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- Herausgeber: Editora Vida e Consciência
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
Reincarnation shows us that love is the driving force of life, when it merges in the Whole, in indestructible bonds that last for eternity. Zibia Gasparetto (in memorian) was one of the most admired writers of all time and her legacy lives on among her readers. Her books contribute to the spiritualist literature and transmit messages of love and peace. With more than sixty years of career, 59 books and 20 million titles sold, Zibia had her works published in countries like Japan, Colombia, Spain and Portugal, where she continues to be a great success.
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Seitenzahl: 435
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022
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© 1976, 2016 por Zibia Gasparetto
© 2022 por Zibia Gasparetto – formato digital
Capa e produção gráfica: Equipe Vida & Consciência
Conversão e-book: Equipe Vida & Consciência
Produção do ePub: Cumbuca Studio
ISBN 978-65-88599-33-4 – formato digital
The partial or full reproduction of this book without proper authorization is prohibited.
Publishing, Distribution, Printing and Finishing:
Vida & Consciência Editora e Distribuidora Ltda.
Rua das Oiticicas, 75 — São Paulo — SP — Brasil
CEP 04346-090
www.vidaeconsciencia.com.br
SUMMARY
1. The Suffering Family
2. Remembering the Past in the Spiritual Colony
3. Scenes of Tender Happiness
4. The Happy Marriage and Attempted Murder
5. Unveiled Mystery and Homicide
6. Imbalance Caused by Omission
7. Gustave of Varenne’s Recovery
8. Doctor Villefort’s Wise Lessons
9. The Benefit of Forgiveness to the Dying
10. Love Grows in the Hearts of Gustave and Genevieve
11. The Reaction of Evil Forces
12. Pride and Selfishness Jeopardize a Family’s Happiness
13. Evil Triumphs
14. Ambushed, Gustave Loses his Life
15. Gustave’s Disturbance
16. The Source of the Problems
17. Roque Runs Away to the City
18. Roque Returns to Take his Family
19. The Earl of Ancour Atones For his Crime
20. Roque’s Devotion
21. Moments of Anguish and Affliction
22. The Countess of Ancour’s Painful Redemption
23. The Benefit of Family Ties
24. Gustave and the Countess United in Suffering
25. Roque Resolves his Relationship with Maria
26. An Unexpected Threat
27. The Spectacular Escape
28. Maria’s Evangelization
29. Roque a Channel for Healing
30. Maria’s Tragic Passing
31. The Return to the Spiritual Land
32. The Reward of the Just
PROLOGUE
It is night. A placid silence reigns. In the warm aurora of daybreak, only the warbling of night birds appears to give a breath of life to the Earth’s crepuscular landscape.
Sitting by a window, in the shadow, a silent figure observes the darkness of night quietly fading into the dawn of a brand new day.
Her ashen face is barely visible under the diffuse pastel light. Her lanky frame struggles to discern her situation, straining to see the first rays of light that will outline the true path.
Anguished sobs break dawn’s untouched silence. Clutching to the window sill, gripped by pain and anguish, her frail body quivers rhythmically as it teeters onto the chair.
Handkerchief at mouth, the cough appears suffocating. The purity of the white is stained with red and the warm blood in febrile gushes smears her immaculate nightdress.
With an heroic effort, the young emaciated body tries to stand up to stare at the sky. Her sunken eyes question the reason for so much pain in her fourteen years of life.
Slowly, like a flower that succumbs to a storm, the drained body collapses, letting go of the sill and tumbling back onto the chair. Her immobile head, resting against the back of the chair, faces the advent of a new day with open yet nebulous eyes. They seemed to question the fathomless mysteries separating life from death.
After a few minutes, a radiating emanation was released from the inert body, condensing, until becoming an exact copy of the young lifeless girl sprawled on the chair, as if by a miracle, she had duplicated herself.
Surprised, the radiating and translucent semblance looked at the body she had just left. Her face showed compassion and love.
She felt light and healthy. However, when she looked at the inert body, a poignant feeling invaded her; it seemed to her she had briefly returned to the burden of the heavy shackles of an annihilating prison. With an instinctive desire for freedom, she tried to move away from it.
It was then she saw a radiating and much loved figure coming towards her, arms open, her face emanating kindness.
Where had she seen that face before? Did she know this saint?
Respectfully, she knelt before the relucent spirit. A soft and scented breeze covered her spirit still frightened and insecure, kissing her face with the morning dew, while a loving voice reached her soul:
“Nina, you are free! In the cruelty of your ordeals, like a wounded and imprisoned bird you waited for freedom. Today we have come to rescue you. You will go with us to rapturous worlds, where you will be able to live in peace and serenity as you have always wanted. You will be able to dedicate yourself to noble tasks, feeling wholesome and strong.”
Nina looked up, tears running down her face, overflowing with emotion.
“My lady – may God bless you. You’ve come to rescue me. My heart trembles with joy in this sublime hour I surely don’t deserve. I would be overcome with happiness to go with you to the wonderful worlds where you live, to enjoy peace and serenity. However, in this house, where I have received so much love, my living mother faces misery and resignation with difficulty.
