“I’m so pleased. Are you all right? All of you?” He realized he had left the women on their own and at the most crucial time. He’d left his brother alone, too.
How can this have happened?
“We’re fine, Robert. But what about you? What can I do for you?”
He looked at her for a long time. Richard hadn’t been alone, afterall. He’d been surrounded by those who loved him.
Denis returned with the portfolio and handed it to Robert.
“Would you stay with me while I…?” he asked Arabella
“Of course, shall we go into the library?”
With a sigh, Robert settled himself and opened the leather envelope, sorting through the contents. He set aside the letter for Grégoire, then handed Arabella those addressed to her, to Maryse and to Christina. His hand fell on the one that bore his name. It was thicker than the rest, which came as no surprise. Robert knew it must contain a good deal of family business, but when he opened it, there was another envelope with his name on it among the pages. He stared at it, knowing it would be his last link to Richard. His fingers trembled.
Arabella noticed. “I should leave you alone with that. Let me take these to Maryse and Christina and send for something for you to eat?”
“Yes. Please.” He was still staring at the envelope.
Arabella took Christina’s letter to her room. She wasn’t sleeping.
“How is Robert?” Christina asked.
“He’s going through Richard’s papers. This is for you.” Arabella handed her the fat envelope.
Christina took it and held it lovingly, running her fingers across the graceful script that spelled out her name. “Thank you,” she said smiling up at Arabella. There were tears in her eyes.
“Shall I have them bring you something to eat?”
“Yes, that would be wonderful.”
As Arabella turned to leave, Christina stopped her.
“Arabella? You’re a welcome member of the family in this household. Please don’t feel you have to wait on us.”
“Thank you. I’m very pleased to be here. But it’s better for me if I’m doing something just now. You understand?”
“Of course.”
When she’d gone, Christina carefully unsealed the letter. As she pulled out the ivory pages, something fell into her lap. It was her mother’s chain, the one Richard had always worn. She lifted it between her fingers, letting the gold links slide over her wrist, then closed her eyes thinking of the last time she’d seen it against Richard’s skin. At that moment it was almost as if she could feel his lips touch her forehead.
She unfolded the letter.
My Beloved Chrissa,
Dearest Love, the thought of leaving you is painful, but I’m comforted knowing that you and our child are safe.
Dry your tears, Sweetheart, and remember how fortunate we were to have each other. I’m sorry our time together was so short and I beg you to forgive me. This is not what I dreamed our life would be. It was never what I wanted for you.
Please, give our child your mother’s chain. I’ve worn it close to my heart all these years and it carries my love for you both.
I am with you Chrissa, even as you read this. I will be with you always. Never doubt it.
Be happy My Love, My Wife—
R
Arabella went downstairs to Maryse. She felt the stares of the mourners who were filing through the entry hall. She knew her pregnancy made them think she might be Christina, but she ignored them.
“Maryse? Do you want me to take your place for awhile?”
Maryse smiled up at her. “No, I’m fine. You need to rest, it’s been a long night.”
“This was in the things he left for Robert,” she said, handing Maryse the envelope.
“Thank you.” Maryse slipped the letter into her deep pocket. She would save it for when she had some privacy.
Arabella made her way back upstairs to her own room. It was her turn to be alone with Richard’s final words.
My Beautiful Bella,
Forgive me—for everything.
I’ve never been sure you know how much it has meant to me to have you in my life. What you have given me has been a gift to so many.
You saved my life, Bella—twice. Your sacrifices have
saved Christina as well.
Please forgive me for leaving you—then and now. Let our child know that it was loved and welcomed by its father.
Bless you both. You are greatly loved—
R
In the library Robert read through Richard’s letter a second time. He was overcome by loss, yet filled with admiration and love for his brother.
Dearest Brother,
Do not blame yourself for what has happened. Something far beyond either of us is at work here and there is little I can do but yield to it. Know absolutely that I hold nothing against you. Even had you been here, I see no way you could have prevented it. I am so grateful that you were able to go to Grégré and fetch him safely home.
