The Call of Liberty: Gabrielle's Journey. Part 1: Leaving the House(Based on an Original Concept by Arc)

[Stormtrooper1990]

This is part one of a two part story based on another original idea by Arc, set during the early days of the French Revolution. The year is 1789, France is in the midst of a financial crisis following its support of the fledging United States of America in its War of Independence. Murmurings of discontent are beginning to spread amongst the second estate, the commoners who desire a more free egalitarian form of government. While King Louis XVI, desperately tries to solve the financial crises, by resorting to firing his finance minister Jacques Necker. Amongst this backdrop of uncertainty is a young noblewoman, the Lady Gabrielle Amboise de Carcassonne. Tired of living the sheltered pampered live of a French noblewoman, and of being used by her father, the Duke François Amboise de Carcassonne, as a tool for political alliance seeks to break free from her gilded cage. On the day of the protests against the dismissal of Necker, Gabrielle decides to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure, but will soon discover things that will challenge all she had been led to believe. This is her story...



12th July 1789, The Palace of Amboise, on the outskirts of Paris, 09:00am



"Can you believe it, Gabrielle? The sheer cheek of the woman. She just walks up to the gates of Versailles and argues for the equality of women. Damn that Olympe de Gouges, she gives us proper ladies of class a bad name." Came the voice of Lady Daphne Allard de Burgundy, Gabrielle's friend since they had been children as they sat in the drawing room working on their crochet. "Well I think she is a brave woman, speaking up for our rights. There as to be more to life than crotchety and marriage, Daphne." Gabrielle sighed pausing in her work, her pretty chamber maid standing over her shoulder. Daphne shook her head, a scandalous look on her face. "I wouldn't say that around your father. Besides, you just say that because you reject all your fathers suitors." Gabrielle pricked her finger on the needle, as she resumed her needlework, yelping in pain and frustration. "My lady, your finger!" cried Colette, her chamber maid her pretty face with her shallow cheekbones, rounded features and doe shaped hazel eyes full of concern. "I'am fine, Colette. It's just a little prick. I don't need mothering!" Colette curtseyed, retreating as Gabrielle stuck her thumb into her mouth, in irritation and sucked it, as Daphne looked on. "That Daphne is because half of them have not one original thought in their heads, and the other half are old enough to be my own father. I'am tired of being used as a pawn in his political ambitions." Daphne laid a hand on Gabrielle's, smiling. "My dear Gabrielle, why should all that matter. When we will be served hand upon foot, with men buying us the most prettiest dresses..." she glanced down to their dresses "...and the most expensive wigs." Gesturing to the towering powdered wigs that adorned their heads, in fact Gabrielle hated the thing. "Gabrielle, we will want for nothing!" Inwardly Gabrielle sighed at her friends vacuous nature, she couldn't understand the conflict in Gabrielle's heart.


She turned to glance at a reflection of herself, in a vanity mirror. At 20 years old, Gabrielle was the last child of the noble family of Amboise, and the only daughter of her father the Duke François. She was very beautiful, her high sculptured cheekbones, angular features and big blue eyes a feature she inherited from her mother, the Duchess Amelie who had died when Gabrielle was only 5. Her eldest brother, Philippe was every bit his father's son, ambitious and self serving, he was a highly placed courtier in the court of King Louis XVI. Only last year, Philippe had caused a minor scandal when he had an affair with Amandine, one of the maids of the household. Her father had fired the maid, and banished her elder brother to Louis' court. At the time, Gabrielle had felt nothing but pity for the poor woman wondering what had happened to her. At least her second brother, Pierre was a more honourable man. Once a lieutenant in the Royal Army, Pierre had fought gallantly in the American War of Independence fighting the British, being promoted to Captain and knighted by the king. Pierre always regaled his sister with tales of his exploits and was the only member of her family who understood her. She sighed, ever since he was deployed to Pondicherry Gabrielle had missed him with a heavy heart, his success had come with a cost. Her last brother, Gaspard was about as distant from his brothers as she was from her father. Always so serious and prone to duty, Gaspard had joined the seminary rising to the lofty station of Bishop of Malmédy thanks to their fathers influence. Owing much to their lord father, Gaspard was his father's crony through and through barely registering Gabrielle's existence. The sound of the drawing room door opening, drew Gabrielle's thoughts back to the present. She simply flashed Daphne a wan smile, before turning to see the new arrivals. However a chill ran down her spine, as the unmistakable hawk like profile of her father, the Duke François Amboise de Carcassonne entered the room, by his side was Henrí Robèchaud, the families elderly butler who flashed Gabrielle a warm smile, unseen by her father. Gabrielle braced herself for her father's icy tongue.