“My father, a noble man in the past, now wrestles against pride and arrogance, toiling hard for a meager pay, working the land to barely scrape some food. Four angels sent by God, my brothers here on Earth, are now preparing to face life with terrible ailments of fever and malnutrition. If I leave, they will certainly leave soon after, because tuberculosis will weaken them, destroying their young lives in this incarnation. That is why, if it is possible, ma’am I beg you, all goodness now granted to me by divine providence, please give it to those I love and deeply care for. Forgive me for being so bold, daring to plead for this, but you can see how sincere my heart is and surely you will perceive the pain I feel as I am bound for happiness while they stay behind and suffer!”
Bowed in a respectful attitude, Nina waited.
The illuminated entity came close to her, caressing her head tenderly
“Nina, what is it that you desire?”
Nina looked up with eyes reflecting deep respect and love.
“Ma’am, allow me to stay. Although sick, I take care of the house, so that my mother can work and get some money. If I leave, she’ll have to stop working and everyone will suffer with the shortage of food.”
Moved the beautiful lady smiled and said:
“Are you aware of what you ask of me? If God allows your return, you would surely undergo much suffering. Your physical body is macerated. How often did you lie, saying you had already eaten to give that meager food to the others? How many times did you go without food for the entire day, a truly admirable resignation? You have suffered enough. I offer you peace, abundance, tranquility and you ask me for pain, illness, misery and death?”
Nina sobbed:
“Ask God to allow me to stay. That’s all I ask.”
The entity stared at her with immense compassion, which reflected the brightness of energy.
“I cannot allow you to stay. You must come with me. One day you will understand why. All I can tell you is that your stay on Earth is over. Your sick and suffering presence would not be of much help to relieve the problems of this home. But there’s no need to be afraid. Nobody remains on Earth forsaken. As for your parents’ problems, only they can solve them, struggling, suffering, and learning. Devoted brethren watch over your young brothers. God permits tribulations for the redemption of the spirit. Suffering elevates the spirits and leads them to God.”
Embracing her with tenderness, she continued:
“Later, when you are ready, if you wish, you may come and see them, and work for their redemption. Now we must go!”
The young girl, who had stopped weeping, stood up and, held by her protector, prepared to follow her.
A sense of freedom lifted a heavy burden as her chest swelled in never before felt elation, thriving in astounding energy.
She gently surrendered to this and they left the humble home.
As the first sunrays blessed the coming of a new day, proclaiming messages of life, two entwined entities disappeared towards the infinite, leaving behind the remains of a pale and gaunt figure, a serene and angelic expression, a blood stained nightdress, forever abandoned like useless and tattered clothing which time would work to transform and to destroy in the constant mutation of nature.
CHAPTER 1. THE SUFFERING FAMILY
In the farm estate known as Lajeado, in the state of Minas Gerais, the day began very early. There was much work to be done and the farm hands had to get up at the crack of dawn to be at their work place when the bell rang in the courtyard, summoning them to start their chores.
The landowner, Gervasio Fortes, a very authoritarian character, demanded meticulous performance from the workers. When he rode his horse in the plantation supervising the work, he was a feared man.
He had no patience with delays or waste of time. He was up very early and when the foreman rang the bell, all the workers had to be in front of the farmhouse ready to receive their work orders.
Jose Mota had worked at the farm since his early teens. He was the son of farm workers and discontented with his parents’ poverty, at twelve he decided to leave and go after his own destiny. He ended up in Lajeado and never again was able to leave it. He had always earned meager wages and he could not read, all of which made him very suspicious about everything.
Besides never having improved his life, he could not get used to the humble conditions of his work. He hated Gervasio, the owner. He envied him, but also feared him. To him, it was God in heaven and Gervasio as the devil incarnate on Earth.
He often felt disgusted with his condition, but as hard as he tried, he could not change it.
He had met Maria at the farm – they dated since their early teen years. At first, she had dreamed of living in the city. When she was fifteen she almost ran away with a peddler to live with him in different cities. But Jose’s ambition tempted her. Her non-conformism was a good match to his ambition. Together, they would move to town and be happy. They would make money. They would wear nice clothes and live in luxury, like the owner’s wife, Ms. Eugenia, an educated woman, always made up, driving cars and smoking like a man.
They got married. She was sixteen and he barely eighteen.
Their adobe shack was built earlier with the consent of the owner and with the help of some friends – on Sundays, after work. The bed was a present from Ms. Eugenia. It was old and falling apart, but Jose had fixed it.
His heart filled with hate at the sight of the dilapidated bed.
He was not a man resigned to being grateful with other people’s hand-me-downs.
Disguising his feelings, he tried to make the best he could of everything. For two months Maria dried and selected corn husk to fill the mattress. The lining was faded and mended.
The wedding party had only coffee with corn flour cake offered by Maria’s parents to their friends, and two bottles of spirits the boss had given Jose.
The couple began a hard life. But as both worked in the field, barely making ends meet, they managed to save up a bit and buy a few utensils and some clothes.
Time went by. The children started to come. The first one was born healthy and beautiful. They named her Nina. Her birth brought along health problems to Maria, who suffered due to the complete lack of medical care. So, it was only six years later she was able to have other children. Thereafter, it was one baby after the other. With every birth Jose would say to his wife:
“Maria! We can’t move into town because of this baby, not now. There’s not enough money. We’ll go after he grows up.”
But they couldn’t. If they hadn’t left when it was just the two of them, how could they do it now, with so many children?
