite" Paul sighed. Being this close to her always was a test of his will and he already lost that battle a few times. But losing it now would be the same as taking advantage of a horrible situation and of her fear. So he had to keep his manners and keep remembering what was appropriate and he closed his eyes to print these thoughts firmly in his mind......
Marguerite relaxed as her muscles softened at his touch. He was so sweet, so caring, so could easily see herself falling in love with such a man who adored her. But her mind suddenly traveled elsewhere. "Paul," she said, "would you do something for me and just check in on Armand. The man said he was unharmed, but I want to make sure."
Laid a hand on her back and patted it softly "As you wish Marguerite" Got up and gave her a smile. Then he searched for Armand's room and peeked inside. When he saw the boy was unharmed and fast asleep a smile crept on his face and softly he closed the door. Paul sighed from relief as he returned back to Marguerite's side. He was happy that Armand was ok. For more worry and pain was something Marguerite couldn't handle. He was glad to be the bringer of good news and in a soft, reassuring voice he spoke to her "Armand is fine Marguerite. He's fast asleep and probably has no idea of what happened in this house tonight" As he said this he sat back down and continued with the massage.....
Marguerite breathed a heavy sigh of relief, "Thank you Paul, thank you so much." She began to doze off, but his touch woke her senses again. "You don't have to stay anymore if you don't want to Paul. I'm sure you need your rest before your journey."
Paul smiled and strokes her hair with a gentle stroke "The journey can wait Marguerite" He saw she was close to sleeping and he covered her with the blankets. Then tugged her in "I'm not going anywhere until this rat is captured and I am convinced you are safe m'dear"
"Thank you Paul," she whispered again as she felt him pull the blankets around her. As he did, she gently took his hand in hers and pulled it closer to her, slowly pulled it closer to her, letting her cheek brush against it before bringing it to her lips and offering a soft kiss.
He swallowed and swiftly he stroked her cheek. Then pulled back his hand and leaned back in the chair "Rest now Marguerite. You need it"
Marguerite sighed as she felt his hand leave hers, but she didn't fight to keep him near, she was too tired and week to do so. Instead she just laid in her bed, until she fell asleep.
When he saw she was asleep Paul got up and walked to her. Then softly he kissed her cheek...
Marguerite slept peacefully through the night. IN the morning, the warm rays of the sun peaked out from her curtains to wake her. She stretched and yawned, still with her eyes shut, fighting the nagging little voice in her head telling her to get up.
Had stayed up all night watching his sleeping beauty and when he saw her stir Paul smiled broadly "Good morning Marguerite. Have you slept well?" Straightened his jacket a bit since it's wrinkled from sitting in the chair all night...
Marguerite nearly shot out of bed as she heard the voice in her room. Sitting up she turned to see Paul sitting there. "Paul," she began to stutter, "what are you doing here?"
Frowned and lifted himself "Eum watching you. Making sure that man didn't come back" As he got up he felt a burning pain to his left arm from the cut he received yesterday and he winced out loud...
As soon as he mentioned the man, Marguerite remembered what had happened to her last night. She was a bout to speak when she her him cry out mildly in pain. She noticed the bandage on his arm which she didn't remember from the night before. She pushed the covers off her and stood, a bit shakily, and reached for his arm. "Oh my god Paul, how did this happen?"
Paul pulled back his arm "It's nothing Marguerite. J..just eum a small cute" Winced again when he took hold of his arm and held it against his chest. He could feel the blood that soaked the sash completely and with fear he removed his hand from it and stared at the blood sticking to his fingers....
Marguerite watched him wince and looked down to see his sash ruined with dried blood, "This is no small cut Paul, we need to clean this before it gets infected." Ignoring the fact she was only wearing her night gown, she took his hand and the lead him back to the chair, "I'll go get some water to clean that with and a proper bandage." she said as she raised one hand to rub her aching head.
Kept protesting "M..Marguerite I am fine an.." saw her in her nightgown and he was silenced at once. She was beautiful he thought and stared at her for a while but then quickly he dropped his gaze and felt her take his hand. Without resisting he followed her lead and sat back down. Paul saw her reach for her head and he looked in her eyes "You ok Marguerite?"
Marguerite wasn't ok, but she wasn't about to admit it to him just yet. She didn't answer and instead patted his hand and grabbed her robe and stepped out the door into the hallway to get some water from the kitchen. Stepping back into the room, she felt weak and tired still, as she removed the sash from Paul's arm and began to wipe clean the wound on his arm.
