Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven
When the count returned to the castle a few days later, he seemed to be preoccupied with things and did not ask me out.And I myself was intimidated by what Claude said and avoided him uncomfortably. I told myself that if I really loved him I shouldn't believe Claude, but in fact felt that her story had a real possibility. The sex is there, and oddly enough it doesn't make me feel any differently about the Earl, I don't love him for his integrity.I saw him for what he was—in fact I had believed in him wrongly, and in the case of Gabriela and Mademoiselle Dubouil I had been proven wrong—and knowing all this I blindly allowed myself to be deluded.
The truth is I don't know how I feel, all I know is that he dominates my life and life without him would be dull and meaningless.Now I can't even ask him if Claudie's story is true.There is too much barrier between us, this man is an enigma to me - but if he walks out of my life, my whole world will lose hope of happiness.
It's not wise, it's not what I expect from myself, but I've done it.
I can only call it reckless and hopeless devotion, devotion!How typical of me to try to replace being in love with something else, because I tell myself to be dignified, and I'm afraid to face the fact that I'm in love with a man I can't change.
There was a heightened tension in those days and there is only one thing I can be sure of, the situation will not remain static any longer, it will explode, we are working towards some kind of crisis and when it comes my future will be decided.
I imagine this kind of excitement always comes with the harvest, but this is my personal crisis, I have come to the end of the work, I have to stay in the castle in ignorance, I should talk about my future.When I thought of telling the count I was going and he let me go, I felt a utter loneliness.
I wandered outside this feudal life and tried to fit in with my strict English upbringing.I could be wrong a lot, and I cling to the word "maybe" as my only hope.
Going into this strange waiting period, the sudden sense of danger... a different kind of danger and seeing a foolish woman allow herself to dream of impossible love - great danger.Because I have an uneasy feeling of being watched, there is a little noise when I pass the corridor back to the room-it is absolutely unmistakable but I can't recognize who it is, this extra sense of surprise comes, making people turn around and look back immediately, these are all It hit me suddenly and continued.
I was very careful with the key that I kept in my petticoat pocket, and I had promised myself to show it to the Count and we would look for a suitable lock together, but since Claude and I have talked I don't feel able to face him.
I promised myself an expedition of more days, secretly, and I pictured myself going to him and telling him I had found the emerald, as I became more and more sure that I should have found it.Maybe, I thought to myself, he would be so irresistible, so happy, that even if he hadn't seriously thought about me before, he would have done so then.
What foolish ideas a woman in love can have!I remind myself that they live in a world of romance that has little to do with reality, and they create glamorous images and convince themselves it's real.Of course I want to stay away from that kind of behavior.
I was surprised he didn't come to see the progress of the mural, and a few times I wondered if Claudie had mentioned me to him, and they laughed at my naivety together.If she was indeed pregnant with his child, they would be very close.I can't believe it - it's my inner romantic though, but it seems logical from a realistic point of view - don't the French care about their logic?What seems immoral to my British reason is acceptable in France.The earl has no intention of getting married, but hopes to see his son inherit fame, wealth, property and everything important to him; and Philip's return is that the earl will inherit the earl before the child after his death, and the castle will become his home; Claude can enjoy a relationship with a lover without losing dignity.Of course it's all reasonable, of course logical.
But I'm scared, I hate it, I don't try to find him because I'm afraid I'll show my feelings and at the same time I'm being watched.
I went to see Gabriela at noon one day, and she seemed pregnant and content now, and I loved my visit, for we spoke of the Count, of whom Gabriel was one of those who held him in high esteem.
After I left her I went through the short cut in the woods and while I was there I felt tracked more than ever, I was really nervous in this situation, I was alone in the woods - that's where the Count got hurt The woods, the fear came upon me suddenly with the crackling of bushes and the snapping of branches.
I stopped to listen, everything was quiet, but I was aware of the danger.
An urge made me run, and I did.Such pain possessed me that I almost screamed when my skirt got caught in the wild thorns, and I tore it away leaving a few fragments without stopping.
I'm sure I heard hurried footsteps behind me, and when the woods were thinner I turned around and saw no one.I came out of the undergrowth, and there was no sign of anyone in the woods, but I didn't stop long, and I started the long walk back to the castle.
I met Philip on horseback near the vineyard.
He rode close to me, and as soon as he saw me he cried out, "What's the matter, Miss Lawson, what's the matter?" I thought I still looked a little flustered, so there was no need to hide it.
"I had a really bad experience in the woods, I think I was being followed."
"You shouldn't be in the woods alone, you know."
"No, I shouldn't, but I didn't think of that."
"Strange, dare I say, but I can understand. Maybe you remember how you found my cousin when he was shot, and that made you imagine someone was following you, maybe someone was chasing rabbits."
"Maybe."
He got off his horse and stood still looking at the vineyard. "We will have a harvest worth recording." He said, "Have you seen grape harvesting before?"
"No."
"You'll like it, it won't be too long now, they're almost ready, are you going to go into the shed? You'll see the baskets they're getting ready, the excitement is building."
"Are we going to bother them?"
"Of course not, they like to see everyone who is as excited as they are."
He led me down the path to the cottage and told me about the grapes, which he admitted he hadn't had a hand in harvesting for years.I was a little embarrassed by his company, I regarded him as a weak third party in an indecent agreement, but I couldn't escape gracefully.
"In the past," he said, "I stayed in the castle for a long time in the summer, and I always remember the grape harvest. It seems that I stayed up late at night listening to the songs they sang when they crushed the grapes. Fascinating sight."
"It must be."
"Oh, well, Miss Lawson, I will never forget the sight of men and women stepping and dancing on grapes in wooden troughs, and musicians performing familiar songs, and they sang and danced, and I remember watching them in the purple It sinks deeper and deeper in the juice."
"So you expect a harvest."
"Yes, but maybe everything is more colorful when we are young, but I think it was the grape harvest that made me decide that I would love living at Gaillard Castle more than the rest of the world."
"Well, now your wish has been granted."
He was silent, and I noticed the serious lines of his mouth. I wondered how he felt about the relationship between the count and his wife. His feminine attitude made Claudia's description more plausible.And the fact that he resembles his cousin in some respects in appearance, accentuates the difference in their personalities.I think more than anyone else he wants to live in the old castle, own the old castle, be called the Count of Terratel, and for all this he trades honors, marries the Count's mistress, accepts the Count's illegitimate son as his own... all as long as In order that one day, if the earl dies, he can become the king of the castle, because I am sure that if he refuses to accept the earl's conditions, he will not be allowed to inherit.
We talked about the grapes and the harvest he remembered from his childhood, and when we got to the cottage I saw the baskets being prepared, and I listened as Philip talked to the workers.
He led the horse back to the old castle, and I thought he was friendly, reserved, and slightly disapproving, and I found myself making excuses for him.
I went back to the room and as soon as I entered I knew immediately that someone had been there while I was away.
I thought about it, and then I saw what was going on, the book that was on the bedside table was on the dresser, and I knew I hadn't put it there.
I ran to pick it up, opened the drawer, everything was in order, I opened one after another, everything was in order.
But I'm sure the book is passive.
I thought: Maybe a servant came in, why?Nobody used to come in at this time of day.
Then I smelled a vague scent in the air, a musky rose I'd smelled before, feminine and pleasant, I'd sniffed it when Claude was near.
So I'm sure Claudia was in my room on the way out, why?Could it be that she knew I had the key and she came in to see if I was hiding somewhere in the house?
I stood still, reaching through my skirt to touch the petticoat pocket, the key safe on me, and the scent faded, then it reappeared—vague, elusive, but important.
The next day the maid came with a letter from Champier, saying that he must see me without delay, and that he wanted to talk to me alone, so I will go to the vineyard as soon as possible, where our conversation will not be disturbed, He begged me to go.
I walked out into the hot sun, crossed the drawbridge towards the vineyards, the whole country seemed to be asleep in the heat of the afternoon, and as I followed the path through the vines with their plump, ripe grapes, Champier came to meet me.
"It's hard to talk about here," he said, "let's go in." He led me into the house to the first wine cellar.
It was cool in there, and it seemed to be very dark there after the sun hit the eyes.Here the sun shines through the small windows, and I remember hearing about the need to adjust the temperature through the windows.
And between the barrels Champier said: "I'm going."
"Go?" I repeated stupidly, then: "But when?"
"Leave immediately after harvest."
He held me by the shoulder. "You know why, Teras."
I shake my head.
"Because the Count wants me to walk."
"why?"
He smiled bitterly, "He doesn't need a reason, he just ordered, I'm no longer happy to be here, so...although I've been here all my life, I'm moving out now."
"But of course if you explain..."
"Explain what? This is my home... just like the castle is his home? We, my dear Thalas, shouldn't have such absurd feelings, we are slaves... born to obey, don't you know that?"
"This is ridiculous, Champier."
"No, I also have my own orders."
"Go to him...tell him...or make sure he'll listen."
He smiles at me. "Do you know why he asked me to go? Can you guess? Because he knows my friendship with you, and he doesn't like it."
"What does that mean to him?" I hope Champier doesn't catch the excitement in my voice.
"It means he's interested in you...in his own way."
"You know it's not, there are always women...and you are different from anyone he's ever known. He wants you to pay attention...for a while."
"how do you know?"
