THE ALTERED COURSE

BY:  ROSE CARR

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

As soon as word of the successful rescue had been received, Adele and Sister Clarice began preparations for Richelleen's return. Now the rectory was humming with activity, mouth watering smells of baking bread and rich simmering stews emanated from the kitchen, permeating the corridors and giving the whole of St. Germaine's a festive air. Everyone it seemed wanted to pitch in and help. Even the normally reserved Mother Superior was smiling and humming to herself as she went about her supervisory chores in the kitchen.

"Now see here young man," Adele sputtered good naturedly at Nicholas, who burbled happily in his tub of warm bath water, his chubby little legs kicking furiously, sending frothy sprays of soapy water in all directions. "You're the one who's supposed to be taking a bath not me!" she laughed out loud, startling him. Nicholas blinked his eyes wide with surprise and stopped his kicking. Tilting his head to one side, the fine downy brows gathered in a frown. His solemn gaze combined with the blue-gray eyes so much like his fathers made Adele think she had really upset him when suddenly they twinkled brightly and his little face broke into a grin and resumed his furious water dance sending fresh spouts of water splashing over the sides of the tub drenching Adele even further. Wrinkling her nose at him in mock disgust, she said, "That does it Nicholas Javert, now you're coming out of there!" Sister Clarice her face flushed and eyes bright with merriment, hurried Adele's rescue, handing her a towel to dry herself off with and holding out another to wrap around the squirming infant who was now objecting loudly at being removed from the water.

"They're coming, they're coming!" came a cry from the courtyard. Heads turned as a breathless Simone, her face beet red with excitement, banged open the kitchen door of the rectory, dodging and weaving her way through the alarmed nuns.

"Whoa there, calm yourself girl," Adele said dabbing at herself with the towel. "Who's coming?"

"Why, Madame Richelleen and... Monsieur Javert!" Simone exclaimed, her dark eyes shining brightly."

"Now?" Adele cried incredulously.

Simone's head bobbed up and down as she answered. "Yes Madame, they are coming! Joley (one of the guards at the gate) said he got word that their carriage is not more than fifteen minutes away!"

"Mon Dieu!" Adele exclaimed. "They cannot! We still have many things left to do!" She bade Simone take Nicholas and get him dressed then gave instructions to Sister Clarice on the final dinner preparations and gathering her up her skirts hurried from the kitchen to make sure she would be in place to welcome them back when the carriage pulled up to the gate. Walking out to the gate she had a few moments to reflect on the past events, smiling to herself, reliving the joy that filled her when news of the successful rescue reached them. But now that the initial flood of relief had passed, worry nagged at her. She had to see for herself that her old friend was indeed all right. Images of Richelleen danced through her head. It seemed that they had always been together. Richelleen's mother had died when Adele was still a young girl and Richelleen but a child. She was some years her senior and had helped Andre watch over her until her marriage to Armond. Then when he was killed, she had grieved with Richelleen and drawn even closer to her. In the years that passed Adele had tried to pique her friend's interest in the other young men of the village but Richelleen never bit, choosing instead to bury herself in the business of healing and medicines. When Monsieur Javert happened on the scene and she saw them fall in love it had gladdened her heart and then the baby came and she was filled with happiness for her friend. To know it had almost been ripped away by that madman had almost driven Adele mad herself. But now, it was over and she was coming home. Stepping out onto the walk she was taken aback by the scene before her. Along the street their carriage traveled the balconies were filled with onlookers and the sidewalks lining the wide street were filling up with the crowd of people wanting to get a glimpse inside the carriage as it rolled along the cobbled streets. Elbowing her way the knot of chattering people who had gathered in front of the black wrought iron gate she found her place. Patting her hair down, she raised her head and smiled, she wanted her face to be the first one Richelleen saw when she arrived. A cool wind swept across her face and she became aware that even though it had been a sunny day, it was fast becoming a chilly evening. A misty pall was falling over the city and some distance away the lights of a coffee-room glittered yellow in the gathering mist. She heard a murmur ripple through the crowd and the carriage came into view. She could see Georges now, his face wreathed in a big smile and her heart leapt and then he was there, pulling the carriage to a stop in front of the gate. Recognizing her he called out a greeting and jumped down to open the door. Adele's eyes squinted against the light, zeroing in on the inside of the carriage and the two figures sitting in the shadows. Adele watched silently, impatiently as Javert stepped down and extended his arm up towards the open carriage door. Then Adele saw her as she leaned forward and took his hand. Richelleen raised her eyes and upon seeing her old friend her eyes grew brighter and the easy smile Adele knew so well lit her face. But Adele's heart twisted into a tiny knot as she came closer. She looks so pale Adele thought, so thin!