Despite this situation, Jose was an affectionate father. Though his outrage increased with every child that came along because he was unable to give them what he’d have liked them to have, all he had always wanted but that had been denied to him.
Little by little, a profound hatred for Gervasio began growing in his heart. At every piercing order he received from him, not once being able to reply, Jose’s animosity would make him tremble with rancor.
He envied the sunbathed farm house with its red curtains and padded chairs. He was resentful of the overlord’s son’s shiny saddle, his glossy leather boots and the merry laughter of a well-treated and happy child.
He obeyed looking downwards so that the boss would not see the loathing in his eyes. That is how his workday was.
In the evening, back in his humble house, he would indignantly look at the calluses on his thick hands, which burned as much as his thoughts.
In silence and disheartened, he would sit down to eat at the coarse table for what seemed a tasteless meal. Beans, cassava, corn flour or wheat flour. Sometimes rice, with some greens from their vegetable garden in the backyard.
He would imagine sitting at Ms. Eugenia’s clean and polished table, with clean glasses, nice-smelling and various types of delicious food.
Maria and her whining caused him even more indignation. For her, who had dreamed of a better life in town, this tragic reality made her life even more exasperating.
He became more and more withdrawn. As much as he struggled to increase his resources for his family, his efforts were never acknowledged.
At first, she had tried to be optimistic, motivating her husband. But over time the hardships started killing her illusions and filling her heart with infinite bitterness.
After a few years of marriage, she hardly seemed like the young beautiful woman she had been before.
Nina was brought up surrounded by this controversy – between her mother’s complaints and he father’s disgust. However, her thin and tanned face was always smiling. Her shiny black eyes were two stars radiating joy and love.
Early on she had demonstrated great understanding and tenderness towards everything and everybody. She would strive to help her mother with every single thing she could possibly do. She woke up early and at seven years of age, she was already in charge of preparing the fire, bringing water and feeding the few chickens they had. Not once did she complain. If she was given shabby clothes, she would smile happily with gratitude.
She would patiently listen to her mother’s complaints and always replied with words of understanding and optimism. When her father arrived from work, with his usual stern face and harsh words, she would embrace him with her thin arms and kiss his face burned by the sun and hard work. Although he was not one to hug and display his love, he would gradually calm down, making the nights less bitter.
But they did not realize any of that. There was so much tenderness and goodness in Nina, yet desensitized by their suffering, neither one could understand or appreciate it.
With each new baby born, she would love them with maternal dedication. Nina was twelve years old, but she could already replace her mother after she left to work at the plantation, taking care of her brothers and cooking for the family. When her mother got back from work, she would go to the river to wash the clothes. Her weak body, bent under the weight of the basket full of wet clothes never rested. She returned home with her dress soaked and her hands covered with the poor quality homemade soap.
***
But things were not going well for the landowner either: the low price of cattle and disease killing the animals. It all made life even harder for the farm workers, now they had to pay more for the goods they consumed, to the point they always owed him money.
They were now malnourished slaves working with aversion and disgust.
One day as Nina was looking for wood close to the house, she heard voices. Her mother was laughing loudly, revealing happiness. As this was a rare thing, Nina also smiled and got closer, but stopped surprised and frightened.
A strange voice was saying softly:
“Listen to me Maria. I never forgot you! This is not the life you deserve! Living with this man who shows no appreciation for you! Come away with me. We’ll be happy together! I have a house in the city.”
He paused and seeing Maria’s gleaming eyes, he carried on with his seductive words:
“It is not fancy, but it’s made of brick. It has a wooden floor and a porch by the front door. There is even a well with a pump, you wouldn’t need to go to the river to fetch water. And what’s more, you’ll have me, who thinks about you all the time. I’ve thought of you since those days in the past and can’t live without you.”
“I can’t, Manuel. If it were only José… but how could I leave my children. I just can’t.”
Manuel did not give up:
“Look, Maria! Look at this!”
He took a beautiful bright colored dress from the suitcase, a pair of pearl earrings glittered under the sun.
Maria did not hold back. She touched the soft fabric with her rough hands and felt ashamed because they were dirty from working the land.
“It’s yours, Maria. You can have it.”
She smiled surprised:
“Mine?!”
She held the dress enthusiastically, putting it in front of her thin body.
“It only needs to be shortened a little bit and it’ll fit you just fine.”
In an impetuous demonstration of passion, Manuel tried to embrace her. She resisted:
“No. Don’t”.
His voice pleaded:
“Maria! You were born to wear silk, not calico. You are still beautiful and you will be happy with me! All your beauty will return with the fine loving care I’ll give you”.
Nina watched, her face pale, her lovely young heart beating wildly. Unable to bear it anymore, she pretended she was running and had simply stumbled onto them:
“Mom! Here you are. So glad I found you here!”
Maria, startled, gave the dress back to the peddler and embarrassed murmured:
“I was just about to go home, Nina,” and turning to Manuel said with indifference:
“Go, Manuel. I don’t want to buy anything. I don’t have enough money now.”
Smiling, he tried to put the dress back in her hands:
“No problem. Your husband is a good man. He can pay later.”
She looked at him unsmiling.
“No, Manuel. I really can’t. If I could, I would rather buy clothes for my children. Not for me. I don’t need it. Let’s go, Nina. Have a nice day Manuel!”
With her arms around her daughter, Maria walked away between Manuel’s discreet smile and Nina’s disguised fear that pained her young heart.
