C’est l’encre sur le papier qui s’avance l’amour a travers le tunnel de temps.
—Tillier
Ink on paper pulls Love through the tunnel of time.
Mars 1760
Arles
André greeted Stefano at the door when he returned to the house the next morning.
“’Morning, Sir. Will you be wanting breakfast?”
“Yes, please. I’d like to change first.” Stefano started up the stairs, pleased that the household seemed to be in its normal routine. He paused on the stairs. “Has Guy been home?”
“Still asleep, Sir. Do you want me to wake him?”
“Let him sleep. I’ll see him later today.”
Stefano changed quickly, had a leisurely breakfast, and went on to the warehouse. He felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. It remained to be seen what would happen next, but he was confident that he was above suspicion. While going about his business as though nothing were amiss, he started to make plans for the future.
Robert was devastated. Mute, he sat with Arabella and Denis, staring at the body of his beautiful little brother, who had often seemed more like a son to him. His heart was broken.
At dawn, Maryse came down to take her turn and Arabella and Denis helped Robert upstairs.
“My Lord, the Baron left some papers for you. You might want to look at them now?”
It took a minute for the young man’s words to register.
“Yes, of course. I should have asked before.”
Arabella noticed a spark of interest. Perhaps Robert thought there might be some clue to be found, which would explain how this terrible thing had come to pass.
“You know, he and Christina were married. We can all be grateful for that,” Arabella said softly. She wanted very much to find a way to ease his pain.
Robert looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. He’d lost track of the hours since he’d returned.
“How did you come to be here, Arabella?” He had to regain some sense of what had happened in his absence.
“I was there…in the square. Christina wanted me with her and Maryse. When it was over, she asked me to come back with them.”
“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.”
More than likely the money went to bribes. But this was not something he was willing to share with Monsieur Chagron.
“I’m sorry, Monsieur. I’m afraid I don’t know what he might have done with the money. He was terribly disturbed by the annulment and he didn’t seem interested in sharing his concerns with me.”
“I see. Well, whatever the case, there is a sizable debt attached to the business. Monsieur Jonvaux was not always prudent in his personal affairs, if you take my meaning?”
“Of course.” Stefano was still trying to comprehend this windfall. He never imagined that Guy had trusted him enough to make him his heir. “He’s had a very difficult time these last few years and the loss of his wife was very hard on him.”
“It was apparently very hard on her as well, Monsieur.” The man gave Stefano a meaningful look.
“Yes. But she’s safe now. That’s what’s important.”
“If I may make a suggestion, Monsieur?”
“Of course.”
“It might be worth applying to the Abbot. Have you met him?”
“Yes, we’ve met. He was very gracious to me. He was trying to decide if I might somehow be related—this resemblance—to his late brother.”
“Yes. So did he find a connection?”
“No, I’m afraid I have no claim to noble blood. Nonetheless, he was kind to me under very difficult circumstances. But what is your suggestion?”
“I think it might be worth applying to have those contracts renewed. Perhaps, now that Monsieur Jonvaux is no longer involved, things might be looked on differently.”
“That’s excellent advice. It can’t hurt to petition him.” Stefano sat unmoving, still trying to absorb what had happened. Then something occurred to him, “One more thing, Monsieur. I’ve felt badly that Madame Jonvaux—rather the Baroness—left under such difficult circumstances. Would it be permissible for me to see if there are any things she might want from the house? It was her home, afterall.”
“It’s all yours, Monsieur. You may do as you please.” Monsieur Chagron stood up. “I can see what a surprise this is. We should meet again next week and go over some of the accounts. Perhaps I might advise you?”
Stefano stood, offering him a bow. “Of course, Monsieur. I would be most grateful for any help you might be willing to give me.”
The midwife was the wife of one of the gardeners and she arrived soon after the mourners returned. She brought her daughter along to help and the house was thrown into a flurry of activity over the impending birth.
Robert was aware of the change in the household since they’d all come back to Beauvu. Beyond the grief on the part of those who had known Richard, it was easy to see how excited everyone was to have family in residence again. There was a great deal of happiness over Christina’s return, for so many of them had watched her grow up. Robert and Grégoire were pampered and fussed over. Robert also noticed the light in the eyes of those who took particular interest in Maryse's children. Despite the change of faces, Robert could tell that Beauvu was going to become a home again, something it hadn’t been for a long time.
Arabella was quite surprised by what had been set in motion by her labor. Apparently birth in a great house was be quite different than what she’d planned for her baby’s arrival at the cottage on Corsica.
“Don’t worry,” Maryse said when she noticed Arabella’s expression of bewilderment. “To be honest I think they’re thrilled to have something to do. You can imagine what it must be like for them when no one is living here.”
Arabella laughed.
“The only thing required is that you and the baby come through it safely,” Christina said, trying not to sound nervous.
Arabella took her hand. “You mustn’t worry. And don’t let it frighten you. Afterall, women all over the world do it every day. For all the difficulties, there’s no reward like the first time you hold your child.”
Arabella caught her breath as another contraction began. They were still several minutes apart and so she walked up and down the room with Christina on one side, Maryse on the other.
“Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?” Maryse asked.
“I have the feeling it’s a boy. I’ve thought that all along, but then a wisewoman on the island saw me with a son. One with musical talents, apparently.” She laughed.
Christina was intrigued. “You know, it’s strange, but I had a dream…well not really a dream…but I saw myself dancing with a little girl. And there was a little boy playing the harpsichord. He looked so much like Richard did when he was a child. Perhaps it was your son?”
Arabella couldn’t hide her surprise.
“What is it?” Maryse asked.
“That’s what the woman told me. She saw the woman and the girl dancing.” Though she’d believed the Signora, she had not understood until this minute.
