…Between the mirror and the heart is this single difference: the heart conceals secrets, while the mirror does not…Rumi
Sophia picks at the crumbs on her plate, the remains from her breakfast to stop herself from studying Marie too closely. Even with a casual gaze, she can see the pallor that accentuates the dark circles under her eyes.
‘Did you not sleep well last night?’
Marie raises a skeptical brow at being asked this question. Immediately Sophia feels foolish. After last night’s astonishing revelation, why should she think Marie would enjoy a dreamless uncomplicated sleep? She should not have asked about a dinner.
‘I was restless,’ Marie admits rubbing her forehead with two fingers, ‘But, as for a dinner with everyone, I think it is fine. I hope you will encourage Madame Bernard to join us?’
‘To join us at what?’ Lucien strides into his mother’s salon, bringing with him cold fresh air and the scents of leather saddles and horses. He kisses Marie’s cheek and appropriates her foot stool to sit near the breakfast tray. He examines the remaining pastry selection and picks one up consuming it in two bites. He selects another one and looks between the two women. ‘Join us at what?’ he repeats. His mother regards him with fond exasperation, ‘really Lucien, your manners!’ He feigns remorse ducking his shoulders at her reprimand and sneaks another pastry.
‘A dinner,’ Sophia replies, ‘with everyone. I hope Madame Bernard will attend too.’ She turns to Marie, ‘I will talk with her. I have another idea to entice her from her self-imposed exile.’ She looks between Marie and Lucien, ‘is it too soon? I do not mean to press a social occasion on you Marie … if you do not feel ready…’
‘Ready?’ the elderly duchess makes short sardonic laugh, ‘It forever has eluded me.’ She thinks it must elude her eldest son as well. Last night, Olivier had been stoical, but he had that trait when he was a little boy too. One can learn to lean on stoical when there is a lack of true readiness. Sophia looks distressed and Marie regrets her unthinking words. Sophia has enough to manage without her adding to it.
‘I am sorry for my mockery dear. I am not as clear thinking as I would wish. Do you wish for me to speak with Madame Bernard too?’
‘Ask her to come with you to the Abbey this afternoon,’ Lucien suggests. Marie looks surprised, ‘am I going to the Abbey today?’
‘I will take you and Madame Bernard to prayers for Terce,’ Lucien replies. ‘Send a message to Sister Dulcine to expect you.’ Sophia beams at him, ‘an excellent suggestion.’
‘There is one more thing,’ Sophia looks from Marie to Lucien. ‘We should tell our children the truth today. I suggest we tell them and Cousin Francois together.’
Lucien sees Marie’s worried frown and covers her hand with his. ‘You are their beloved grandmother and all you will tell them is that their father has a brother. While they might have questions, my guess is that Rosie and Rayya will be happy that Bianca and Raoul are cousins, and by Raoul’s marriage to Marie Cessette, Porthos’ children are also cousins.’
‘Alessandra has been part of this family for years and now she is their aunt by marriage,’ Sophia added. ‘The children will be overjoyed.’
‘Is Athos talking with his musketeer friends this morning?’ Marie asks. ‘Yes,’ Lucien nods and looks at Sophia, ‘but not their wives. This morning on our ride we agreed to ask you if you would go to the dower house and tell Constance and Elodie.’
‘All right,’ Sophia says reluctantly, ‘if you think that is the best way.’
‘I do,’ Lucien replies. He regards Marie for a moment saying in a casual tone, ‘Athos will return from the dower house later. He wants to watch his daughter during her riding session with Atlas.’
‘It is too cold for riding today, although Bianca is always willing. The child is fearless,’ Marie smiles to herself, ‘so eager to push at any caution.’ She enjoys watching the younger children at their riding lessons, the trips around the paddock on Atlas were a treat to her as well as the children. But she understands Lucien’ s warning.
‘I must attend to my correspondence and must forego this pleasure.’ She makes no explanation or excuse. ‘Please suggest that Bianca and Rayya practice the harp today or even the harpsichord.’
Lucien nods and stands up. ‘Send for the children. I will be in my library.’