Maria slowly changed over the days that followed. She barely paid any attention to her duties, complaining more frequently and more violently to her husband. She accused him of being a miser and demanded a new standard of living.
Annoyed, Jose came close to beating his wife. And Nina felt fear growing inside her. She would find her mother daydreaming, oblivious to everything around her. She saw her throwing her humble dresses onto the floor, in a hysterical crisis.
She ran towards her, hugging her tenderly:
“Mom! You are the most beautiful, the best, and the kindest mother in the entire world. I am so lucky to be your daughter!”
Astonished Maria looked at her daughter’s little dark face. She saw such devotion in her young daughter’s eyes that she was moved:
“My dear daughter!” she replied, hugging her, taken by sudden tenderness. “You are so good! I feel so bad to see you in this godforsaken poverty! What a life, my God! What a life!”
Nina kissed her face lovingly.
“But I am happy. I am so very happy! I don’t want anything else but to live here, just as we do. Me, you, dad and my brothers. I don’t want anything else. New dresses become old and ugly with time. Nice food soon spoils and quickly runs out. What really matters is our life, our love, our house.”
Maria understood. She kissed the girl’s thin face and thereafter tried to change.
That was Nina. So pure, so loving and so simple that she had the power to transform all that was unsteady and difficult in their home.
But life was hard. In her continuous effort, her desire to alleviate her family, Nina was slowly becoming weak. She would not eat properly. She was losing weight and her health.
Her appearance worried her parents, but they could not afford any medical treatment.
Ms. Eugenia warned Maria about Nina’s frailty. Fearful of contagion, she prevented her son from coming close to her – yet did nothing to help so the girl could get treatment.
Her health grew worse, until she was so weak she was unable to leave her bed, coughing, high fever and sweating.
Roque was Nina’s younger brother. He was only seven years old, but, instructed by her, he took care of the young ones while their parents worked the fields.
It was getting dark. Nina asked Roque to open the window of her small room, which had been hastily built to separate her from the others.
Ms. Eugenia had chipped in with its construction. Nina felt short of breath. Roque opened the window so she could glance at the sunset and its reddish-yellow sky. She felt exalted as she contemplated the open sky.
Despite the peacefulness of the approaching night, her heart felt heavy, a feeling of sadness and pain. She was not afraid of death. Deep inside, she awaited it to free her. She had the impression she had already died many times, in different bodies.
But, what about her family? Who would look after them here on Earth? Who would help them during the hard times?
She slept. She dreamed of a fragrant field covered with flowers, she was free to move about, feeling indescribable lightness. Birds sang happily and the sky reflected a pure blue mantle of overwhelming clarity. Happy children played about and Nina was feeling strong, free of any pain or sorrow. But, suddenly, looking at the sky in rapture, she saw a luminous cross being drawn, while a woman’s sweet voice whispered in her ear:
“Nina. Your task is over. Today you will be freed. May God bless you.”
The girl felt a sudden pang. She thought of her dear family and grief overcame her, turning into despair and pain.
She felt ill again and screamed with all her might:
“No! Don’t take me now! Not yet! I want to stay with them!”
Everything then disappeared from her painful eyes and she woke up terrified, a fierce pain pressing her chest. She could barely breathe. She felt the moment of truth approaching. She stood up wobbling and walked towards the window. The fresh air of dawn kissed her burning face.
Holding onto the window ledge, she gazed at the stars in the sky in silent supplication. A sharp pain in her stomach and her back robbed her of being able to breathe. She felt her eyes growing faint everything fading away as the first gush of blood soaked her nightgown.
In a split second, her spirit remembered all she had lived, retroactively seeing all the details of her short life.
She cried out and her body collapsed onto the hard and cold floor.
CHAPTER 2. REMEMBERING THE PAST IN THE SPIRITUAL COLONY
In a pleasant living room, stretched out in a comfortable armchair, Nina rested serenely. The room was peaceful and cozy. Beautiful and colorful flowers adorned the vase arranged on the table and the soft hues of the day’s fading light reached the room through the windows.
Her dark young face was the same but now more mature, revealing a healthy complexion.
At that moment, a young woman entered the small room, holding beautiful landscape paintings in her hands. She approached Nina, and tenderly placing a hand over her shoulder, said:
“Nina! It’s time, I’ve come to fetch you.”
Nina enthusiastically opened her eyes.
“My dear Cora! Already?”
“Yes,” she answered. “We may go now.”
Nina quickly got ready. It had been nearly a year since her arrival at the Peace Field. Despite the immense well-being she felt, Nina still could not come to terms with leaving her Earth family, wishing to go back to Earth at any price. She had requested another reincarnation within the same family, but for the moment the mentors of her spiritual colony had advised her to undertake working on behalf of the suffering souls, while they studied her case.
Nina was living at Cora’s house, with whom she felt spiritually bonded and though she could not remember the details, she felt their past was joined and that she was a benefactress and dear friend.
Under her care, she felt her health and well-being resurface, but it was always affected when she desperately missed her dear family that had remained on Earth.
With doting patience Cora lovingly energized her young friend while talking, comforting and trying to elevate her thoughts, with faith and love.
As a result Nina was improving and her bouts of homesickness gradually decreased. Cora was then able to take her along to assist the ailing sisters newly arrived from Earth and taken to hospital, as well as to entertain the children at the Evangelical School, where Cora worked as an assistant and advisor.