I beg you to follow through with the provisions I’ve made for Christina and Arabella. Give them freedom with the decisions. I’m convinced they will both choose the best course for themselves and the children. I only wish for them to be safe and happy.
Dear Robert— you’ve been more father to me than brother and I’m sure I’ve seemed an ungrateful son to you at times. But know how much I love you and value every sacrifice you’ve made on my behalf. You saved Christina’s life, Robert, a debt I can never repay.
Let this go. Love me by loving my children, even as they will love you—
R
Christina came down to change places with Maryse, leaving her free to go up to the salon and read her letter. As she climbed the stairs she thought how fortunate they all were. She was so happy Christina had welcomed Arabella into the family. While their little circle might be rather unconventional, it was tied together with love.
And besides, when have I ever bowed my head to convention?
She could almost hear Richard laugh.
Saai Jai, we are together and strong because of you.
Maryse—
It is difficult to say goodbye to such a dear friend. Do you know how much you have meant to me?
How can I possibly tell you what it means to me that you have befriended Christina, that you have taken Arabella into your home? I am so very grateful, knowing they have you for a friend. It is more comfort to me than you can possibly imagine.
I wish the very best for you and your family, Maryse. May you always be as loved as you are at this moment—
R
Robert went to look in on Grégoire. He was resting but woke when Robert sat down on the bed beside him.
Robert smiled. “How are you feeling?” he asked, taking his brother’s hand in his.
“Happy to be home. And much better. I’ve developed an appetite.”
“I’ll send something. It’s a good sign.”
“And how are you faring?” Grégoire knew how difficult this must be for Robert, that he must be blaming himself.
Robert shrugged. “I’m trying to accept it, though I can’t say I’m succeeding at the moment.” There was a catch in his voice.
“Did I see Arabella here when we came in last night? Or did I imagine it?”
“No she’s here, at Christina’s invitation.”
“Remarkable,” Grégoire said. There was admiration in his voice. “These are women to be reckoned with, Robert. I’m not sure two old priests are up to it.”
“Well, I think we’ll have to rise to the occasion, don’t you? We owe him that. And besides, we’re going to be uncles again, very soon.”
Grégoire smiled. “I’m looking forward to that.”
“Do you think you’ll be up to another trip tomorrow? We’re taking Richard to Beauvu in the morning.”
“I’ll be fine. I finally feel as though I’m on the mend…thanks to you.”
“Well,” Robert said as he stood up, “I’ll get someone to bring you something to eat. And I know Arabella wants to look in on you, as well.” He looked down at his brother.
“Richard left this for you.” He handed him the envelope.
Grégoire broke the seal on Richard’s letter.
Grégré—
Beloved Brother—I’ve missed spending time with you these last years, but you’ve always been in my heart.
You were the perfect big brother, always patient with me—and I do forgive you for some of those medical experiments, just in case you still wonder about that!
Don’t shoulder blame where none exists. I am so thankful that you survived the attack. As I have said to Robert, there are forces at work here that we don’t understand and against which you and he could not have hoped to have prevailed.
You have all my love and gratitude, Grégré.
Live and be happy and be a wonderful uncle to my children—do that for me—
R
At ten minutes past four a messenger came to the warehouse, bringing Stefano the news that Guy was dead. He left immediately and rushed through the streets, noting as he passed that there were still people lined up in front of the Baron’s townhouse.
When he arrived at Guy’s house two policemen were there. He played the part of the horrified friend, knowing there had been talk about the nature of his relationship with Guy. They questioned him without showing much interest and Stefano got the distinct feeling that the animosity exhibited toward Guy by the citizens of Arles was also present in the law enforcement quarter.
When the policemen had gone, André asked to speak to him.
“I’m sorry Sir, I’m sure this is a difficult time for you.”
“For us all, I should think.” It was clear where André’s concerns lay.
“Yes, Sir. Certainly. Do you know what will become of the house?”
