THE DARK COUNTESS

1.
FEBRUARY 1830

They rode through the forest near the castle Eishausen in the middle of the night on jet black horses in the snow that crushed into a slushy mess as the horses thundered through. The night was only lit by the full moon that made the whole forest glow a cold powder blue, the moon’s light reflecting off smoky  fog the twisted and turned around every frozen corner. Faster and faster the horsemen went.

The sound of one of the horseman pulling his rains broke the silent forest as he stopped halfway on a stone bridge that stretched across a frozen river. The second horseman caught up and stared down into the icy river too. He nodded to his companion in agreement. This is where they would do it.

The bitter freeze of the night had not stopped them in their task. They were given specific instructions that had to be deployed or their fates too were sealed.

One of the men, dressed in all black jumped from his horse and walked down near the shore of the river. He picked up a large stone that was embedded in the bank and tossed it into the river breaking its surface. The sound echoed through the chilly forest.

The second horseman turned to his satchel which was plump and filled with something large. With two hands he pulled out a sack that was no larger than sack of wheat.

“Quickly!” The second horseman said.

The first horseman grabbed the sack by its ends and swung it around his head twice then releasing it into the icy river below. The sack sank deeper and deeper into its watery tomb hitting the bottom turning and spinning with the wild cold current. As it filled with water the sack opened and its contents spilled onto the river floor. Letters; there may have been 50, 60 letters total. The letters weren’t addressed to anyone specific, except on except for a golden stamp of a fleur de lis gracing the envelope’s face.

The horsemen galloped away, forcefully pushing through the forest. The fog trailed behind them in large puffs as they whisked through the town of Hildburghausen which was fast asleep and up the castle Eishausen to report to their master that the deed had been taken care of.

Their master, Count de Versay, sat alone by a roaring fire in one of the many gilded rooms of the castle, was pleased with his two horsemen. They had quickly taken care of the situation at hand and had asked no questions, he paid them their wage and they went on with their duties for the night. The Count lit a candle and climbed up the winding staircase to the chamber apartments to deliver the news that the letters were destroyed.

The castle of Eishausen was more of a small palace of four main floors and a cellar, its exterior cube shaped, but inside it was more circular and open with walls painted pale yellow that glowed white from Count de Versay’s candle light. There were giant paintings of former inhabitants of the castle that cluttered the walls. Their faces stone and icy like the weather outside the castle’s windows.

The Count came to a door made of the strongest German wood, and knocked twice then paused, then knocked again. It was his signature. The door unlocked from the inside and he was allowed in.

The bedroom he entered was dark with one lit candled at the furthest end nearest the window. The bed, covered in drapes and fabric over its canopy shielding the woman who lay inside.

“Your Grace, the letters have been disposed of as you wished.” The Count said bowing his head.

“Thank you de Versay. That will be all for tonight.” The women said from her shadowy bed.

 “In the morning I would like you to fetch my governess and have her move to Eishausen. She can stay in the attic apartment… I believe it would be safer if she were kept close, pay her well. She will not refuse.”

“As you wish your Grace.”  de Versay said dipping his head once more towards the dark bed.

The Count de Versay quickly went to his own stately room and compiled a few more golden coins for the task tomorrow. He placed them in a woven sac with tiny little fleur de lis tassels that he tied into a bow and set on top of a table for the next day.

The woman lay in her dark room alone again, something that she had become accustomed to in her years at the castle as she had requested. Her household was to have a select amount of people: The two horsemen who would travel around the area running errands for her or de Versay, a governess who acted as a lady in waiting for the woman, and her closest confident de Versay who paid them all. She ruled over this small group of servants like an empress, but she paid them well and always made sure they were comfortable and safe as long as they worked for her, and yet she had very little contact with them, if at all.

The Count and the two horsemen arrived early the next morning to the home of Frau Bauer the current governess of the castle. Her son was outside feeding chickens when they arrived to the front of the cottage. The young man quickly removed his hat and placed it on his chest and dipped his head.

“Good morning young Bauer, how is your mother?” de Versay said jumping off his white horse.

“Not well I’m afraid, sir. She’s ill.” Young Bauer replied not looking up at the count.