"How do I know? Because I know him, I've lived here all my life, and though he's not around, it's his home here. He's living a life here that he couldn't live in Paris, where he's our master, here We're still on the same page, and he wants to stay that way."
"You hate him, Champier."
"The French will rise up again against a man like him."
"You forgot how he helped Gabriel and Jake."
He smiled wryly, "Gabriel likes him like all women."
"What are you implying?"
"I don't believe in his good intentions, there is always a motive behind it, to him we are not people with our own lives, we are his slaves. If he wants a woman, then anyone who gets in the way has to move, when she When it is no longer needed, then... you know what has happened to the Countess."
"Don't dare to say that."
"Daras, what's the matter with you?"
"I wonder what you do in the gun room of the old castle?"
"I?"
"Yes, I found your grape clippers there, your grandma said you dropped it and it was yours."
He drew back a little, and then he said, "I have to go to the Castle to speak to the Count on business...that's just before he goes."
"And that got you to the gun room?"
"No."
"But I found it there."
"The Earl wasn't home, so I thought I'd walk around the old castle. You're amazed, it's such an interesting place, and I couldn't refuse to walk around, in that room, you know, where one of my ancestors was last seen to the sun."
"Champier," I said, "you shouldn't hate anyone so much."
"Why are they all his? You know he and I are blood relatives? My great-great-grandfather was the brother of an earl... the only difference is that his mother wasn't a countess."
"Please don't talk like that," I said, as a terrible thought struck me: "I'm sure you're going to kill him." When Champier didn't answer, I went on: "That day in the woods..."
"I didn't fire that shot, you think I'm the only one who hates him?"
"You have no reason to hate him, he never hurt you, you hate him because he is him and you want what he has."
"That's a good reason to hate." He suddenly smiled. "I hate him now because he's sending me away. You don't hate anyone who wants to drive you away from your home and your lover? I didn't come to talk to you." You speak of hatred for the count but of love for you, I shall go to Memmoth after the harvest, and I want you to come with me, Teras. You are of our kind, after all we are of your mother's kind , let us get married and laugh at him when the time comes, he has no right to control you."
I have no right to control me!I think, but you are wrong, Champier, never before has anyone had such power over my joy, my excitement, my depression.
Champier grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him, his eyes twinkling.
"Daras, marrying me, think how happy it will make us all... You, me, my family, you like us, don't you?"
"Yes," I said, "I love you all."
"And you want to go... back to England? What are you going to do there, Dellas, my dear? Do you have any friends there? And why are you willing to leave them so long? You want to be here, don't you? Think you belong here?"
I was very quiet, thinking of the life this Champier had proposed to me, and I imagined myself drawn by the excitement of the vineyards, pulling out my easel to develop my little talent for painting, and visiting my family in the Bastille mansion... But no, then I will see the castle, I will never be able to look at it without pain in my heart, maybe once in a while I will see the count, he will look at me, bow politely, and then he may ask himself: who is this woman ?I saw her somewhere.Oh, she's Miss Lawson who came to paint, married Champier Bastide and went to Monmouth.
Better to go than to go -- better to accept Claude's offer that there's still a vacancy -- though it probably won't stay that long.
"You hesitate," said Champier.
"No, it's impossible."
"You do not love me?"
"I don't really know you, Champier." The words escaped my lips, and I had no intention of saying them. "But we're old friends, I suppose."
"There's a lot we don't know about each other."
"All I know about you is that I love you."
Love?But you don't speak of it as passionately as you speak of hate, I think.
His hatred for the count was stronger than his love for me, and then I thought that the two were reciprocal, did Champier desire to marry me because he thought the count was attracted to me?When the thought occurred to me I realized a strong revulsion against him. He no longer seemed like an old friend in whose house I had spent so much time, but like an evil stranger.
"Come, Teras," said he, "say we shall marry, and we shall go to the count and tell him that I shall go to Monmos with my bride."
That is, he would march triumphantly to the Count.
"I'm sorry, Champier," I said, "but that's not the way."
"You mean you won't marry me?"
"No, Champier, I cannot marry you."
He let go, a look of bewilderment and anger spread across his face, and he raised his shoulders.
"But," he said, "I should keep looking forward."
I had a great desire to escape from the cellar, such a man's hatred for another man was terrible, and I, who used to be so vain and took such care of myself, began to understand the meaning of fear.
I'm happy to come out and re-enter the bright light of day.
I went straight back to my room thinking about Champier's proposal. He was not the attitude of a man in love. When he talked about the count he showed how much he felt it. He would marry me to embarrass the count.Excited by this dreadful thought, he noticed the count's interest in me, though he had shown little notice of me since his return from Paris. The next morning, while I was putting the last touches on the fresco, Rano came to me in great distress. "It's Genevieve," she said, "she came in and went back to her room, half crying and half laughing, I don't know what's wrong with her, I hope you come and help me." I followed her to Genevieve's room, and the girl must have been in a frenzy, throwing her knight hat and whip into the corner of the room, and when I entered she was sitting on the bed staring at the blank space. "What's wrong, Genevieve?" I asked. "Maybe I can help." "Help! How can you? Unless you ask my father..." She looked at me speculatively. I said coldly, "What are you asking?" She didn't answer, she clenched her fists and hit the bed, "I'm not a baby anymore!" She cried, "I've grown up, if I don't want to, I won't stay here, I'm going to run away." Lano held his breath nervously and asked, "Where are you going?" "Anywhere I like, and you can't find me." "If you're still in the mood you're in now, I don't think I want to go to you." She laughed but immediately whimpered: "I tell you, miss, I don't want to be treated like a child." "What's frustrating you? How can you be treated like a child?" She stared at the toes of her riding boots. "If I want friends, I should have them." "Who said you can't have it?" "I don't think people can be driven away just because..." She stopped and looked at me angrily, "It's none of your business, it's not your business, Lano, go away, don't stand and stare at me like I'm a Little Doll." Lano looked like she was on the verge of tears and I thought I could handle it better if she didn't just stand there and keep reminding Genevieve that she was in her care, so I motioned her to leave us and she walked away quickly. As I sat on the bed and waited, Genevieve said darkly: "My father told Champier to go because he is my friend." "Who said this?" "Nobody said that, I know." "But why was he turned away for that reason?" "Because I'm Papa's daughter and Champier is one of the producers." "I don't see the point." "Because I grew up, that's why. Because..." She watched my lips quiver, and then she threw herself on the bed, sobbing loudly and shaking her body. I leaned over, "Genevieve," I said softly, "You mean they are afraid that you will fall in love with him?" "Now you're