A Gentleman's Prerogative (Unedited Version)

Chapter 20

They all climbed into the coach after a brief introduction and returned to Ian's ship. They thought it would be the best place for Chen Li to hideout, while they decided how best to proceed. They had all agreed, save for Sean, that their main objective would be to find Mei and leave Paris. England would be their safest bet, as they had friends and family who could help them.

Although, her grandfather was a rich and influential businessman, the Organization had higher political connections. The Keeper as Chen Li had called him, had another name as well, the Marquis de Sémonville. Marioselle had blanched when she heard the man's name. He was one of the most powerful men in France. None of them would be safe in Paris as long as he was searching for them. He had resources they didn't, as he was a younger step sibling to Louis Phillippe, the current ruler of France. Marioselle felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Their situation was fast becoming a nightmare for them all.

Is this what Sean was getting close to? She speculated. If so, It was obvious why the Marquis would wish him dead. Should his highness catch word about his brothers illegal activities, the Marquis would face the guillotine for certain. The king's regime was already facing criticism from the people of France. In fact her grandfather had spoken many times of the Reform Movement. Louis Phillipe's reign could not withstand a scandal of this magnitude, at least not with a revolution looming.

The carriage rolled to a halt, putting a temporary end to her contemplation. Ian opened the door and jumped down first, U Aung followed suit. The steps were lowered for her and Li to descend.

As they boarded the ship the doctor approached them. Marioselle was the first to address the man. "Dr. William's I presume? How is Sean? Has his fever broken?"

"Lady Marioselle," he acknowledged with a slight bow of his head. "I'm afraid he is not fairing well. I have tried everything I could in my to my knowledge, however the fever persists. I can not seem to identify what is making him ill. At this point, I don't know how exactly to treat him. I am at a loss, as he grows weaker every minute."

"What are his symptoms doctor?" Chen Li asked as she stepped forward.

"Fever, delirium, and muscle weakness. Why do you ask? Are you versed in healing?"

"I am no healer, but I may have something that will help him, if you would like me to try?" She asked, looking to Marioselle. "I will understand however, if you do not trust me."

"I do trust you, Chen Li. If you wanted to harm us you have had ample opportunity to do so. Please! If there is anything that you can do to help, I would be most grateful."

"Thank you, Lady Marioselle. I am honoured by your faith in me. There is a place, a secret place of sorts. It's where I mix my potions and change when out on assignments. The medicinal plant I need is there. It is not far, so it will not take me too long to retrieve it."

"You can not go out there. Sémonville has people looking for you. You heard what Ian's steward said. There is a bounty on your head."

"I have to go Lady Marioselle. I am the only one who knows what the plant looks like. Besides, I can assure you, I am very adept at alluding capture."

"I believe you're quite the expert. However, you will not be of any help to Sean should you be apprehended. There has to be another way."

"Honorable Ladies. If you will permit me to interrupt for a moment? I may be of some assistance. Madame Lee, I am very knowledgeable of various species of plants. Especially those that come from my homeland. Might you be referring to the Artemisia Annua?"

"Yes. You are familiar with it then?"

"I am. It is known in some parts by another name. For instance it is known here in France as sweet wormwood. I myself have used it for healing on occasion. If you will allow me, I would be happy to retrieve it in your place. No one will be looking for me."

"Oh! U Aung, thank you. Your assistance would be a blessing. See Chen Li? I told you there had to be another way."

"So you did, Lady Marioselle. Thank you, U Aung. Captain, would you have something I could write the direction down upon? I'm afraid my little hideout is a bit difficult to find if you do not know what to look for."

"Certainly, I shall return in a moment."

********

Chen Li was a bit hesitant about trusting the peculiar man. Although he was dressed as a foriegner, he spoke the kings English to perfection. Of course she spoke English and French fluently, however she had been trained to mimmck the elite. Had he been trained as well? It was all a bit odd, if not borderline strange. She made a mental note to keep her guard up, as something was off putting about the man, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

There was that nagging question forming in the back of her mind. Had she seen him before, or encountered him in her travels? She just couldn't pinpoint what it was about the older man that made her so uneasy. She shrugged her shoulders in resolution, she didn't have time for this now. She would just have to set those questions aside for now. She had more pressing matters to attend too. Like healing the Blue Knight, and saving Mei. Maybe it was all in her mind, and had nothing to do with the man at all. Maybe it was just her own insecurities. She had never had a reason to trust anyone before now. However, Lady Marioselle trusted him, as did her friend the Captain. So she would have to as well. What choice did she have? Besides, she really had nothing to lose at this point. Or did she?

The captain returned with a scrap of paper and writing desk and handed it to Chen Li. She would have to put her thoughts to rest for the moment so she could write down the direction Aung would need to take. She then explained in detail what plants and mixing implements she would need. Thankfully, Aung knew what a pestle and mortar were, as she didn't know quite how to explain them.

Aung repeated the directions and set off to do her bidding. As the man was leaving he began whistling a familiar tune. A melody she hadn't heard for many years. A song from her homeland.

Since being brought to France, after suffering many abuses by the keeper, she never once cried, until now. Embarrased by the emotion, she quickly turned away from the others, as a single tear rolled down her cheek.