Unchaining Alice

Chapter 16

There was a moment of silence between the three women.

“You must be Mrs Brown. I’m Mrs Preston but you may call me ‘Annie’,” Annie said kindly to Eloise, who had been standing motionlessly behind the two conversing women.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Annie. Please call me ‘Eloise’,” Eloise reciprocated Annie’s pleasant tone.

While they exchanged details about the other, Alice unfolded James’ letter to her, afraid of what it contained. She could exercise her new reading skills though. But to her surprise, the entire letter was written in French. Immediately she could see grammatical mistakes but it was a coherent letter. It was all in French just for her. Annie had said he was learning to impress her in the hopes that he would win her back. She was both touched and ashamed. Touched at his thoughtfulness and ashamed at the fact that he was still trying when she could not reciprocate without fear of a pending execution.

Dearest Alice,  

I write this to you in utter confusion. I’m confused at your sudden rebuttal and I’m confused as to why you suddenly changed so drastically. Though I don’t think you changed, I think something changed and it trapped you.

The Alice I know would not cut off people who were trying to be her friend, so what happened to you?

I’m not angry, I want you to know and understand that. I suppose that is part of the reason that I am writing this in French as I know English is difficult for you. It is because of this fact that I know the letter I received was not written by you. There were words written there that I know a sweet girl like you would not write. I also know that you would not understand them if they were said to you. I don’t know who wrote it, or if someone is holding something over you, but whatever it is, you can tell me. You will have my full support, belief and protection for as long as I am breathing.

I also want you to know that I am making an effort. I want you to know that I am not some aristocratic joke. I know those words weren’t yours but they haunt me, as if they’ve been burned into my mind. I care, especially about you.

I know your past keeps you bound in chains, but if you let me, I shall unchain you.

Send me a letter, admit me when I come to see you, or even come to see me. Whichever you choose, just know that everything can be as it was.

 

The way he signed it made her tears escape the rims of her eyes and fall freely down her cheeks. Both Annie and Eloise immediately came to her ad, wrapping their arms around her comfortingly.

“What is it?” Eloise asked tenderly.

“The way ‘e signed the letter,” Alice whispered. She showed the two women the bottom part of the letter, not that they would understand it either way. She made sure to shield her name at the top of the parchment.  

 

Tu me manques. Tu fais partie de moi.

 

She felt exactly the same way.

“James says ‘I miss you. You’re a part of me.’” Alice wiped her eyes with her hands and folded the letter in half. How could she finally find someone who thought the world of her, knowing her true past, and have it taken away so quickly? What had she done? That was self-explanatory. She picked up a pistol and shot a soldier in the arm.

“Oh, how sweet,” Eloise remarked. “He seems like a nice young man … when one gets past the brooding, moody exterior when he doesn’t get his way.” Eloise was talking about the fact that James’ got quite mouthy when she didn’t let him inside. “It is clear he has eyes only for you. Why don’t you let him?”

“It is true. He hasn’t been to a ball since you dismissed him and he barely leaves the house except to come to see you. He hasn’t had a drop of alcohol. He’s given up the drink so as to keep a clear head and remain on course. Jacqueline, I’ve never seen him like this. Please reconsider.” Annie looked completely sad and afraid. Sad that Alice had rejected her brother and afraid of what James might do if it continued.

She would! She would if she could, in a heartbeat. But she couldn’t.

“Tell James that I am sorry,” Alice whispered before fleeing the room. She ran into her small bedroom and closed the door behind her. She sat up against it and buried her head in her lap, cursing the day that she defied the rebel order that no woman should be present at the barricades.        

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I know the last few chapters have been shorter but that's because I've got a few rather long ones coming as we get into the climax of the story - Sarah's last attempt and her quick revenge ... :D 

Go and see 'Now You See Me' if you haven't already, saw it last night and it was awesome :) Gosh, if Dave Franco was taller ... haha ;) I'm 5ft 9, I need a tall guy :P *coughs* Channing Tatum *coughs* hehe 

Anyway - vote and comment!!