"My Lady Daphne, please excuse me. But I need a word in private with my daughter, the Lady Gabrielle. Do pass on my regards to your family, the Marquis and Marquessa" The sound of her father's deep voice, sent chills down Gabrielle's spine as Daphne rose from her chair. "Pardon me, Your Grace. I shall take my leave." She curtseyed before turning to her friend. "Au revoir, my dear Gabrielle. I shall see you later, and together we shall venture into the city. Stepping over those peasants, to buy some new shoes." Gabrielle masked a sigh, as she kissed her friend on each cheek before Daphne picked up her dress, and turned to leave the room, with her maid trailing after her. Leaving Gabrielle at the mercy of her father. As soon as the door to the drawing room closed, the Duke fixed his daughter with an icy stare. "Daughter, I'am here to inform you that I'am leaving for our Chateau in Normandy today. All these peasants milling around the city, protesting that fool Neckers dismissal, makes me sick. A little sea air should work wonders for my constitution." At his shoulder, Henri cleared his throat the Duke turned irritated at the sudden interruption. "Your Grace, I think it would be more wise to stay close to the King. There is talk that these protests could well escalate into further civil unrest, and the King would need all the support of the First Estate." The Duke made a mocking grunt to the butlers words. "So I should change my programs, for a few unwashed peasants that don't understand politics? Non, Henrí! I shall not re-evaluate my position. Besides, this concerns the future of our family." The sound of her father simply dismissing these people, caused something to stir in Gabrielle's breast. She felt a peculiar sensation of rage, as her father turned back to her. "There is an another reason that I leave for Normandy, daughter. Your persistence with rejecting all the suitors I have arranged, as left me at my wits end." Gabrielle braced herself for the news of yet another suitor. "Father, that's because most of them are either too old or dull and uninteresting. They offer nothing for me." Gabrielle was surprised to hear the insolence in her voice, and judging by the angry stare are father shot her, so was he." Your mother was the same, with that insolence and same look of arrogance. Well, I will be meeting with the Duke of Normandy, hopefully he will beat that out of you." Gabrielle's blood ran cold, the Duke of Normandy had a frightful reputation at court. "The Duke of Normandy! He's far too old and he beats wo-" Her father shot up an angry hand. "Enough! I will take my leave now. You will marry the Duke and you will do your duty to this family! Henrí..." He turned to address the elderly butler. "You are in charge of the household. My daughter is confined to her room for this day and to this house for the duration of my trip. She is not to leave your sight." Ignoring the protestations of his daughter, Duke François swept from the drawing room, in a swish of his red coat without another glance.


As Henrí sighed flashing a sympathetic look to Gabrielle as he walked over to her. "I'am surprised at you, Gabrielle. I think that's the first time I have heard you talk back to your father." He said with a look of fatherly pride on his wizened lined features. Gabrielle smiled then sighed, she had always liked Henrí who treated her like his own daughter, a girl he had lost to disease many years passed. "It's just I'am sick of it Henri. My families schemes, the loneliness here and being confined to this gilded cage. I want to see the world! I want to walk among the poor, to hear their stories. And to have adventures, like you in the American Colonies during the French Indian Wars. Instead, I'am to rot here waiting for the next dullard who wants my hand." She turned and walked to the window, watching her father clamber into his carriage. Henrí walked to stand beside her and her maid. "You are so like your mother. Brave, beautiful she would have said all that with that exact look too. I hate how your father treats you, Gabrielle, you deserve so much more. I wish I knew what to say that would comfort you." Gabrielle watched as the carriage trundled down the driveway. "Henrí, your presence and understanding is more than enough. You have always been there for me. But you have to follow father's instructions, or else my father will turn his rage on you." Henrí sighed, taking no pleasure in what he had been ordered to do. "I know and it breaks my heart to do it." He turned to Colette, Gabrielle's maidservant. "My dear Colette, take the Lady Gabrielle to her Chambers and stay with her. Don't let her out of your sight. Here, take the key to her chambers." Henrí handed her the key, which she took with a curtsey. "At once, Monsieur ." Colette then turned to Gabrielle. "Ma dame, if you may, follow me." Gabrielle sighed at the pretty young maid. "It's fine, Colette. I know the way to my own prison, by now." She said as she was lead out of the drawing room, leaving Henrí behind. Gabrielle still seething from the anger she felt for her father.



