THE ALTERED COURSE

BY:  ROSE CARR

CHAPTER THREE

Oh, he felt so good to her! So much time had passed since she had been in a man's arms. She ran her hands down his back and around his waist to his chest. She wanted to unbutton his shirt, she had to feel his bare skin. She became totally unaware of where she was, there was only him. She was totally unprepared for what happened next. Incredibly, she felt herself being thrust away from him!

"Javert!" she cried. "Why did you stop, is something wrong?"

A stricken look on his face, Javert stepped away. "Forgive me Madame Richelleen!"

Forgive you? For what?" she said. She was still a little dazed and her voice was thick from the passion that has just possessed her body.

"You were being kind and you meant to give me a comforting kiss and I -- behaved like an animal instead of a man. I had no right. I'm very sorry for my behavior."

He turned his back and bent his head down, as if in shame.

Richelleen lifted a hand to touch his shoulder and found it rigid, his back ramrod straight, arms down at his sides, fists tightly clenched as if fighting for control. She walked around so she could see his face. His eyes were tightly shut and she could see his throat moving as he swallowed hard.... Richelleen was stunned!. He really is ashamed of himself, she thought. This was a first for her. She never had a man apologize for making love to her.

Taking a deep breath and a moment to compose herself she spoke.

"Javert," she said gently, "Open your eyes, please, and look at me." He raised his head slightly and opened his eyes, looking at her a moment before attempting to turn his head away. Putting her fingers on his chin she said, "Don't Javert, don't turn away from me. You ask me why I would help you, why I would put myself in danger for you. I thought a kiss was an easy way to answer you, to let you how I felt about you. Believe me Javert, my kiss was not meant just to comfort you. I wanted to be in your arms. I sought and welcomed your advances. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

A look of relief crossed his handsome face. He took her in his arms and put his head next to hers, his lips only inches away from her ear, his breath soft and warm upon her neck as he whispered. "It has been so long, you do not know, cannot know how much your touch has meant to me. How wonderful it feels to share an embrace and feel alive again."

He buried his face in the hollow of her neck and held her tighter. She could feel his need and was moved by his simple honesty and lack of guile. Stepping back and away from his arms, Richelleen looked up into his face and with a gentle smile took his hand, brought it to her lips and kissed it. "Come," she whispered hoarsely, "let us go back to my wagon."

Hand in hand they started the walk back to the camp. They had only gone a short way when they saw a young woman running towards them. "It's Simone", Richelleen said. "Stay here please. Let me see what she wants." The young girl stopped, putting her hands on her knees, catching her breath while she waited for Richelleen to reach her. "What is wrong Simone, who sent you running out here to find me" Is anyone hurt?"

"It is Roland, Madame Richelleen, and the other men! They want to go to Paris to get Antoine. Your father is trying to stop them. He says they will only make matters worse and get us all in trouble."

Blast Roland! she thought. Why did he always have to stir things up? She would have to go and try to talk some sense into him, and the others. She ran back to Javert and told him she had to go help her father. He asked if he should go with her, but she shook her head. "Meet me back at the wagon" she said, "this should not take long." With that she was off and running, her fine lissome legs flashing in the sunlight as her skirts swirled around her. Her shawl slipped down as she ran revealing smooth ivory colored shoulders above the peasant blouse she was wore..

Javert could not help but enjoy the sight of her. She is magnificent he thought. Hands behind his back, as he walked towards camp, he could see signs of a storm brewing in the sky above him. He only hoped a storm was not also brewing in the camp. He picked up his pace, arriving at the camp site just as a crowd was gathering around Andre's wagon. The wiry old Gypsy was standing on the top step of his wagon and waving his arms, calling for order. A moment later Richelleen joined him. Javert edged closer to the circle of people so he could hear.

"People, please be quiet!" Richelleen shouted. "Listen to what my father has to say!" The crowd noises died down and Andre spoke out. "We know how everyone feels about Antoine. I want him home with us too. But he got himself in trouble and it will take time to help him out of it. Storming the Police Post will not get him back, but it will put more of us in danger. We could all wind up in jail, or worse shot dead for our trouble."

"We can't just stand by and do nothing!" Roland shouted. "We would do the same for you, or anyone in the camp."

"I know that Roland," Andre said. "But we need to go about this calmly and with a plan. Maybe we can take two or three men into town and check things out, see what they have done with Antoine or what they plan to do with him. Come, talk to me, you and the others. We can work this out together. Please my friends, go back to your wagons, talk this through among yourselves and then come to me. I have always done for you what is best, please listen to me now." Voices of assent and agreement came from the gathered crowd and Richelleen breathed a sigh of relief. The men would talk to her father, things could be worked out. The crises was averted for the time being.

Walking back with Roland to their wagon, Gaspar saw the tall silver haired man standing by Richelleen's wagon and asked who he was. Roland recounted the circumstances of the man's presence in the camp, and of his "encounter" with her over the strangers presence in her wagon. How could his brother continue to make a fool of himself Gaspar thought? Arriving at their wagon, Gaspar sat down on one of the upturned crates being used for chairs and accepted the drink offered to him by his brother. Sipping it slowly he stared at the man for a long moment and said "He looks very familiar to me, but I just can't place him."