The sash was sticking to the wound and Paul cried out when Marguerite removed it. Then for a moment he remained silent when she cleaned it but at some point even the slightest touch hurt and he laid a hand on hers "D..don't Marguerite" With pain and fatigue in his eyes he looked in hers "Please no more"
Marguerite gently pulled his hand from hers. "I know it hurts Paul, but if it gets infected, you'll be much worse off. I promise you, I'll be as gentle as I can." She went back to tending to the wound, which was already red and swollen all around it, and appeared to be in awful shape.
"But Ma..." He started protesting again because the pain was becoming too hard to endure.Still he knew she was right and after a while the protesting ended and he just leaned back in his chair. Paul sighed and closed his eyes and braced himself for more "Merci Marguerite and I know you will" Rubbed his forehead with his free hand "for you always are" Winced and managed not to cry out again when she continued with tending the deep cut...
Marguerite took to cleaning the cut while she held onto his hand, allowing him to squeeze it if she hurt him. Once cleaned, she carefully wrapped it in a clean bandage tightly to keep it from getting dirty again. "There, isn't that better?"
He squeezed her hand tightly but made sure he didn't hurt her. And when the pain got more than he could bear Paul bit his own lip to prevent him from crying out and showing his weakness and pain to Marguerite. It hurt him beyond belief and secretly he hoped it would be over soon because any longer and he'd bite through his lip until it bled. Then he no longer felt a stinging pain and he opened his eyes. When he saw the wound was cleaned and bandaged a smile spread on his face and he nodded at Marguerite while inspecting it "It's a lot better m'dear. Merci" Leaned close and gave her a warm, soft kiss on the cheek "and how are you feeling?" Laid his hand on her cheek and stared worriedly in her eyes....
Marguerite smiled, knowing that he probably felt a bit better now that she had stopped rubbing his wound. "I'm still a little tired, and have a dull headache, but other then that I think I'm ok."
"You think?" Sighed and laid his other hand on her other cheek. In silence he looked her over. The first thing he noticed were the bruised cheeks.The bruises were yellow at the edges, and deepening to green, blue-purple and black as it goes to the center. He swallowed back a lump in his throat and stroked one cheek softly. Paul hoped he wasn't hurting her and he traced a line down her cheek to her throat. There he also saw bruises, resembling fingers that grabbed it and held it in a tight grip. He shook his head. Why anyone would do this to her was a mystery to him and without uttering a word he examined her further. He was still afraid of hurting her and slowly he moved the hand to her shoulder, gently squeezing it to see if it hurt her. Then moved lower and lower to her hands. Paul looked in her eyes and took both hands in his. Then he let them rest there and with the thumbs he stroked the red lines and small bruises. Again he heaved a sigh and lifted his eyes so he could look into hers "I think you're not ok and I also think you need a doctor Marguerite" Kept stroking her bruises while waiting for her approval.
Marguerite watched as Paul looked her over, whincing slightly as his hands ran over her cheek. She watched the look of worry grow on his face as he checked her neck and arms, which she noticed for the first time were bruised. "Do I really look that awful?" she asked in a whisper.
Answered quickly "No Marguerite. You don't look awful. Not me" Smiled at her and took both her hands to his lips. Then he kissed them tenderly and closed his eyes while doing so. After the kiss he laid her hands on his lap "but I am not as good as tending injuries as you are. So I recommend you see a doctor. For he surely can take better care of you than I ever can" Rubbed her hands and looked down, feeling a bit ashamed for he felt like he let her down...
Marguerite stood up and took the spare set of keys out of her draw. "Would you mind fetching on Paul? I have the feeling it's best I not venture out in this condition."
He shook his head "Of course I don't mind Marguerite" Gladly took the keys "You just crawl back in bed and I'll get a doctor who's a friend of mine. He'll keep this hush hush if you want it without a problem" Smiled and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Then went out to fetch a doctor.
After a half hour he returned with a doctor. Silently, incase Marguerite is resting, he opened the door and entered the flat. Then he told the Citoyen Doctor to wait in the living room while he went after Marguerite.
Softly he knocked on her bedroom door and walked in "Marguerite. The doctor is here"
Marguerite had fallen into a peaceful sleep, only to be roused shortly after by the soft knocking. She was about to scold Armand for waking her, but Armand wouldn't have knocked. "Come in" she called, suddenly remembering Paul had gone for a doctor.