laughing," she cried, turning her hot face to look at me angrily, "I tell you I'm old enough, I'm not a child!" "I didn't say you were, Genevieve, are you in love with Champier?" She didn't answer, so I went on, "And what about Champier?" She nodded, "He told me that's why Dad drove him away." "I see." I said slowly. She smiled wryly, "It's just Monmos, I ran with him, if he leaves, I won't stay." "Proposed by Champier?" "Don't keep asking me, you're not on my side." "I am, Genevieve, and I am on your side." She picked up and looked at me, "Are you?" I nod. "I thought you weren't, because... because I thought you liked him too, and I was jealous of you." She admitted naively. "Don't be jealous of me, Genevieve, but you have to be sensible, you know, I was in love when I was young." The thought made her smile, "Oh no, miss, you." "Yes," I said bitterly, "even me." "That must be fun." "It's more like tragedy." "Why? Did your father send him away?" "He couldn't do that, but he showed me how impossible it was." "And it is?" "Usually yes when a man is young." "Now you want to influence me. I tell you that I won't listen, but I want to tell you that when Champier goes to Monmos, I will go with him." "He goes after the harvest." "Me too," she said with determination. I saw that it was useless to talk to her in this mood. I was worried and asked myself what it meant, was she fantasizing that Champier was in love with her, or had he told her?Is it possible he did this at the same time as asking me to marry him? I thought of Champier in the cellar, with hatred in his eyes. It seems to me that the passion that controls his life is the hatred for the count, because he thinks the count is interested in me and asks me to marry him, because Genevieve is the count's daughter... probably trying to abduct her because of this ? In the following days, the grapes will be harvested regularly. The sky above the head is blue and cloudless all day long, the sun is hot, and countless grapes are ripe and waiting to be picked. I didn't think about the next day, I thought about Champier and his desire to avenge the count.I was watching over Genevieve, and with her current mood, I couldn't guess what she would do next, and at the same time, I couldn't get rid of the hateful feeling that I was being watched. I was eager to talk to the Count face to face, but he seemed to ignore me, and I thought maybe I did too since I was feeling confused.Claudie gave me some important recommendations as my work drew to a close, and how she wanted to send me away!The few times I met Philip, he was as distant and friendly as ever. After Genevieve's outburst, I was thinking about how to act, and suddenly I thought of someone who could help me, and that was Champier's grandmother.I went to see her towards the end of the afternoon, and I guessed she would be home alone, because there was a lot of work to do in the vineyard, getting ready for the next day, and even Ivan and Margaux were not near the house. She welcomed me as usual, and I told her how worried I was without a preamble. "Champier asked me to marry him," I said. "And you don't love her." I shake my head. "He doesn't love me either," I continued, "but he hates the Count." I saw the veins in her hand emerge as she clasped her hands. "It was Genevieve," I went on, "who led her to believe that . . . " "Oh no." "She was agitated and sensitive, and I was terrified for her, she was in hysterics because he was going to be sent away. I had to do something... I'm not sure what, but I was afraid that something terrible was going to happen, he Those hates... unnatural." "That's what he was born with, try to understand, every day he sees the castle there, he thinks: why does it belong to the earl...and the power belongs to it! Why not...?" "But it's ridiculous, why does he feel that way? Everyone who lives nearby can see the castle but they don't think it's theirs." "It's different. We, Basted, have the blood of the castle. Basted! There's an illegitimate child in this country house in the south...but he could also be the child of the old castle? A mix of the bastard and the son of the old castle The sound makes our name." "There must be quite a few people in this area who have the blood of the castle." "That's true, but the Bastide is different. We are closer to the castle, we belong to it and not many years ago. My husband's father was the son of the Comte de Terratel, and Champier knew that. When he saw the château and saw the count, he thought: Then the land on which I rode and these vineyards may be mine, and the château too." "Thinking like that...is not healthy." "He has always been proud, he has been listening to the stories of the castle from our family, he knows how the countess was sheltered in this house... how her child was born here, how he lived here until he returned to the castle Grandma. Mrs. Bastedt shelters him, and she has a son of her own, who is a year older than the young duke, but they have the same father." "It's a strong bond, I get it, but it doesn't explain how jealousy and resentment can grow after so many years." Mrs. Busted shook her head, and I cried: "You must show him reason, if he goes any further there will be tragedy, I feel it, when the count was shot in the woods..." "That's not Champier." "But if he hates him so much..." "He's not a murderer..." "Then who..." "A man like the count has enemies." "No one can hate him more than your grandson, I don't like this, it must stop." "You must always correct people to be what you want them to be, Dellas. People are not paintings, you know, nor are they..." "I'm not perfect enough to seek to remake them, I know, but I find it nerve-wracking." "If you knew that the mystical thoughts in our minds may often cause tension. But, Teras, what about your own? You are in love with the count, are you not?" I anxiously left her sight. "It is as clear to me as Champier's hatred is to you. You are nervous not because of Champier's hatred, but because he hates the count. You are afraid that he will do something to hurt him, and this hatred has been a lot. It has been necessary to him for years, and it smoothes his pride. Your love has brought you greater danger, Teras, than he has gained from hatred." I am silent. "My dear, you should go home. I, an old woman, have seen further than you think, and tell you this. Can you be happy here? Will the Count marry you? You will live here as his I don't think so. That's not for you or him, go home while you still have time. In your own hometown you learn to forget because you're young and you meet someone you learn to love , you will have children who will teach you to forget." "Mrs. Busted," I said, "you're worried." She was silent. "You are afraid of what Champier will do." "He's been different lately." "He asked me to marry him, he convinced Genevieve that she was in love with him... what else?" She hesitated: "Maybe I shouldn't tell you. This matter has been in my heart since I knew it. When the countess came here to escape the revolutionary masses and took refuge here, in order to thank Bastede for leaving them a gold box, inside the box It's a key." "Key?" I repeated. "Yes, a little key, I've never seen it like this before, with an iris badge at one end." "Really?" I interrupted impatiently. "The box was given to us, and it was worth a great deal of money. It was locked in case we had any great need, and the key was kept away except when necessary." "And was it ever needed?" "No, never, according to the stories that have been handed down we don't tell people that we have it, for fear that someone will come to ask for it. So we never mention the key, ... or the box. It is said that the countess mentioned that there were two keys, one In our box, one is hidden in the old castle." "Where's the key? Can I see it?" "It's gone... not too long ago, I believe someone took it." "Champier?" I whispered. "He tried to find a suitable lock in the castle." "That's possible." "When did he go?" She took my hand. "If he finds what he's looking for, that will end his hate." "You mean... emeralds." "If he had the emerald he'd think he got his share, and I'm afraid that's what's on his mind. I'm afraid this . He's going somewhere." "Can you talk to him?" She shook her head. "That's useless, I tried in the past, I like you, you must not be a victim. Everything is perfect here on the surface but nothing is like that, we are not showing our true colors to the world. You It's time to leave, you shouldn't have joined this years-long struggle. Go home and start all over again, as time goes by this will be like a dream to you, we're just puppets in a shadow play." "It will never be like this." "Yes, my dear, it is possible . . . because such is life." I leave her and go back to the castle. I know I can't watch anymore, I have to act, how - I'm not sure.
