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Date Posted: 23:31:45 05/18/09 Mon
Author: Hannah
Author Host/IP: bas21-toronto12-1242431968.dsl.bell.ca / 74.14.1.224
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 168
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods, Chapter 168....Thank you..." on 23:28:06 05/18/09 Mon

Chapter 168

Father Philippe arrived shortly after Constable Laurent’s departure and soon Michael, Madeleine and the old cleric became immersed in conversation. The guests milled about the three, engrossed in their own social pursuits.

Michael was feeling calmer now that Nikita’s nemesis had been removed from his sight, but the disruption that Claire had wrought was still evident in the knowing glances he noticed a few of the society woman cast his way.

Knowing that their main motivation for their condescending stares was an attempt to unnerve him, Michael opted instead to ignore them, smugly certain that such a tactic would infuriate them.

‘It’s what they deserve.’ He thought dismissively. ‘They stood by, watching and applauding Kita’s humiliation. They had no compassion for her at all! If they’re stupid enough to think they can upset me further with their scorn…. I have *no* use for them at all!’

Instead, Michael made the old man before him his sole focus, knowing that was his best course of action for the present. The old priest had yet to meet his bride, and as Father Philippe listened to the two young people speak, Michael could tell that his trepidation regarding his sudden decision to marry was easing.

The old man watch Michael closely. He sensed the scornful reactions of the women in the gathering, but as yet, he couldn’t focus on the reasons. Whatever had triggered their wrath most likely had to do with Michael’s sudden decision to marry…and that was revealing in many ways.

‘What do they think they’re going to accomplish by being so rude?’ he wondered sadly. ‘Michel’s already married! It’s a little too late to be trying to mark him as their territory! The real problem is these women are all immature. They need to accept what is… and move on.’

Father Philippe was well aware that the spoiled creatures milling around the table were he was sitting were not worthy of the man sitting there with him. And the new Madame? Was *she* worthy of his friend? He needed to know. To that end, he had come here this evening not only to participate in a ‘ceremony’ but sincerely hoping that his young friend Michel had not made another terrible mistake.

Both Father Philippe and Madeleine listened to Michael graciously outline the couple’s courtship. Every once and a while the priest was amused to note that his friend’s attorney would interject a comment about her perception of the the new Madame as well. Michel didn’t seem to mind her interruptions and thus the old man was intrigued by the revelation that Michel’s normally hard-headed attorney had found a soft spot in her heart for Michel’s new wife. He’d known Madeleine for many years as well and knew she had a practical disposition and a razor sharp intellect. It was heartening to discover her confirmation that not only was this new lady not interested in fleecing his friend, but in fact, truly loved him.

‘Dear Lord… let it be true! Michel is a decent man who tries more than most to be upright and compassionate to others.’ The old man thought in prayerful supplication. ‘He has a loving heart Lord.. and all he wants is to have that love returned. ‘That woman’ never cared about him and I don’t understand why You’ve let him suffer the way he did… but I’m merely a man Lord… and I cannot understand Your will.’

Their conversation came to an abrupt halt as the three friends became aware of the hush settling over the ballroom. Michael shifted in his chair so that he could see the ballroom’s entrance and was greeted by the beautiful sight of his Nikita standing there in the lacy cream coloured ‘wedding gown’ he’d chosen for her. He rose and stared; overwhelmed by the sight before him. Nikita was holding onto Willie’s arm, while that man smiled down at her gently. Michael noticed that she released his arm, and then patted it affectionately. With a deferential nod, Willie left her standing there and retreated to the post he’d been assigned to earlier.

Lakeisha and Marie had followed Nikita to the ballroom’s entrance, and they remained standing there grinning at each other like two naughty children who had gotten away with an enormous prank. They could tell by the hush and the explosion of light that had greeted Nikita’s entrance that her *makeover* had been successful.

Robert’s camera easily captured the dazzling sight the shy young woman presented as she hesitatingly re-entered the ballroom. He knew the photographs he’d just taken would be stunning and he also knew that the innumerable explosions of light that had greeted the lovely blonde’s reappearance confirmed that his competitors were in agreement.

The dazzling beauty who had married Monsieur Samuelle captivated him on many levels. The unmistakable aura of effortless elegance that radiated from the stunning blonde inundated his artistic soul with awe, while the injustice she’d suffered earlier simultaneously filled his heart with sadness.

