The next few days followed a similar pattern, although I didn't see my new friend again, nor did I drink much wine. When I thought back on my behaviour, I was mortified. I didn't dare tell anyone about the encounter and no one seemed to notice my indiscretion either. I had to deliver many more notes and letters for the Queen and I began to know my way around better too. My face was becoming more familiar and these little excursions seemed to take a little longer each time. I'd made more friends and it was always a delight to see them while I was running errands.
Lorraine was usually out at the same time as I it seemed and we always stopped for a hushed conversation when our paths crossed. She was maid to Duchess Chevreuse, best friend of Anne so we often shared whispers of conversations they'd had. They were always up to something those two and it was good to share tidings with each other. An early warning was a welcome thing, especially where trouble was concerned. What went ill for our mistresses usually went ill for the maids as well.
The days flickered by and I remained the messenger, fetching and bringing the mail for the Queen. I was no closer to achieving my goal of making a good match during my service. I've had vague interests but the poor maid from Rouen was overlooked in favour for her richer companions. I didn't mind, I had begun to enjoy my new found freedom, something I never experienced at home. It was nice not having my father watching my every move.
One afternoon, the Queen decided to take a walk in the grounds with her ladies. The chance to get outside was welcome as we'd just had a spate of bad weather. The sun was warm and we retired to the secluded gardens. The servants brought us tea and after we'd dined, we pulled out our needlework and set to talking about everything.
"Constance." Anne said turning to me, "Can I entrust you to take this order?"
"As always Majesty, to whom shall I deliver it?" I ask putting aside my work.
"The post master." She replied handing me a letter. This one is sealed and stamped so it must be an important one. I give a curtsy and hurry on to the office. I deposit the letter, leaving it in the hands of Roaul, the post master's assistant and turn away, back to the glorious sunshine.
I'm half way back when I'm accosted by a man I don't recognise. "Mademoiselle Bonacieux." He asks. I nod, "Please, come with me." He said, there are a couple of armed men with him and the blood drains from my face.
"Why?" I ask with a frown, "The Queen is expecting my return any moment."
"Never mind the Queen, you have to come with us now." He said again, this time taking my arm and pulling me towards the door. The armed guards fall in behind me and his claw like grip on my arm digs into my flesh. I should make some kind of noise but my throat is so dry only a hoarse croak comes out. A carriage is waiting for us just outside and I feel my legs tremble, my head spins round and as I'm piled into the carriage the world goes black.
* * *
When I come to, I'm not sure where I am, I'm lying on a bed in a dark room. There's a curtained window so it must be night time. The walls are covered in flaking white paint from what I can see, which is little, seeing how there is no candle in the room. I rise from the bed and feel my way to the door, a quick test of the handle tells me it's locked. Damn. I bang on the door with my fist but no one answers. I return to the bed and lay back down. I stifle the rising lump in my throat and turn to face the wall. I bite the inside of my cheek to prevent myself from crying. Anne will come find me. She will. I tell myself. I've been a friend to her these past few weeks. She'll know what to do.
I awoke again after the sun rose, the light filtered through the gap in the curtains onto my face. The room looks worse by day than it did by night. The paint is clinging to the walls as best it can but the damp has interfered with that battle. I get up and walk around the room, if only to stretch my aching limbs. I knock on my door again but no one answers. They can't leave me in here forever can they? I go to the window and throw open the curtains. I don't recognise the area of town we're in, if we're even in Paris anymore. I sit back down on the bed with a sigh; I can't sleep anymore so I content myself with staring at the ceiling. I wonder what they want with me, what they'll do to me. They must want information on the Queen, which I will not betray. She has many enemies at court and the gossip of a little maid would be useful.
I go off into a daze while I stare at the ceiling; I'm not sure how long it's been when my door finally opens. A strange man enters my room and I sit up. "Mademoiselle Bonacieux, you will come with me." I follow the man in silence, wishing I had a knife on me so I could stab him and run away. I glare at the back of his head instead and he ushers me into another room. This one has a chair in the middle of it, a desk with another chair behind it in front of the chair and a candle sconce on the wall. I was to be interrogated it seemed. "Please, sit." He said. I did as I was told and he left me in the room alone.
Moments later, the door opened again and in stepped Cardinal Richelieu. I have only seen the man before in passing, up close, he is even scarier. He walked behind the desk and glared at me. "Do you know why you have been brought here?" he asked settling into his seat and leaning over. I shake my head and my knees begin to tremble. Be Strong I tell myself. "You're favoured by her Majesty Queen Anne and deliver her letters for her, is this correct." I open my mouth to speak but only a small squeak comes out. I nod my head instead.
The Cardinal leans back in his chair and sighs, "What can you tell me about those letters?" he asks. I open my mouth to speak but my wayward voice refuses to respond. A quick cough clears my throat.
"I am not privy to the contents of her letters your eminence. I take them to the post master and leave again." I say, trying to keep my voice calm. His brow narrows and he leans forward on the desk. I try to swallow but my throat is too dry.
"You do not see who the letters are addressed to?"
"I am asked to deliver the notes, not to read the front or back." I reply, "Her majesty does not tell me who she writes to and I do not pry into her affairs."
"Are all the maids as discreet as you?"
"We would be of no use to Her Majesty if we told her every secret to everyone who asked." I replied, I know it was rude but it was the truth. He seems to ponder my glib response before opening his mouth again.
"What do you know about a plot against His Majesty's most trusted advisor?"
"I've heard nothing."
"To lie on such a count and be caught would be seen as high treason." He said. That would mean execution. I swallow again and look him straight in the eyes.
"I know of no plot." I repeat. "May death come on swift feet to the enemies of the King." I add. He nods and rises from the chair. "What will become of me?" I ask as he approaches the door.
"That waits to be seen." He says before leaving. Moments later the same guard who brought me in here collects me and returns me to the other room. He locks me in and I'm once again left on my own. There is a plate of food on a small table and a jug of cool water. I take a long drink from the glass and pick up the bread roll. How long have I been gone now? I hope to God that someone has noticed my absence and someone is coming for me. I cross to the window and try to open it but the glass has been sealed in somehow. There is no way to open it from this side. If I had a knife, maybe I could force it open. Once again I realise how handy it would be to carry one. I should ask her Majesty if I can do so when I get back. Or even better, a sword. A sword would be more useful than a knife in a situation like this.
I lay back down on the bed, there was nothing else to do but lay there and try not to think too much. I must have slept some because when I open my eyes again it's dark. There's noises coming from outside the window, I spring from the bed and to the sill. I can't see much outside but I can hear raised voices. The sound of something made of glass shattering pierces the window and I look about, straining to see something. I tap on the window but get no response. Nothing appears in the gloom and the sounds recede so I return to the bed.
The thump of boots approaches my door followed by a harsh thud. Another thud and the door splinters, one more and it flies off the frame. Light floods into the room and the silhouetted outline of one of the King's guard fills the room. "Are you here to save me?" I ask.
"Of course."