They left the room together. It was so pleasant walking on streets lined with wonderful trees that shed their soothing shadows onto the sidewalk and looking at colorful and cheerful houses along the way. Nina, always so sensitive to nature’s beauties, was now worried and anxious.
She had been summoned to a meeting in which, together with Cordelio her guide, her case was about to be reviewed and possibly determined.
Without delay they soon arrived at the square where the Department of Reincarnation Guidance and Life Experience Assistance was located. Nina was deeply moved to see Cordelio, her spiritual guide. His benevolent and energetic figure inspired respect and empathy.
His understanding eyes enveloped her with sincerity and interest. His wise words had the power to make her feel protected and serene.
Upon seeing her, Cordelio stood up and lovingly embraced her.
“Welcome, Nina. I was waiting for you. Please, sit down.”
Nina quietly obeyed. She sensed he knew of her affliction.
“My dear. We’ve studied your case. You want to go back to Earth. You want to reincarnate. However, Nina, we think it is still too soon. Though your reasons are fair and noble, we don’t believe your sacrifice will be productive.”
Seeing the young girl’s disappointment, he continued:
“You, on account of your merit and all you’ve done, can obtain what you desire. However, you have just recently arrived from Earth. Because your thoughts are focused on your family still there, you have not awakened to your past, nor seen your previous lives yet. We think it is unfair to go back to Earth without knowing this. So, we invited you here today to remember the past. We will now start. If you feel tired, we can continue the other sessions later on. Only afterwards will you be able to take everything into consideration and decide about the case under study.”
A wave of joy consumed Nina’s heart. To see the past! She would finally unveil her previous lives to know the root of the ties of love and affection, the responsibilities and friendship that united her to her loved ones.
She submissively allowed herself to be led, trying to calm her spirit so as not to miss a single detail of what would be shown to her.
They went into a small room that had a large screen on a wall and comfortable chairs in front of it. Behind them, an indescribable and complex device was turned on as soon as they all sat down and the room gradually darkened.
The screen in front of them immediately came alive, the first images and colors lighting up appeared on the screen.
The scenes displayed a gracefully decorated room and walls covered with vivid tapestries. The gold colored furniture was carefully carved in the purest Luis XV style. The carefully hand-painted porcelain ornaments were a perfect match to the beautiful silver chandeliers.
Books and a grand piano stood in a corner of the room and a young woman of exquisite beauty worked on a delicate tapestry, she looked quite bored with the task.
Observing the white face, framed with silky chestnut curls tied by a ribbon and the beautiful black eyes, Nina yelped and exclaimed:
“It’s me! That’s me! I remember now.”
But controlling herself, she fixed her eyes on the screen, trying not to miss any details of the scene she was watching.
The girl was about fifteen or so. Unaware, she continued to weave in the warm intimacy of the room. Suddenly, the door opened and a woman in her fifties came in. Her clothes were austere, her face stern. Her steps were stiff and rigorous, which made her look even more disapproving. Her hair was carefully tied into a bun at the top of her head, not a single hair was out of place, all of which made her seem even more distant and impersonal.
She was the housekeeper at the home of the Earl of Gencelier, feudal landlord of the stunning County of Ancour, a fertile and generous land.
Efficient and stern, she had lived in the castle of Ancour for nearly twenty years, where she was respected and feared.
The Earl of Gencelier’s young daughter hated her. Yet nobody had anything against Madame Henriette, who was committed and always performed her duties unwavering and fervently. But Genevieve had the habit of scrutinizing everything; she had to know the people she lived with. She was not malicious but extremely impulsive and when she liked somebody, it would be with body and soul, but before this, she would instinctively try to penetrate their intimacy, invading every corner of their souls to later cautiously demonstrate her full appreciation.
She had never been able to establish any personal contact with Madame Henriette. She had been born under her care and vigilance, but not once had she seen her in a moment of weakness, of sensitivity, never demonstrating her inner feelings, anger or even love.
So safe, balanced, impersonal, how this irritated Genevieve, who was so demonstrative, so happy, and so full of life. The young girl picked on her intensely, but even though she was the Earl’s youngest and dearest daughter, she could not persuade him to have her replaced, discharging her from governing the household. Despite her youth, she understood that the impeccable order and cleanliness of the enormous castle was due to her, given that her lovely mother, the Countess Margueritte, was not in the least interested in household chores, living an intense life at Court, standing out with her dazzling jewelry and beauty.
Approaching the young girl, Madame said:
“Miss Genevieve, your embroidery time is over. You may rest for half an hour. Your dance tutor will be here at four o’clock.”
With a sigh of relief, the girl dropped the embroidery and stood up: “Dammit! I don’t like this work. I don’t think I’ll finish it,” and with challenging eyes directed to the housekeeper, she continued, “I don’t like it and I won’t finish it, or maybe I’ll do it all wrong.”
Not bothered with this remark, Madame said in a serene and firm voice:
“You will certainly finish it. You will undo all the wrong parts and you will redo them. We have time. I can assure you this, you will finish it.”
A wave of disgust invaded the girl seeing she was powerless to do otherwise.
“If I don’t want to, I won’t! I’ll tear it into pieces.”
Indifferently, Madame concluded calmly:
“We will start another one with the same drawing. Rest assured we will.”