At six-thirty in the morning—the news of the grape-gathering came, men, women, and children from all the neighboring districts set out for the vineyards, where Champier and his father would give them instructions.I told myself that at least today I had nothing to think about other than gathering grapes. In the kitchens of the old castle, food is prepared according to ancient traditions for all the workers, and the harvest begins as soon as the dew has slipped from the grapes. Harvesters work in pairs, with one carefully cutting the grapes making sure the bad ones are thrown out, while the other catches them in a wicker basket and keeps the basket stable so as not to bruise the grapes. There was singing in the vineyards, and the workers joined in, making the song very local, another old custom that Mrs. .” I didn't work in the morning, I went to watch the vineyards.I didn't see Champier, he must have been too busy to notice me, too busy to notice Genevieve, too busy to hate. I feel like I don't have a share, I don't have a job to do, I don't belong to them, symbolically. I go into the gallery and look at the work that will be done in a short time. My good friend Mrs. Bastedt had persuaded me to leave, and I wondered if the Count, by evading me, told me the same thing.He takes me a little seriously, I'm sure, and that thought will support me a little when I'm leaving.No matter how sad I am, I should remind myself, but he takes me a little seriously.Is it love?Maybe I'm not the type to evoke great passions, the thought almost made me laugh.If I could see that clearly, I could see the absurdity of the whole thing.This man is like this: worldly, experienced, hard to please...and I am like that: unattractive woman devoted to only one thing - her job, while he is not like this - she prides herself on her common sense, acting Behavior shows a woeful lack of common sense.But I should remind myself that he values me. His alienation can be inferred from his importance to me, as Mrs. Busted said to me: go, it's better for you.I took the key from my pocket, and I must give it to the count and tell him how I found it.Then I would say to him, "The job is almost done, and I'm leaving soon." I looked at the key, Champier had the exact same one, and he even looked for the lock as I did.I think about those occasions where I feel like I'm being watched, is it Champier?Was he afraid that I would find what he was looking for so desperately?He must not steal the emerald, because no matter what he says to himself, it is stealing, and if he is caught... the man is embarrassing, and I think of the tragedy that will befall those I love. It was useless to advise him any further, there was only one thing to do: find the emerald before him.If the gems are here, they must be in the dungeon, because of course they're not in the secret dungeon. Now there is a chance, because there are not many people in the castle today.I remember seeing a lantern near the dungeon gate, and I promised myself I'd light it this time, so I could have a good look.I walked towards the center of the castle, down the stone steps, I reached the dungeon, and when I opened the iron gate, it rattled dully. I felt the chill in the place but I was determined to go in so I lighted my lantern and held it up and it showed me mold growing on the damp walls, holes cut in the walls, nails with chains on them everywhere ring. A spooky place, dark, redundant, still haunted years later by the forgotten victims of cruel times, men and women.There might be a lock for this key there?As I walked towards the dark place, I felt the terror approaching slowly. I knew exactly how men and women felt when they were brought in in the past, and I felt the horror and hopelessness. Then every nerve in my body seemed to warn me: go, it's dangerous here.I seemed to develop a special sense of awareness in imminent danger, that I knew I was not alone, that I was being watched. I remember thinking: if someone is waiting for me in an ambush why not attack me now... But I know that no matter who is waiting for me... until I do something, the danger will come after I do it.Oh, Champier, I thought, you wouldn't hurt me...even for the Gaillard emerald. My fingers trembled, I despised myself, I was no better than those servants who would not come here, as afraid of the ghosts of the past as they were. "Who's there?" I yelled, in a voice that sounded bold. There was a ghostly and weird echo. I knew I had to go out immediately, it was my intuition that warned me.Now!Don't come back alone. "Is anyone there?" I said, loudly again, "There's nothing here." I don't know why I have to speak up, it's a response to the fear that possesses me, there are no ghosts lurking in the shadows, but I fear the living more than the dead. I went back to the door—trying to do so slowly and carefully, I blew out the lantern and set it down, I passed through the wrought-iron door, climbed the stone steps, and once at the top hurried back to the bedroom. I will never go there alone again, I tell myself.我想像那门在我面前关上，我想危险追上我，虽然我不知道会以什么形式，不过那时我就会实现愿望永远留在古堡中。 我下了决心，我要马上告诉伯爵。
盖拉德葡萄以传统方式踩踏是很有特色的，在这个国家的其它地方可能有榨汁机，但盖拉德仍保留旧方法。 “没别的方法比得上老方法。”阿蒙·巴士泰德曾说：“没有酒尝起来完全像我们的酒。温暖的空气中充满狂欢声，葡萄采下来在木槽中有三英尺深。” 踩踏者准备着踩踏的事宜，腿和脚已刷得发亮，音乐家调好音，兴奋在升高。这景象在月光下迷惑住从未见过类似事件的我，我和其它人观看着踩踏者裸着大腿穿着白短裤踏进大桶开始舞蹈。 我听出那首尚皮耶第一次对我唱出的老歌，它现在特别有意义： Qui sent-ils les gens gui sont riches？ Sont-ils pws que moi qui nairien…… 我看着舞者在紫色池沼中愈洗愈深，他们的声音在歌中扬起，音乐似乎愈来愈疯狂，音乐家靠近木槽，阿蒙·巴士泰德以小提琴引导乐师们，那儿有一个手风琴、一个三角铁、一个鼓，一些踩踏者在他们规律的绕着木桶转圈时敲着响板。 白兰地在舞者间传递，当歌声变大时他们吼出感谢，舞得更热烈。 我瞥见伊凡和玛歌和其它的孩子兴奋的狂舞，一起尖声笑着，假装他们在踩碎葡萄。 吉娜薇薇在那里，头发梳高在头顶，她看来兴奋又神秘，我知道她不息的眼光意味着她在找寻尚皮耶。 突然伯爵在我身旁，他笑着好像很愉快，我觉得莫名的快乐，因为我相信他曾找过我。 “戴拉丝，”他说，以他的唇说出我的基督教名让我充满喜悦，然后：“嗯，你认为这个如何？” “我从未见过类似的事物。” “我很高兴我们能给你一些你以前没见过的东西。”他将我的手肘放入他手掌中。 “我一定要和你谈谈。”我说。 “而我也要对你说，不过不在这里，这里太吵了。” 他将我从人潮中拉走，外面的空气新鲜，我看着月亮，凸月，好似喝醉酒似的，月表上的斑纹清晰，所以看来很像高挂在那儿的脸，对我们笑着。 “好像距我们上次一起谈话有一长段时间了，”他说，“我无法决定要和你说什么，我想为我们想想，我不要你以为我仓促……冲动，我不认为你会在意这个。” “不会。”我回答。 我们开始朝古堡走。 “先告诉我，你想说什么。”他说。 “几个星期内我将完成工作，离别的时刻将至。” “你一定不可以走。” “但是我没有理由留下。” “我们一定要找个理由，戴拉丝。” 我转向他，没时间开玩笑了，我要知道真相。即使我流露出感情，我也要知道。“可能是什么理由呢？” “我要求你留下是因为如果你走了我会不快乐。” “我想你该告诉我你确实的意思。” “我是说我不能让你走，我想要你永远待在此地……让这个地方成为你的家。我正告诉你，我爱你。” “你在求我嫁给你吗？” “还没有，还有些事我们一定要先谈过。” “但是你曾决定不再结婚。” “世界上只有一个女人可以使我改变心意，我甚至不知道有她的存在，我如何猜出有多少机会能将她送给我？” “你确定？”我问，我听出我声音中的喜悦。 他静立不动将我的手放入他的，庄严的看着我的脸，“在我一生中再也没有比这更肯定了。” “但是你还是不要求我嫁给你？” “我最亲爱的，”他说，“我不会要你浪费生命。” “如果我爱你……我会浪费生命吗？” “别说如果，说你是。让我们完全对对方诚实，你爱我吗？戴拉丝。” “我对爱所知有限，我知道如果我离开此地，如果我再也看不到你，我会比生命中任何时刻都不快乐。” 他靠向我，温柔的吻着我的面颊，“这是个开端，但是你怎么会对我如此感觉？” "I have no idea." “你知道我是什么样子……我想要你知道。除非你真的认识我，我不会让你嫁我，你想过这个吗，戴拉丝？” “我曾试着不去想那些对我而言似乎不可能的事，但私下里我曾想过这些。” “你认为那是可能的吗？” “我没看到自己扮演倾国美女的角色。” “绝对没这回事。” “我视自己为一个女性……也不太年轻，没有个人魅力，但能照顾自己。一个把愚笨浪漫念头放在脑后的人。” “然而你不了解自己。” “如果我从没有来此地，我会成为那样的人。” “如果你没有遇见我……如果我没有遇见你……但是我们相遇，我们做了什么？我们开始清掉霜粉……霉……你知道这些名词，现在我们在这里，戴拉丝，我绝不会让你离开我……不过你要确定……” "I am sure." “记住你变得有一点笨……一点浪漫，你为何爱我？” "I have no idea." “你不欣赏我的个性，你听过谣言，如果我告诉你大多数的谣言是真的，你会怎么？” “我不期待你是圣人。” “我曾无情……冷酷……我曾不忠实……滥交……自私……自傲，若是我不再犯如何？” “我已有备而来，如你所知我自有定见……家庭教师式的，这像吉娜薇薇会告诉你的……” “吉娜薇薇……”他喃喃着，然后一笑，“我也有备而来。” 