For the next hour, Gabrielle paced her room with Colette watching sitting in a chair next to the door like a jailor. She had nothing against the girl, she was only doing what she was instructed. "My lady, please calm down. You will over exert yourself, and that will be most unseemly." Colette said as her mistress placed her hands on her hips. "Colette, I need to leave this room and this house. Please stand aside." The maid shook her hand, remaining seated steadfastly refusing to move. "No my lady, your father and Monsieur Henrí was very clear you are not to leave this room. I'am sorry but I don't want to get into trouble." Gabrielle sighed in frustration as she looked at her, Colette just like everyone else lived in fear of her father. She had been Gabrielle's maid for the last two years, and was the same age as Gabrielle. Dressed simply in a brown with red spotted gown, with white collar and cuffs. A white apron tied around her slim waist, with a long grey skirt, simple black buckled shoes and white cloth headdress covering her light brown hair. Gabrielle had never noticed before now that Colette was around her size, she glanced to the silver candlestick on her bedside then back to the young maid, a terrible wicked idea entered Gabrielle's mind. "Colette? I lost one of my earrings under the bed. Could you be a dear, and retrieve it for me?" She said pulling a look of false distress, as Colette thought about it the adherence of following her father's commands at war with duty to her mistress. After a couple of minutes, she rose from her chair curtseying. "Of course my lady, under the bed you say?" Gabrielle nodded innocently as Colette approached her, getting on her hands and knees, as Gabrielle quickly grabbed the candlestick feeling the weight in her hands. "Are you sure my lady? I can't see anything." Colette asked, suspecting nothing. "Oh it's there, just keep looking." Gabrielle positioned herself beside the crouching maid, eyeing the back of her head. "I'am really sorry about this Colette.." She raised the candlestick high above her maids head. "What was that, my la--ugh!" Colette never completed her sentence, as Gabrielle struck her on the back of her head, the maid collapsing onto her side.



Gabrielle immediately tossed the candle stick onto her bed, as she knelt by the stricken maid, breathing a sigh of relief as she saw Colette's chest rise and fall. "I'am really sorry about this Colette, but I need your key and clothes. I didn't want to do this but I'am not going to be a prisoner here. I want to see the city." Gabrielle said to the body of the unconscious maid, as she searched her pockets finding the key to her chambers before she turned her attention to Colette. Gabrielle quickly stripped out of her blue silk gold embroidered gown, pulling off her expensive jewellery and powdered wig feeling a sense of empowerment as her shoulder length auburn curls flowed around her shoulders. Reasoning that she would probably need Colette's cheap undergarments to make the disguise work, Gabrielle shrugged off her silken underclothes and corset then knelt by Colette's sleeping form. "I'am sorry, my dear Colette but needs must..." She turned over Colette onto her front, and started to undress her. Gabrielle removed the girls hat, apron and shoes before unbuttoning the gown removing the garment from the maids shoulders revealing a beige corset and white chemise. Unfastening the skirt, Gabrielle worked it loose from Colette's hips, peeling it down her long stocking covered legs fully revealing the chemise. Ignoring her own reservations, she pulled Colette's stockings off her legs, then after rolling them up her legs Gabrielle unlaced the beige corset from the maids body. Taking a deep breath, Gabrielle unlaced the chemise from the back, slipping the garment free of Colette's shoulders pulling the undergarment down the maids slim petite body. Revealing small but buoyant breasts with small circular pink areolas, a full womanhood crowned with a triangle of light brown fuzz and a peach shaped pert ass. Wasting no time, Gabrielle quickly dressed in Colette's clothes, taking the pin from the maids hair and copying the style before putting on the headdress. As an afterthought, Gabrielle decided to bind the unconscious maid, it wouldn't do for the naked girl to alert the entire household. Tearing her expensive gown and underwear into strips, Gabrielle bound the girl's wrists, ankles gagging her before rolling the naked sleeping maid under the bed, covering her body with her destroyed gown and replacing the candlestick on the bedside table, then retrieved a small pouch of silver francs from her bedside table, secreting it into one of her pockets of her stolen dress. Feeling an odd sense of liberation and guilt as she wore Colette's clothes, Gabrielle unlocked her bedroom door exiting then locking it behind her as she entered the hall. Pocketing the key, Gabrielle worked out her next move she decided to make for the stables and take one of the horses into the city. Taking a deep breath, suppressing the feeling of guilt for hurting Colette, Gabrielle turned making her way towards the stables.