Paul entered and waited in the door opening, staring at Marguerite "I'm sorry to wake you m'dear but the doctor is waiting in the living room"
Marguerite tried to sit herself up in the bed again, "Would you show him in Paul?"
"Yes dear and you please don't move too much, alright" Smiled and motioned to the doctor he could come in.
The took his bag from the dining table and walked towards Paul "Citoyenne Saint-Just is in here Citoyen Doctor" The doctor, Nicolas Delaine, nodded towards his friend and entered the bedroom. He immediatly walked towards the bed and placed his bag on the mattress "Can you tell me what's wrong Citoyenne?" Sat down and stared in her eyes. He noticed the severe bruises on her cheek, the cut lip and the black eye "or tell me what's hurting you" Searched through his stuff for some ointement, bandages while he waited for the information....
"Judging by Paul's reaction earlier, you can probably see what's wrong." Marguerite said softly, "and nearly everything hurts, a dull, painful ache."
Nic took her face in his hands and gently stroked the bruises. He examined them and stared in her eyes "Paul can you get a bassin with tepid water and some cloths please" Paul nodded and left quickly. Then prepared the bassin in the kitchen and returned with everything. Carefully, so not to spill he placed it on the bedside cupboard. Nicolas turned to Marguerite "I'll have to clean the bruises and also examine the rest of your body Citoyenne" "I'll leave then" Paul bowed his head towards both and walked to the door...;
Marguerite flinced a bit, but tried to be strong, but the pain was a bit too much for her when the doctor touched her bruises. She only nodded when the doctor said he wanted to clean her wounds and examine the rest of her.
Paul went back to the living room and left the doctor and Marguerite alone. There he sat down on the couch but he soon laid himself down and dozed off...
Nicolas pulled back his hands "I'm sorry Citoyenne but I do have to clean them" As he said this he soaked a cloth in the water. Then he took it to her cheek and softly, carefully started cleaning them "Can you tell me what exactly happened? How you got these bruises"
Marguerite flinced a bit, but tried to hold still, "I was attacked," she said softly. She wasn't sure how much he wanted or needed to know, not that she cared to relive the night before again.
Moved to the other cheek and after he cleaned the bruises on her face he took some ointement on his fingers and gently he massaged the ointment into the skin "What did he do to you?"
Marguerite fought the urge to move away, both from the physical pain and the wound to her pride. "What does it look like he did to me. Beat me up real good because I couldn't give what him what he wanted."
He sighed "Well that was stating the obvious" Lifted her chin and looked at her bruised throat "I mean exactly what did he do? Did he only hit you in the face or are you hurt to the ribs or what? Work with me Citoyenne. Then this'll be over faster and you can go back to resting"
Marguerite drew in a deep sigh and turned her eyes away to avoid looking at his. "He hit me in the face a few times," she began, "he grabbed at my throat and hands, he threw me onto the ground."
Did the same to her throat and the back of her neck as he did to her cheeks "Anything else Citoyenne?" Took one arm and checked it for broken bones or other injuries....
Marguerite kept her head turned away as she felt the doctor running his hands over her arm, "Not that I can remember."
"Good. Eum can you remove your dress" checked the neck again. Then laid his hands on her shoulders and pushed slightly "Do you feel anything here?"
Marguerite flinched away. While she was thankful for Paul's good intentions, she thought she might feel better with her regular physician. She didn't exactly like this man's bedside manner. "The pain in my back is from an old wound that never healed properly" she said, "I think I shall be find, just rest and time being all that is needed, thank you."
Nicolas nodded. From her behaviour he can see she didn't want this and he gathered the ointement and the rest of the bandages and stuffed them in his bag "You are right. That is all you need" Bowed his head and stood up "Au revoir then but I do advise you to see the physician you prefer. There might be something you and I missed and it's better to get a proper, more thorough examination" Smiled at her as he took his bag. Nic didn't show this slightly bothered him and without another word he left the bedroom.
Marguerite nodded and softly thanked the doctor before quickly pulling the covers up and around her, snuggling within their warmth and falling back asleep.
Paul wasn't that fast asleep and he heard the doctor's footsteps approaching. Slowly he lifted himself while yawning and stretching his arms "Is she alright now Nicolas?" Nicolas shrugged "I think so" "Think?" Paul frowned and got up "You don't seem sure of that" Nicolas walked towards the door and put one hand on the door handle "I don't think she quite wants me to examine her" Paul looked down in thought but by the time he could say something the doctor had said goodbye and left.