“You know what? You aren’t human, nor are you a mortal. You’re a beast!”
In a fit of anger, Genevieve stomped her delicate feet on the floor, while her youthful face turned a deep red.
Ignoring the scene, Madame said:
“Excuse me as I must leave now. Please be ready for your lesson at four!”
When she left the room, the girl threw herself into an armchair, trying to calm down. She felt desolate. Completely alone. She wanted to see her mother, admire her beauty, and feel her loving hands on her hair, a gesture of endearment her mother used when she visited her. But the Countess would not put up with unannounced visits. When she wanted to see her, she requested her daughter’s presence. She would usually have breakfast in her private chambers and when she felt like seeing her daughter, she would order the staff to bring her to her rooms for afternoon tea, a joyous time for Genevieve.
Overall, they saw each other very little, as customarily there were receptions and parties in the evenings, which her mother would certainly not miss. Long hours were spent getting ready and after the time needed to rest, going to the dressmakers, the jeweler, hairdresser and beauty treatments, there were only a few moments left from her overstretched day to give much attention to the girl, especially as in the evenings she was busy shining in the aristocratic ballrooms.
The girl felt very lonely. The Earl, busy with managing his investments and administering his estate, was frequently away. Her two older brothers spent most of their time at Versailles rather than at Ancour.
Once her mother had told her this:
“You are beautiful. Soon you will also shine in the Court.”
Genevieve felt a gush of joy and pride warming up her heart, and she would daydream! She dreamed of the parties, the precious stones, the glitter and festivities of the ballrooms. And when she imagined herself at Court, she would see her mother’s face glowing with satisfaction, admiring her, praising her, being proud of her. Taken by these thoughts, she forgot about Madame Henriette as if by magic. She leant back on the velvet couch and enjoyed her moment of freedom, daydreaming in her girlish way.
She was startled out of her daydream by the housekeeper’s voice, but didn’t have enough time to be annoyed by her.
“The dance tutor will not come today. She is ill. She sends her apologies. Now, let’s get ready because the Countess has invited you for tea.”
Genevieve jumped up and started dancing happily, celebrating her tutor’s illness. She pretended not to see or listen to Madame Henriette’s rebuke and almost running, she whisked through the rooms and corridors until reaching her bedroom. The chambermaid was waiting for her and despite the girl’s impatience, she only let her go after checking she was well dressed, combed and perfumed. As she knew how young and careless she was, she walked with her to the Countess’s room.
Genevieve stopped at the door. She knew how irritated her mother would be if she broke protocol. So, she suppressed her eagerness and delicately knocked at the door.
She went in. As always, going into this unknown kingdom was a celebration.
She entered with poise and gracefully walked towards the small room where the Countess had her meals.
“It is decided, I’ll keep both, the diamond one and the ruby one, too.”
With a delicate, but conclusive gesture, she dismissed the jeweler, who thanking and bowing left the room.
Genevieve stood there mesmerized. Her mother, so elegant, her curly chestnut hair more beautiful than ever, sat in the room. She wore a delicate light green robe and some rings shone on her delicate fingers. Though she was at ease and resting, she would never remove from her finger the ring the Earl had given her on their wedding day. It was a delicate piece of jewelry made with precious stones that represented the coat of arms of the house of Ancour. Taking it off, even when alone, the Countess Margueritte Bertran Gencelier felt as she had been deprived of her social position.
She reclined on a pure silk settee, the emerald color of which matched not only the color of her clothes, but also suited the color of her very well treated velvety skin.
On a dressing table, there were two open boxes that held two amazing necklaces, with matching earrings, bracelet and a ring, which despite the darkened room shone beautifully. The Countess would always rest in half-light to spare her eyes tired after the frequent long nights.
Seeing the girl standing at the doorway, her face lit up in radiant joy.
“My little girl! My sunshine!”
With her eyes gleaming, Genevieve threw herself into her mother’s open arms.
In fact, for the Countess, always distant from the pleasant sunlight, the girl, with her radiant cheerfulness and contagious vivacity was able to transmit the warm sunshine.
She took a step back from her and with approving eyes said:
“You’re very beautiful. I’m so proud of you. Now, tell me what you have been doing these days we haven’t seen each other.”
“It’s been eight days, mother! It seems a long time because my life is so tedious.”
Unconcerned, the Countess smiled and asked:
“And Madame Henriette? Is she still the same? But you must obey her. She has to prepare your education. Nobody can shine and be the queen of the parlors and ballrooms without an impeccable education. I’m sorry but you will have to put up with her. I can’t see any other way to reach our goal of preparing you for a wonderful marriage.”
Genevieve blushed. She dared not tell anybody that in her girlish dreams there was already a strong desire for love and understanding.
“But don’t you worry about this just yet. It’s still too early. Now, I need to tell you why I called for you here today. Next month you will be fifteen years old and our doors will be open to receive our guests, and for the very first time it will be in the evening, in the main room. You will be introduced to the Court in three weeks time and, then, we can officially invite our peers to a grand party.”
The girl’s heart was beating strongly. Her dream would finally come true! Finally!
They discussed all arrangements and details and when Genevieve left, it seemed she was not touching the floor, such was the feeling of rapture.
At the same time, she was worried about not being able to shine like her mother and afraid of not deserving the place she had conquered with her beauty, grace and education.