Paris, 1 hour later.


Gabrielle gazed in awe as she walked down the streets of St Germain, taking in the sights and sounds of the common folk as they went about their daily lives which were very much removed from her routine. Here they laughed, played dice and got drunk even thought it was still morning. There were even women that stood on the street corner, dressed most unseemly in as little garb as possible, flashing their bare legs and breasts to passing men, even other women, anyone wearing a hint of expensive silk. Propositioning them with offers of "A good time." Or "A morning tumble." Gabrielle made the briefest of eye contact with one, a pretty girl with long black curls wearing a dress that was too small for her. "Hello there, sweet little maid. Your a pretty little thing aren't you? You on your day off? For a few francs I can give you a memorable morning." She said, caressing her left breast flashing a suggestive look Gabrielle's way. "Er..No thank you. Can you tell me about the protests about Necker, the finance minister?" She said shaking her head, the prostitute let out a disappointed sigh. "So it's politics your after. I don't know why you would worry your pretty little head about that, but that's not my business. You will find the revolutionaries massing at a tavern near the square. Apparently, some high and mighty politician is hosting a rally. Doesn't mean shit to me, though. The tavern is just through this alley, behind me. Just follow the smell of vomit, stale piss and cheap ale. Now off with you, your scaring off the customers." Thanking the young prostitute, Gabrielle went up the empty alley covering her mouth as the aroma of stale urine reached her nostrils.



"Hey! I know who you are. You're that rich piece of shits little sister!" Gabrielle stopped as she heard a woman's slurred voice from the shadows behind her. Gabrielle turned suddenly, caught unawares by the sudden ambush. "I..I think you're mistaking me for someone else. I'am a maid in...the royal palace." She stammered, not used to telling a lie. "Bullshit! You might be wearing the clothes of a maid, but you are not one of us! Gabrielle, little rich bitch!" The slurred voices owner revealed itself from the shadows. She was pretty, but hoods had begun to develop under her big brown eyes, set in a heart shaped face that had reddened from heavy drink, the woman stank of stale alcohol and she was clutching a bottle in her right hand. She was dressed in a simple pale green blouse, with a white lace collar, and dirty white long skirt. A red bandana with a tricolour rosette pinned on the right hand side, a hint of the woman's dirty blonde hair peaking underneath. Gabrielle's eyes widened as a dawning realisation hit her. "Amandine? My god. It's you, the one Philippe had an affair with. I thought my father dismissed you." Amandine snorted as she took another swig of her alcohol before she replied. "Oui, so do remember me, bitch? Well, I guess they never told you the full story. Your bastard of a brother stuck his prick in me and squirted in his seed. Got me pregnant, he did. But did your high and mighty lord father care? Non!" Gabrielle's mouth widened in shock. "I didn't know, I'am sorry." Amandine laughed bitterly, slurring her reply. "Save me your false pity, little Gabrielle you rich whore. My little Claude, he died last winter. I thought my job in the factory would be enough to put food in his belly, but the cold it took him..." The former maids voice trailed off, as she begun to cry. Gabrielle, tears welling up in her eyes at Amandine's plight, moved to lay an hand on her shoulder. "Amandine, I'am so sorry. If I had known I would ha--" Suddenly, Amandine shot up fury in her eyes. "Enough! Your family ruined my life, killed my son! Now I'am going to bury you!" Gabrielle held out her hands out, backing away from the enraged woman. "No, Amandine wait!?" She ducked quickly, dodging the woman's drunken swing throwing an instinctive punch of her own. Her blow caught Amandine square on her jaw, the woman let out a brief cry of pain before she hid the wall of the alley, sliding down unconscious slumped against the wall. Gabrielle cried, as she shook her hand in pain surprised at her own strength. She looked up and down the alley, surprised that no one had heard their altercation before she knelt by the slumped Amandine. "I'am so sorry, Amandine. For what my family as done to you, your son and for what you made me do. But I had no choice." She caressed the collar of the unconscious woman's blouse, reasoning that her clothes would allow her to blend in and observe the protests better, than her maids outfit would. "And I'am sorry, for what I'am going to do next. I don't want to do this, but I have to find out. " Sighing she took the unconscious Amandine by the ankles, dragging her into an empty alcove filled with crates.