Paul didn't quite understand what he meant with the last and as he walked to the bedroom he ran a hand through his hairs. Then entered "Marguerite?"
Marguerite lifted her head slightly as Paul came in. She smiled and let her head drop back onto her pillow. She let one hand slide out form under the covers and patted an empty space next to her. "Stay with me Paul, please come sit here for a while, keep me company. No more talk of what happened last night, just better thoughts."
Paul smiled at her warmly and nodded "I couldn't agree with you more Marguerite" Walked to the bed as he said this and then crawled next to her. He knew that with the feelings he felt this wasn't the smartest thing to do but he also knew he'd be a fool to decline but as he thought of the feelings he felt for her he also thought of another woman. A woman who he loved even more than Marguerite and he thought this never was possible. But Paul worried and he was searching for answer "Eum Marguerite may I ask you something?"
Marguerite smiled as he sat down next to her. She gave a soft contented sigh, once again feeling safe in her own home. "Of course you may ask me anything Paul."
Paul looked at her and something in him decided against mentioning Adelle. It has been long ago since he saw. And he didn't get a single responds to his letters and flowers. He sighed. He decided to forget Adelle and concentrate on someone who he thought really cared for him. Carefully he moved closer and looked in her eyes. Then he tenderly removed some hairs from her eyes and stroked it "Never mind. It doesn't matter anymore"
Marguerite rested her head against his leg and let him continue to brush though her hair, "If you're sure she said." They sat in silence for a few moments more before speaking up again, "did the doctor look at your arm?"
Kept stroking her soft hair as he watched her. Then she mentioned his arm and he looked at it in thought. Paul thought a lie wouldn't matter too much "Eum yes Marguerite. He said you took great care of it and that it'll heal perfectly. So thank you Marguerite. For helping me" Leaned closer and kissed her hair. Then he leaned back against the wall and heaved a sigh...
Marguerite closed her eyes and waited, although not for anything in particular. IN time the silence, though peaceful, was near driving her mad. "Talk to me Paul," she finally said to break the quiet.
Paul thoughtfully gazed at Marguerite. What was he to talk about? He thought a while longer as he moves his hand to her back and softly stroked it "Eum do you have a topic of interest Marguerite?"
Marguerite sighed and closed her eyes. "No, not really, just something to keep away the silence and keep my mind off the discomfort."
"Well eum as you know I'm going to Rhiems soon. It is for business but I was just thinking that perhaps...you would like to join me on this trip. Especially after what happened you could use the few days vacation. But it was just a thought. A crazy one perhaps but I'd regret it if I hadn't asked you"
"That sounds wonderful Paul, but I can't. I have to work and I can't go that far from Armand for the long." Marguerite said sadly, "have you been there before? I rarely leave Paris, what's it like?'
Paul cast his eyes down to hide disappointment. Then a thought entered his mind "Eum he can come along and surely you can take a day of from work. So please Marguerite say yes. You won't regret it and a day away from all this will do you and Armand some good"
Marguerite shook her head, "It sounds lovely Paul, but I don't want to take him out of school. He's on scholarship and if he falls behind his grades may suffer and he night lose the only chance he has at a good education. Armand and I are not so fortunate, I have enough money that we may have a comfortable flat, and food, and clothes, but I could not afford to give him such an education."
Another disappointed but he's not one to just give up like that and he already had another idea in his head "I understand Marguerite and eum what if a friend of mine looks after Armand for a day or two. Until we get back"
"It sounds lovely Paul, it really does." Marguerite said, considering his proposal. "I suppose it may be a possibility, of course I would have to speak with Armand about this first before I agreed to anything. Do you plan to tell me about this place you wish to take me before I agree to it."
He braced himself for the third disappointment but to his surprise she almost accepted. Just some minor things to take care off he thought but there was the possibility she'd go with him. He smiled at her and gave her a squeeze. Then stroked her hair with tender, light touches. "I understand
Marguerite and I'll tell you anything you need to know. So what do you want to know? Anything in particular?"
"Of all the times I've asked you today you don't know what I want to know?" Marguerite teased, "If you've been there, tell me whatever you wish."
He took one of her hands in his and held it tightly. Then stroked the palm with the tip of his thumb "Well it's a beautiful place. Not that big and it's peaceful. I mean if you walk around there, walk on the streets you can't see that there is a revolution. You can't see that innocent people are being hunted down and executed. Life there is still like it was before all bloodshed. Poverty isn't that big there too. Happy faces and people greeting you on the streets is also something you still see when walking there. It's just lovely and it has a special place in my heart"
Marguerite let a soft sigh as she let her fingers close around Paul's thumb and she listened to him, "Why is that Paul?"