Once in her room, thrilled and exhilarated, she could not hold back and started to cry.
Nina’s face was wet with tears of joy when the scene disappeared from the luminous screen. Strangely enough she had identified and relived the excitement not only in her memory but also as if she were living it all over again, though aware of the present moment, feeling the experience of today while analyzing yesterday in the past.
When Nina’s spirit calmed down, as if by magic, the screen lit up again, and those around her, with sensitivity, respect and tranquility, turned their eyes to it again. The recollections were going to continue.
CHAPTER 3. SCENES OF TENDER HAPPINESS
The majestic iron gates painted in black were wide open, and two doormen dressed in golden uniforms held the banner imprinted with the coat of arms of the Ancour family. They showed the way to the coachmen of the richly decorated carriages, as they made their way into the lavish courtyard, the main entrance to the castle.
The hooves of the animals resonating on the cobblestones of the tree-lined avenue and the tinkling of the metals crowned the characteristic and delightful commotion of this evening.
In front of the white marble stairs stood a doorman, and two other servants waited at the bottom of the stairs to greet the guests on their arrival, bowing in respect while placing two carpeted steps to help the guests alight from their carriages.
The evening was beautiful and despite the multi-candled chandeliers and the torches, the brightness of the stars and the soft springtime breeze could be appreciated.
At every name announced by the doorman, the Earl and Countess would ceremoniously rush to receive their guest with pomp and elegance. The ballroom was full and the celebration had already begun.
Like a flower blossoming in petals and perfume, Genevieve whirled in the arms of a young gentleman. Her eyes reflected excitement and enchantment. Everything was new and fascinating. Introduced in Versailles a week earlier, she had been an absolute success.
Her mother was in charge of preparing and dressing her according to the most punctilious conventions of such a vain Court. Her jewelry had been ordered and designed by a famous jeweler and her gestures and etiquette had been rehearsed exhaustively. But it was all worth it, thought Genevieve, feeling her mother’s pride and her father’s approval. For her, that was more important than anything else.
The coming out ball, her debut into society, the praise, the presents, the first flirtations. The furtive and suggestive handshake, an intentional gaze. Everything was exciting, stimulating, delightful.
Everybody wanted to dance with her, her dance booklet was completely full.
She looked at her dance partner, to whom she had promised three dances. He was an elegant young man, brown eyes and pale dark face, his silky shiny hair tied back with a black ribbon. His elegant dark green velvet attire suited his tall and thin frame well. His lace cuffs and starched smock, gave him a boyish look. But his eyes showed vitality and firmness.
After a while, as they walked by one of the doors, he took her delicate hand and said:
“Come with me. Let’s stroll in the garden.”
Genevieve smiled. She was tired and a bit of fresh air would be good for her. Accepting the young man’s arm they went out to the flowered and scented gardens.
“When I saw you again, I would have never guessed you were the same person.”
She demurely wrinkled her small nose:
“Why? Have I become uglier?”
He laughed loudly:
“Uglier? Impossible! Worse than that – never!”
Offended she let go of his arm:
“I must say you were not very attractive, either. The last time I saw you, you were skinny, awkward, covered with freckles and wearing horrible striped trousers.”
He laughed even more, and taking her delicate hand he said in an appeasing voice:
“Fine. I surrender to the truth! I was horrible, but the worst is I haven’t changed much, you on the other hand…”
Pretending to ignore the mischievous girl’s air of feigned innocence, he continued:
“How nice it would be if we didn’t need to go through adolescence. From the purity of our first years straight to blooming youth, when love comes to glorify our lives.
They walked over to a garden bench under a scented and flowering hedge and sat down. Suddenly they heard voices. A couple, probably sitting on the bench on the other side of the hedge was laughing and talking about the party ironically.
Displeased, the young man wanted to take Genevieve away, but as she was about to stand up to leave, she heard the woman saying:
“Exactly. All her lovers are here tonight. She is a man eater. The Earl doesn’t even know and if he does, he hides it very well!”
More laughter. The male voice answered:
“I feel sorry for the daughter. So young and beautiful. The day she gets married, poor little thing, her mother will surely take her husband!”
“I know…! And what’s more she might force one of her lovers on her – that way she’ll have him at hand. Everybody knows she loves young men!”
A blow to Genevieve’s head would not have left her more bewildered. All color drained from her face and if Gerard hadn’t held her, she would have fallen.
Looking at her pallid face, the young aristocrat hastily took her fan and tried to refresh her. When he saw her breathing better, he jumped to the other side of the hedge with the intention of surprising and teaching them a lesson for such slander. He found no-one, they had suddenly disappeared after hearing the noise made by Genevieve.
He sat beside the shocked girl, who quietly wept. Touched, he wiped her teary eyes and with infinite tenderness, he said:
“Nobody can penetrate the hypocrisy of the ballrooms and keep their innocence. Poor Genevieve. What have they done to you?!”
Taken by sudden intensity, she held his hand firmly and in tears, she said:
“It is slander, isn’t it? It is deplorable calumny. Who are these people we have received in our home as friends who then stab us in the back? Why so much cruelty and ingratitude?”