他的手在我肩上，我感到他正升高的热情我也全心回应。但是他正寻求控制，好像要延后拥我入他臂弯那一刻，除了在现实世界中终于在一起的喜悦，我们该忘记一切。 “戴拉丝，你一定要确定。” “我是……我是……再也没有更肯定的。” “那么你会接受我？” “非常愿意。” “知道……你知道这是什么。” “我们会重新再来，”我说，“过去已过去，我们相遇前的你、我都不重要，是我们在一起的日子才重要。” “我不是个好男人。” “谁能说什么是好。” “不过自你来后我已改进。” “那么我一定要留下看你继续改进。” “吾爱，”他温和的说，将我抱向他，但是我没看他的脸。 他放开我，将我转向古堡。 在月光下它像童话古堡般站在我们之前，尖塔好似穿透天空的夜蓝色布幕。 我觉得自己如童话故事中的公主，我这么告诉他。 “他们永远快乐的活下去。”我说。 “你相信美满结局？”他问。 “不是永远的入迷，不过我相信我们可以制造自己的快乐，而且我决定我们该这么做。” “你会为我们两人确保这一点的，我很满足，你永远都可以达成目标，我想你在几个月前就决心嫁给我。戴拉丝，我们的计划被知道后会有闲言闲语，你准备好了吗？” “我不会在意闲言闲语。” “但是我不想让你有错觉。” “我相信我知道最糟的，你带菲利浦来此是因为你决定不再婚，他会做何感想？” “他会回到柏根第的产业并且忘记他将在我死后继承，毕竟他还有一大段日子去等，谁知道，等时候到了他也许老得不在意了。” “可是他的儿子会继承，也许他会为他在意。” “菲利浦绝不会有儿子。” “那么他的妻子？她是怎么回事？我听说她是你的情妇，这是真的，不是吗？” “一度是。” “而你将她嫁给你认为不会有儿子的菲利浦，那么她可以怀你的？” “我有能力完成这个计划，我告诉过你我是个无赖，不是吗？但是我需要你帮我克服我的邪恶。你绝不能离开我，戴拉丝。” “那么那孩子？”我问。 "What child?" “她的孩子……克劳蒂的孩子。” “没有孩子。” “但是她告诉我她要生孩子了……你的孩子。” “这没有可能。”他说。 “可是如果她是你的情妇？” “曾经，我说的不是现在。我们一相遇你就施展你对我的影响，她嫁给菲利浦后我们之间就没事了，你看来半信半疑，那是不是表示你不相信我？” “我相信你，”我说，“而且……我很高兴，我看得出她想要我走，但是这没关系，现在没有事有关系了。” “你可能要时时忍受一些恶行。” “他们都过去了，现在及未来的才是我的事。” “我多渴望我的事完全成为你的事的那一刻。” “我们可以说就从现在起……吗？” “你令我喜悦，令我迷惑，谁相信我可以由你唇中听到如此甜蜜的话？” “我自己也无法相信，你对我施咒。” “我的爱人！我们一定要确定下来，拜托……拜托问我更多的问题，你现在一定要知道最糟的，你还听过哪些有关我的事？” “我以为你是盖柏拉孩子的父亲。” “那是贾克。” “我现在知道了。我也知道你对杜布依小姐很好心，我知道你心地好。” 他将手臂绕着我，当我们过吊桥时，他说：“还有一件事你没提，你没有问我有关婚姻的事。” “你期待我问些什么？” “你一定听过一些谣言。” “是的，我听过。” “当时在此地很少谈到的，我相信半个乡下都相信我谋杀了她，他们会认为你是个勇敢的女人嫁给一个多数人相信谋杀他妻子的男人。” “告诉我她怎么死的？” He is silent. “请……”我说，“请告诉我。” "I can't tell you." "You mean..." “这是你一定要明白的，戴拉丝。” “你知道她是怎么死的？” “那是鸦片膏过量。” “怎么样，告诉我怎么样？” “你一定不能再问。” “但是我以为我们要对彼此诚实……永远。” “这就是我不能告诉你的原因。” “那么，答案是那么坏吗？” “答案是很坏。”他说。 “我不相信你杀了她，我不相信。” “谢谢你……谢谢你，我亲爱的，我们不可以再谈这个，答应我不提。” “但是我一定要知道。” “这就是我怕的，现在你看我不同了，你不确定，这是我没有要你嫁给我的原因，我不能，直到你问了那个问题，直到你听过我的答覆。” “但是你没有答覆。” “你已听过我所有的话，你会嫁给我吗？” “是……任何人想告诉我你是个谋杀者都没用，我不相信，我永远都不相信。”然后他以手臂抓住我。 “你已给了你的许诺，希望你永不后悔。” “你怕告诉我……” 他将唇放在我的上，激情向前引爆，我软软的靠着他，困惑、入迷，在浪漫的梦中。 他放开我后面露忧色。 “将有闲话要面对，有人将在我们背后耳语，他们会警告你……” “让他们去。” “这不是容易的生活。” “这是我想要的生活。” “你将有个继女。” “我已经喜欢上她。” “一个不同的女孩可能会变本加厉。” “我会试着当她的母亲。” “你已经为她做了许多，但是……” “你好像决定告诉我为何我不该嫁给你，你想要我这么说？” “我绝不许你这么说。” “如果我说了怎么办？” “我会把你带到一间地牢把你关在那里。” 然后我记起钥匙，于是我告诉他我如何发现它。 “我希望将你长期失踪的绿宝石呈现在你面前。”我说。 “如果这是那把钥匙，我会将它们呈现给你。”他对我说。 “你认为这把钥匙真能开启它们的所在吗？” “我们可以找出来。” "when?" “现在，我们两个。是的，我们一起探险。” “你认为在哪里？” “我想是地牢，其中一个地牢的鸢尾花徽章和这个完全一样，它也许是其中一个线索，你现在想去吗？” 我突然惊觉到除了我们之外的其它人，尚皮耶在古堡中寻找绿宝石……我们一定要在他之前找到，因为如果他找到，他将偷走宝石，给家人带来羞辱。 “是的，拜托。”我说，“现在。” 他引路到马廊，他在那里找到灯笼，他点亮，我们朝地牢而去。 “我想我知道我们在哪里找到锁。”他告诉我，“现在又回来了，我记得多年前我还是个小孩时，地牢中有个检查，有鸢尾花徽章的洞穴被发现，它被注意因为它如此不同，环绕洞穴的鸢尾花徽章护壁，在这种地方雕饰是个奇怪的想法，很明显的是有目的。” “他们没看到是否有上锁的藏宝地？” “很明显无此迹象，理论是说某个可怜的囚犯无论如何做了这个……没人知道怎么做，并将之放在牢房墙上。他如何在晦暗中工作是个谜。” 我们到了地牢，他推开铁饰大门。和他进入漆黑阴暗的地方多不同，所有的恐惧都不见了，我感受到这是种象征方式，无论发生什么事，如果我们在一起，我可以面对它，我想。 他一手高举灯笼，另一手握着我的手。 “洞穴在这附近。”他说。 稀薄空气中有股陈腐潮湿的味道，我的脚碰到一个上面有生锈炼条的铁环。 horrible!但是我都不怕。 他突然发出一声呼叫。 “过来看看这里。” 在他身旁，在那里我看到鸢尾花徽章，有十二个放在洞穴中央离地六英寸处。 他交给我灯笼后蹲下，他试着将第一个花朵推到一边但因为在墙上黏得很紧无法移动，我看着他轮流碰触，在第六个时他住手。 “等一下，”他说，“这个好像松了。” 他欢呼一声，我将灯笼举高些，看他将花推到一边，这下面是锁。 这钥匙适用，事实上打开了锁，“你可看到这里有门吗？”他问。 “这儿一定有些东西。”我回答，“锁在那里。”我敲打着墙。 “墙后面有洞。”我大叫。 他用体重去撞洞的一边，令我们兴奋的传来一阵呻吟声及一部分的墙好像慢慢的动了。 “这是门。”我说。 他又试一次，一扇小门突然撞开，我听到他胜利的欢呼。 我过去站在他身旁，灯笼在我手中摇晃。 我看到柜子似的地方……一个两英尺见方的小空间，里面是个盒子，也许曾是银的。他走出来并看着我。 “看起来，”他说，“好像我们找到绿宝石了。” “打开。”我大叫。 像那扇门般有些抗拒，但是它们在那儿……耳环、手镯、腰带、项链、冠冕，我曾恢复他们在肖像中的色彩。 当我们站在那里在盒子上彼此对望时，我知道他正看着我而非宝石。“所以你重现了古堡的宝藏。”他说。 而我知道他没想着绿宝石。 这是多久以来我所知道最快乐的时刻。这就像到达山顶时，正这么做时，突然落入绝望中。是铁饰大门的嘎嘎声吗？是阴暗中的移动吗？ 危险的念头同时出现在我俩，我们知道我们并非独处。 伯爵将我快速拉到他身旁，用肩膀护着我。 “谁在那里？”他大叫。 有个影子由黑暗中逐渐出现。 我看着他的脸很害怕，因为在我仍握着的幽暗光线下现出一个我过去从未见过的男人，菲利浦的像貌，是的，疏懒以及细致的女性气质不见了，这里是个拚命的男人，一个有着残忍目标的男人。 “你也在找它们？”伯爵问。 “你比我早到，所以那是你，劳森小姐……我怕你会。” 伯爵压着我的肩膀，“现在走。”他开口。 但是菲利浦打断，“留在原处，劳森小姐。” “你疯了吗？”伯爵命令。 “没这回事，你也别想离开这里。” 伯爵仍推着我举步向前，但是在菲利浦举起手后很快停下，他拿了一把抢。 “别成傻子，菲利浦。”伯爵说。 “这次你逃不掉，堂兄，虽然你在树林里逃了。” “给我那把枪。” “我需要它杀你。” 一阵快速移动后，伯爵将我丢到他后面，菲利浦短促残忍的笑声怪异的在此地回荡。 “你救不了她，我要杀死你们两个。” “听我说，菲利浦。” “我过去听你听多了，现在是你该听我了。” “你计划杀我是因为你想要我的东西，是这样吗？” “你对了，若是你想活命你不该计划娶劳森小姐；你不该找到绿宝石；你该替我留些东西。谢谢你，劳森小姐，带我找到宝石，不过他们现在是我的，全都是了。” “你以为你可以洗脱……谋杀？” “是的，我想出办法了。我是说逮到你们在一起……像这样，一开始我不知道劳森小姐会如此尽义务的帮我找到绿宝石。所以这再好不过，谋杀与自杀。噢，不是我，堂兄，我想要活……活在自己的权力下……不再像一度在你的阴影下。劳森小姐会从抢械室拿一把抢，杀了你及她自己，你们被如此美妙的玩弄于我的手中……你的声誉也是如此。” “菲利浦，你这傻子！” “我已经说完了，现在是行动的时候了，你先，堂兄……我们一定要以正确顺序处理……” 我看到枪举起试着移动去救伯爵，但是他紧紧将我放在他身后，不由自主我闭上眼睛，我听到耳膜破裂声，然后在爆炸后……寂静，带着害怕虚弱我张开眼睛。 两个男人在地板上打斗——菲利浦和尚皮耶。 我惊讶太过，我几乎没注意到他们。我只知道我不会失去生命在这地牢中，但我正失去让我生命值得活下去的一切东西，因为在地板上：血从伤口流出来，躺着我心爱的男人。
I went straight back to my room thinking about Champier's proposal. He was not the attitude of a man in love. When he talked about the count he showed how much he felt it. He would marry me to embarrass the count.Excited by this dreadful thought, he noticed the count's interest in me, though he had shown little notice of me since his return from Paris. The next morning, while I was putting the last touches on the fresco, Rano came to me in great distress. "It's Genevieve," she said, "she came in and went back to her room, half crying and half laughing, I don't know what's wrong with her, I hope you come and help me." I followed her to Genevieve's room, and the girl must have been in a frenzy, throwing her knight hat and whip into the corner of the room, and when I entered she was sitting on the bed staring at the blank space. "What's wrong, Genevieve?" I asked. "Maybe I can help." "Help! How can you? Unless you ask my father..." She looked at me speculatively. I said coldly, "What are you asking?" She didn't answer, she clenched her fists and hit the bed, "I'm not a baby anymore!" She cried, "I've grown up, if I don't want to, I won't stay here, I'm going to run away." Lano held his breath nervously and asked, "Where are you going?" "Anywhere I like, and you can't find me." "If you're still in the mood you're in now, I don't think I want to go to you." She laughed but immediately whimpered: "I tell you, miss, I don't want to be treated like a child." "What's frustrating you? How can you be treated like a child?" She stared at the toes of her riding boots. "If I want friends, I should have them." "Who said you can't have it?" "I don't think people can be driven away just because..." She stopped and looked at me angrily, "It's none of your business, it's not your business, Lano, go away, don't stand and stare at me like I'm a Little Doll." Lano looked like she was on the verge of tears and I thought I could handle it better if she didn't just stand there and keep reminding Genevieve that she was in her care, so I motioned her to leave us and she walked away quickly. As I sat on the bed and waited, Genevieve said darkly: "My father told Champier to go because he is my friend." "Who said this?" "Nobody said that, I know." "But why was he turned away for that reason?" "Because I'm Papa's daughter and Champier is one of the producers." "I don't see the point." "Because I grew up, that's why. Because..." She watched my lips quiver, and then she threw herself on the bed, sobbing loudly and shaking her body. I leaned over, "Genevieve," I said softly, "You mean they are afraid that you will fall in love with him?" "Now you're laughing," she cried, turning her hot face to look at me angrily, "I tell you I'm old enough, I'm not a child!" "I didn't say you were, Genevieve, are you in love with Champier?" She didn't answer, so I went on, "And what about Champier?" She nodded, "He told me that's why Dad drove him away." "I see." I said slowly. She smiled wryly, "It's just Monmos, I ran with him, if he leaves, I won't stay." "Proposed by Champier?" "Don't keep asking me, you're not on my side." "I am, Genevieve, and I am on your side." She picked up and looked at me, "Are you?" I nod. "I thought you weren't, because... because I thought you liked him too, and I was jealous of you." She admitted naively. "Don't be jealous of me, Genevieve, but you have to be sensible, you know, I was in love when I was young." The thought made her smile, "Oh no, miss, you." "Yes," I said bitterly, "even me." "That must be fun." "It's more like tragedy." "Why? Did your father send him away?" "He