Brussels
Mon chéri Simon, I thought of you at midnight last night and the night before, and warm thoughts they were! Tonight I decided to write my thoughts down. I don’t think these words will ever be read, but no matter. Holding the pen and forming the words focuses all my attention on you.
Brussels bustles, though it is sadly flat for Marie and me now that our husbands are far from our sides. But today was a perfect spring day, so we walked in the park along with what appeared to be every other Briton in Brussels, and a good few others.
Should I be thinking of myself as British now that I have an Anglo-French husband who seems to be more British than French? I shall have to think on that. We usually speak French in bed—have you noticed?
You might be in Château Chambron by now. I hope all is going well for Philippe.
You are always in my heart, mon chéri.
Suzanne
On the road to Château Chambron
My darling Suzanne,
I am thinking of you at midnight, mon ange. After a night on the road, I realized that thinking isn’t quite enough so I have dedicated one of my small notebooks to writing you. I write my midnight thoughts to you in my cramped, private version of shorthand that I use for observations when I’m working. This uses very little paper and no one else would be able to read these words, but that’s all right. This little journal is merely a way of recording my thoughts of you.
We’re making reasonably good time considering that we’re traveling in a heavy wagon. My horse Achille is rather bored at being tethered behind us, but as you know, I gave Philippe the two carriage horses that we took out of France. The one that I rode when we escaped seems pleased to return to his accustomed work.
I feel some guilt that we essentially stole them, but I don’t know any practical way to compensate the owner. Or even a way to locate the owner, given that they were hired horses. But Philippe will treat them well.
The horses have informed me that they wish you were here because your magical horse talent makes them happy to do as you say. You may have noticed that it works equally well on me!
Always in my heart, ma belle . . .
Simon
Brussels
Simon, do you remember how I met my old friend and neighbor, Madeline de Sevigny, at the émigré gathering in London? She’s here in Brussels! I met her today when Marie and I were walking in the park. I was so happy to see her again, and she immediately embraced Marie as a friend.
Madeline says that half the London émigré community has come to Brussels to see what will happen, as if this was a great carnival. No doubt the warier ones have already made arrangements to flee north to Antwerp if Napoleon’s army invades Belgium. Fools. If they’re that afraid of the heat, they should move farther from the fire, back to London, for example!
Madeline says that she and some of her friends keep busy organizing ladies’ teas and excursions and charitable works since so many men are off doing military things. Like you, mon coeur! It will be pleasant to have some mild diversions with other ladies.
I hope all your diversions are of the mild sort. . . .
Suzanne
Château Chambron
Greetings, mon ange. Philippe is invigorated now that he is healthy and secure in his ownership of the estate. He hasn’t threatened me with his rifle even once! The château looks even worse than when we saw it, which has made Philippe accept that he must let it go. Instead he bends his efforts to finding the estate’s long-time tenants.
Many here remember him and he has been welcomed back with enthusiasm. On the drive down, we discussed your advice about treating his people as friends and partners rather than being lordly and annoying. From what I am seeing, the people of France are tired of lords and dictators and want to be treated with dignity and respect. Or else!
But the best moment of the day came as Philippe was talking to the once and future steward of the estate. Madame and Monsieur Cordier, the maternal grandparents who raised Philippe, heard that he had returned, so they rushed to find out if it was true. They all fell weeping into each other’s arms. It was a most affecting sight. Less complicated than when I found Lucas.
The Cordiers had been forced from the house where he was raised (I’m not sure why), but they are now living in another sturdy farmhouse, and it has room for Philippe to stay for the time being. They are desperate to meet Marie and welcome their great-grandchild into the world, but they agree it is best for her to stay safely in Brussels for the time being.
Tomorrow I set out for Paris, to find what I can see along the way. I’m sure it will be safe—I’ve seen no threats yet.
You are always in my heart, ma chérie, and I wish you were in my bed. Better yet, in our bed in Brussels—it’s more comfortable. My regards to your current bedmate, the little Leo.
Simon
Brussels