He thought for a few seconds "Because when I arrive there Marguerite all my worries, pain and fear just disappear. I don't know why that is but around there, even if I have to work, I am completely relaxed. I'm not in a rush. I take time to enjoy the whistling of a bird that's sitting in a tree outside my office. Or I enjoy the soft breeze that runs through my hair. Everything there is just so wonderful. Rhiems is a sanctuary in a way and helps me to put things in perspective and makes me think about myself, my work, everything"
"It sounds so lovely Paul." Marguerite said softly, "How often do you go there?"
He slowly lifted a hand to his forehead and rubbed it. The lack of sleep was finally taking it's toll and his head was beginning to hurt "I try to go there as often as possible but alas my work load only increases. So lately I don't have much opportunity to take a weekend off and enjoy the beauties of Rhiems. Still I at least go there twice maybe three times a year. That is something I have to do to stop myself from going nuts" Laughed slightly and then he took a hold of her hand again
Marguerite was saddened slightly as he pulled his hand away from her, but showed no sign of her disappointment. "So why is the convention sending you out there now?"
He squeezed her hand lightly "There is a word an aristocratic family that the Convention has been after has finally been arrested. They want me to see if this is true and then arrange transportation for them to Paris where they'll be trailed and executed" He sighed as he said this. For he hated it all
Marguerite fell silent for a while. "What did they do that the convention has been suspecting them?"
Shrugged "I don't know Marguerite but they are aristocracy. Which is reason enough these days" Took her hand to his lips and kisses it tenderly "but don't worry. You won't see them. I won't let anything ruin your vacation love"
Marguerite kept her head turned away a bit as he took her hand. After he kissed her hand, she moved her hand to let her fingers run over his lips. She felt a lump grow in her throat when he called her 'love.' The past twelve hours had been such a roller coaster of emotions it hurt as much as the bruises on her face.
After a few minutes of silence, she finally spoke again, "Did the doctor say anything as he left?"
Lowered himself so Marguerite's head was now on his chest instead of his lap and he kissed her hair in a quick movement "Nothing that made sense love" Laid his head against her and closed his eyes while taking in the smell of her hair...
Marguerite suddenly began to feel very uncomfortable. Having a friend near for comfort was one thing, allowing him to lay in her bed was a bit different. She released her hands and sat up, stretching her arms and reaching for her rob as she quickly stood up beside the bed. "What does that mean, nothing that made sense."
From the moment she got up and away from him he knew he made a mistake. He sighed and chided himself in silence "Nothing Marguerite" He got up also and pointed to the bed "You still need your rest dear. So I'll leave you alone" Bowed his head "And please, don't let my actions here frighten you and accept the offer for Rhiems. We both know you need to relax"
Marguerite walked to the window and looked outside. She simply nodded and looked away into the light of the warm sun. "I will think of it, after I speak to Armand." she said softly.
Was ready to leave her alone but then before she walked away he saw her troubled face and he sighed sadly. She's been through a lot. He knew that and leaving her might not be such a good idea. With those thoughts in his head he walked towards her and laid his hands on her shoulders "Of course Marguerite and.." gently he made her face him "are you alright?" stroked her cheek before he pulled her in his arms and gave her a comforting hug....
"No," she whispered as he pulled her closer, "no, I'm not." she buried her face in his chest and began to sob, which quickly grew into painful bawling. She wrapped her arms around him for a few moments and cried, finally letting out all the emotions which had been building up inside her
since the night before.
She finally was able to calm herself down, regaining a steady breath and turned her head up to see Paul, dear faithful Paul. Without a word, and before he could say anything, she raised her lips to reach his, just offering a slight brushing of her lips against his at first, but before she could pull away entirely, she once more pushed her lips against his, but more feverently this time. Silently, she demanded affection from him, as she wrapped her arms tighter around him.
Paul knew even before she said that she wasn't ok. That she was troubled and her mind pained by the events of the previous evening and He just held on to her. He thought nothing when she tightened her embrace and as she cried he moved his hand up and stroked her back softly, wanting nothing than to bring her comfort. Being this close to her is all he ever wanted and he kept his arms wrapped around her body.
