By the time Viktor returned to Vienna, Josette had already left for Paris. The news of her father's accidental death hit her hard. Paul Foret had gone for a late afternoon stroll along the Champs Elysee. As he crossed the busy street, the driver of an incoming carriage somehow lost control of his horse. Before everyone's terrified eyes, the maddened horse reared onto its hind legs. As it thunderously descended, its hooves struck Monsieur Foret directly on the head, instantly killing him. It was a rather gruesome sight, and Madame Foret fainted upon identifying her husband's battered body at the morgue.
As soon as Josette received the telegram, she made arrangements to go to Paris and be with her mother. She called Franz Schiller and cancelled her performances for the following two weeks. Fortunately, her understudy was more than happy to take her place as lead soprano. Herr Schiller was very understanding and didn't give Josette a hard time about her sudden departure. In fact, he suggested she take a whole month off and reassured her that he'd make sure she'd have the public's sympathy and support.
Josette decided to hide the awful truth from Lorie, and only told the child that her grandfather was very ill.
"But why must you leave right away?" Lorie's eyes filled with moisture.
"Because Grandmaman needs me," Josette replied. She was in the midst of packing her suitcase. "She can't take care of everything all by herself..."
"So... you won't be here when Papa returns... again," Lorie murmured through hot tears.
Josette crouched down and caressed Lorie's wet cheeks: "I'm sure Viktor will understand. Peter has all the details and will explain everything to him."
"Why can't I go with you?" Lorie asked.
"My sweet child," Josette whispered. "I shan't be gone long... and I know how much you've missed Papa. Surely you want to be home to welcome him, don't you?"
Lorie nodded despondently. "Yes... I do... I just wish you could stay too."
"I do too... but I really have to be with Grandmaman right now," Josette said. "And Peter will look after you until Viktor returns." She looked at Lorie sadly and kissed the top of her head. "I promise that I will take you with me the next time I go, alright?"
With that, Josette climbed into a buggy that drove her to Vienna's train station. From there, she hopped on an express train that would take her directly to Paris. Lorie cried watching her mother leave. Peter took her in his arms and hugged her close.
"It's alright, Lorie... I'm here," he whispered in her hair. "Your Maman won't be gone for too long. And you and I will have lots of fun together... you'll see." He tried to smile, but it was a rather failed attempt.
"When will she be back?" Lorie asked desolately.
"Within one week... maybe ten days at best," Peter replied. "And Father will be here soon!"
Lorie barely cheered up listening to Peter's words. "Still... I've never been apart from Maman for this long," she pouted. "And she said she would take me to Paris with her to shop for her wedding dress."
"I think that will have to wait for another time," Peter said wistfully.
"Do you know what's wrong with Grandpapa?" Lorie scrutinized him with her large hazel eyes.
"From what your mother told me... he is quite ill," Peter replied. He had solemnly promised Josette he would keep her secret safe. "But she didn't know exactly what he suffers from," he lied.
"I hope it's not too serious," Lorie remarked. "Grandpapa is not very young anymore."
Peter didn't know what to say. Instead, he took Lorie's hand and led her to the music room. "Tell you what. I have a new piece by Mozart I'd like for you to learn."
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Why Lorie? Part II
Fanfiction** Mature content! **This is the second part of Lorie's story that starts after Drogo is banished to America. I try to alternate chapters between Lorie's life in Vienna, and Drogo and Nicolae's in Mystery Spell. Read on to find out how Lori become...
