Indifference

Chapter Five~ Rain & Waves

     The weeks end could not come quickly enough. Soul had made all the proper arrangements. Nan would be escorting her to the lakeside. Tyrian would be arriving at her estate to retrieve them in Earl’s summer carriage. She’d requested permission through the Duchess who was ecstatic to hear Soul had been invited out by a potential suitor. Soul knew better than to correct her way of thinking. Lord Boudreaux had no intention of courting her and that was just fine as she had no intention of accepting a proposal. Still, her parents did not need to know this as the assumption worked in her favor.

It was the day before the trip when a rainstorm came in and didn’t let up. Normally Soul loved the rain but the storm threatened her day out with Lord Boudreaux. Nan told her it was probably just a summer storm and it would pass. To top off her bad luck, when Madeline heard of Soul’s trip to the lake there was no consoling her.

“—but Soul it just isn’t fair! You simply can’t go to the lake without me, you can’t even swim.” The younger girl was sitting in a chair opposite her sister in the greenhouse. Raindrops became waterfalls outside the glass. Soliel took a sip of her tea. She admired the 4oz pink and gold china in her small hands.  “Are you even listening?!” Madeline whined.

“Don’t frown Madeline you’ll get wrinkles. Focus on your studies.” The Duchess said. She was standing near the flower beds watching the rain. Madeline looked down at the book in front of her. History.

“Soul please tell mama to let me come with you.” Soliel looked over at her little sister who seemed to be in full panic mode. The girl was having a meltdown.

“Why is it so important to you?” Madeline sat up and placed her hands on the table.

“Juliana and Chrissy have gone away on holiday all summer. Don’t you see, we’ve no travel plans! I’ll be a laugh. When they come home they will ask what I’ve done all summer and I’ll have no proper response!” The Duchess joined them at the table.

“Your father has very important business here, we can't pack up and go on holiday just yet. We have duty. We’ve just gotten back from London for spring holiday dearest.”

“That was spring holiday mama. They’ve already heard all about it. I promise I won’t be a bother if you let me attend.” Soliel exchanged looks with the Duchess.

“Mama, maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea for Madeline to come along. She’s been inside the house every day this past week.” The Duchess looked betrayed and Soliel hid her smile.

“Accompany you, with Lord Boudreaux? I hardly think that is appropriate.”

“It’s not as if we won’t be watched at all times regardless. Besides, any potential suitor of mine must learn to love my favorite little sister.”

“I am your only sister.” Madeline pointed out.

“All the more reason for you to come along.” Soliel took another sip of tea. “That is, if this rain lets up. I fear if it doesn't, no one will be going to the lakeside tomorrow.” The greenhouse whistled in the wind. “Mama, Madeline really won’t be any trouble. It would be nice to spend some time as sisters before I am married and out of the house.” The Duchess took a sip of tea and thought it over.

“You don’t think Lord Boudreaux would mind?” Soliel smiled.

“If he does mind, then I'm afraid we aren’t a match.” The Duchess looked at her daughters.

“You are both growing up so fast. Nania?” Nan took a step closer silently. “Send word to Lord Boudreaux estate today, one of our messengers. Tell them Lady Soliel requests her younger sister Madeline to accompany them tomorrow if the weather permits it.” Madeline perked up in her seat smiling wide as Nan left silently. 

“A trip to the lakeside with the son of an Earl. Take that Juliana and Chrissy. Their cabin trip will pale in comparison to this!” 

“Madeline, a lady doesn’t boast. If you haven’t finished studying you will not go.” The Duchess scolded. Soliel picked up the history book from the table.

“What is the name of the treaty our Queen approved with the Natives?”

“Ummm….” Madeline sat trying to remember.  “Promise...something promise.”

“Madeline ‘something promise’ is not a proper response.” The duchess said from beside her. Soliel made a face and mouthed the word ‘Sacred’ to her.

“Sacred Promise! The Sacred Promise treaty signed by general Nicolas Davout the native chief and the queen.”

“Correct, ‘twas the goal of the treaty?” Soliel asked next.

“The Sacred Promise treaty was a compromise for colonial land. The natives made room for settlers to come to the colonies so long as we promised to stay off their sacred lands. The natives even showed the first settlers how to hunt and grow harvest. In return our queen provided them with new goods, alternative ways for building houses, and new ways of travel.”