Propping up the unconscious former maid against the crate, Gabrielle stripped off down to her stolen underwear and began to undress Amandine. Feeling nothing be regret and shame for having to humiliate the poor woman when she no longer had nothing. She removed the woman's brown leather buckled shoes, along with her red bandana Amandine's dirty blonde hair spilling out just above her shoulder. "I'am sorry Amandine..." Gabrielle muttered under her breath, as she unbuttoned the unconscious woman's blouse revealing a hint of a long white chemise underneath. After loosening the belt around Amandine's waist, Gabrielle worked the skirt off her hips pulling them down her long legs then slipped off the woman's blouse from her shoulders. Leaving Amandine looking pitiful in just her chemise and corset, Gabrielle's mouth opened as she saw how thin and undernourished she was. Tearful, she dressed in Amandine's clothes ignoring the fumes of sweat and stale alcohol emanating from the garments. Then after knotting the bandana over her head, Gabrielle tore strips from the dress she took from Colette binding the unconscious woman's wrists, ankles and silencing her with a gag. She was surprised at how expertly she made it look. As an afterthought, Gabrielle retrieved the coins from the discarded maids dress putting them to the pitiful Amandine." Here, you need this more than I do. It may not bring your little Claude back, or no way compensate you for everything my family as taken from you. But I hope that you take it as my apology." Gabrielle said caressing the unconscious former maids cheek, before she covered the woman's body with the remains of Colette's dress then walked out back into the alley, towards the tavern.



On her way to the tavern, Gabrielle had to stop to cinch the belt that held up Amandine's clothes which hung loosely from her well fed frame and was uncomfortable compared to the clothes she had stolen from the unfortunate Colette. She thought briefly about the young maid, had she been discovered yet? What about Henrí, he would be the one to feel the full force of her father's ire if he found out. Shaking such thoughts from her mind, Gabrielle had arrived at the Tavern, called the "Drunken Highwayman." if the sign that swung above the double doors was anything to go by. There was a large crowd of commoners and labourers, men and women, gathered outside the tavern cheering, all with the symbols of the revolution about their persons. Rosettes pinned to their hats or breasts, armbands with the tricolour of red,white and blue. One even had a homemade flag, with the words Libertie, Egalitie, fraternie stitched in gold thread, resting on his shoulder. Gabrielle couldn't help but chuckle, whoever had stitched in the words had misspelled all of them. Suddenly a hand clamped on her shoulder, Gabrielle let out a surprised gasp as she turned to see who the hand belonged to. "Excusez moi petite soeur, I didn't mean to startle you." The face of a young woman and her male partner greeted her, Gabrielle politely curtseyed. "It's fine, what's going on? I heard something about a protest?" The young man, dressed in a dirty doublet and brown patched trousers laughed. "I see you had way too much already, decided to start early did y-ow!" The woman had jabbed him in the ribs with an angry elbow. "Alain! We are all free and equal under that banner!" She gestured towards the flag angrily before turning back to Gabrielle. "Forgive my husband. He still thinks not everyone should be equal. Personally I don't care if you drank a whole brewery, before you got here. You're one of us." Gabrielle nodded, using her disguise to its fullest. "So about the the protest?" She asked gently. The friendly young woman tutted at her own rudeness. "Forgive me, I'am Amelie and this idiot is Alain. We are on our way to see Monsieur Guillaume Moreau, the Assembly member. He's giving a speech in the square in five minutes, protesting Necker and giving his voice to a free republic. Free of royal control!" Alain beamed widely, clapping his wife on her back. "He is a true man of the people! A gentleman of worth!" A voice from the front of the tavern cried out. "It's him! It's Monsieur Moreau!" Full of excitement, Amelie and her husband flashed Gabrielle a smile as they walked past her. Eager to see this "Man of the People." For herself, Gabrielle fell in beside them walking towards the square.