‘Poor lady!’ he thought compassionately, remembering what had transpired earlier. ‘She’s very brave! I can’t imagine coming back in here after being insulted the way she was earlier. She must love him a great deal! I doubt I could endure what she has tonight and return to people who might treat me the same way again!’

‘If only those two witches could see Nikita now!’ Marie thought gleefully as she watched the beautiful blonde attract the attention of every photographer in the room. Yes, Michel was an important man, but somehow she knew that it wasn’t just his status that was responsible for the attention the gorgeous blonde was garnering.

‘You deserve this Nikita.’ Lakeisha thought as she proudly watched her friend’s grand entrance into the elegant ballroom. ‘Ever since I’ve known you you’ve stayed in the background and cheered on others. You always put everyone else first and now finally you’re finally being rewarded for all your kindnesses! You’ve found a wonderful man who loves you. Carla would be so happy for you… I know I am!’

‘Wow!’ Gabrielle thought in wonder as she admired Nikita from her seat at the table she’d been assigned to. ‘What an amazing transformation! I’m glad she came back. I almost wish those two witches hadn’t been thrown out so that they could see her now. Her two friends have certainly salvaged her appearance! You’d never know this ensemble hadn’t been planned! I wonder where they found that gorgeous dress? And that delightful little bouquet!’

“Is that your bride, Michel?” the old priest asked quietly. He knew he needed new glasses… and his old eyes weren’t sure if what he was seeing was an actual person or an angel. Of course his logical mind knew that he had no idea what an angel would really look like. No one did really… but he’d always imagined they were as beautiful as the vision he saw amidst the photographers’ brightly flashing lights.

“Yes, Father.” Michael stuttered out, amazed at the beauty before him. “That’s my Nikita. Isn’t she beautiful?”

‘Beautiful?’ Michael thought breathlessly. ‘No, I’m wrong… beautiful doesn’t *begin* to describe her! She’s beautiful every day… today… right now… she’s… she’s… Mon Dieu… I don’t have the words to describe her! My wife! How did I ever get so lucky? She’s incredibly gorgeous! Elle est magnifique!’

“Very.” The priest replied in a hushed voice.

‘She is beautiful indeed!’ Father Philippe thought as he thoughtfully observed the lovely woman who had just entered the ballroom. ‘I wonder what she’s really *like*! Has she deceived both Michel and Madeleine? Oh I hope not! Too many times evil wears a beautiful face. Satan himself was God’s most beautiful creation before he fell!’

“And she’s the same inside Father.” Madeleine confirmed sincerely in quiet wonder. “I’ve never met such a nice lady. She loves Michel very much.”

‘Amazing!’ Madeleine thought in wonder as she scrutinized Nikita’s appearance. ‘The girl I met before was beautiful… but right now.. dressed like she is… she’s stunning! Where did she get that dress… and that charming bouquet? Claire and Veronique would be incensed if they could see her now! She’s even more gorgeous than she normally is!’

“You are blessed, my son.” The priest replied; relieved at Madeleine’s words as he affectionately patted Michael’s arm.

‘I hope what Madeleine just said is true for your sake, my son.’ Father Philippe thought as he closely watched his young friend’s overwhelmed face. ‘You’re a quiet man.. but I can tell you love her… oh my! Oh my friend… I understand totally! You’re been looking for someone to share your loving nature with! You certainly never enjoyed that before! I hope you and Madeleine are right about this lady!’

“I know.” Michael returned softly as he briefly glanced at the elderly cleric. Then he glanced back at his wife’s soft blue eyes. He could feel her angst, and immediately knew he had to go to her. ‘She’s scared… she’s probably wondering if she should have returned to the party…’ “Excuse me, please Father. I need to go to her. Then, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to perform the ceremony now. I find I can’t wait any longer.”

“Of course.” The old man replied as he smiled indulgently at his friend’s reaction. ‘He is a *man* after all… and if I weren’t a priest… and several years younger….’ His smile widened when he saw his young friend’s impatience prompt him to take hurried strides towards the beautiful blonde and pull her tightly to him, kissing her deeply.

Marie and Lakeisha exchanged mischievous smiles as they watched the joy on Michael’s face as he strode confidently into his wife’s embrace.

‘I’ve never seen a man show so much love for a woman before in public.’ Lakeisha thought in wonder. ‘I wish I had someone to love me that way… oh Willie….’

‘Oh Michel! You look so happy.’ Marie thought. ‘I’m so pleased for both of you! She truly is a lovely lady and anyone here with eyes can see you’re both crazy about each other!’