“Correct again. If the treaty was signed, explain the ambush battle of New York.” Soliel was smiling at how well her sister’s studies were coming along.

“The ambush battle… um… several settlers thought the Natives to be savages. Since the queen allowed them to keep their religion and didn’t force conformity. The men ambushed natives on sacred land and it led to the deaths of almost all attendees.”

“Correct.” Soliel didn’t smile when she said it this time. So many innocent lives lost o’er bigotry. “Those men were wrong, Madeline. Peace is about understanding each other’s differences. Accepting them. The ambush battle of New York was the first of several attacks. It sparked many battles through the colonies, started by both sides. It almost started a war.”

“Luckily Castus Brennus rose up the ranks of the military and was able to do the impossible, stop the fighting.” Madeline spoke clearly. “He single handedly got the natives to stop fighting at the battle of York harbor. The books say he’d spent a few years before the treaty living among them and learned their language. He brokered a new treaty that outlined the punishment of any Frenchmen who attacked Natives unprovoked.”

“Correct again, Madeline. The improved treaty prevented thousands of deaths and is the reason we still have peace with the Natives today.”

“The Sacred Promise Treaty was resigned with the amendments.” Madeline remembered. “Soul, if the treaty was resigned why is it that some of our people still refer to the Native’s as savages?”  Soliel thought long and hard about her response.

“Madeline, when the treaty was broken the Natives thought we lied to them. Many of their people were murdered. It was a sad day for all. When they were hurt they acted out negatively.”

“The book says they retaliated.”

“Yes, they wanted to hurt us how we hurt them. Many Frenchmen only remember the deaths caused by the Natives.”

“ Dost not seem fair Soul, ‘tis not what happened. Our books have it all recorded.”

“I know Madeline, ‘tis unfortunate that some are so small minded. ‘Tis why it is so important for our youth to learn the truth. Remember there will always be people who seek to destroy goodness where it shines in the world. ‘Tis our duty not to let our minds be closed, to stay open, to stay positive, and above all in the face of adversity to stay ourselves.” Soliel flipped the page in the history book. “Next question.” 

*                                                                                      *                                                                                   *

     Saturday morning Soliel awoke to a strong light peering through her drapes. She got up and looked out the window to see the sun had come from behind the clouds. The ground was wet, the flora watered, but the storm had passed. A smile split her face. She rang the bell near her bed with joy.

“Alyssa, isn’t it wonderfully sunny outside?”

“Yes miss.” Her handmaiden said as she began to make her bed.

“How are you today Alyssa? Is all right in your life?”

“I’ve had a pleasant day so far, miss. You seem to be having one as well.”

“I am to go to the lake today; I will need a swimwear packed in a bag, a sun hat, and shoes for the water.”

“I shall let Clara know immediately, miss.” Alyssa said. She finished making the bed and disappeared out the door.  Clara appeared shortly after and began to brush Soliel’s hair.

“My Lady, you are smiling a lot this morning.”

“Am I? I think today is just going to be a good day Clara.”

“It does look to be good weather now that the rain has stopped. Let’s get you dressed in your summer layers.” It took Clara 45 minutes to fasten Soliel into a summer petticoat, chemise, corset, and underskirt. Lastly, she tied off her lightest over dress. It was a simple dress with cap sleeves in a pretty forest green, Soliel’s favorite color as it matched her eyes.

“I think I’ll wear my ballet flats today, Clara.” Soliel said as Clara pinned her hair back out of her face. It fell in loose curls down her back.

“Yes miss.” Clara responded on her way to get the shoes.

“Soul! Are you ready yet?” Madeline’s voice sang on the other side of the door.

“Nearly! I’ve only to put on my shoes.” Soliel called through the door.

Madeline waited impatiently tapping her foot in the hall. When Soliel finally opened the door she smiled.

“Finally, it’s not polite to be late Soul. Nan is already downstairs with our swimwear packed up.”

“Already?”

“I made sure of it! We cannot risk the rain coming back before we get to leave.” Soliel laughed. “Now quickly, you have to eat breakfast. I read in a book that you have to wait after you eat to get in the water so you must eat now so we will have plenty of time for fun.”

“Oh really? That rule seems rather silly.” Soliel said, but she still followed her little sister down to the kitchen.