couldn't do that, but he showed me how impossible it was." "And it is?" "Usually yes when a man is young." "Now you want to influence me. I tell you that I won't listen, but I want to tell you that when Champier goes to Monmos, I will go with him." "He goes after the harvest." "Me too," she said with determination. I saw that it was useless to talk to her in this mood. I was worried and asked myself what it meant, was she fantasizing that Champier was in love with her, or had he told her?Is it possible he did this at the same time as asking me to marry him? I thought of Champier in the cellar, with hatred in his eyes. It seems to me that the passion that controls his life is the hatred for the count, because he thinks the count is interested in me and asks me to marry him, because Genevieve is the count's daughter... probably trying to abduct her because of this ? In the following days, the grapes will be harvested regularly. The sky above the head is blue and cloudless all day long, the sun is hot, and countless grapes are ripe and waiting to be picked. I didn't think about the next day, I thought about Champier and his desire to avenge the count.I was watching over Genevieve, and with her current mood, I couldn't guess what she would do next, and at the same time, I couldn't get rid of the hateful feeling that I was being watched. I was eager to talk to the Count face to face, but he seemed to ignore me, and I thought maybe I did too since I was feeling confused.Claudie gave me some important recommendations as my work drew to a close, and how she wanted to send me away!The few times I met Philip, he was as distant and friendly as ever. After Genevieve's outburst, I was thinking about how to act, and suddenly I thought of someone who could help me, and that was Champier's grandmother.I went to see her towards the end of the afternoon, and I guessed she would be home alone, because there was a lot of work to do in the vineyard, getting ready for the next day, and even Ivan and Margaux were not near the house. She welcomed me as usual, and I told her how worried I was without a preamble. "Champier asked me to marry him," I said. "And you don't love her." I shake my head. "He doesn't love me either," I continued, "but he hates the Count." I saw the veins in her hand emerge as she clasped her hands. "It was Genevieve," I went on, "who led her to believe that . . . " "Oh no." "She was agitated and sensitive, and I was terrified for her, she was in hysterics because he was going to be sent away. I had to do something... I'm not sure what, but I was afraid that something terrible was going to happen, he Those hates... unnatural." "That's what he was born with, try to understand, every day he sees the castle there, he thinks: why does it belong to the earl...and the power belongs to it! Why not...?" "But it's ridiculous, why does he feel that way? Everyone who lives nearby can see the castle but they don't think it's theirs." "It's different. We, Basted, have the blood of the castle. Basted! There's an illegitimate child in this country house in the south...but he could also be the child of the old castle? A mix of the bastard and the son of the old castle The sound makes our name." "There must be quite a few people in this area who have the blood of the castle." "That's true, but the Bastide is different. We are closer to the castle, we belong to it and not many years ago. My husband's father was the son of the Comte de Terratel, and Champier knew that. When he saw the château and saw the count, he thought: Then the land on which I rode and these vineyards may be mine, and the château too." "Thinking like that...is not healthy." "He has always been proud, he has been listening to the stories of the castle from our family, he knows how the countess was sheltered in this house... how her child was born here, how he lived here until he returned to the castle Grandma. Mrs. Bastedt shelters him, and she has a son of her own, who is a year older than the young duke, but they have the same father." "It's a strong bond, I get it, but it doesn't explain how jealousy and resentment can grow after so many years." Mrs. Busted shook her head, and I cried: "You must show him reason, if he goes any further there will be tragedy, I feel it, when the count was shot in the woods..." "That's not Champier." "But if he hates him so much..." "He's not a murderer..." "Then who..." "A man like the count has enemies." "No one can hate him more than your grandson, I don't like this, it must stop." "You must always correct people to be what you want them to be, Dellas. People are not paintings, you know, nor are they..." "I'm not perfect enough to seek to remake them, I know, but I find it nerve-wracking." "If you knew that the mystical thoughts in our minds may often cause tension. But, Teras, what about your own? You are in love with the count, are you not?" I anxiously left her sight. "It is as clear to me as Champier's hatred is to you. You are nervous not because of Champier's hatred, but because he hates the count. You are afraid that he will do something to hurt him, and this hatred has been a lot. It has been necessary to him for years, and it smoothes his pride. Your love has brought you greater danger, Teras, than he has gained from hatred." I am silent. "My dear, you should go home. I, an old woman, have seen further than you think, and tell you this. Can you be happy here? Will the Count marry you? You will live here as his I don't think so. That's not for you or him, go home while you still have time. In your own hometown you learn to forget because you're young and you meet someone you learn to love , you will have children who will teach you to forget." "Mrs. Busted," I said, "you're worried." She was silent. "You are afraid of what Champier will do." "He's been different lately." "He asked me to marry him, he convinced Genevieve that she was in love with him... what else?" She hesitated: "Maybe I shouldn't tell you. This matter has been in my heart since I knew it. When the countess came here to escape the revolutionary masses and took refuge here, in order to thank Bastede for leaving them a gold box, inside the box It's a key." "Key?" I repeated. "Yes, a little key, I've never seen it like this before, with an iris badge at one end." "Really?" I interrupted impatiently. "The box was given to us, and it was worth a great deal of money. It was locked in case we had any great need, and the key was kept away except when necessary." "And was it ever needed?" "No, never, according to the stories that have been handed down we don't tell people that we have it, for fear that someone will come to ask for it. So we never mention the key, ... or the box. It is said that the countess mentioned that there were two keys, one In our box, one is hidden in the old castle." "Where's the key? Can I see it?" "It's gone... not too long ago, I believe someone took it." "Champier?" I whispered. "He tried to find a suitable lock in the castle." "That's possible." "When did he go?" She took my hand. "If he finds what he's looking for, that will end his hate." "You mean... emeralds." "If he had the emerald he'd think he got his share, and I'm afraid that's what's on his mind. I'm afraid this . He's going somewhere." "Can you talk to him?" She shook her head. "That's useless, I tried in the past, I like you, you must not be a victim. Everything is perfect here on the surface but nothing is like that, we are not showing our true colors to the world. You It's time to leave, you shouldn't have joined this years-long struggle. Go home and start all over again, as time goes by this will be like a dream to you, we're just puppets in a shadow play." "It will never be like this." "Yes, my dear, it is possible . . . because such is life." I leave her and go back to the castle. I know I can't watch anymore, I have to act, how - I'm not sure.
