A LITTLE TWIST OF FATE

Chapter 20

The four of them reached the de Barbarac manor in a little under three hours where Jacqueline met them along with Paulette and her son, Gustave.

Danielle was the first out of the carriage and ran to hug Jacqueline, then Gustave and finally Paulette.

'Oh Danielle," Paulette whispered, embracing her. "Look how you have grown. It's good to see you again." She released her and moved to Gustave.

"Look at you, " she said, "I can't believe how tall you've gotten!"

She pinched his nose and smiled.

"I've missed you," she said, "all of you."

She turned to Jacqueline.

"Thanks for coming, my sister."

Danielle nodded. "How is she?"

"Holding her own. She's asleep right now, Danielle. She wakes up every now and again. We can't do too much for her. She's been in and out of consciousness all day."

They watched as Laurent and Henry jumped down from the driver's seat. Henry joined Danielle at Jacqueline's side while Laurent helped Thérèse and Marie out of the carriage.

Paulette and Gustave both bowed low, but Henry dismissed it with a wave of his hand.

"We are all family here," he told them. "There is no need for formality."

He turned to Jacqueline as Marie and Thérèse walked up behind him. "We have summoned the court physician. He will be arriving any time along with my father. They are on their way here as we speak. If it is warranted, we will remove them to the castle for further observation." He looked at Danielle. "You are welcome any time," he told her looking in her eyes.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Jacqueline said, and she turned to the Queen. "Your Majesty," she said, beginning to curtsy, but Marie shook her head.

"Henry already expressed our feelings on this matter." She smiled. "I am glad to hear that Rodmilla is, at the very least, holding her own. Believe it or not, we have been watching and waiting to see how she would handle the situation for now we must do our utmost to save her."

"Maybe Aunt Thérèse can perform a little of her magic before the physician arrives," Henry said.

"We'll soon found out, won't we?" Thérèse said walking over with Laurent. "Come, we must get inside for it is growing dark."

"Yes," Jacqueline agreed. "I believe you are right." She smiled. "Come, I will show you where my mother is and I will have the servants get your rooms ready, if they are needed."

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