"My friend!" Adele murmured as one by one the heavy tears gathered in her eyes. Ah, she thought disgustedly the tears had started and she had promised herself she would not cry! There was a moment of silence then suddenly they were hugging and talking at the same time.

"Oh," Richelleen cried, "for so many days I dreamed of coming home! Please don't tell me now that this is all just a dream!"

"No, you're not dreaming Mon Amie, you're here at last!" Adele said and hugged her tightly, her troubled eyes locking on to Javert's who watched from beside the carriage. He gave her an almost imperceptible nod and his gentle smile let her know that everything was indeed, just fine. Smiling Adele stepped back and held her at arm's length. "Here, let me get a good look at you!"

Unable to control herself any longer, Richelleen took Adele's hands and squeezed them gently. "Please, I don't mean to put you off, and please don't be offended but we'll have time for that later, right now all I want to know is, where is he?"

Adele's smile broadened, "No offense taken. Come," she said putting her arm around Richelleen's shoulders, "I'll show you the way." With Javert walking close behind them, his arms clasped behind his back, she led the way into the rectory, to the room where their son waited for them. The desperate weariness that had gripped Richelleen for so long disappeared the moment Simone laid Nicholas in her arms.

"He's so beautiful," she breathed, looking up at Javert, her dark eyes dancing with delight. And he was beautiful Javert thought. True the color of his eyes was so like his own but the dark feathery brows and fluff of black hair starting to curl around the perfect little skull was his mother's. Looking at the two of them, Javert could remember flashes from his own childhood. Faded images of a woman with the same expression on Richellen's face... a woman soft and warm who used to hold a different child. He swallowed hard against the memory and quickly turned from the tiny group of chattering women to look out the window, lest they see the gathering dampness in his eyes. He did not know Adele and Simone had left the room until he heard the door close softly behind them. Richelleen turned her head, the dark brows lifted in inquiry, "Javert, are you all right? You've been unusually quiet today...even for you."

"Yes, I'm fine" he said clearing his throat, "my mind was just on the mountain of reports I have to do. But you, you look as if you could do with a bit of rest," he said as he knelt down beside her.

"It shows?" she said with a wry smile.

"Only a little," he answered gently, with a smile, genuine this time, crinkling the corners of his eyes.

Adele peeked into the bedroom and smiled at what she saw. Richelleen was sleeping, curled up under the quilt Javert had covered her with. Javert was sitting in the rocker, cradling a slumbering Nicholas against his chest who was emitting soft little buzzing sounds of contentment.

He looked up when she entered and smiled warmly. "Please, come in Adele, it's all right."

"No, no," Adele replied. "I just wanted you to know that dinner will be served at eight, but perhaps it's more important now for Richelleen to sleep than to eat."

Javert looked over at her sleeping form. "You may be right. She's had a rough time of it. Would you... be kind enough you extend our apologies to the others?"

"Of course," she said. "Besides," she continued with a wicked little smile, "that hungry mob plans to come back for lunch tomorrow anyway, so you won't be missing a thing." She started to close the door, thought a minute, then said, "Do you need anything Monsieur? You look a little tired yourself. Are you hungry? Because if you are, I can have a tray brought in for you."

"Ah...no. But thank you for offering. I don't seem to have an appetite right now and as soon as I put Nicholas down I think I will turn in myself. We'll see you in the morning then," he said politely dismissing her.

"Good night Monsieur," she said as she pulled the door shut behind her. With a small sigh, she headed down the hall, her head shaking as she muttered to herself. Those two had been through a lot lately, she'd see to it they were not disturbed.

Roland was sitting on a stool at his worktable, staring at the gleaming silver crucifix he held in his hand when Father Verchese entered the room.

"Roland, are you coming to dinner?" Father Verchese asked. "Everyone is asking for you."