Gerard touched her hair gently. His voice was solemn:
“Genevieve, at a Court where vanity, envy, intrigue, jealousy, and the yearning for power set the tone in such meetings and in relationships, it is natural that the Countess’s beauty, which shines wherever she goes, arouses conflicting feelings. Defamation is a way to destroy or obfuscate this sparkle, this beauty, this admiration. Nevertheless, my young girl, you’ve learnt today that you cannot trust people whose greatest ambition is to always be the first, the best, wherever they may go. At Court, my little bird, with rare exceptions, everybody is like that.”
Genevieve looked at him with admiration. Never had anyone spoken to her so candidly and his words resounded in her heart.
There was sincerity and wisdom in Gerard’s eyes. The girl rested her cold hands in his, and it seemed his figure emanated strength, well-being, which slowly healed her heart. Without thinking about the inconvenience of what she was about to say, she uttered:
“You are my only friend. Do you promise me you will not leave me at the mercy of these despicable souls?”
The girl’s words touched him deeply and he let go of the hands he tenderly held. A painful gleam crossed his eyes.
“Certainly, Genevieve. Whenever I can I will be by our side. I will defend you against all dragons and if need be, with a sword.”
He said that jesting, trying to somewhat disguise his emotions. And gallantly offering her his arm, they walked back towards the ballroom.
The party continued, but Genevieve was no longer the same. Human cruelty had started to remove the veil of innocence and trust. However, looking at her mother’s proud expression in the illuminated ballroom, the girl could not help smiling about all her fears. But, deep inside, there was a hint of inadmissible fear, a certain feeling, which she fought to shut out.
She looked with pride at her brother Antoine. He was dancing with one of the most beautiful girls at the party. He inclined over her in the delicate manners of the dance, with pomp and elegance. He was the youngest of the boys, his face was pleasant and his features delicate. His white complexion and light brown eyes, sometimes a shade of honey, were adorned by plentiful and well-combed brown hair. He was Genevieve’s favorite brother. Simon, the oldest one, although he liked her and treated her with affection, did not exchange any sort of confidentiality or childhood ideas with her. Serious and quiet, he was quite withdrawn, mostly focused on scientific studies, and thus did not attract his sister’s attention very much.
Simon, differently from his younger brother, did not take part in the dances, choosing to be alone as much as possible, reading his favorite books or lost in his deep thoughts.
Genevieve did not see him in the ballroom. The party went on lively and merrily. Nevertheless, Nina, seeing this on the illuminated screen and remembering the emotions lived, recalled that for the rest of the ball, despite trying hard to forget the slander she had heard – simply couldn’t and kept thinking about it for the rest of that night.
CHAPTER 4. THE HAPPY MARRIAGE AND ATTEMPTED MURDER
The following scenes reflected on that luminous screen of remembrances showed Gerard’s courtship of Genevieve. Their engagement and finally their wedding. Two years later they had their first son, who dressed in laces and ribbons was baptized Gerard.
They were happy. They loved each other. Gerard was an understanding and good husband. The delicate girl became a beautiful woman who devoted her time to becoming even more beautiful in the unconscious desire to continue enchanting her peers, especially her young husband. Gerard Bertran Montpellier was the Marquis of Trussard’s only son, the Count of Ancour’s close friend. His union with Genevieve was well received by both noble families, because it solidified their strong friendship even more.
Reliving the tender-hearted scenes that had marked her life at that time, Nina felt moments of indescribable emotion. Trying to control herself, she continued watching.
It was a joyful and happy day. Wearing a springtime dress, Genevieve anxiously waited for her mother’s visit. Engrossed with her task, she checked that everything was properly arranged so that the Countess’s critical and demanding eyes would not be displeased by her daughter’s talents as a hostess.
Everything was ready. She heard a carriage driving into the main courtyard. It was her. She stood up and waited to welcome her. However, she saw her chambermaid rushing into the room:
“Ma’am, ma’am!”
“What is it Marie? The Countess…”
“No. The Countess did not come, ma’am. Only her coachman urgently asking to be received.”
Genevieve, felt sudden apprehension.
“Bring him in!” she ordered anxiously.
The driver, with the spur of his boots tinkling, entered the room.
“I bring a message for the Marquise.”
“From whom?”
“From the Countess of Ancour.”
Trying to contain herself, Genevieve replied:
“Very good. You may deliver it.”
Trying to prevent her hands from shaking, she took the scented and pink envelope, so familiar to her, and asked the man to wait.
She went to the next room. Impatiently she opened and read it:
“DearGenevieve.Aseriousandveryimportantmatterdetainsmefromvisitingyou.Iwillsendyounewsassoonaspossible.Kissesfromyourmother,Margueritte”.
It did not explain much. She went back to the room:
“Do you know if the Countess is ill?” she asked.
“I don’t think so, ma’am. The Countess ordered me to prepare the carriage, but she received an unexpected visit and ordered me to bring you this message.”
She sighed relieved. For a moment she feared something bad had happened.
Then, she had an idea:
“Wait a minute! If the Countess could not come to see me, I will go there and give her a hug.”
Taking a light cape, she left happily, thinking about the surprise she would give her dear mother. Gerard would only be home in the evening. That would give her about an hour to visit her former house, which was not very far.
On the way, she was happy, thinking about her dear childhood memories. The landscape brought back those moments.
When she was nearly there, a carriage passed them at high speed in the opposite direction, which made the coachman use all his skill to prevent the horses from bolting.
Seeing that carriage scared Genevieve and then she ordered the coachman to go faster.