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Sophia pauses outside the library, listening to Lucien singing, his deep voice resonant. She opens the door quietly and slips inside, closing the door and leaning back against it. Lucien is standing by Rascal’s cage singing softly. The little bird is chirping excitedly as he hops along the branches, pausing to listen intently, his head tilting side to side. Rascal stops and a suddenly a clear melodic string of notes blends with Lucien’s singing. ‘That’s it Rascal,’ he exclaims, ‘you are a magical bird my friend.’
‘You and Rascal make lovely music together,’ she says softly crossing the room to step into his embrace. ‘Where did you go last night?’ He chuckles, ‘I thought you were sound asleep and would not miss me.’
‘I know when you are gone,’ she says quietly. ‘I always know.’ He tightens his arms around her. ‘I went to Yusuf.’
‘I thought you would.’
‘You know me too well,’ he murmurs kissing her. ‘I fear not well enough for what you face now,’ Sophia replies. She places her hands on his cheeks, her eyes roving over his face, searching his eyes for his thoughts and emotions. What is it that keeps him awake at night?
‘Athos is your brother. Would Marie ever have told you the truth?’
He shrugs and gently moves her hands from his face. ‘I do not know. I can understand her secrecy, the danger she felt for me … for us. If it were any other man, perhaps she would have told me, but Athos … and Treville’s role …’ his voices trails off. He rakes a hand through his hair, looks at her and shrugs again. He does not know.
There is a short knock at the door and Marie opens it. ‘They will be here soon,’ Marie says as Lucien guides her to a comfortable settee near the fireplace and voices are heard outside the door. Both he and Sophia turn to face the door. He squeezes her hand and brings it to lips, ‘you are my magic my love.’
Cousin Francois is first, followed by Suzanne, Afonso, Rayya, Rosie and Samyar. ‘Where are your brothers?’ Lucien quips. The children exchange uncertain glances, and Sophia clucks her tongue disapprovingly. ‘Your father makes a jest.’ It suddenly occurs to her that Kayvahn and Asim will grow up with Athos as their uncle, Alessandra as their aunt, Bianca and Raoul as cousins. They will never know anything different. It will become part of the family history, a curious story told and retold to future generations, fading in significance.
‘We have some news,’ Lucien begins, ‘you remember when we told you the truth of your grandmother, that she was my mother and how and why I became separated from her…’
Suzanne watches the faces of her brother and sisters. They are listening to their father, their faces open and trusting. Occasionally, their eyes wander to their grandmother and mother, checking their reactions too. Sophia smiles encouragingly, Marie is composed, waiting patiently for their questions. Finally, Lucien finishes. The room is quiet, even Rascal sits motionless on his branch.
‘Father and Bianca’s father are brothers,’ Rayya breaks the silence, repeating her father’s words in a slightly different alignment. ‘Bianca is my true cousin.’ She looks between her parents and grandmother for confirmation.
‘Our uncle is a famous musketeer!’ Samy is wide-eyed. ‘Raoul was a musketeer too.’
‘Your sister is a musketeer,’ Lucien reminds Samy, ‘Raoul is married to Porthos’ daughter, Marie Cessette…’
‘Olivain is my cousin!’ Samyar cries triumphantly. ‘And his sisters,’ Lucien reminds his son, exchanging a smiling glance with Sophia. ‘Yes, of course,’ Samy says agreeably. Marie is watching Rosie who looks troubled. ‘What is it dear Rosie?’
‘Why did you not tell us before that M Athos was Father’s brother?’ the child asks her grandmother. Marie draws Rosie onto her lap, ‘you remember what I told you before, why I sent your father away? It was the same for M Athos as it was for your father. I had to do what I thought would protect my sons.’
‘Is Father safe now? Is our uncle safe too?’ Rosie chews on her fingernail. Ah…Lucien suddenly sees what worries Rosie. He leans down to place his hands on Rosie’s shoulders and looks into her eyes, ‘yes Rosie. We are all safe now.’ A shadow passes over Marie’s expression. Sophia, Suzanne and Afonso exchange glances, but they stay silent.