Michael’s business associates noted his contented expression and his swift possession of the lovely blonde as well. Many of them smiled, gratified to see that the normally reserved man they admired was displaying this sort of emotion. A few of them had met Elena in the past and none of them had liked her. Her snobbishness and her verbal abuse of her spouse had troubled them a great deal. They’d liked her even less when they’d heard the gossip of their final breakup and realized the depth of Michael’s pain and humiliation.

Michael’s friends knew what an amazing transformation they were seeing too. Was this their old friend? Was this the scoundrel who had squired around spoiled socialites? Was this the man who had become an unprincipled rogue? No… the rogue was gone, it seemed… and in his place the person they’d known before Elena had disrupted his life. The joy they plainly saw on their old friend’s face was a gratifying change and they welcomed it. The intense devotion they were witnessing between the couple before them was heartwarming as well. They could only conclude that changes they were seeing must be due to this young woman’s influence and a number of them resolved to do all they could to make her welcome.

However, the society women who had previously dated Michael were another matter; but after witnessing Veronique’s and Claire’s humiliation, their unspoken consensus was that discretion was the best course of action. At least for tonight.

Madeleine smiled too and helped the elderly cleric to his feet.

“You’re certain she loves him?” Father Philippe anxiously inquired of Madeleine as his myopic eyes roamed over her face in concern.

“You love him, don’t you?” Madeleine inquired; watching the old cleric’s face with an affectionate smile.

“Oui.. I do. I love him like a son.” Father Philippe instantly replied. “He’s a decent person Madeleine. You must know that.”

‘Not only *that* but he’s extended himself in ways that none of my other rich parishioners have.’ The priest thought. ‘He doesn’t think I know the things he’s done for others… and the community… I’m old… but I’m not without my own resources. I have no doubt that he’s done more than I even know about…’

“I do.” Madeleine replied in reassurance. “And yes, I truly believe Nikita loves him. You know me Father… I’m not easily deceived.”

“I know. You are the most discerning person I know.” Father Philippe replied with a sad smile. “That’s why I had to ask you.”

“I understand.” Madeleine replied with a gentle smile. “I care about him too. He’s not just a client… he’s a good friend. If I thought for one moment that she was as phony as Elena, I’d make it my mission to make him see that. That bitch put him through enough!”

‘She’s right.’ He thought, shuddering at his young friend’s language, but agreeing with her nonetheless.

“But you don’t think that this lady is phony?” Father Philippe pressed in concern.

“No. He calls her an angel Father.” Madeleine replied. “The way she looks right now, I’m almost tempted to believe that.”

“People *do* tend to judge others on looks Madeleine.” Father Philippe replied. “However, we both know that an attractive façade is not necessarily a good basis to judge someone on.”

“I know that. And you know me. I’m usually able to see through charlatans… and I don’t think she’s one of them.’ Madeleine retorted swiftly. “No.. from what I’ve seen… I would say, yes, she loves him. I truly think they’re happy.”

“I hope so.” The priest replied. “For his sake… I pray so.”

“So do I.” Madeleine admitted. “They *are* married though. All any of us can do given that fact is to pray he hasn’t been deluded.”

“You’re right my dear.” Father Philippe replied. “But you don’t think he has been?”

“No.” Madeleine replied sincerely. “I don’t.”

“What *do* you think?” the priest inquired insistently.

“I’m not sure.” Madeleine admitted honestly. “What I *do* know is that I find myself trusting her.”

“You?” Father Philippe replied, as his thin mouth twisted in a sardonic grin. “Trusting an Anglais? Am I witnessing a ‘miracle’?”

“I know.” Madeleine replied humorlessly. “Perhaps it’s not a ‘miracle’ Father, but it is an anomaly to be certain. I don’t understand it either… but somehow I trust this girl. It doesn’t makes sense… I know. After all… I’ve just met her. All I *do* know is that she’s a lot more *real* than Elena ever was.”

“Maybe that’s a start.” Father Philippe replied as he patted her arm affectionately.

“You’re right.” Madeleine replied. “Trust and love… perhaps they’re all that’s needed.”

“There are no guarantees in this life other than that my dear.” The priest said quietly.

‘Is it that simple? Maybe… maybe he’s right.’ Madeleine thought as she tightened her grip on the old man’s arm to steady his gait while she led him over to the flower-covered trellis that had been set up earlier. Once there, both she and the ancient cleric quietly motioned the crowd to gather round.
~~~~~~~~~~~

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