At six-thirty in the morning—the news of the grape-gathering came, men, women, and children from all the neighboring districts set out for the vineyards, where Champier and his father would give them instructions.I told myself that at least today I had nothing to think about other than gathering grapes. In the kitchens of the old castle, food is prepared according to ancient traditions for all the workers, and the harvest begins as soon as the dew has slipped from the grapes. Harvesters work in pairs, with one carefully cutting the grapes making sure the bad ones are thrown out, while the other catches them in a wicker basket and keeps the basket stable so as not to bruise the grapes. There was singing in the vineyards, and the workers joined in, making the song very local, another old custom that Mrs. .” I didn't work in the morning, I went to watch the vineyards.I didn't see Champier, he must have been too busy to notice me, too busy to notice Genevieve, too busy to hate. I feel like I don't have a share, I don't have a job to do, I don't belong to them, symbolically. I go into the gallery and look at the work that will be done in a short time. My good friend Mrs. Bastedt had persuaded me to leave, and I wondered if the Count, by evading me, told me the same thing.He takes me a little seriously, I'm sure, and that thought will support me a little when I'm leaving.No matter how sad I am, I should remind myself, but he takes me a little seriously.Is it love?Maybe I'm not the type to evoke great passions, the thought almost made me laugh.If I could see that clearly, I could see the absurdity of the whole thing.This man is like this: worldly, experienced, hard to please...and I am like that: unattractive woman devoted to only one thing - her job, while he is not like this - she prides herself on her common sense, acting Behavior shows a woeful lack of common sense.But I should remind myself that he values me. His alienation can be inferred from his importance to me, as Mrs. Busted said to me: go, it's better for you.I took the key from my pocket, and I must give it to the count and tell him how I found it.Then I would say to him, "The job is almost done, and I'm leaving soon." I looked at the key, Champier had the exact same one, and he even looked for the lock as I did.I think about those occasions where I feel like I'm being watched, is it Champier?Was he afraid that I would find what he was looking for so desperately?He must not steal the emerald, because no matter what he says to himself, it is stealing, and if he is caught... the man is embarrassing, and I think of the tragedy that will befall those I love. It was useless to advise him any further, there was only one thing to do: find the emerald before him.If the gems are here, they must be in the dungeon, because of course they're not in the secret dungeon. Now there is a chance, because there are not many people in the castle today.I remember seeing a lantern near the dungeon gate, and I promised myself I'd light it this time, so I could have a good look.I walked towards the center of the castle, down the stone steps, I reached the dungeon, and when I opened the iron gate, it rattled dully. I felt the chill in the place but I was determined to go in so I lighted my lantern and held it up and it showed me mold growing on the damp walls, holes cut in the walls, nails with chains on them everywhere ring. A spooky place, dark, redundant, still haunted years later by the forgotten victims of cruel times, men and women.There might be a lock for this key there?As I walked towards the dark place, I felt the terror approaching slowly. I knew exactly how men and women felt when they were brought in in the past, and I felt the horror and hopelessness. Then every nerve in my body seemed to warn me: go, it's dangerous here.I seemed to develop a special sense of awareness in imminent danger, that I knew I was not alone, that I was being watched. I remember thinking: if someone is waiting for me in an ambush why not attack me now... But I know that no matter who is waiting for me... until I do something, the danger will come after I do it.Oh, Champier, I thought, you wouldn't hurt me...even for the Gaillard emerald. My fingers trembled, I despised myself, I was no better than those servants who would not come here, as afraid of the ghosts of the past as they were. "Who's there?" I yelled, in a voice that sounded bold. There was a ghostly and weird echo. I knew I had to go out immediately, it was my intuition that warned me.Now!Don't come back alone. "Is anyone there?" I said, loudly again, "There's nothing here." I don't know why I have to speak up, it's a response to the fear that possesses me, there are no ghosts lurking in the shadows, but I fear the living more than the dead. I went back to the door—trying to do so slowly and carefully, I blew out the lantern and set it down, I passed through the wrought-iron door, climbed the stone steps, and once at the top hurried back to the bedroom. I will never go there alone again, I tell myself.我想像那门在我面前关上，我想危险追上我，虽然我不知道会以什么形式，不过那时我就会实现愿望永远留在古堡中。 我下了决心，我要马上告诉伯爵。
