Looking to be a long-ish series, here…
Disclaimer has already been disclaimed in earlier chapters.
Started 3/8/05
Chapter 21 – More investigations
At seven, the envoy stopped at the house of Lord Wilmore. One of the man’s peculiarities was that he did not speak a word of French, although he could understand it and write with great skill.
He entered a drawing room, obviously ready furnished, full of gloomy red and grey patterns. Settling himself on the sofa, he waited the arrival of his evidence.
At two minutes to seven Lord Wilmore entered. He had light, flaxen hair with a hint of grey, and was dressed in the blue coat with gilt buttons and white waistcoat fashion of earlier days. His first remark upon entering was, “Sir, you know that I do not speak French?”
“I know, and I shall not force you to use it. I know enough English to understand your conversation.”
The Englishman nodded, as the envoy proffered a letter detailing the particulars of his visit. “I understand completely.”
“Very well.”
The Englishman, in the guise of the Count’s enemy, was much less restrained in his answers than the Abbé had been. He described how, at the age of eleven, Zaccone had entered into the service of one of those petty Indian sovereigns who make war upon the English. He had been defeated in battle and taken prisoner, and that was where Wilmore had met him. After capture, Zaccone had been sentenced to slave labor on a ship, but had escaped with his superior swimming skills. Then, he had fought for the Greeks, discovered a silver mine, and it was from this mine that his fortune ensued…
“And so you are his enemy?”
Lord Wilmore cast a cool glance at the prefect. “In England he seduced the wife of one of my friends.”
“Why not simply settle it with a duel?”
“I have already fought three duels with him.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. The first with the pistol, the second with the sword, and the third with the saber.”
“May I inquire to the results?”
“I am still lacking it skill, it seems, but the first time he broke my arm, the second time, I was bedridden for six months recovering, and the third occasion…”
The Englishman rolled up the sleeve on his right arm, revealing a long, red scar, barely healed over.
The envoy offered his sympathies, and recommended a fencing-master.
“For what purpose has the Count come to Paris?”
Lord Wilmore sneered. “He is speculating on railways.”
“And for what purpose has the Count purchased the house in Auteuil?”
“He foolishly believes in some tale, that the spring of eternal youth is to be found. Well, he has already dug up the garden two or three times searching for that spring, and as he has been so far unsuccessful, he will soon purchase all the adjoining houses and dig them up as well. Now I dislike him, so I sincerely hope this leads to his ruin.”
“I shall trouble you no longer, than.” The man said, before leaving. Villefort sighed as his carriage rumbled towards home.
Lance laughed as the illusion faded, returning his hair to its natural shade and his appearance. “Well, Charlotte, I think he bought it.”
The ghostly form of the woman smiled, before taking on the Abbe’s appearance for mere seconds. “Indeed.”
“This will buy some time… for the revenge is swiftly approaching…”
Another day passed without noticeable incident, before the Viscount de Morcerf brought with him an invitation to a ball.
“A summer ball?”
Ash nodded.
“In this weather?”
“Those who stay in Paris during the summer at the true Parisians… and my mother is adamant that you should attend.”
“Is she? Then I shall avail myself of your hospitality.”
Ash grinned. “I am sure my parents shall be honored.”
The next day, a cool breeze fluttered through open windows in a brightly lit salon. Waiters in pristine black and white, carrying trays of ices and chilled drinks, circumnavigated through the room, offering their wares to the guests gathered therein. From the gardens came an intoxication mix of camellia and lilac scents, sweet and beautiful.
Ash was mingling with the crowd, when he spotted Madame Daisy Danglars. “Did you not bring you daughter, Madame?” He asked, out of politeness since she was his fiancée. “Surely you do not wish to deprive us of her company?”
Daisy simpered, giggling. “Oh, she is here. She shall be coming in shortly with her friend Mademoiselle Janine de Villefort.”
“I see.” Ash said.
“Hold, hold. Will the Count of Monte Cristo be present tonight?”
“Seventeen! Ash laughed.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I mean only that you are the seventeenth person tonight to inquire whether or not the Count will be here. The Count is all the rage, and I congratulate him on it.”
Daisy had the grace to blush. Honestly! She was married, but still, she had dalliances…
However, she noticed Violet making signals and sighed inwardly. “Pray excuse me, but I believe Madame de Villefort is vainly trying to attract your attention.”
“Here we go again,” Ash muttered under his breath, as he bowed to Violet. “Yes, the Count will be here today.”
Violet gaped, before deciding he must have been asked the question so many times that he automatically assumed she wanted the same. “Actually, I was going to inquire if you had heard from Green.”
“My friend and your daughter’s fiancée? Do not concern yourself. He shall be here ere three weeks have passed.”
Violet nodded. “It is just so sudden, since Monsieur de Saint-Meran has just passed away, and the marchioness is anxious to see her granddaughter wed.”
“My condolences for your loss.” Ash nodded.
“As for the Count of Monte Cristo, I am more informed than you.”
“Oh?”
“Did you know that he has another name besides Monte Cristo? His family name is Zaccone.”
“I was not aware of that.”
“He is a Maltese, and son of a rich shipbuilder.”
“That is quite possible.”
“He served in India, discovered a silver mine in Thessaly, and came to Paris to establish a mineral-water cure at Auteuil.”
“Really, you should relate this aloud you would have wonderful success.’ Ash said.
“Oh, but it is a secret just discovered, by the prefect of the police. If his credentials had not been so favorable, he would have been arrested.”
“Poor Count! I shall go inform him of the danger he is in when he arrives.”
End Chapter
Completed 3/18/05