“What would you like to eat? I’ve already eaten. Bessie made muffins, there are also eggs, and fruit.” Soliel began to look through the food spread on the table. She licked her lips. Clara had left her corset looser today so she could easily change into her swimwear.

“I think,” Soliel said waving her hand over the basket of muffins “I’ll have this one.” She picked one up and bit into it. Chocolate and banana coated her tongue and she moaned aloud.

“Oh that's absolutely delicious.” She stood near the kitchen table chewing and when Madeline was certain her sister was indeed going to finish the muffin she excused herself from the room.

“I need to make sure Nan didn’t forget to pack my ball. Finish eating and then come to the foyer to wait with us.” Soliel shook her head.

“Are you going to stand waiting for his carriage all morning?”

“We must be ready to leave when he arrives!” Madeline said and out the door she went. Soliel took another bite of her muffin. She let the sweet taste envelope her senses. She had a bit of chocolate on her thumb and being that she was alone she sucked it off slowly, whisking her tongue around her finger tip. She closed her eyes and savored the taste of the Muffin in her mouth and moaned aloud again. 

The sound of someone clearing their throat made her jump, popping her eyes open.

“And here I thought apples were your favorite.” Soliels heart raced.

“Lord Boudreaux.” She spun toward the entrance of the kitchen to see him leaning in the doorway. If she didn’t know better she would’ve thought he owned it. “How- when did you arrive?”

“Only a moment ago,” he told her as he moved into the kitchen, “Adam’s said I could find your cook here. I was hoping to ask what foods you preferred for a picnic. Yet here I find you instead.” Tyrian was dressed as always impeccably well. His grey waistcoat popped against his dark green ascot. He looked like a scholar.

“Well, yes I- Madeline required me to eat something.”

“Is that so?”

“She read it’s not good to eat before a swim and so she dragged me down to the kitchen. She’s prioritizing fun. I do hope it’s alright that I requested her accompaniment, she would not take no for an answer. The Duchess tried.” He was a few steps away from her now. Soliel tried to even her breathing.

“It’s no trouble at all, I find Madeline to be quite amusing. She’s a bright young lady and I could never refuse you the company of your sister.” He lifted her hand and brought it to his lips. “I do hope this morning finds you well?” He asked, returning her hand.

“Indeed it does,.” she curtsied “and yourself?”

“Better now. May I ask, what were you enjoying so brazenly before I rudely interrupted?” Soliel flushed scarlet.

“A chocolate banana muffin. Bessie makes them moist and they melt on your tongue, you should try one.” She said, gesturing to the table behind her. His eyes darkened.

“I think I’d rather have something else instead.” He took a step closer to her and leaned forward. He reached just over her shoulder and she could feel his breath on her neck. When he pulled away he had an apple in his hand. Tyrian had captured her gaze and she couldn’t look away. He took a deliberate bite of the apple and winked at her. Soliel’s lips parted watching his glisten.

“Bessie, she’s our cook. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind us taking some apples with us.” She managed.

“Apples it is then.” Tyrian said breaking her trance when he looked away to the table.

“There you are!” Madeline called from behind them. “I saw the carriage out front but Lord Boudreaux was nowhere to be found.” She pouted.

“Soliel was helping me pick out some fruit for a picnic after we swam. What kind dost thou like Madeline?”

“That’s easy, we should definitely bring grapes”

“Apples and grapes, got it. Shall we?” Tyrian extended his arm to allow the girls to walk ahead.

It was an infuriating carriage ride to the lakeside. Tyrian spent the first few minutes of it slowly eating his apple. He was sitting across Soliel and she did her best to avoid eye contact. Once he’d finished the apple however he decided to take his thumb and bring it carefully to his lips. He sucked it void of any of the apple’s nectar and smirked. It was subtle but of course Soliel caught it. He was mocking her. Her only saving grace was Madeline. The young girl was the only voice in the carriage.

“When we get to the lake, we have to play in the water with this ball. I learnt a game in Italy last summer and I have been dying to show Soliel but she refuses to get in the water.” She rambled on. “Lord Boudreaux, you will make sure she gets in the water, won’t you?” Madeline batted her eyes. Tyrian looked from Madeline to Soliel.

“I will certainly try, though I remain uncertain that anyone could make your sister do anything she doesn’t want to.” Soliel looked up at him in surprise.