As Gabrielle entered the square, her jaw dropped at the sight of the sheer numbers of people that had filled the square, she had never seen that much humanity in one place. A veritable sea of red, white and blue, moved like the tide as they murmured waiting impatiently for their champion. To the right of the crowd, was a line of Royal Guards garbed in blue coats and black bicorn hats, their muskets held at parade rest. They were lead by an officer in a white and blue coat over which he wore a breastplate with a black tricorn hat, mounted on a chestnut mare. Their eyes fixed on the crowd, watching for any signs of treason. Gabrielle gently shouldered her way through the crowd, drawing angry shouts from the protesters, as she made her way towards the miniature scaffold at the centre. There, proceeded by cheers and whistles, a young man dressed in a sharp black suit and coat walked onto the stage flanked by two of his followers, one of them was very distinctive an older man with short black hair, his right eye covered by an eye patch. From where emerged an ugly scar that disfigured the right side of his face. Moreau held up his arms to quieten the crowd, smiling widely. What a lovely smile it was too thought Gabrielle unbidden as she appraised Guillaume Moreau, getting the measure of the man. He was a handsome man not much older than she, Gabrielle was surprised that a man of his youth could hold such a lofty office as a member of the General Assembly. His high cheekbones, square set jaw and comely features, particularly those big grey eyes captivated the young noblewoman, his brown hair was tied into a very small ponytail. And as soon as he started to speak, Gabrielle's whole world changed.



" Camarades, les Français m'entendent, it is a grave time for our beloved France, our people are starving. And who is the architect of your misery you ask?" He paused for a moment, as the crowd angrily hissed one name "Louis!" One female voice shouted "The fat bastard!" That made the officer on his horse twitch slightly. Moreau smiled as he continued to speak. "Yes! Our beloved king! Who believes that fighting the wars of distant lands, more important than feeding his people. He who bankrupted France with his poorly timed support of the independence of the American Colonies!" The crowd began to cheer, as his words hit home. Gabrielle was shocked to find her own voice was among those who cheered, but Moreau wasn't finished yet. "To add insult to injury, he sacked the one man who had the answer to this countries plight. Yes, my personal friend a true man of the people! Jacques Necker!" The whistles and jeers from the crowd, directed towards the soldiers of the Royal Guard caused many of them to glance nervously at their officer. The lieutenant on horseback was getting even more flush with anger, as Moreau pressed his advantage, working the crowd. "Amies, don't fair because change is in the air. Right now myself and others in the Third Estate, are calling on the king to stand down so the people can address and solve this crisis. The king and his lackeys have proven themselves unfit to govern, placing their needs ahead of the needs of we, the people!" That seemed to be the final straw for the officer on horseback. "That's enough Moreau! You speak treason against our Sovereign, and assembly member or not I will throw you into the Bastille for this slander!" He shouted enraged, as Moreau turned to address him. "What are you going to do, Lieutenant? Are you going to gun down your fellow Frenchmen just to get to me!" Gabrielle had to admit, he cut an impressive figure as he stared down the Officer. "Insolent Bastard!" The officer shouted in reply, as he drew his sabre. "I have orders to disperse this crowd, Moreau! And when I do, god help me! You peasants, here me! I speak with the authority of His Majesty King Louis XVI, your rightful sovereign! You have one chance to disperse or you will be declared treasonous!" He shouted to the crowd, who stood firm jeering at the officer showing no fear. "Fuck you, you royal lackey!" Came the voice of one man. "You cannot arrest us all, you perfumed fop!" Shouted a woman. Things finally came an head, when a rotten cabbage was hurled from the crowd bouncing off the officers breastplate with a dull clang! The officer raised his sabre. "Enough of this! You lowborn scum were warned! Sergeant, se préparer!" The order revebrated down the line of blue, as the soldiers raised their arms, the crowd suddenly became silent. " Tirer!" He said swishing his sabre down. Suddenly the silence was broken by the crack of over a dozen muskets, as all hell broke loose.



