Jacqueline watched as Godefroy came inside. He dressed in the finest clothing that he had, as she did it. He came home late last night, and spend the last few days entertaining his future colleagues or superiors in their homes.

He knew how to be charming, as she remembered their courtship. She wasn’t all that certain initially, but he end, she was glad.

She had opened her house, as much as she could, entertaining them with her wit and charm to help him out, as a wife should. For she could not standalone without him.

For a decade, her father thought he would not have another child. And so, he taught she would be his sole heiress and prepared her, interested in marrying her to the wealthiest man he could find.

But then, her mother had given him a brother, and things changed for her. They grew pretty close. 

She walked over to greet him in the morning. “How is the Madame de La Garde?”

He looked tired, having run himself ragged, though dressed, but barely.

“She’s doing well. She’s still in the palace and been keeping me company. But alas, she’s taking a break. She’s going to have a child.” He answered. “I will not see her for the next few months. She also doesn’t wish to give birth in the city. Not that I blame he, it’s quite dirty and full of people.”

“I know that you have discretion, and I trust you.”

“Her husband understands, but is upset that this time he went for just a count.”

“I don’t think for a moment that I understand the rules that govern your world, but it seems so strange.”

“Don’t worry, I strive to be careful.” He gave her a smile. “No one tells.”

Though it was an open secret for many that they could prefer many, and a mistress was often one who got blamed for anything going wrong with the king. And she needed powerful allies, which she did not have.

“Thank you. I never knew why anyone needed this more than wine. Until I realize I can’t appear intoxicated in front of people, I seek to impress.” He downed a cup while eating.

“It can help when you’re hungover.”

It was not a marriage of love, but out of alliances, duty, and money.  

It was acceptable for Jacqueline to take a lover more so and even be mistress to the King. But she did not, not needing the feeling. Content with her children, charity, and her husband as a friend.

Though he did not love her, but he did not loathe her either, and shared a few interests.  

“I’ll tell you the news when I first return, if I’m in.” He looked at her, being more like the husband she knew. And less like a ghost who just awoke.

She answered. “We will prepare for a return otherwise.” 

“I don’t have a reason to remain here in Sarponne, so I will return to Fréssone.” He told her, reassuring her.

Only if there was work would he remain.

His valet had put on his hat for him, as Jacqueline gave him a kiss on his cheek before seeing him off. 

She watched as he left the house, standing still. Though the valet returned.

“There is a widow at the door, seeking for food. The poor harvest has reduced her to begging in the streets for some effort. She’s carrying an infant.” 

Jacqueline looked up, pitying her. For it was birth that made sure she would never starve, but she would too.

“Give her some bread and food. We can afford to spare. And enough money for food for the next few days.” She told them honestly.  

“Be careful, Madame, for it is opening the door to them coming to your house.” 

“Well, I take pity on some of them. But aren’t we able to handle it for a few?” She asked, giving them. 

The servants nodded and agreed to cover the next few. Hopefully, it won’t be too many. They were harvesting, but there wasn’t

Though now that she was in Sarponne, she needed to have new clothes made. She took a carriage right into town, glancing at the side, the poor streets. 

She was used to doing it back at her estate. When she met, meting out justice, as she was his deputy being his wife when she was around. 

Her mother-in-law, Marie enjoying it. 

There was a dressmaker that she liked to visit, one that had been her favourite and served her mother and now her. She went inside the shop, letting out a sigh.

She had been a daughter of Sarponne, but left when she married to follow her husband whereever he went. Whether it was to court in the palace of the King or even to his estate in Fréssone.

“It’s a dear to see you again. I made your wedding dress.” 

She smiled. 

“Come sit here. I’ll have some tea or do you prefer something stronger?” The woman asked. 

Her name was Rose Deschamps, finely dressed with her wrinkled face and age. 

This was where she was, for all her life. 

“I didn’t know you were in Sarponne?” She hugged her. “You’ve changed into a woman indeed. I still remembered you as a little girl, and just before your wedding.”

“I returned as my husband hopes to make it into the list of notables that could attend the estates general.” She told her, with frankness. “Political aspirations as he’s tired of the idle life.”

“It’s such a time indeed, though things will change if the harvest is good. If not, it’ll be rioting on the streets.” Rose said. “I’ve had more business recently with all the nobles who moved here intending to attend and came with thier wives. Not to mention, all the merchants’ wives or even the wives of the lawyers who hope.” 

“I thought they earned little.” She looked, surprised, remembering that they could be humble.

“Depends. Some of them don’t, but then they wouldn’t be married, would they?” She asked.

“Fair point, if they couldn’t, they would wait until later to get married.”

She was lucky, for her husband was only three years her elder.

“They have turned it to some outstanding event, but I’m taking this as a chance to make some bucks.” 

She gave a smile. “I want you to make me a new gown, in the newest fashion. Most of what I own is a little older back when I was a new bride some of them still fit but others don’t. Not after three children.”

“You’ll want a replacement,” she said.

Jac 

“That’s good, I know exactly what you want. But first, I’m sure you have to be measured again.” She was honest.

Jacqueline raised her arms, just for her to look.

Once she glanced at the deep red gown, everything was ready. It was perfect

Then she got into the carriage, returning back home to the townhouse. It was relatively old, and they had lived here courtesy of her father.

She came down, seeing her own husband there. 

Godefroy was already pouring out the wine, a sign of a good day for him. And then he asked for a second glass for her. 

“How did it all go?” She asked, knowing her answer.

“I’m now going to attend the estate’s general. It’ll open up in a few weeks.” 

She was glad for him, but knew that she could only pray that things turned out well.

"Do not worry, for I will always protect you. You are the mother to my children and my wife." Despite his fears. She was indeed thankful for his comfort.

"Thank you," she said.

"Is it too soon?"

"It's been a few months," she told him. There were women who waited shorter, but since the weight of the royal succession wasn't on her, she didn't need to worry so much.

Before he leaned in for a kiss, taking her into the bedroom.