盖拉德葡萄以传统方式踩踏是很有特色的，在这个国家的其它地方可能有榨汁机，但盖拉德仍保留旧方法。 “没别的方法比得上老方法。”阿蒙·巴士泰德曾说：“没有酒尝起来完全像我们的酒。温暖的空气中充满狂欢声，葡萄采下来在木槽中有三英尺深。” 踩踏者准备着踩踏的事宜，腿和脚已刷得发亮，音乐家调好音，兴奋在升高。这景象在月光下迷惑住从未见过类似事件的我，我和其它人观看着踩踏者裸着大腿穿着白短裤踏进大桶开始舞蹈。 我听出那首尚皮耶第一次对我唱出的老歌，它现在特别有意义： Qui sent-ils les gens gui sont riches？ Sont-ils pws que moi qui nairien…… 我看着舞者在紫色池沼中愈洗愈深，他们的声音在歌中扬起，音乐似乎愈来愈疯狂，音乐家靠近木槽，阿蒙·巴士泰德以小提琴引导乐师们，那儿有一个手风琴、一个三角铁、一个鼓，一些踩踏者在他们规律的绕着木桶转圈时敲着响板。 白兰地在舞者间传递，当歌声变大时他们吼出感谢，舞得更热烈。 我瞥见伊凡和玛歌和其它的孩子兴奋的狂舞，一起尖声笑着，假装他们在踩碎葡萄。 吉娜薇薇在那里，头发梳高在头顶，她看来兴奋又神秘，我知道她不息的眼光意味着她在找寻尚皮耶。 突然伯爵在我身旁，他笑着好像很愉快，我觉得莫名的快乐，因为我相信他曾找过我。 “戴拉丝，”他说，以他的唇说出我的基督教名让我充满喜悦，然后：“嗯，你认为这个如何？” “我从未见过类似的事物。” “我很高兴我们能给你一些你以前没见过的东西。”他将我的手肘放入他手掌中。 “我一定要和你谈谈。”我说。 “而我也要对你说，不过不在这里，这里太吵了。” 他将我从人潮中拉走，外面的空气新鲜，我看着月亮，凸月，好似喝醉酒似的，月表上的斑纹清晰，所以看来很像高挂在那儿的脸，对我们笑着。 “好像距我们上次一起谈话有一长段时间了，”他说，“我无法决定要和你说什么，我想为我们想想，我不要你以为我仓促……冲动，我不认为你会在意这个。” “不会。”我回答。 我们开始朝古堡走。 “先告诉我，你想说什么。”他说。 “几个星期内我将完成工作，离别的时刻将至。” “你一定不可以走。” “但是我没有理由留下。” “我们一定要找个理由，戴拉丝。” 我转向他，没时间开玩笑了，我要知道真相。即使我流露出感情，我也要知道。“可能是什么理由呢？” “我要求你留下是因为如果你走了我会不快乐。” “我想你该告诉我你确实的意思。” “我是说我不能让你走，我想要你永远待在此地……让这个地方成为你的家。我正告诉你，我爱你。” “你在求我嫁给你吗？” “还没有，还有些事我们一定要先谈过。” “但是你曾决定不再结婚。” “世界上只有一个女人可以使我改变心意，我甚至不知道有她的存在，我如何猜出有多少机会能将她送给我？” “你确定？”我问，我听出我声音中的喜悦。 他静立不动将我的手放入他的，庄严的看着我的脸，“在我一生中再也没有比这更肯定了。” “但是你还是不要求我嫁给你？” “我最亲爱的，”他说，“我不会要你浪费生命。” “如果我爱你……我会浪费生命吗？” “别说如果，说你是。让我们完全对对方诚实，你爱我吗？戴拉丝。” “我对爱所知有限，我知道如果我离开此地，如果我再也看不到你，我会比生命中任何时刻都不快乐。” 他靠向我，温柔的吻着我的面颊，“这是个开端，但是你怎么会对我如此感觉？” "I have no idea." “你知道我是什么样子……我想要你知道。除非你真的认识我，我不会让你嫁我，你想过这个吗，戴拉丝？” “我曾试着不去想那些对我而言似乎不可能的事，但私下里我曾想过这些。” “你认为那是可能的吗？” “我没看到自己扮演倾国美女的角色。” “绝对没这回事。” “我视自己为一个女性……也不太年轻，没有个人魅力，但能照顾自己。一个把愚笨浪漫念头放在脑后的人。” “然而你不了解自己。” “如果我从没有来此地，我会成为那样的人。” “如果你没有遇见我……如果我没有遇见你……但是我们相遇，我们做了什么？我们开始清掉霜粉……霉……你知道这些名词，现在我们在这里，戴拉丝，我绝不会让你离开我……不过你要确定……” "I am sure." “记住你变得有一点笨……一点浪漫，你为何爱我？” "I have no idea." “你不欣赏我的个性，你听过谣言，如果我告诉你大多数的谣言是真的，你会怎么？” “我不期待你是圣人。” “我曾无情……冷酷……我曾不忠实……滥交……自私……自傲，若是我不再犯如何？” “我已有备而来，如你所知我自有定见……家庭教师式的，这像吉娜薇薇会告诉你的……” “吉娜薇薇……”他喃喃着，然后一笑，“我也有备而来。” 他的手在我肩上，我感到他正升高的热情我也全心回应。但是他正寻求控制，好像要延后拥我入他臂弯那一刻，除了在现实世界中终于在一起的喜悦，我们该忘记一切。 “戴拉丝，你一定要确定。” “我是……我是……再也没有更肯定的。” “那么你会接受我？” “非常愿意。” “知道……你知道这是什么。” “我们会重新再来，”我说，“过去已过去，我们相遇前的你、我都不重要，是我们在一起的日子才重要。” “我不是个好男人。” “谁能说什么是好。” “不过自你来后我已改进。” “那么我一定要留下看你继续改进。” “吾爱，”他温和的说，将我抱向他，但是我没看他的脸。 他放开我，将我转向古堡。 在月光下它像童话古堡般站在我们之前，尖塔好似穿透天空的夜蓝色布幕。 我觉得自己如童话故事中的公主，我这么告诉他。 “他们永远快乐的活下去。”我说。 “你相信美满结局？”他问。 “不是永远的入迷，不过我相信我们可以制造自己的快乐，而且我决定我们该这么做。” “你会为我们两人确保这一点的，我很满足，你永远都可以达成目标，我想你在几个月前就决心嫁给我。戴拉丝，我们的计划被知道后会有闲言闲语，你准备好了吗？” “我不会在意闲言闲语。” “但是我不想让你有错觉。” “我相信我知道最糟的，你带菲利浦来此是因为你决定不再婚，他会做何感想？” “他会回到柏根第的产业并且忘记他将在我死后继承，毕竟他还有一大段日子去等，谁知道，等时候到了他也许老得不在意了。” “可是他的儿子会继承，也许他会为他在意。” “菲利浦绝不会有儿子。” “那么他的妻子？她是怎么回事？我听说她是你的情妇，这是真的，不是吗？” “一度是。” “而你将她嫁给你认为不会有儿子的菲利浦，那么她可以怀你的？” “我有能力完成这个计划，我告诉过你我是个无赖，不是吗？但是我需要你帮我克服我的邪恶。你绝不能离开我，戴拉丝。” “那么那孩子？”我问。 "What child?" “她的孩子……克劳蒂的孩子。” “没有孩子。” “但是她告诉我她要生孩子了……你的孩子。” “这没有可能。”他说。 “可是如果她是你的情妇？” “曾经，我说的不是现在。我们一相遇你就施展你对我的影响，她嫁给菲利浦后我们之间就没事了，你看来半信半疑，那是不是表示你不相信我？” “我相信你，”我说，“而且……我很高兴，我看得出她想要我走，但是这没关系，现在没有事有关系了。” “你可能要时时忍受一些恶行。” “他们都过去了，现在及未来的才是我的事。” “我多渴望我的事完全成为你的事的那一刻。” “我们可以说就从现在起……吗？” “你令我喜悦，令我迷惑，谁相信我可以由你唇中听到如此甜蜜的话？” “我自己也无法相信，你对我施咒。” “我的爱人！我们一定要确定下来，拜托……拜托问我更多的问题，你现在一定要知道最糟的，你还听过哪些有关我的事？” “我以为你是盖柏拉孩子的父亲。” “那是贾克。” “我现在知道了。我也知道你对杜布依小姐很好心，我知道你心地好。” 他将手臂绕着我，当我们过吊桥时，他说：“还有一件事你没提，你没有问我有关婚姻的事。” “你期待我问些什么？” “你一定听过一些谣言。” “是的，我听过。” “当时在此地很少谈到的，我相信半个乡下都相信我谋杀了她，他们会认为你是个勇敢的女人嫁给一个多数人相信谋杀他妻子的男人。” “告诉我她怎么死的？” He is silent. “请……”我说，“请告诉我。” "I can't tell you." "You mean..." “这是你一定要明白的，戴拉丝。” “你知道她是怎么死的？” “那是鸦片膏过量。” “怎么样，告诉我怎么样？” “你一定不能再问。” “但是我以为我们要对彼此诚实……永远。” “这就是我不能告诉你的原因。” “那么，答案是那么坏吗？” “答案是很坏。”他说。 “我不相信你杀了她，我不相信。” “谢谢你……谢谢你，我亲爱的，我们不可以再谈这个，答应我不提。” “但是我一定要知道。” “这就是我怕的，现在你看我不同了，你不确定，这是我没有要你嫁给我的原因，我不能，直到你问了那个问题，直到你听过我的答覆。” “但是你没有答覆。” “你已听过我所有的话，你会嫁给我吗？” “是……任何人想告诉我你是个谋杀者都没用，我不相信，我永远都不相信。”然后他以手臂抓住我。 “你已给了你的许诺，希望你永不后悔。” “你怕告诉我……” 他将唇放在我的上，激情向前引爆，我软软的靠着他，困惑、入迷，在浪漫的梦中。 他放开我后面露忧色。 “将有闲话要面对，有人将在我们背后耳语，他们会警告你……” “让他们去。” “这不是容易的生活。” “这是我想要的生活。” “你将有个继女。” “我已经喜欢上她。” “一个不同的女孩可能会变本加厉。” “我会试着当她的母亲。” “你已经为她做了许多，但是……” “你好像决定告诉我为何我不该嫁给你，你想要我这么说？” “我绝不许你这么说。” “如果我说了怎么办？” “我会把你带到一间地牢把你关在那里。” 然后我记起钥匙，于是我告诉他我如何发现它。 “我希望将你长期失踪的绿宝石呈现在你面前。”我说。 “如果这是那把钥匙，我会将它们呈现给你。”他对我说。 “你认为这把钥匙真能开启它们的所在吗？” “我们可以找出来。” "when?" “现在，我们两个。是的，我们一起探险。” “你认为在哪里？” “我想是地牢，其中一个地牢的鸢尾花徽章和这个完全一样，它也许是其中一个线索，你现在想去吗？” 我突然惊觉到除了我们之外的其它人，尚皮耶在古堡中寻找绿宝石……我们一定要在他之前找到，因为如果他找到，他将偷走宝石，给家人带来羞辱。 “是的，拜托。”我说，“现在。” 他引路到马廊，他在那里找到灯笼，他点亮，我们朝地牢而去。 “我想我知道我们在哪里找到锁。”他告诉我，“现在又回来了，我记得多年前我还是个小孩时，地牢中有个检查，有鸢尾花徽章的洞穴被发现，它被注意因为它如此不同，环绕洞穴的鸢尾花徽章护壁，在这种地方雕饰是个奇怪的想法，很明显的是有目的。” “他们没看到是否有上锁的藏宝地？” “很明显无此迹象，理论是说某个可怜的囚犯无论如何做了这个……没人知道怎么做，并将之放在牢房墙上。他如何在晦暗中工作是个谜。” 我们到了地牢，他推开铁饰大门。和他进入漆黑阴暗的地方多不同，所有的恐惧都不见了，我感受到这是种象征方式，无论发生什么事，如果我们在一起，我可以面对它，我想。 他一手高举灯笼，另一手握着我的手。 “洞穴在这附近。”他说。 稀薄空气中有股陈腐潮湿的味道，我的脚碰到一个上面有生锈炼条的铁环。 horrible!但是我都不怕。 他突然发出一声呼叫。 “过来看看这里。” 在他身旁，在那里我看到鸢尾花徽章，有十二个放在洞穴中央离地六英寸处。 他交给我灯笼后蹲下，他试着将第一个花朵推到一边但因为在墙上黏得很紧无法移动，我看着他轮流碰触，在第六个时他住手。 “等一下，”他说，“这个好像松了。” 他欢呼一声，我将灯笼举高些，看他将花推到一边，这下面是锁。 这钥匙适用，事实上打开了锁，“你可看到这里有门吗？”他问。 “这儿一定有些东西。”我回答，“锁在那里。”我敲打着墙。 “墙后面有洞。”我大叫。 他用体重去撞洞的一边，令我们兴奋的传来一阵呻吟声及一部分的墙好像慢慢的动了。 “这是门。”我说。 他又试一次，一扇小门突然撞开，我听到他胜利的欢呼。 我过去站在他身旁，灯笼在我手中摇晃。 我看到柜子似的地方……一个两英尺见方的小空间，里面是个盒子，也许曾是银的。他走出来并看着我。 “看起来，”他说，“好像我们找到绿宝石了。” “打开。”我大叫。 像那扇门般有些抗拒，但是它们在那儿……耳环、手镯、腰带、项链、冠冕，我曾恢复他们在肖像中的色彩。 当我们站在那里在盒子上彼此对望时，我知道他正看着我而非宝石。“所以你重现了古堡的宝藏。”他说。 而我知道他没想着绿宝石。 这是多久以来我所知道最快乐的时刻。这就像到达山顶时，正这么做时，突然落入绝望中。是铁饰大门的嘎嘎声吗？是阴暗中的移动吗？ 危险的念头同时出现在我俩，我们知道我们并非独处。 伯爵将我快速拉到他身旁，用肩膀护着我。 “谁在那里？”他大叫。 有个影子由黑暗中逐渐出现。 我看着他的脸很害怕，因为在我仍握着的幽暗光线下现出一个我过去从未见过的男人，菲利浦的像貌，是的，疏懒以及细致的女性气质不见了，这里是个拚命的男人，一个有着残忍目标的男人。 “你也在找它们？”伯爵问。 “你比我早到，所以那是你，劳森小姐……我怕你会。” 伯爵压着我的肩膀，“现在走。”他开口。 但是菲利浦打断，“留在原处，劳森小姐。” “你疯了吗？”伯爵命令。 “没这回事，你也别想离开这里。” 伯爵仍推着我举步向前，但是在菲利浦举起手后很快停下，他拿了一把抢。 “别成傻子，菲利浦。”伯爵说。 “这次你逃不掉，堂兄，虽然你在树林里逃了。” “给我那把枪。” “我需要它杀你。” 一阵快速移动后，伯爵将我丢到他后面，菲利浦短促残忍的笑声怪异的在此地回荡。 “你救不了她，我要杀死你们两个。” “听我说，菲利浦。” “我过去听你听多了，现在是你该听我了。” “你计划杀我是因为你想要我的东西，是这样吗？” “你对了，若是你想活命你不该计划娶劳森小姐；你不该找到绿宝石；你该替我留些东西。谢谢你，劳森小姐，带我找到宝石，不过他们现在是我的，全都是了。” “你以为你可以洗脱……谋杀？” “是的，我想出办法了。我是说逮到你们在一起……像这样，一开始我不知道劳森小姐会如此尽义务的帮我找到绿宝石。所以这再好不过，谋杀与自杀。噢，不是我，堂兄，我想要活……活在自己的权力下……不再像一度在你的阴影下。劳森小姐会从抢械室拿一把抢，杀了你及她自己，你们被如此美妙的玩弄于我的手中……你的声誉也是如此。” “菲利浦，你这傻子！” “我已经说完了，现在是行动的时候了，你先，堂兄……我们一定要以正确顺序处理……” 我看到枪举起试着移动去救伯爵，但是他紧紧将我放在他身后，不由自主我闭上眼睛，我听到耳膜破裂声，然后在爆炸后……寂静，带着害怕虚弱我张开眼睛。 两个男人在地板上打斗——菲利浦和尚皮耶。 我惊讶太过，我几乎没注意到他们。我只知道我不会失去生命在这地牢中，但我正失去让我生命值得活下去的一切东西，因为在地板上：血从伤口流出来，躺着我心爱的男人。