"C'est Vrai?" Roland asked, getting excited. "You have seen this man, where?"

"Relax Roland" Gaspar said, rolling his brown eyes." All I said was that he looked familiar. I've seen a lot of people the last few weeks, and he may have been one of them."

"Please Gaspar, this is important to me, try and remember...you have to remember!"

"Roland, just stop it! You know your jealous fits make Richelleen angry. Take it easy. If I remember anything, I'll let you know." With that Gaspar walked away. He was getting hungry and tired, and he could not deal with Roland's problems now. As he walked to the campfire of his girlfriend, Gaspar wondered if he would ever understand his older brother. He knew Richelleen was special, but he didn't think he would ever debase himself over a woman, even one like her. He hated to admit it, but sometimes his brother behaved like a spoiled infant crying for it's mother's breast. Some people were only happy when they were miserable, he thought, and my brother must be one of them.

Richelleen started to leave her father and go back to her wagon when he stopped her. "Will you stay and speak with me for a moment?"

"Of course Papa, what do you want to talk about?"

"You know very well what I want to speak to you about. This mysterious man whom you have grown so fond of --- what have you learned about him?"

"Oh, not a lot," she said averting her eyes. "As I told you before, he does not remember very much about his past. I will question him again when I think he is well enough." She hated lying to her father, but she knew she could not explain what she had learned about Javert. He would not understand her feelings for the handsome Inspector, nor approve of the growing intimacy between them.

Andre looked at his only daughter with tenderness and said "I hope you know what you are doing Richelleen. It may be a dangerous game that you are playing, and I won't have you hurt -- by him or anyone else.

"Why Papa," she said looking at him with a worried frown. "You have always trusted my decisions before. Why do you doubt the way I am handling my affairs now?"

"Because my daughter, affairs of the heart do not always lead us to make good decisions."

"Don't worry Papa" she said, "I will be fine, you'll see. Promise me you will rest after you meet with the men. You know I will help in any way I can. She hugged his neck, kissed him on the cheek and left to go meet Javert.

Roland watched Richelleen as she walked across the yard and saw her walk up to the stranger. He could see them talking and smiling. He would have to get Gaspar to remember where he saw that man, something about him was just not right. He would find out what it was and then he would confront Richelleen with it and see what she thought of him then.

All had not been lost on Javert, he saw the young men looking at him and whispering. Keen observation of people was a skill developed during his time as an Inspector, and he sensed there was something more than the imprisoned Antoine motivating Roland's actions. "Is everything all right Madame Richelleen?" Javert asked as she approached him. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"How much did you hear?" she asked.

"Most of what was said. Your people are upset about Monsieur Antoine being detained, everyone except you Madame. Why is that?"

"I love Antoine and Gaspar, they are sweet young men, and I know they....do things, take things that don't belong to them, and sometimes get in trouble for it. I cannot blame the police for arresting them. I know they must be punished and taught a lesson, but my people do not believe this. It is hard for me to explain."

"And Monsieur Roland? Will your father be able to persuade him not to go through with this -- rescue?"

" Roland means well, but he is very impetuous. He seldom thinks about the results of his actions. His rash behavior has often made for bad situations. Ah, I am not the best person to talk to about Roland -- please Monsieur Javert, let us speak about something else. My father is a smart man, he will get the others to listen to reason and things will be worked out." Taking hold of his hand and giving him a bright smile, she said "You will see. Come, let us get indoors, the rain looks as if it will start any minute." Before they reached the wagon the rain did start, great sheets of it as if the sky hand opened up. They were drenched by the time they got indoors. Richelleen was the first one in, she made her way to the front of the wagon, found two towels and tossed one to Javert who was still standing just inside the door. "Come, come dry yourself off, you won't hurt anything by getting it a little wet." She got some matches from the table top and lit the lantern. A soft yellow light filled the room. She began drying her hair and ask Javert if he wanted anything to eat. There was some cheese, bread and wine in her wagon. Anything else she would have to go get from their supply wagon.

Javert said he was not hungry at the moment and pulling out a chair from under the table, sat down and dried his face and neck with the towel. He was dabbing at his shirt and pants when Richelleen came from behind him and sat on his lap. She began playfully tugging at the buttons on his shirt. Surprised, he grabbed at her hands to stop her. Quickly she managed to get the top two undone and was laughing as she leaned over and kissed the exposed hollow of his neck. He stiffened for a moment and then she felt him relax. It was obvious Richelleen thought that Monsieur Javert was not used to playing around and having fun. It saddened her to think of what a controlled joyless life he must have led.. Well, she would soon remedy that! Giving him a coy little smile she threw her arms around his neck and leaned forward to kiss him. He slipped his arms around her small waist--- Bang! A loud knock startled them both. "Madame Richelleen!" came the voice of Simone, Madame Richelleen!"

