Kate's Parisian Escape

Chapter 28

Château de Langlois, August 1788

Loire Valley, France

The fire was spreading quickly, while Marc's blood continued to pool sickly beneath his body. Juliette was still in shock by the events that had recently transpired. She had it all carefully planned out. Not even Adaline had known her true intentions. It was imperative she believe that Juliette intended to run away with Marc and was carrying his baby. Of course, this was all fabricated. She wasn't pregnant, thankfully their one time together would not have any further lasting effects, and while she was running away it wouldn't be with Marc. But she knew Marc would question Adaline and she didn't want her sister to be forced to lie. She wasn't a very good liar, as evidenced by her obvious love for Christian.

After saying goodbye to Adaline, she'd walk to town and pick up a stagecoach to Paris. There she would finally be free and able to pursue her own passions. She had a few possessions and some money. It would be hard at first, but she was confident she could make her way on her own. What she hadn't expected was Marc discovering her hoax. She'd assured him she would meet him at the stables at midnight but that wasn't for another hour. He must have suspected Juliette's intentions were not honorable and came to make sure she followed through on their agreement.

"But how did he die?" asked Juliette curiously.

"We can figure that out later, we must leave now!" said Adeline grabbing her hand, "While we still can."

"But who – started Juliette and then she noticed the shadow thrown into relief from the open doorway. It was Louie.

"Are you both alright?" He asked, stepping into the room.

"What are you doing here?" Juliette asked, standing up, hands on her hips.

"Saving your life, it would appear." He replied dryly, clearly unperturbed by the rapidly spreading fire.

"That still doesn't answer my question." Juliette pointed out. "Did you tell my father then? About Marc and our plans."

"No."

"So, you were just bluffing before."

"No, once Christian told me what you had done, I knew I could not wait."

"What have I done?" Juliette demanded.

Louie glanced down at Marc. "You gave your innocence to Marc."

"And now she's in the family way." Adaline declared.

Louie's eyes widened in surprise.

"Juliette –

"Oh, don't listen to her. I made that up." Juliette spat.

"Julie!" Adaline declared. "Why would you lie about that?"

"It was part of my plan!" Juliette persisted angrily.

"A foolish plan it would seem." Louie replied.

"You're the foolish one!" Juliette cried. "How are we going to explain a dead man in Adaline's room?"

"We won't have to explain anything because we won't be here."

"What are you talking about?" Juliette asked.

"You wanted to escape right? Well, your chance is here. Christian is waiting."

"But how?" Juliette stumbled.

"Like I said. Marc isn't that smart. Now come on before the servants discover us here."

Louie took Juliette by the arm pulling her away from the blood-soaked floor and led her out of the quickly disintegrating room.

"Where are we going?" Juliette asked as Louie headed up a spiral flight of stairs.

Louie didn't answer her until he opened a door and Juliette realized they were in the old music room. Juliette pulled a gown out of her satchel for Adaline to change into, leaving her nightgown behind while Louie lifted the lid on the piano bench and placed the pistol inside.

"I don't think anyone will look for it here."

They heard running footsteps and shouts from downstairs.

"We need to hurry." Adaline said now dressed in the brown muslin gown Juliette had given her. "Where is Christian meeting us?"

"The pub in town." Louie said, taking Juliette's arm again and propelling her from the room.

"You know I wasn't actually going to run away with Marc." Juliette revealed.

Louie didn't even glance at her. "I know."

"What do you mean you know?" Juliette asked surprised as they reached the first floor and hurried out into the gardens.

"He never would have fulfilled you."

"Like I suppose you think you can?" Juliette surmised.

Louie stopped and took her by both arms as they reached the bubbling fountain. Now overflowing due to the steady downpour, "You want adventure, romance, opportunity. I've always had that, and I think you know that."

And then before Juliette could process his words, he kissed her. Louie Tremblay was kissing her! In the rain! And it was nice and felt right and so natural.

"But I thought you hated me?" Juliette breathed when he'd pulled away.

"I never hated you." He revealed rain dripping down his face, "How could I when I love you."

Marc had said the same thing but coming from Louie, she knew it was true.

"You do?"

"Yes, Jules. Always."

"Why?"

"You make me want to be a better man."

"And you make beautiful music."

"This is all very sweet," said Adaline, "But we must get going."

Juliette nodded and allowed Louie to take her hand. She didn't know what the future held for them but suddenly it was clear to her with Louie by her side she'd be well taken care of. And so, with the flames engulfing the night sky the three of them disappeared into the shadows never to be seen again.