Then she brushed her lips against his and he felt a warmth enter his body. He closed his eyes but the moment passed too quickly until he felt her lips again. He was surprised at the intensity of the kiss but that quickly passed as he moved his hand to her cheek and kept it there while he returned the kiss with a lot of passion and love...
Marguerite let her body sink into his as he began to return her kiss, letting her mouth explore his of her own free will, unlike that night before when she tried to pull away from him in front of the cafe. If she now tried to pull away however, she doubt he'd let her.
He returned her kiss. Letting the feelings of love he had for her for so long free at last. But then he broke it off and wrapped one arm around her waist. With the other he took her hand and after kissing it softly he lead her back to the bed "You still need rest Marguerite. So just relax" Smiled and helped her sit down...
Marguerite turned away from him. He kissed her back, returned the affection she demanded of him, but now he was going to leave her. She in a way didn't want him to go, but no doubt her actions unnerved him, knowing his kind and considerate nature. She wanted him to stay, but knew he had responsibilities he needed to tend to. So, quietly, she allowed him to help her back to her bed to rest again.
When he helped her sit he sat next to her. Again he wrapped his arms around her body and guided her head to his chest. Softly he brushed with his fingers against her cheek and he made sure he didn't hurt her "Do you want to tell me what's bothering you love?"
"I think it's pretty easy to guess what's bothering me Paul." Marguerite said with a sigh. It felt so good to be called 'love' by someone, to be held and cared for as he was helping her now. But this wasn't a suitor or a lover, this was Paul, and she still wasn't quite comfortable yet. "Don't you have to be at work today? I wouldn't want to keep you from your duties."
He nodded "Yes Marguerite. I..er I just thought you might want to talk about it. Might help to get it out of your mind" He stopped stroking her cheek and took hold of her hand "and Marguerite do you want me gone? I mean one moment you want me here and the other you seem to want to get rid of me. I am getting rather confused here" With a confused look set on his face he stared in her eyes
Marguerite turned away to avoid his own eyes. "I'm sorry Paul, I just don't know what I want. I'm glad you're here, but I know you have responsibilities and I don't want to keep you from them."
Laid his hand on her cheek and turned her head so she was looking at him. He spoke with a warm, gentle voice and his words were very sincere "Don't think of that Marguerite. That doesn't matter to me. All that matters is you because nothing is more important to me than you my love" Gave her a warm, reassuring smile and pulled her close to him...
Marguerite turned away as he hugged her. She enjoyed his company, but she didn't have the same feelings for him as he he had for her, at least not yet. She didn't have such trouble when Armand had stayed in her bed, of course they were both injured and slightly drunk. Why was she so uncomfortable resting in Paul's arms?
Noticed she turned away and once again he was confused. What did she want from him? What does she expect? He sighed and sadly, hurt he hung his head. He didn't know what to do. Any action coming from his part seemed to be the wrong one and it was frustrating him. Without a word he let go of her and got up. Then he walked to the window and stared outside. He hoped she would come to him but his hope would probably turn out false...
Marguerite, although she didn't want to be held by Paul, but when he pulled away, she was upset, although she wasn't sure why. She paused for a moment, before deciding to take his advice and rest. She laid back in her bed and pulled the covers tightly around her. Letting her hands rest about the covers and over her chest, she closed her eyes and took a deep sighing breath.
When he heard the rustling of blankets he sighed from utter disappointment. From that moment he knew the answer to the question he asked outside the bistro. From that moment he knew his affections, his feelings would never be returned. He sighed and turned around. Seeing her sleep there made him long even more for her and quietly he approached the bed. Paul took a closer look, committing this image of the sleeping beauty in his mind so he'd never forget it. Then carefully, so not to wake her, he took her hands and put them under the blanket. He leaned closer and gave her a friendly kiss on the forehead "Good night Marguerite and I love you" A sigh of longing rose from the depths of his soul as he tugged her in....
Marguerite didn't open her eyes as she felt him move her arms under her warm covers and smiled to herself as she felt him kiss her forehead. As he spoke she pulled on hand out from under the covers and lifted it to brush against his face. "Are you leaving Paul?"
Her touch made him close his eyes and he shifted his head so he could kiss her palm tenderly. Then he answered her in a whisper "No Marguerite. I..eum" swallowed "I'll just go to the kitchen. I'm rather starving m'dear"
Marguerite sighed and brought her hand back under the covers. "Alright then," she said, "If you have to go, I understand, but if you don't stay, will you come back tonight, please? I know I'm poor company, but it's nice having you here."