“Are you calling me stubborn sir?” Tyrian shrugged.

“If not also opinionated.” Soliel’s mouth fell open.

“He’s right Soul, Jaqueline says suitors don’t like opinionated young ladies.” Tyrian frowned.

“Who is this Jaqueline?” He asked.

“She’s a friend of Madeline’s from etiquette class.” Soliel did her best not to turn her eyes in her head.

“Well, I’ll have you know your sister’s opinionated and stubborn nature are my favorite things about her.” Soliel’s eyes widened in surprise. The carriage stopped moving and Tyrian looked out the window. We're here. My family owns a cottage down this path. There are changing rooms there.” Tyrian stepped out of the carriage first; he helped Madeline step down, then Nan, and lastly Soliel.

“Did you mean that?” She whispered to him.

“Mean what?”

“What you said to Madeline, about my being stubborn and opinionated?”

“Of course,” he whispered back, “you are one of the most stubborn people I know.” Soliel shook her head as he walked up ahead to guide them towards the cottage. Tyrian Boudreaux may very well be her end.

Thanks to Madeline’s rushing, everyone was dressed for the water and outside rather quickly. Tyrian had finished getting dressed first and could hear the young girl complaining rather loudly upstairs in the cabin for everyone to make haste. He stood with the front door to the cabin open so he could feel the breeze against his lower legs. He was dressed in black trousers that stopped mid calf and a mid-sleeve black shirt. Madeline bounced down the stairs, exasperated. She was dressed in a light blue bathing gown. It stopped at her ankles and had a white frilly collar.

“You look beautiful Madeline.” She beamed at him.

“This one is new and from Paris.” She told him, spinning around.

“Madeline, mother said not to boast.” Soliel's voice rang clear from the top of the stairs. Tyrian looked up at her and froze. She was standing atop the stairs in a petal pink gown with puff sleeves. The gown clung to her upper torso and flared out at her hips. It fell to tea length, just barely revealing the lace cuff on her bloomers beneath. Her feet were wrapped in felt bathing slippers in the same pink color. Ribbon laced the slippers in place and cascaded up her ankle to a neat bow. A white sun hat covered her curls and a light bag rested on her forearm. She took careful steps down to meet them both. The ribbon her hat flowed freely behind her as she moved.

“Lord Boudreaux, doesn’t Soliel look amazing? Her’s is from Paris too.” Tyrian’s mouth was dry as he swallowed.

“I..um yes, of course.” He averted his eyes. Soliel reached them at the bottom of the stairs and gestured downward.

“You think it’s alright? I wasn’t sure, I don’t frequent swimwear.” He cleared his throat.

“It’s...suitable. He said and a gust of wind knocked her hat to the floor. Tyrian retrieved it.

“Thank you, I’ll have to be more weary of the wind today.” He placed the hat in her delicate hands and she held it in front of her. His eyes traced the lace collar of her dress.

“Think nothing of it.” Nan came down the stairs last in a simple black bathing down and bonnet.

Bigsley who arrived in a separate carriage with their luggage stood outside holding a picnic basket.

“Lord Boudreaux where would you like me to set this up for you?” Biglsey asked politely.

“I think there is some shade under that tree,” Tyrian pointed toward the lake “that seems like a perfect spot.”

“Lets go get in the water!” Madeline called back toward them, she was already halfway down the walk.

“I think I’m going to sit in the shade awhile!” Soliel held up a book for Madeline to see.

“Oh no! Soul you said you would get in the water!” The younger girl whined standing at the lake’s edge. Soliel walked toward her with Tyrian.

“I will, I just want to finish this chapter!” Tyrian looked at her with a raised brow. “What?”

“Then I shall sit with you.”

“Do not stay on my account.”

“‘tis only a chapter, besides I invited you here for your company.” Soliel blushed. Soliel looked out to see Madeline already in the water with Nan.

“You’re going to make me swim aren’t you.” She said, eyes returning to Tyrian.

“‘Tis why we came.” She sighed.

“In that case, I shall come now, lest this be done quickly.” She placed her book in her bag down by the tree. 

“‘Tis the spirit.” Tyrian said and led her down to the water. 