Richelleen arms dropped to her side and her head fell back in mock disgust. "Mon Dieu! She could not believe this was happening again. Giving Javert a wry apologetic smile she wriggled out of his lap, got up and walked to the door. Opening the door and inviting Simone to come in she asked. "Now Simone, what is so important that you had to come out in the rain?"

Looking past Richelleen as she removed the cowl of her flowered cloak, Simone saw Javert. Her cheeks reddened as he stood and gave her a little nod of acknowledgment. Chuckling to herself over Simone's reaction to Javert, Richelleen raised a dark eyebrow and said, "You did come to tell me something, didn't you Simone?"

Stammering a bit, then regaining her composure, Simone said, "Adele has begun her labor Madame, her husband sent me to fetch you."

Richelleen's demeanor changed at once. Concern furrowing her brow as she became all business. "Oh my, but of course Simone, let me get my things and we will go to her at once!" Taking a long maroon hooded cloak from the small closet, Richelleen slipped into her shoes and grabbed the large tapestry bag that held her medicines. "I have to go to her Javert. She is in labor early and I must be there to help her through it."

He stood and gave her a courtly bow and said, "Of course Madame, I understand completely, please do not worry about me. I will be fine and waiting patiently for your return." Holding the door open for the two women, he watched as they ran through the rain towards the camp until he could not see them anymore, reluctantly he closed the door. What would he do until she returned?

He looked around the wagon, really seeing it for the first time. It was larger than he thought at first and the decor reflected her vibrant personality. Bright, richly colored tapestries adorned the walls. Neatly kept shelves held household items as well as the herbs and medicines she used for healing. He spied a small collection of well worn books on a shelf above the bed.

She reads! he thought. Javert was very impressed by this. Not many people he knew could read or write, clearly Richelleen was a woman of many talents. Pouring himself a glass of wine and sitting on the edge of the bed while he sipped it, he thought of her. He found he missed her presence, the room seeming cold and dark without her. Feeling a little fatigued he decided he would lay down and rest while waiting for her to return. Setting down his glass he pulled off his boots and placed them under the table. He removed his shirt and pants, folded them neatly and put them in a nearby basket. He turned the wick in the lantern down and drew back the quilts to get in bed. Losing the battle to stay awake, he dozed off.

The sound of distant thunder woke him. Lightning flashed and he gasped as he saw a figure standing at the foot of the bed. "Richelleen?" he asked. Lightning lit the room again and he saw that it was her.

She was dripping wet and shivering, trying to get her wet garments off without making any noise. "Javert, I am so sorry, I did not mean to wake you," she said, her breath a white mist in the chill air. He clamored out of bed, grabbed the towels they had used earlier and wrapped one around her shoulders. Using the other he started drying her off. "You are freezing Richelleen, let me help you out of your wet things." Lips trembling with cold, she nodded and lifted her arms as he reached down and grasp the hem of her skirt and crinoline. Achingly aware of her body, he turned his head as he pulled the garments over her arms. He was grateful for the dim light that hid his growing desire for her. Wrapping a blanket around her, he cleared his throat and asked if she wanted a glass of wine. She shook her head no. "Just hold me Javert, please. I don't think I have ever been so cold!"

He put his arms around her and drew her close, holding her until her shivering stopped. "Was is a difficult birth for Adele?" he asked. "You have had a long day......how are you feeling?"

"It was a hard birth, but Adele and the baby are doing well." Slipping her arms around his waist she reached up and nuzzled his neck.

"Madame Richelleen." he said, "Perhaps I should not trouble you..." He felt her hand pull the lace that tied his undergarment. He tried to speak again.

Her voice husky she said, "Javert, you think too much, you talk too much. No one else will bother us tonight, there will be no more interruptions."

A soft moan of understanding came from deep within him. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, gently laying her down. He got in beside her and pulled the quilts up over them. Richelleen laid her head on his broad shoulder and snuggled close to him. Feeling her body start to warm against his Javert turned and took her in his arms, one hand buried in her glorious silky hair She made soft little humming noises as she moved naturally and purposefully against him. Breathing in the fragrance of her hair he moaned as he felt her lips trail soft little kisses across his neck. With trembling hands he caressed the smooth satiny length of her, eliciting unintelligible words of pleasure.. His mind reeled. He never knew that joining could be more than just a physical act, never knew giving pleasure was more gratifying than the taking of pleasure.

His only experience had been with rich bored women who thought it exciting to sneak out and make love with that 'Gypsy Inspector'. Quick furtive affairs that left him feeling dirty and disgusted with himself. That Richelleen was here giving of herself so freely, enjoying him as he was her, filled him with an ecstasy he had never known. It was as if the shell around his heart had been broken, allowing it to beat again. Surrendering himself to her completely, they became as one, unmindful of the storm that raged around them. Standing and watching from his darkened rain swept doorway, Roland had seen Richelleen leave Adele's wagon. The thought of her hurrying to him brought the bitter taste of bile to his mouth. He had no delusions of what would go on in the darkness of her wagon. He had lost her once when she married Armond. He would not, he vowed, lose her now to this, this -- Frenchman she had fished from the river!

to be continued. . .

© 1997 Rose Carr

Contact the author:Rosematuse@aol.com

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