Kate's Parisian Escape

Epilogue

June 1790

Paris, France

"Louie is playing at the Moreau ball this evening, so we won't return until late." Juliette informed Adaline as they took their afternoon tea in the yellow room facing the courtyard of their townhouse.

"I wish I could come," Adaline said morosely, looking down at her swelling belly. She was due to deliver her first child in two months and hated the confinement and fatigue that accompanied pregnancy.

Juliette smiled remembering well her time cooped up and unable to go out. But it had been worth it for the gift of her wonderful, five-month-old daughter, Eugenia.

"I will share with you all the gossip," Juliette promised.

Of course, now she went by Eloise. While Adaline had chosen the name Celine. They still claimed to be sisters, but no one knew their history and they planned to keep it that way. After some time, Adaline had convinced Juliette to send a letter to their parents to assure them they were safe. It was brief and vague but all the same their parents came to Paris to see them and promised to keep their secret.

Juliette, herself, couldn't be happier. She loved Louie and their life and finally had the freedom to be and do what she wanted. With Louie's approval she bought a modiste shop and split her time between home and there. It was only on rare occasions that she thought of Marc, but she didn't feel bad about what happened to him. He'd brought his fate upon himself. They had later learned Marc had planned to hold Juliette hostage and ransom her for a high sum if her family wanted her back. Thankfully, Juliette was able to escape, and Marc had met his maker.

"Are you going to wear the emerald gown." Adaline asked.

Juliette had proven to be quite the designer and her gowns were well sought after.

"I think so," Juliette concurred, "Green is Louie's favorite."

"Ah there are my favorite girls!" Louie called entering the room.

Juliette set her tea down, "Darling, I thought you would be practicing for another hour?"

Louie leaned down and kissed her cheek, "I don't need to practice, I am a musical genius."

Juliette smirked. She didn't like to feed his ego, but he wasn't wrong. Any ball that included a performance by Louie Tremblay was sure to be a memorable evening.

"And how are you feeling Adaline?"

"Fat."

He chuckled. "And yet you look beautiful."

"Liar," Adaline replied but she was smiling.

"Where is Eugenia?"

"Down for a nap." Juliette answered.

"May I steal you for a moment my dear?" Louie asked, extending his hand.

Juliette looked at Adaline.

"Go. I'm fine. I'll be needing a nap soon too."

"Thank you, sister."

Juliette allowed Louie to pull her to her feet. They left the yellow room and Louie led her to the music room where he practiced his craft.

"The portrait is done." Louie revealed ushering her inside.

Louie had just finished sitting for a portrait by a well-known artist named Jean-Honoré Fragonard.

"It's breathtaking," Juliette said, staring at the likeness of her husband. Handsome and regal with just a hint of mystery in his dark eyes.

He rested a hand on her waist.

"It is." He agreed. "But I think this portrait belongs somewhere else."

"Where?" Juliette asked, perplexed.

"A place that will always be in our hearts."

"Château de Langlois?" Juliette whispered. For her Château de Langlois would always be home. She felt certain after she was gone her spirit would remain there. Despite her desperate need to leave, she acknowledged the beauty and magic of her ancestral home and hoped someday someone else too would find the answers to their future lurking in the long and drafty halls. Or perhaps guided by the strains of a violin.

Louie nodded. "They have a music room there."

"I like that," Juliette said, nodding.

Louie hugged her close, "I thought you might."

They continued to stare at the portrait.

"It doesn't matter anyway," Juliette finally said. "Whether the portrait is here or not. I know you will always be watching over me."

"Indeed, I will, my sweet. For now, and always."

Juliette sighed. "Yes, for always."