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     When Soliel was five years old Nania took her down to the beach to play in the sand whilst the Duke and Duchess were away on holiday. She made these trips with Nania all summer, wading her feet in the shallow end of the water where she could stand. It was about midway through summer when the Baroness’s maid, Latca, brought a young Jaques Deveaux along down to join them.

“Soul look at this!” Jaques screamed down the beach as he did a cartwheel. “Did you see?” Soliel looked up from her sandcastle.

“I saw! I can do that too!” She exclaimed and stood to go over and show him. When she reached him however, he had a frown on his face.

“No you can not.” He told her.

“Yes I can. ‘Tis not so hard.” She said and stood back in the water a bit to leave room. The tide was low and the waves would wash in just up to her ankles and pull away.

“No you can’t. I am eleven and you are four  so I can do things you can not do.” Soliel was upset with him.

“You can not tell me what to do Jaques. I can do a cartwheel, I shall prove it!” Soliel took a deep breath and threw her body to the right. When her hand hit the sand however, Jaques ran up and pushed her. She felt his hands hit her abdomen and loss balance.

“See, I told you. You can not do it.” Tears built in Soliel's eyes.

“You pushed me!”

“I did not!” Jaques screamed back.

“Yes you did, Jaques and I’m going to tell Nania.” Soliel went to step around him when he pushed her back again. The waves crashed on the shore as she fell and when they pulled back out to sea they brought Soliel with them. There was a blood curdling scream that escaped Soliel’s lungs before her head went under water. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

“Lady Markisean?” Soliel?” Tyrian’s voice echoed from beside her.

“Hmm?”

“Dost I have thy attention?” Soliel smiled apologetically.

“My apologies, my mind escaped me.”

“I’m going to go in the water about waist high, where you should be able to stand.” Soliel stood at the lake’s edge looking into the water.

“Perhaps, I’ll try another day.” She said, taking a step away from the water. Tyrian looked at her with concern.

“Soliel, on my life, I shall not let you drown.” Soliel looked into his eyes, they seemed so honest and kind.

“I don’t believe I am able.” Tyrian smirked.

“If I am able, then you are more than capable.” He stated this to her as though it were a fact. “Doust thou trust me?” He extended a hand.

“Even that some people try deceived me many times… I will not fail to believe that somewhere, someone deserves my trust.” She said, before taking his hand and stepping into the water.

“Aristotle?” Tyrian asked. She gave him a curt nod still not entirely sure of her decision. “I shall not let go, you have my word.” Soliel took a deep breath and let Tyrian guide her further into the lake. When the water hit her waist he stopped walking and turned to look upon her.  “You’re shaking.”

“Is that so?” She said, thinking of the way the water could fill her lungs.

“You needn’t push yourself. I apologize if you feel otherwise.”

“No, ‘tis fine. I just need to leave.” Tyrian watched her face, her mind was elsewhere as she spoke.

“Come…” He said, taking a few steps back toward the shore. She didn’t move. “Soliel?”

“I can’t.” She whispered. “I can’t move.” There were tears in her eyes. Tyrian stepped behind her and placed a hand at the small of her back.

“Forgive my closeness, Lady Markisean.” He said, before he scooped her into his arms. He carried her above the water like a princess and did not put her down until he was far away from the lake back at the tree. “Bigsley, a towel?” Tyrian wrapped the towel around Soliel’s shoulders. She pulled it closer with shaking hands. “Soliel, please, won’t you grace me with your voice?” Her eyes focused and she looked upon him.

“We’re not in the water.”

“No.” She took a breath.

“My sincerest apologies, I thought-”

“‘Tis I who should apologize. I should’ve taken notice sooner.” Tyrian held her hand. “May I ask, what makes you fear the water so?”

“When I was five, Nan took me down to the beach and I was washed out to sea by a wave. I drowned. They tell me my heart stopped. Nan wouldn’t give up you know? She kept trying to get the water out of my lungs. I owe her my life.”

“I understand. Then I am in debt to her as well. For without her, I would not have been graced with a chance to know you.” Soliel blushed.

“You are too kind Lord Boudreaux.”

“Tyrian. Please Soliel, call me Tyrian.”

“I thought you preferred-”

“‘Twas before, I do believe that by now we can be looked upon as friends.” Tyrian said and she smiled.

“Friends...yes. Thank you for carrying me out of the water, Tyrian.”