Screams from the crowd filled the air, as the front rank of people collapsed as they were shot, then the officer gave the order for his men to charge with fixed bayonets, then a fierce melee broke out between the soldiers and protesters. Gabrielle heard Moreau scream. "No! Why are you doing this?! This was a peaceful gathering!" As he jumped off the wooden stage, Gabrielle decided to follow him but she was still in a state of shock. My god! Those poor people, the King can't possibly want his own subjects dead. Does he? she thought as followed Moreau trying to put as much distance between herself and the soldiers, as possible. After 5 minutes she had lost sight of Moreau, Gabrielle panicked her only option now was to find her way back to the tavern. However, the sound of a cocking pistol and stamping hooves drew her attention she turned to see the guard officer point aim his pistol, straight at Moreau. Reacting quickly, Gabrielle grabbed a fallen flag and swung it upwards across the officer's back. The man let out a grunt as the impact toppled him from his horse, he landed hard on the cobbled ground stunned. Seizing his chance, Moreau surged forwards grabbing the man's gun hand then punching him with a right cross, knocking the officer out cold. Gabrielle felt exhilarated at the sight, as their eyes met Moreau ran forwards clutching her hand leading her through the crowd back towards the tavern.



They did not speak, until they were safely in an alley near the Drunken Highwayman still out of breath from their flight. "Merci, mademoiselle. You just saved my life. Wait, I know you? You were in the crowd, right at the front. You have such remarkable eyes." Gabrielle blushed slightly at the compliment, before looking deeply into Moreau's eyes. He smiled as he tucked his stolen pistol into his belt. "So does my fair rescuer have a name?" Gabrielle hesitated before giving a name, she didn't want to reveal to this handsome revolutionary that she was the very thing he despised. "Amandine, my lord. I'am a factory worker." She lied, mimicking Amandine's accent. Moreau's brow furrowed at her use of the formal greeting but he didn't press the issue. "Well, Amandine. I owe you my life, you must have already had a few doses of courage to take on an officer of the Royal Guard." He said laughing, as Gabrielle smelled her stolen clothes the smell of alcohol still clung to them. "These aren't my clothes, I..uh..borrowed them from a friend of mine. She's quite the heavy drinker." Moreau smiled that wonderful smile as he shook his head. "Well I'am not complaining, Amandine. You have the courage of the working classes. Do you have a means to escape the city?" Again Gabrielle blushed hesitating to answer, finding it difficult to concentrate around the man. "I have a horse, stabled not far from here." Moreau's eyebrows raised in surprise. "A horse? How does a poor factory worker come to own a horse?" There was a hint of suspicion in his voice. Gabrielle straightened up, fixing him a stern glance. "I stole it. Just to attend this demonstration, to see you." She said lying for the third time. "So a fugitive from the law too. That sounds quite romantic my lady." Moreau held up his arm. "Well, would you allow me to escort you to your horse, mademoiselle? It's the least I can do to repay my valiant rescuer." Gabrielle took the proffered arm eagerly. "Of course, my l-monsieur Moreau. Your welcome, by the way." She said blushing a deep red colour. It took the couple ten minutes to walk towards the stables, leaving the chaos of the failed demonstration behind them. After Moreau paid the stable hand his money, Gabrielle turned to the young man. "Monsieur Moreau-" Moreau waved a friendly hand. "Please, call me Guillaume. Amandine." Gabrielle blushed again but quickly recovered. "Guillaume, what happened back there? The king wouldn't want that? To murder is own subjects, surely not?" Moreau shook his head, as he walked towards Gabrielle. "I surely hope not. But if it's so, then all the more reason for him to stand down. There is something else that troubles me." He said as he crouched down, holding his hand in a cup allowing Gabrielle to mount her horse. "What do you mean? I thought that officer wanted to arrest you? But he was ready to kill you. Why?" Gabrielle straightened in her saddle, as Guillaume's expression turned dark before he turned back to look up at her. "It's nothing, my lady. I wouldn't want you to become more involved then you already are. Here, you better take this." Guillaume handed her the officers pistol, which she secreted in her skirt. "Pray you don't have to use it. Farewell, my fair Amandine. Safe travels." Gabrielle reluctantly bade him farewell, as she turned her horse gently out of the stables into a full gallop. She turned to see Guillaume waving her away his figure receding into the distance, feeling a profound sense of loss. Then disquiet filled her heart, as she rode towards the palace, Gabrielle wondered who would want a handsome noble man of the people dead.