Marie pats the cushion next to her and Rosie settles close against her. ‘I am happy we are finally reunited. It will take a little time for all of us to become accustomed to each other, but we will be one family as we were always intended to be.’
Cousin Francois stands up and lays a meaty hand on Lucien’s shoulder, ‘I stand ready to help in any way you need Lucien. I will take the children to the school room for their lessons.’
Samy, Rayya and Rosie leave with Cousin Francois for the classroom. Marie stands and smooths her skirts intending to return to her correspondence. ‘I will walk with you Marie,’ Sophia turns to Lucien. ‘And then I will go to the dower house.’
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‘I shall need my lady this morning M Eduin.’ Sophia is pulling her saddle from a rack when M Eduin appears wiping his hands on a cloth. ‘Of course, Your Grace.’ He looks around. ‘Is Christian to accompany you?’
‘I am only going across the meadow to the dower house,’ she replies, ‘I do not need an escort.’
She rides from the stable yard, through the frost covered parterres to the orchard. She winds her way through the trees to a path that leads to the dower house, following it for a short distance and then turns off onto a track. She stays on the track across the pasture and up a low rise to the crest of a hill, riding along the crest that overlooks the dower house and the estate, relishing the solitude, the sun warm on her back, her cheeks tingling against the crisp cold air. She pushes her horse faster until the cold wind whips tears from her eyes and she no longer sees the outbuildings. The forest is coming closer, she reins in the horse, and they slow to a walk. The only sounds are the breeze whispering through trees, chittering insects and birds singing. It is the first time she has been alone for some time.
…I approached Treville … and he had no reasons to help me … Nevertheless, he did. After Lucien was born …
Treville had known everything from the beginning. She wonders if Athos has remembered Marie’s words. She hears the drumming of horse’s hooves and looks sharply down the track and then relaxes. She recognizes the rider.
‘You rode out without Christian,’ Yusuf chastises her as he draws up next to her. ‘It disappoints me you would take the risk.’
‘I only meant to go to the dower house.’ He makes a wry smile and points down into the valley. ‘It is that way,’ he says as though she needs directions to it. She twists her mouth sarcastically, ‘I just needed a moment alone. So many people in the house…’ her voice trails off. She jumps from the saddle and paces up and down agitated. Yusuf sighs and dismounts slowly.
‘It will all start again now Yusuf. Marie said that Treville knew from the very beginning that Marie was their mother and Richelieu their father. Athos and the others will start to think about it, review Treville’s actions, the fight with Lucien and everything will start again.
‘No bacim,’ Yusuf counters, ‘there is more they share now than what divides them. There is only one thing of importance. Lucien has a brother.’
‘You are Lucien’s brother,’ Sophia says pointedly. Yusuf chuckles, ‘it is not a contest bacim. There is no need for jealousy or…’ he smiles at her, ‘declarations of loyalty.’
‘It will be difficult,’ Sophia insists. ‘There are old grievances, I do not know if they can be overcome.’ Yusuf chews on a small twig and contemplates the valley. He looks at her and shrugs. A wise person once told me, ‘…have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.’
Sophia slants a skeptical look at him, ‘what wise person?’
‘Someone I did not listen to enough.’
‘When did Lucin tell you?’ Sophia looks at Yusuf. ‘The night he and Athos arrived,’ he answers. Sophia makes a small smile, relieved. Lucien had gone to Yusuf. She does not ask what they discussed. Lucien will tell her in his own time and way. She straightens her jacket and brushes off her skirt.
‘I had best get to the dower house,’ she says. Yusuf laces his fingers together and boosts her into the saddle. ‘I will ride with you.’
As they cross the meadow, Yusuf reins up his horse, ‘I leave you here Your Grace.’
‘You will come to dinner with us,’ Sophia turns in the saddle to face him. He wags his head at her, ‘I think you will not take no for an answer.’ She feigns to narrow her eyes and look stern. Yusuf chuckles and inclines his head, ‘it will be my honor.’
She watches Yusuf ride away and turns back to the dower house.