Stefano realized he hadn’t thought about it. He was faintly surprised. Of course the servants would be concerned about their positions.
“No, actually, I have no idea. I’ll be in touch with Monsieur Chagron and see what provisions Guy may have made. I’ll be happy to share the information with you as soon as I have it. I would expect things to continue as usual, for the time being.”
When André had gone, Stefano considered how he might keep the household running until Guy’s estate was settled. The business would support the normal expenses and, as he had been overseeing the accounts for some time, he didn’t anticipate a problem. But he knew he could not risk leaving town too soon.
The next morning Richard’s family took his body home to Beauvu. Maryse was going to follow, bringing her children and their tutor, Monsieur Louvet as well. She was hoping to stay and help Christina settle in and perhaps stay on until Christina’s baby arrived. And Arabella’s child was due at any time. Maryse felt she needed to be there for both of them. She also hoped that having her children with them would bring a little joy to a household that would no doubt be much in need of diversion. And for her and her own family, it would be a welcome change. Perhaps watching spring come to the countryside would be the very best thing for everyone.
When Maryse arrived at Beauvu late that afternoon, she brought the news that Guy was dead.
Stefano remained circumspect throughout the arrangements for the burial. He sent a discreet inquiry to Guy’s lawyer, asking to be advised as to what should be done about the house and business.
For two days, Richard lay in the entry hall at Beauvu, allowing those in the area surrounding the family home to pay their respects, just as the townspeople had done. Only Robert was not surprised by the amazing number of people who came, for he had long understood how many were connected to the prosperity of his family’s estate. When the time finally came for the interment, it was the family and the household servants who followed Richard’s casket to the mausoleum on the hill.
On the way back to the house Christina, Maryse and Arabella walked together, each alone with her own thoughts. They walked in companionable silence, happy for each other's company.
“Is there a midwife nearby?” Arabella asked.
Maryse was startled, but saw Arabella’s smile. She put an arm around her shoulders and hugged her.
“It’s time?”
“I think so. It started a few hours ago.”
“But you never said anything!” Christina was both surprised and excited. She was looking forward to helping Arabella through the birth in preparation for the arrival of her own baby.
Maryse dropped back and let the other mourners pass. She wanted to share the news with Robert, who was at the end of the procession.
Monsieur Chagron sent for Stefano. Though they had met on several occasions, Guy was very secretive about his personal affairs and Stefano had not been privy to their business meetings.
“Please, Monsieur,” said the lawyer, gesturing toward the chair on the other side of his desk. “May I offer my condolences for you loss?”
“Thank you. I admit it was quite a shock.” Stefano was as cool as he’d ever been, playing the grieving friend.
“I understand there are some difficulties with the business?”
“After Monsieur Jonvaux insisted on pressing the case against the Baron, the Baron withdrew our shipping contracts and we’ve had difficulty finding another carrier. It seems public opinion has gone against Monsieur Jonvaux and has had some influence in more distant quarters than he expected.”
“Do you think this is a problem that can be solved?”
“We had discussed one or the other of us going to Venice to find out what might be arranged from there.”
“Are you willing to undertake that in these circumstances?”
Stefano was surprised. “Forgive me, Monsieur
,
I hadn’t thought of it. As Monsieur Jonvaux had no family that I’m aware of, I thought the business might be closed or sold. I assumed my services would no longer be needed.”
Monsieur Chagron looked at Stefano for a long time.
“Monsieur?” Stefano wondered what the man wasn’t saying.
“Forgive me. I’m quite surprised that you seem unaware that Monsieur Jonvaux has left his entire estate to you.”
“I beg your pardon?” Surely Stefano had misheard.
“Yes, Monsieur. The houses, both here and in Venice, the business. Everything. And I must tell you that there is also a sizable amount of debt that comes with it. He has borrowed a great deal of money over the past month against the Italian properties. Do you have any idea what his purpose was? I’m not aware that he acquired any additional property recently.”