"In a moment Father, I just wanted to finish this project I've been working on first."

Father Verchese put a hand over his face to hide a wry smile. "You finished that weeks ago Roland. What's really bothering you?"

"Bothering me?" he said without turning to look at the priest. "I have no idea what you're talking about. "

Father Verchese snorted, "Oh...don't you? You mean you've finally forgiven yourself and forgotten your love for her?"

Roland's face went pale, he sighed, his shoulders slumped forward in defeat bringing a pained look to the priest's dark eyes. "You never let up do you?" Roland said.

"No, I don't," he said shaking his head adamantly. "I don't mean to open old wounds Roland but sometimes they have to be cleaned out, cut away from the body or they will sit and fester until they cannot ever be healed."

Roland drew in a long deep breath and spread his hands wide in a gesture of defeat. "Okay, okay. You win. I'll talk to her."

The priest crossed the room, and laid a wide warm hand on his shoulder, his dark eyes kind and gentle, glittering in the room's dim light. "It is regrettable Roland, but I feel it is the right thing for you to do," he said quietly. "You'll never have any real peace until you settle this matter. It's in everyone's best interest." Without giving him a chance to say anything more, he turned and walked away. Roland watched as the door closed to the workshop, then turned back to his workbench. A lot of time had passed since Armond's death and he and Richelleen had never spoken of it. How would he tell her that he felt he had been responsible for his death, what would say when she found out? He took a deep breath, picked up a small hammer and chisel and began working on his new project. He always thought better when he worked, he would have to think of some way to approach Richelleen or that persistent priest would give him no peace!

The mid day meal had been extremely gay. All those present said that they had never seen a more adorable baby than Nicholas or a more beautiful mother than Richelleen. Javert, not usually one to enjoy such social functions appeared to be in a brilliant mood, making his way around the room, stopping to shake hands with well wishers while engaging in small talk. Richelleen cornered by Madame Dupre watched his journey from across the room. Was it her imagination, or could she hear his every footstep? Or was that just the sound of her own heartbeat thudding in her chest? She combed her fingers though her thick dark curls and tried to focus her attention on the figure chattering away before her. She looked around and did not see him, where was he? Suddenly she felt Javert's hand on her shoulder. He flashed a polite smile at the Chief Inspector's wife then leaned against her to extend his hand in greeting. Madame Dupre simpered and flushed and his attention, Richelleen's stomach flipped flopped. His presence behind her was palpable, making it difficult for her to breath and she swallowed hard to push back the rush of longing that swelled her throat as she fought the delicious impulse to lean back into his tantalizing warmth. Surely if she did that, Madame Dupre would notice and know what they were about. She lost the battle when he stepped closer, the plains of his body hard and inviting against her, his breath tickling her hair when he answered a question she hadn't heard. Merde she thought savagely as her head started to swim, but he made it difficult for her to concentrate. She had no idea what the Chief Inspector's wife was saying, and it must have showed on her face.

"Are you all right Richelleen?" Madame Dupre said, her brow furrowed with concern, you look a little flushed!"

"Um, yes. Yes, yes I'm fine," she stammered. "Really... It's just a little... warm in here. Please," she said pulling her mind away from her fantasy, "go on with your story Madame Dupre, it's most interesting." She did her best to finish the conversation with the Inspector's wife before she explained that they must be leaving for a previous...appointment. Javert bowed to Madame Dupre and took Richelleen's arm. Together they made their way over to Adele and Simone, checking on the arrangements they had made for the overnight care of Nicholas before they left by the side door.

Andre, wineglass in hand, sidled up to Adele and asked. "But the reception's not over yet, where are they going?"

Adele chuckled, and her eyes sparkled with mischievous merriment. "Andre really, I know you're old but can you be have grown so old that you do not remember why a man and woman desire to be alone for a time?"