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‘Sophia is coming,’ Constance says. Elodie crosses to the window to stand beside her. They watch Sophia ride across the meadow. ‘It must be important,’ Constance frowns, ‘she usually sends a note with a servant.’
‘Could it have something to do with Athos being here?’ They saw the expression on Athos’ face when he arrived earlier. The men had gone into the library and had not yet emerged. Constance feels an uneasy shiver of apprehension.
A stableboy appears to take her horse as Sophia dismounts and removes her gloves. Constance opens the front door. ‘Sophia. Welcome to your dower house.’
‘Elodie, Constance, ‘Sophia kisses the cheek of each woman in turn. ‘I hope you are comfortable here. You must tell me or Madame Perle if you need anything.’ They have dispensed with titles and formal address long ago.
‘Your people have been gracious in getting us and our servants settled. We feel quite welcome,’ Elodie replies, ‘the children are getting back into their routine.’
‘Are the children now with their tutors?’
‘Yes, they are in the room we set up as a classroom,’ Elodie replies. ‘Good,’ Sophia says, ‘I must talk with you both and it would be best if we are not interrupted. Is Athos still here?’
‘They are all in the library.’
‘Then let us go to the salon.’
‘I think you know the way,’ Constance quips.
Inside the salon, Elodie and Constance sit together facing Sophia who perches on the edge of the chair. ‘What is it?’ Elodie asks nervously. ‘Is there news from Paris? Are we…’
‘No no,’ Sophia says quickly to dispel her fear of Marchal and his guards suddenly descending on the estate. She takes a deep breath, ‘it has to do with what I believe Athos is telling your husbands and Aramis.’
‘Why are you …’ Constance is finding it hard to contain her impatience, ‘I mean, what is it that Athos trusts you to tell us?’
‘It is not only Athos,’ Sophia passes a hand over her hair thinking she has made a poor beginning of it. ‘Lucien and Athos have asked me to talk with you.’
Elodie and Constance exchange a frowning look as if that makes even less sense, but they stay silent and wait for Sophia to continue. ‘Lucien and Athos found Rochefort at a place called Bourron Mallote.’
Constance shrugs, she does not know the place. ‘And?’
‘There was a confrontation with Rochefort and his men. Rochefort told Athos and Lucien that Marie de Combalet had kept certain truths from them, that she lied in not telling them that they are brothers. They are both the sons of Marie de Combalet and Richelieu.’
‘What…?’ Constance is incredulous. Unconsciously, she looks to the salon door. On the other side of the house is the library where her husband and the other three are meeting. ‘Rochefort told them this? That man is evil! No one should believe anything that man…’
‘Marie confirmed it.’
A stunned silence descends. ‘Well,’ Constance says at last, ‘I will not say this is not surprising, even shocking news.’ She looks worried, ‘how is Marie? This admission is forced upon her by Rochefort.’
Sophia shrugs, ‘she had her reasons. There is one more thing.’ She hesitates and then says, ‘Treville knew.’
‘Do you mean from the beginning?’ Constance is astonished. Sophia nods, ‘yes, Treville kept Marie’s secret. He helped her.’
‘How are they …’ Constance again feels at a loss for words. ‘How are they taking this news?’
‘Perhaps you should judge that for yourself,’ Sophia says slowly, ‘I believe they sent me so that you would have an opportunity to talk to your children.’
‘You told your children?’ Elodie asks. ‘Yes,’ Sophia replies, ‘we told them this morning. Frankly they were more interested in the benefits of more cousins, uncles and musketeers in the family than the oddity of how it came about. Marie was remarkable in alleviating their concerns and focusing them on the family. Perhaps the children will lead us after all,’ Sophia smiles at her adaptation of the Bible quotation. She stands up.
‘I must get back. I have an idea,’ she adds, ‘to have a dinner tonight, with everyone. We have not done it since that first night and given what has been revealed, it is a good time to affirm our connections and welcome new ones.’ She looks between Elodie and Constance.
‘Will you come? Will you encourage your husbands to come? Aramis too?’
Twelve Years After 