The stables of the Amboise estate, 18:00pm



As she rode into the stables, Gabrielle could see the figure of Henrí standing by the stable door shaking his head as he closed the stable door behind her. "What have you done, Gabrielle? One of the chambermaids finds poor Colette stripped naked and bound under your bed, in some distress tears streaming down her face. She told me you cold cocked her and stole her clothes, trussing her up like a chicken. Then I found your father's horse missing from the stables. Care to explain how you had me so worried?" Gabrielle looked away in shame as she heard the poor maids name. "I'am so sorry about Colette. Is she going to be alright?" Henrí let out a deep sigh, but didn't sound angry. "She's going to be fine, Gabrielle. It took a lot of convincing on my part but she will stay on as your maid. She just hates you know and won't trust you as far as she could throw you. And I assure you, out of my love for you none of this will get back to your father." Gabrielle squealed Henrí's name. "Henrí! Thank you! I love you so much! Why couldn't you have been my father instead?!" She said as she encircled her arms around him. "A question I frequently ask myself, my lady." Henrí wrinkled his nose slightly as he pulled away, a strange look of fatherly pride in them. "Now why do you smell like a tavern? Who's clothes are these? Not Colette's I fear." Gabrielle filled him in about meeting Amandine, stealing her clothes. His eyes widened in shock at the mention of her name, but he allowed her to continue. "Then the protests, you should have seen them Henrí. Thousands of people, all in one voice. And then there was him, Guillaume Moreau. He was so handsome and charming, but the Royal Guard broke up the protest. He saw me safely to the stables and gave me this for my protection." Gabrielle took out the officers pistol, who Henrí quickly snatched from it from her. "It's sounds like you have had quite the ordeal, my child. Come let's get you inside. You need something warm in your belly and clothes more befitting your station. Your father doesn't need to now any of this, you can count on the servants discretion." Gabrielle nodded as she fell instep besides Henrí into the palace. Has they entered the kitchens, only one thing was on the young noblewoman's mind. She couldn't stop thinking about that handsome smile, those comely biddable features of Guillaume Moreau. As her heart fluttered at the memory, Gabrielle wondered if she would ever see him again.

[meditions142]

This was a really well written. I am amazed how you really make your historic stories feel like they truly take place in the time they are set. You have said before that research the era in which you set your stories. It definitely shows.

[Stormtrooper1990]

This was a really well written. I am amazed how you really make your historic stories feel like they truly take place in the time they are set. You have said before that research the era in which you set your stories. It definitely shows.

Hi Meditions

Thank you very much for reading and enjoying the story. And for your words of support my friend.

As a fan and student of history, I always make sure to research the time periods throughly to ensure that I bring an enjoyable and historically accurate story to the board.

I would also like to say thanks to Arc, whose concept this story was based on. Without him, this story would not have been possible.

Watch this space for part two

[Metoo]

Time for some feedback from an otherwise rather silent member.

I usually do not follow your stories that closely as I am not a fan of lethal uniform steal scenarios. The more I enjoyed this story in which you decided for a non-lethal approach combined with one of my favorite eras in history.

Keep up the good work.

[Arc]

First of all, I would like to apologise for the very short comment, as it doesn't do justice to this story. Honestly, I think you have perfectly captured the spirit of the Age. With your descriptions, I really feel as if I was in the streets of Paris with Gabrielle. Regarding the story itself, I'll only say that it's everything I ever imagined of it and more. Really an excellent work. And of course, the USB scenes are always stellar. I cannot wait for part two! Thanks again for following up on my idea.

[Stormtrooper1990]

First of all, I would like to apologise for the very short comment, as it doesn't do justice to this story. Honestly, I think you have perfectly captured the spirit of the Age. With your descriptions, I really feel as if I was in the streets of Paris with Gabrielle. Regarding the story itself, I'll only say that it's everything I ever imagined of it and more. Really an excellent work. And of course, the USB scenes are always stellar. I cannot wait for part two! Thanks again for following up on my idea.

Hi Arc


Thanks for your comment, my friend and don't worry about its length, its no problem. This story was a pleasure to write and I was glad to bring it to life, to do the idea that we worked on justice and write a story that captured the spirit of 17th century revolutionary France. I'am pleased that you enjoyed the USB scenes, my particular favourite being the unfortunate maid Colette. And you won't have to wait long for the conclusion to Gabrielle's story. You are very welcome my friend, it's a pleasure working with you and I look forward to future projects together.

[saker]

Every time I think you can't do better than this, you... do better than this.
This is a great story with great characters, and with a non-lethal USB. I am euphoric
P.S: more stories set in bygone eras, please!
It would be nice to see stories set during the Napoleonic wars, the Russian revolution, the Hundred Years' War, the siege of Constantinople...