Fables of La Source ✓

At the "Salon"

A light and gentle melody danced through the atmosphere of the room, swirling like a pleasant breeze to the ears of the few guests present. Their laughter and loud voices carried out into the night, as the balcony windows stood wide open to the gardens. One figure, distant from the surrounding clamor, had secluded himself near the balustrade, a glass of champagne in hand, his gaze lost in the distance.

Another shadow emerged in the doorway frame, stretching with the twilight's light. It approached and draped an arm around the neck of its counterpart, who withdrew as though touched by a searing ember.

"Célestin, called the man with the blond hair who had been rebuffed, do not isolate yourself like a forsaken soul. Come and join us."

- Very kind of you, retorted the gentleman named Célestin, but I must decline your offer, Jean.

- For what reasons? Our dear friend the Archduke will not arrive until tomorrow morning, insisted the viscount, sipping his glass of red wine, there is no need to languish, rather, take joy in the present!

- With all the friendship I owe you, I must again decline your offer, the young count politely rebutted.

- As you wish, dear friend Célestin. Take your time to join us when you feel so inclined," urged Monsieur de La Hagne before readjusting his monocle and returning inside.

The young man sighed heavily as his friend departed, finding himself once more alone under the now nocturnal sky. The stars twinkled softly in the celestial voute while the moon cast a faint light upon the ground.

Eventually, the noble reconsidered, the cool night breeze urging him to return to the salon, where candles served as the source of illumination, placed on immense candelabras.

"Célestin, you look so glum, observed a woman with dark hair, dressed in a long red gown, holding a fan, with pearls gathered in her coiffure.

- I am aware, Dame Anne, Jean had already mentioned it, replied the count, reaching for another glass of champagne.

- How picturesque you are, dear friend, laughed the marquise, as the count rolled his eyes and shrugged, before refocusing on the other person, but Célestin, what is troubling you so and making you so morose?

- It is nothing, Dame Anne, nothing within your power to remedy, sighed his interlocutor while gazing at the liquor in his crystal goblet, twirling a strand of hair around his finger.

- It is surely connected with Monsieur de Foreloin's absence, giggled the noble with the blond hair.

- Oh, Monsieur de La Hagne, do not be so cheeky, chimed the woman as the viscount received a scowl from his peer.

- I swear to speak only the truth and nothing but the truth, dear lady, promised the viscount.

- The truth that emerges only to the sweet sound of wine, retorted Célestin, how many glasses have you had, my dear?

- Alas, my friend, I believe arithmetic was never my strong suit, declared the blond, draining his glass, nevertheless, what I do know is that this will not be the last."

The two other nobles smiled in amusement at their companion's comedic antics. The arrival of a servant interrupted them, announcing the arrival of two additional guests, as the marquise invited them in.

"Madame the Archduchess, Célestin bowed politely, followed by Jean, of a rank above theirs, and Mademoiselle de Miraline.

- Good evening, gentlemen and madam, greeted Marie amiably, her long chestnut hair cascading over her shoulders, please forgive us for our late arrival.