The ride in the carriage was interminable. Sitting beside Javert, her hand rested lightly on his leg, sweet excitement tugging at her as she felt the hard muscles of his leg bunch and slide beneath the wool of his breeches with every bump in the road. He glanced down at her and her mouth went dry at the chiseled handsomeness of his face and the naked look of desire in his hooded eyes. Memories of their first night together in the wagon flashed into her mind sending a lance of heat through her that burned brightly in her cheeks. She cleared her throat, and leaned closer so she could whisper in his ear. "Can't you make Georges drive this thing any faster?" Javert flushed, his cheeks ruddy beneath the steel gray of his sideburns but he nodded with sudden understanding and urged on by the heat of her hip resting against his, he picked up the night stick that lay beside him and thumped twice on the ceiling of the carriage. Instantly the rumbling noise of the wheels grew louder as the speed of the coach increased. Pulling to a stop in front of the apartment building Georges barely had time to say goodnight before they disappeared into the door. Chuckling to himself Georges urged his horses on. "I think it's okay for us to leave, eh? We'll not be seeing anymore of them tonight."

The door closed behind them and instantly they were in each other's arms, his mouth covering hers, fierce and demanding. She broke the kiss and raised her head, exposing the creamy skin of her neck to his lips. The shadow of his beard rasped against her skin as he planted warm kisses along her length of the silky expanse, sending little shivers of anticipation coursing through her. Her trembling fingers fumbled with his shirt, pulling it free of his breeches. The firm expanses of body rippled under her hands and she loosened his pants, sending buttons skittering across the floor, oblivious to the moment when he untied her dress until he slipped it off her shoulders and drew her against him, his growing need making itself known, pressing hot and hard against the gentle curve of her belly. He gasped as he felt the feathery touch of her hands slide down to stroke him. His breath came in gasps, hot against her neck. Her own breath grew ragged when she felt him slip his fingers beneath the edge of her undergarments, ripping the thin material as he jerked them lose from her waist and reached his hand between the silky satin of her thighs to stroke her in return, wanting to give back as much as he got. Her legs quaking from his tender ministries, Richelleen threw her head back, her eyes lifted heavenward reveling in the sheer sweet ecstasy of the intense pleasure his touch gave her. She became frantic with need, her eyes closed, totally immersed in the sensations that were threatening to consume her. Everything that had happened, every hurt, every pain, was forgotten under his touch.

"You're so beautiful" he murmured, his lips against the hollow of her throat. "I was so...afraid when I couldn't find you....."

"I'm here now," she said, tracing little kisses along the length of his neck, along the edge of his jaw up to his ear raising goose flesh in tender places. He groaned before his lips found hers, warm and seductive, the warm hesitant touch of his tongue causing her own lips to flutter apart and let him come deeper, seeking the secret recesses of mouth. Without losing the kiss he picked her up and carried her to the bed and laid her down, her long dark hair fanning out over the quilted coverlet like black silk as he stretched out beside her.

He felt his own pleasure increase as he heard little gasps escape her lips and felt her fingers tighten in his hair and direct his kisses to soft mounds of her breasts. She made little mewling sounds of pleasure, and her movements became more heated and demanding, letting him know that she was ready, that touching wasn't enough anymore. Her arms circling his neck he reached down and drew her legs around him until he was poised at the brink. Caught in her circle of passion he buried himself and felt her move and pulse around him. His movements quickened and the world around him threatened to spin out of control with the pleasurable wonder of filling her, becoming one with her. Her body shuddered under his hands as she lifted her hips to meet him again and again. Richelleen heard a wild cry, unsure if it had been him or her that had cried out so. Drowning in sensation, desperate to get closer she hitched her silken thighs higher around his hips and they moved as one until everything inside of her began to contract and she heard a strangled cry come from his throat and she clung to him, her body accepting him as part of herself, enclosing him and welcoming him as if it were the first time. Her whole body shook as he brought her to the edge and he knew then and there that there would never be any other woman for him ever again. He felt her love surround him and knew that at last in his own heart and mind that she not only wanted him, but wanted him because she loved him. Their pleasure built until it exploded into a brilliant release, breaking over them in waves and he heard her cry out his name as she arched beneath him, her arms and legs encircling him like a velvet covered vise. And in that last moment of sanity before the world spun away from under him, he heard his own voice strange and hoarse, call out her name. He would never be alone again; he had come home at last.

He awakened to find her sitting at the table, fully dressed, a pot of tea made. She smiled as he leaned down to kiss her cheek and nodded when he said he would be back after his morning ritual. When he returned she had laid out a loaf of bread and slices of thick creamy cheese. He sipped at his tea and ate, watching her, wondering when she would tell him what was on her mind. Her news was soon in coming. She reached into her pocket and drew out a piece of paper, thrusting it out to him.

