The Inheritance

My father enters Charlotte's sitting room, soon after my letters are sent, led by a maid. I rush into his arms.

"Camille, are you okay?" He pats my head. I nod, not trusting my voice to remain steady.

"Hello Sir Ferré, I am Marquis Étienne of Montclar." Étienne introduces himself to father. "This is my sister Lady Charlotte-Anne of Torcy."

"I remember talking with you yesterday. Thank you for taking care of my little girl." My father pulls from my embrace and gives a bow.

"I am delighted to help. I know that Baroness Camille-Marie needs her family with her now, therefore I have offered the services of Madame Auberget's assistant to run your inn as your wife comes to visit. I sent the fastest horse, so she should receive the invitation by the end of the day, and if she leaves tomorrow with hast she should be able to make it here in three days." My father bows lower.

"That is too generous Marquis Étienne."

"Nonsense and don't worry about my title. I want to repair the damage the Baron has done." Étienne waves his hand dismissively. "Now stand and let us be friends."

"Why have you been so considerate with my family? You are not responsible for your father's sins." Father look at Étienne, confused by the man before him. Étienne casts a brief glance at me but doesn't explain.

Father misses the subtle clue and continues. "Yesterday you have offered to introduce me to merchants in Montclar to expand my trade. Today you are helping with our inn and Camille. How could we ever repay you?"

"I am not looking for payment. I stayed at your inn a few days ago. I could see your ethics and decided that I would stop by on the way back with the same offer I made yesterday. I was pleased to find you at the feast and chose not to postpone."

"Also, Charlotte has become attached to your daughter. I dote on my little sister, so I will help any friend of hers." I look at him trying to understand the line between truth and fiction. Why would he be charitable to my family even when he knew we couldn't be together? Are his feelings for me that strong? I remember his words last night. 'I wouldn't let anything but her will come between us'. Will he ignore everything that has happened to be with me? I hope that he will but feel guilty that he would need to.

"It is true, Camille is delightful. I hated seeing her distressed last night." Charlotte collaborates her brother's tale, coming by my side to grab my hand.

"I am pleased that she has found dependable friends in her short stay here." My father beams at our trio.

With that there is a knock on the door and a servant hands Étienne a letter. He reads it quickly and turns to the rest of us. "Thomas has called a meeting in the hall with the doctor and us to discuss the Baron's death." Étienne looks at me, and in his gaze, I know that I will be safe.

"Can I come?" My father asks. "I want to be there for Camille."

"You are welcome to come sir Ferré. Let's not leave them waiting." Étienne guides our quartet down to the hall. Once on the ground floor, we enter the hall to find a small group consisting of doctor Gaston, the captain of the guards, several guards, and the baron's other sons. Thomas is siting in his father's chair, presiding over the conference.

"Welcome Marquis Étienne, Baroness Camille-Marie, and Lady Charlotte-Anne. Who have you brought with you?"

"Lord Thomas this is my father, François Ferré. He accompanied me to Torcy."

"Nice to meet you." Thomas gives a curt nod. "Let us proceed." Thomas turns to the physician for his opinion.

"After examining the scene, speaking with those that interacted with Baron Jean-Baptiste yesterday, and testing the body I have concluded that the Baron's heart gave out due to old age, and excitement. It was a natural death." Gaston declares to my relief.

"Good, now captain you see it would have been premature to place the Baroness in a prison." Thomas chastises the captain to my amusement. I wonder if Étienne had said something to him about me, or if Thomas was simply vexed by the captain's insolence last night.

"Now we need to discuss the funeral. According to custom Baron Jean-Baptiste should be buried in three days time. The Baron already prepared a marble sarcophagus at the Cathedral Sainte Madaleine. There will be a procession through the city from here to the Cathedral. Gaston, will the body be ready in time?"

"I brought the Baron's body with me. He has been placed into his room for the mourning period and viewing."

"Good. Make an announcement to the public of his death, that it is natural, and that the funeral parade will be held in three days at sunset." Thomas turns to a scribe that scribbles on parchment at his words. "I will take in the title of Baron the next morning. Everyone but the family is dismissed as we will be delegating the estate." There is an exodus from the room. Father looks at me, unsure where he lies. "Sir Ferré you may stay with your daughter as we will also be determining her status." Father relaxes, knowing that he can at least stand by me.

Étienne catches the doctor by the arm, whispering something in his ear. The physician stays behind with the family.

"Baroness, because this unfortunate incident happened on you wedding night, we need to determine the validity of your marriage. I know this could be awkward, but we need to know." Thomas looks at me, and the marks on my neck with sympathy. Father stiffens next to me, worried by the secrets he may hear.

"The marriage was never consummated." I say. My tone is flat and unemotional. Father relaxes. "You have no worry for me claiming some of your wealth or producing another sibling. I can stay for the funeral and will happily leave once that duty is finished." Thomas smiles at my frankness.

"I went in with the doctor to inspect the Baron. There was no blood, and Baroness Camille was still dressed indicating she speaks the truth." Étienne offers.

"I was there last night and saw the state she was in." Thomas reminds Étienne. "Baroness, your honesty is refreshing. I will leave your future in your hands. We can offer a small compensation for the trauma caused last night in the form of 50 gold coins."

"If you will provide for the voyage of my mother coming, and my family returning to our home I will ask nothing more." Thomas nods.

"That is justifiable." He turns from me to his siblings. "In dividing the inheritance according to the law, I inherit the title, lands and wealth. Lord Sébastienne will remain as my right-hand man and will inherit the title if I die before siring a son. Lady Charlotte-Anne will remain in my care, receiving a small allowance as my half-sister, and Baron Jean-Baptiste's daughter, until she finds a suitable husband. Marquis Étienne, as you have a title, and wealth beyond those we can offer, and as the last son, nothing is left to you." Thomas is decisive.

"I want nothing form here; however, I do request to have Lady Charlotte-Anne accompany me to Montclar once the funeral is finished. I am willing to take her as my responsibility and pay for all her needs as her guardian." Thomas raises his eyebrows at the proposition, but Charlotte appears unfazed. She knows Étienne is her doting brother, who will always give her the best he can.

"If you would like to take over her guardianship you may, but you will need to pay her allowance as well."

"I assumed I would as her guardian." Étienne counters.

"Then she will leave with you and will be your responsibility. Everyone is dismissed." We walk out of the room and Charlotte hooks my arm with hers.

"I can't wait to go to Montclar. I hope they have some handsome suiters for me." She exclaims. She must be bored with the variety offered here in Torcy.

"I am sure you will have men lining up to just talk with you." I coax her.

"You should come with me." Her eyes brighten at the idea. I look over to Étienne. This would be his home, and I don't wish to intrude.

"You are always welcome if you wish, but I understand if you need to spend some time with your family before you can come." Étienne offers a limited way out with a gracious smile. His eyes are teasing, knowing my hesitation.

"Charlotte, Étienne is right, I need to spend time with my family, but I will write. Maybe I could find a time to come eventually."

"You could come with me when I go to meet merchants there. It should be in a couple weeks. You could spend all your time with your friends." My father obliviously suggests. I love his heart, but I don't think my heart could take spending more time with Étienne. It needs to heal.

"I don't know, mother might need help at the inn. We will see."

My father acknowledges my logic but adds. "We should discuss this with your mother when she gets here in three days." I smile, but my heart stops. Mother will push me to join them directly.