“That’s wonderful!” Christina said, encouraging her to keep walking. “That means we shall all be happy and healthy. Something to look forward to. I wonder if we’ll remember when that day comes?”
There was a knock on the door and a message came for Christina that Robert needed to see her. She left the women and went to join him in the library.
“I’m sorry to take you away Christina, but this can’t wait.” She sat down beside him on the sofa. “There are two decisions you need to make.”
“Now?”
“Well, one must be made before Arabella’s child is born. If Arabella’s child is a boy…”
“It will be,” Christina said with confidence.
Robert just looked at her
She laughed. “Women’s intuition, I suppose. Arabella and I both believe that, but the truth of it will come soon enough.”
“If the child is a boy, you must decide if he will be Baron.”
“Is that possible?”
“Richard has left acknowledgement for the child, but to be given at your discretion. I doubt he thought you and Arabella would be living together with the children at Beauvu. But I’m sure he would be very happy if that’s what you intend.”
Christina realized she hadn’t really thought much beyond the burial. She liked Arabella and enjoyed the time they’d shared, despite the difficult circumstances. She’d felt close to her as quickly as she’d felt she’d found a friend in Maryse. But the decision to remain at Beauvu was certainly Arabella’s to make.
“Do you think she might want to stay?”
“Is that what you want?”
“It would be wonderful. The idea of Richard’s children growing up together is not something I’d imagined, but I couldn’t ask for more. We haven’t discussed it. She’ll have to do as she sees fit.”
“Well, the question remains. If she does deliver a boy, will he be Baron? That would mean that if your own child is a boy as well, he would be in a younger son’s position.”
Deep in thought, Christina said, “Oh, my child will be a girl, so that’s not an issue.”
“Christina!” Robert wasn’t sure she should be quite so confident.
Christina laughed. She leaned over and gave Robert a quick kiss on the cheek, then stood up.
“This can wait, really, it can. Let me see how Arabella feels. It must be her decision, not mine.”
“Wait, there’s something else that concerns you. I’ve just had a letter from Monsieur Ferro.”
Christina felt a chill. She sat down again.
“Don’t worry. This is a business consideration.”
She waited for him to go on.
“After Richard’s arrest, it became obvious that Guy was somehow involved in both the arrest and the prosecution. Richard chose to cancel the shipping contracts that have existed between our families for many years. It has done serious damage to Guy’s business and, according to Monsieur Ferro, they have been unable to find another carrier. Now that Guy is dead, Ferro has written on the advice of his lawyer to ask if you might consider reopening the contracts.”
Before she could answer, Robert handed her a letter. “This came with the letter to me. Perhaps you should read it before you make the decision?”
Christina took the letter and looked at it. Then she looked at Robert. “May we wait on this? I want to be with Arabella.”
“Of course.”
Arabella had an uneventful delivery of a big healthy boy. Christina felt privileged to have been allowed to share the event with her, and secretly prayed that her own child’s birth would go as well.
She and Maryse left the little celebration that was taking place in Arabella’s room.
“I’d like to lie down for awhile, do you mind?” she asked Maryse.
“Of course, not. We’ll see each other at supper. And perhaps we can see Arabella and the baby again afterward.”
Alone in her room, Christina slipped off of her shoes and settled herself on the chaise longue, pulling Stefano’s letter from her pocket. Before she opened it she took a moment to remind herself that she was safe. Stefano would never be a part of her life again, unless by her own choice. Guy was dead and she no longer had anything to fear from him, either.
She opened the envelope.
Dear Christina,
I was shocked to learn that Guy has left his entire estate, including the silk business, to me. I was not privy to this information before he died and it has come as a surprise.
So now I want to know if there is anything from the house that you would like. It was your home for a number of years and it is my wish that you have any things you might want. You need only ask and I can have them delivered to the townhouse or to you at Beauvu.
And there is one thing more. I hesitate to share it with you and yet I feel you would prefer to know. The night before the execution Guy told me that he was responsible for your brother’s death. He said he had found the dagger in the barn when he was spying on the two of you and he intended to use it on Richard. That it became the instrument of your brother’s death was a accident.
Please believe that you have nothing to fear from me in the future. I love you. I promise you I will not trouble you, but remain at your disposal should you need anything from me. Ever.
I beg you to forgive me for not being able to do the one thing you wanted of me. I am a coward, Christina, and did not realize it until you asked. You will never know how much I regret the pain my refusal has caused you. I can only tell you that I have done for you the one thing I told you I felt capable of doing. While it was not what you wanted, I pray that it may bring you some comfort and security.
Yours,
Stefano
Christina and Maryse spent the evening with Arabella and the baby.
“Have you decided on a name?” Christina asked as she watched the baby nurse. Soon Arabella would be nursing her child as well. Christina was so pleased that she’d agreed to do it. It seemed so much better, family providing for her child rather than a stranger.
“I wanted you to help me,” Arabella said. “I don’t know Richard’s family, with the exception of Robert and Grégoire. And I would like to use my brother’s name, Giancarlo, we called him Giano—Jean—he died when he was a boy. So I was thinking Jean-Richard?”
Christina smiled and looked at Maryse. She was smiling, too.
“But what else?”
“Well, Richard’s father was Louis and we know how much Richard loved Robert,” Christina offered.
“Jean-Richard Robert Louis?”
“I like it,” said Maryse.
“So do I.”
After she nursed him, Arabella handed the baby to Christina. Christina looked down at the tiny bundle in her arms. She knew he was considered a big healthy boy, but he seemed so small as she held him.
“Welcome, Jean-Richard Robert Louis Magniet,” she said softly to the sleeping child. “You have no idea how many people already love you.”
And then, just as so many years ago the baby Christina had opened her eyes and looked at the five-year-old Richard, baby Jean-Richard opened his eyes and regarded Christina.
And she knew him for who he was.