Page 132 of A Castaway in Cornwall
Why do we rouse Brittany and La Vendée? Why bring civil war into France?
—HONORÉDEBALZAC,THECHOUANS
Chapter 24
After Alexander’s departure, Laura wrote letters to Eseld and Uncle Matthew, letting them know she planned to stay on Jersey with Aunt Susan for the foreseeable future. She also sought out the former house of Alexander’s grandparents and spent time helping her aunt and Mrs. Tobin with their charity work.
When Mr. Gillan returned from his voyage, he came by the house to tell Laura that he had delivered Captain Carnell safely home to Brittany.
He added, “I asked him to command one of my ships when his business there is finished. He thanked me but turned me down. Said he was not certain what the future held. I replied, ‘Who of us is?’ But he would not be moved.”
Disappointment sank in Laura’s stomach. It was as she feared. He had no plans to return. Even so, she thanked Mr. Gillan for bringing her the news and led him into the parlour to visit Aunt Susan.
A fortnight after Alexander left, Mrs. Tobin brought in the post. “Letter for you, Laura. From France.”
Laura’s pulse quickened. Would it contain good news or bad?
Dear Miss Callaway,
I pray this letter finds you in good health. I hope neither you nor your aunt mind my taking the liberty of writing. I realize that after all we have been through together, it might seem a little late to worry about propriety, but I want you to know that I respect you as a gentlewoman of the highest character. I regret that my coming to Cornwall caused you to throw caution to the wind. I appreciate your sacrifices on my behalf and hope your reputation and relationships have not suffered irreparable harm because of me. I trust you and your uncle have been in contact. I have written to him myself, to apologize for exposing you to danger and gossip. I have not heard back, but with the war slogging on, perhaps the post is not yet getting through to England. I hope my letter to you does not meet a similar fate.
I’m afraid I have some bad news to relay. My brother, Alan, died almost a year ago, executed by firing squad. I was unable to help him or even see him before he died, to my deep regret.
My brother leaves behind a wife, Léonie, and a five-year-old son who live with my father. My nephew’s name is Jean-Philippe. He is the handsomest boy I ever saw, with his mother’s beauty and his father’s keen mind. He has won my heart already, and I am very much enjoying my role as “Oncle Alexander.”
Sadly, my father is in poor health, and his heart is failing. The doctors say it is only a matter of time. I am forever grateful that I am here with him for however manydays, weeks, or months God grants us. We have forgiven one another and have been reconciled. Our daily conversations are sweet and precious to me, knowing each may be the last. I will never forget that it is you I have to thank for returning me home to his side.
Most sincerely,
ALC
Her aunt came in as Laura was reading the letter a second time. “Mrs. Tobin mentioned a letter from France. Good news, I hope?”
“I am afraid not,” Laura replied. “Alexander’s brother was executed, and his father is near the end of his life. He was unable to see his brother, but at least he has been reunited with his father.”
“That is thanks to you, my dear.”
Laura shrugged. “He would have managed, one way or another, but yes, he expresses his gratitude.” She wondered if gratitude was all he felt for her now that he was home.
She added, “He mentions he is enjoying spending time with his young nephew. He and his widowed mamma live with the Carnells. Both very handsome apparently.”
The words Alexander had written echoed through her mind,The handsomest boy I ever saw, with his mother’s beauty.What was it François LaRoche had said about Léonie?“She expected you to marry her. We all did.”And now that she was a widow...
Her aunt watched her closely, her eyes downturned with concern and far too knowing.
“Anything about his plans for the future?” she asked. “Has the French navy given him another commission?”
“He does not say.”
“Well, perhaps in his next letter. You will reply, I trust?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind. I wish to express my condolences.”And so much more.
A few weeks after his homecoming, Alexander sat reading the newspaper after dinner, his father propped on pillows on his daybed and Léonie seated near the fire screen for light and warmth as she sewed. Jean-Philippe came in with a book and climbed onto the sofa beside him. Alexander smiled at the boy, pulled him onto his lap, and the two read together.
Léonie looked up from her needlework to watch them, her lovely dark eyes glimmering with affection ... and something more? Alexander quickly returned his attention to the book.
Later, after Léonie had taken Jean-Philippe up to bed, his father said, “Léonie is very pretty, is she not?”
