Le Mousquetaire Femme

Flashback 10

"Excuse me Mademoiselle!" Anna jogged after a brunette currently striding down the bustling street. "Mademoiselle!" The woman stopped and turned to face Anna.

"Are you calling after me?" She asked as Anna caught up to her.

"I'm so sorry Mademoiselle, but you dropped this." Anna held out a fabric bolt and the woman smiled.

"Oh thank you!" She attempted to take the fabric but realised her arms were too full.

"Would you like some help?" Anna asked and the woman sighed in relief.

"Please." She happily deposited some of the load into Anna's arms and the two set off down the street.

"I'm Constance." The woman introduced herself. "Well, Madame Bonacieux." She frowned at the name. "My husband: he's a dressmaker." She explained the copious amount of fabric.

"I'm Anna. Anna Beauchamp." The blonde smiled.

"Are you new to Paris?" Constance asked as they rounded a corner and entered a small courtyard before entering a home.

"How did you know?"

"No native is that polite." Constance chuckled as she showed Anna where to deposit the fabric. "And many would have simply stolen the cloth."

"Oh." Anna frowned. "Well that's unfortunate." She accepted a drink from Constance.

"Indeed." The brunette sighed. "Alas, that is Paris. Be thankful this isn't the Court of Miracles..." Anna's confused expression made Constance tell the woman everything she needed to know about living in Paris.

"You're a Musketeer?!" Constance's eyes went wide at the notion.

"Well, not officially: I need the King's commission first but...yes; I'm a Musketeer." Anna told her new friend proudly.

"But you're a woman."

"So?"

"There are no women in the regiment."

"There is now." Anna smiled. "I can shoot and fight as well as any man, if not better." She told her. "My smaller frame allows me to move easier but I'm strong enough to have weight behind me when I fight."

"Well I say good on you!" Anna beamed at Constance's words. "It's about time a woman took charge!" The two giggled.

"Oh goodness!" Anna glanced out of the window and noticed the darkening sky. "I'm so sorry: I have to go." She stood. "It was lovely meeting you." She said earnestly.

"Where are you going?"

"My...friend is helping me secure lodgings now he's has found some." She hesitated to tell her new friend about Athos, especially after they had decided against lodging together and keeping their...relationship a secret from the regiment.

"You need a room?" Anna nodded at her words. "I have a room! It would be lovely to have company while my husband travels."

"Do you mean it?"

"Of course!" Anna propelled herself into Constance's arms.

"Oh thank you!" She moved away. "I have to tell Athos!" Constance pressed a key into the blonde's hand. "Thank you!" She called behind her as she ran to meet Athos at the tavern near the Garrison.