"What is this," he said setting down his half-eaten roll.

"Read it, it's a note from Roland. He wants to ...talk to me."

Javert read the short note. "He doesn't say here why he wants to see you, do you know what it's about?"

"No, I don't. What do you think I should do?"

"What do you want to do," he said. The blue-gray eyes clear and steady.

She got up and paced the room for a moment. "I think I should see him, find out what he wants. Will you come with me?"

"Of course I will," he said, troubled concern clouding his blue-gray eyes. "If that's what you want."

An hour later a knock on the door let them know the coach was ready and they left, Richelleen blushing when Georges tipped his hat at her and grinned. Arriving at the gates of the church courtyard the sentinel posted there stopped Javert and took him aside to speak to him.

Javert took Richelleen by the arm and escorted her to the door of the rectory. "Something has come up," he said in answer to her inquiring look. "I'll be back as soon as I possibly can."

"All right," she answered. "Just be careful," she said as she watched him stride away and climb into the coach. She was more than a little curious about what had "come up", but she refrained from asking him what it was about, knowing that in due time if it were a matter he could share with her, he would do so in his own way. She would get word to Roland that they would see him as soon as Javert returned for them. Meanwhile there was much to do if they were to leave the rectory and return home with Nicholas.

After tidying up the room and packing the few things they had Richelleen shared a plate of cold sandwiches and hot tea with Adele and Simone. Sister Clarice and the other nuns paid them hurried little visits throughout the day with Sister Clarice getting teary-eyed everytime someone mentioned that Richelleen and Nicholas were leaving. She and the others had grown very attached to the baby and hated to see them go. "You know you'll leave behind some broken hearts when you leave," Adele said.

"Yes, I know but we won't be far and I've told her that they can come and visit us whenever they get a chance." Richelleen said.

Setting her cup of tea down, Adele studied her friend from across the small table. "Oh, so you'll be staying behind when the caravan leaves for the winter site." Adele asked casually.

"Yes,"

"Have you told Andre?" she said, unable to conceal the glimmer of misgiving in her dark eyes.

Richelleen's sandwich halted halfway to her mouth. "No, but I will and he'll...understand."

Adele raised an arched brow "Yes, sure he will."

Richelleen winced at her sarcasm. "But Adele...it's the right thing to do. Javert...he's so...well, for such a strong man he's so...well...vulnerable. He's never had a real home and the law is the only life he's ever known. And at this stage in his life it would kill him if I made him leave it, and I could never ask him to leave it anymore than I could ask him to... to fly to the moon!"

"And what about what you want Richelleen, doesn't that matter?"

Richelleen shook her head firmly. "I have what I want. I have him, I have Nicholas and I'll have my work.

"Your work?" Adele said with a sudden frown.

"Yes, I've decided to start a clinic...for the poor and goodness knows there are enough of our own people living in Paris who fit into that category."

"You've talked about this with Javert?"

"Yes..and he's not thrilled...now Adele don't give me that look! He's just worried about my safety but it will work out. Why, he's even volunteered to find us a place."

"Us?"

"Yes, Milos and Yvette are going to help me. They need a place to stay and they're willing to learn and help..."

Adele smiled. "You're amazing Richelleen, you have it all worked out. You make it sound so simple!"

Richelleen shrugged, drank her tea and put the cup down, dabbing at her lips with a napkin. "I know it won't be easy, but things will work out! Oh, I know things will be difficult at first, here and in the camp, but you are more than able to care for the needs our people and Simone is well on her way. Why, after a while you won't even miss me."

Adele looked at her friend's hopeful face and smiled. "I doubt that my friend, but I can tell by the light in your eyes that you are happy, and that is good enough for me." She stood up. "Come, let me help you pack the rest of your things."

Dinner came and went and still no word came from Javert so Richelleen decided to send word to Roland that she would meet with him now. The hour was late and she was anxious to get it over with. What was it that Roland wanted she wondered as she hurried through the corridors, and where was Javert?

To be continued ...

© 1999 Rose Carr

Contact the author:  Rosematuse@aol.com

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