A LITTLE TWIST OF FATE

Chapter 45

"The marriage announcement has been made," King Francis said. Smiling, he looked at the Queen. "And this servant business has been dealt with as well, much to the disappointment of some."

Marie smiled. "Yes, Francis, it's done, even though we are still at the manor."

Francis shook his head. "Yes, unfortunately. Vivienne's little stunt has created difficulties for us all."

Marie nodded. "Yes, it's true, although I can't say that I don't blame her. Her son running off like that with Armand's daughter."

Francis smiled. "I don't think that upset her very much, Marie. I do know that she had her heart set on Alexandre marrying Danielle so that she could get her hands on the family fortune."

"There is no family fortune," Marie said, shaking her head. "Vivienne knew that from the start. I don't know how it could've been any different had Alex and Danielle had indeed married one another."

She looked up at her husband. "Alex has been treated as a puppet all his life. He has finally proved to the world that he can be independent and make it on his own without his mother directing his life. I hope that wherever they are, Alex and Camille will be successful in their attempt to live their lives as they see fit. I wish them good luck in all their future endeavors and I hope to see them again as soon as they wish to return to the province to visit. Until then, let us wish them all the happiness in the world."

She looked up and saw that Phillippe had just entered the room and was heading for the long table in the library.

"Well," she said, "you are late, brother. This little meeting was your idea after all."

Phillippe nodded. "Yes it was, Marie, and I am so sorry we have delayed your departure."

Marie smiled. "No matter, Phillippe. I was worried where she had run off to and I was afraid you wouldn't find her. How is she faring?"

"After the initial shock, she is quite fine, milady." Armand said, sitting down next to Phillippe. "She is resting. Rodmilla and Isabel are keeping her company. It seems that they have a lot to talk about."

Phillippe looked at Armand, than at his older sister. "I am sorry for Vivienne's actions, Marie. There was no reason for her to behave as she did."

Marie smiled. "Of course there is. That note she received would drive anyone crazy."

Francis picked it up from the table, just as he had picked it up from where Vivienne dropped it, hours before.

He handed it to Phillippe who just shook his head. "No, I don't want to read it. I would rather it come from you, Francis."

The King sighed and looked over at Marie and found that she was looking at him.

He met her glance for just a second before he closed his eyes and shook his head. When he opened them again, he reached for the note and brought it closer and began to read aloud.

"Mother," it had begun. "I know that you wanted to me to marry Danielle, but I could not go through with it. I care about her too much to hurt her in any way possible. I am sorry that I cannot be there in person to tell you this, but I don't think that I am ready to share my good news with you.

I have married Camille at the monastery in a double ceremony along with Adrienne and Pierre. The two of them have decided to return to the manor to give you their news, however, after much discussion and thought, Camille and I could not return with them. I know that they will not be staying long either, just enough to drop off this short note, which I have entrusted to Pierre.

I know that you are disappointed that I could not carry out your life long plans and I hope that you see fit to forgive my actions when Camille and I do write you and let you know of our whereabouts. Until that time, please know that I remain forever your son, Alexandre."

Francis put down the letter and stared at Phillippe who had his head in his hands. "Well my brother, what say you?"

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