Frau Bauer was a woman in her 60’s and was allowed to come home at weekends to tend to her family. She had recently fallen ill, and was tended to by her daughter Anna.

“Ill? How awful. May I enter?” The Count replied entering once the young man nodded in acceptance.

Count de Versay walked through the quaint cottage the smelled of fresh porridge and berries. His boots knocked on the wooden floor in the cadence of a heartbeat. He entered the room where the young Anna was sitting on the bed placing was rags over Frau Bauer’s forehead. She turned and expected to see her brother but was met with a surprise to See de Versay standing in the doorway. She quickly got up and curtsied.

“Good morning.” The count said pulling the young lady aside. “How is your mother this morning?”

“Not well your Grace, she has a fever and is not responding to any food.” Frau Bauer’s daughter responded.

“There is a matter that I must speak with you about. Let’s allow your mother to rest while we talk, shall we?” The Count said allowing the young woman to lead the way into another room.

The two sat down a wooden kitchen table as the young lady poured to glasses of tea filled them with fresh milk and dabbed some sugar in each. She stirred the cups and placed one in The Count’s hand.

“The Countess has requested your mother’s return at Eishausen; I can see that her being ill she is unable to do so. Is there a possibility that you may go in her place? You will be paid of course, and I will see that your mother is taken care of while she is ill. I can have a nurse come stay here while she recovers.” de Versay said without haste.

“You want me leave here to tend to The Countess instead of my mother?” She replied in surprise. 

“The Countess needs someone as soon as possible and as I mentioned your family will be supported as your time with us goes on.” He said sipping his tea.

Frau Bauer’s daughter Anna thought for a second and looked around their simple home, she knew she had to take up the position while her mother recovered, she had to. There was no other choice.

“Will I have a chance to come home once in a while to check on my mother?” The young woman said cautiously.

“Of course. We can always have something arranged.” The Count said patting her hand. “Your name?”

“I am Anna.” She said taking a deep breath.

They gathered her belongings and awaited a nurse from the village who would come and care for Frau Bauer while Anna was away at Eishausen. She kissed her feverish mother good bye and hugged her younger brother who was now tending to their other animals. The air was frosty pricked at her like needles all over her body. She wrapped a scarf around her face and jumped on a horse that was tied to one of the horseman and they headed off to Eishausen.

Anna was a beautiful woman of about 25. Her skin was the color of a summer peach. She had a relaxed and peaceful face that seemed to have never felt the sting of life’s turmoil. Her hair the color of dark honey was tied up in a soft bun with small curls that drooped over hear ears that were accented by tiny little pearl earrings she was given at her confirmation by her grandmother.

The four went slowly through the frosted forest until they came to a clearing. As they turned past the clearing the square castle appeared and Anna saw where she would be living for the time being. It wasn’t all awful, the home was beautiful and the Count and Countess had provided a lovely room for her. The Count gave her a small tour and something to eat.

Around the early afternoon she was shown to her room which was on the very top of the home; a small attic apartment that was small but had enough space for her and her things. As she put away her belongings she saw that she had been given at least 9 different beautiful dresses and jewelry and shoes to match. As the overwhelming feelings of guilt and glee swept over her, she looked out the window which faced the north side and saw The Count walking and he wasn’t alone.

With him as a dark figure. It was a woman, in a black dress, gloves and hat, her face completely hidden from view by a large thick black veil. They walked arm in arm towards a larger garden that was created for the Countess to enjoy in private. No one else was there, just the two.

It was an odd sight to see, the woman walking in the garden that was frozen over by the snow and dressed in all black. Anna watched them for a few seconds when she was startled by a knock on her door. It was one of the horsemen checking up with her.

“Getting along are you?” She said smiling.

“Yes, I am, thank you…is that the lady of the house?” Anna said gesturing towards the window where the Count and Countess were walking.

“It is, yes.” The horseman said leaning on her door frame.

“Is she in mourning?” Anna asked.

“You can say that. The Countess never reveals herself to anyone but de Versay and is veiled at all times while out. Quite mysterious!” The horseman said with a smile. “They’ll return in about 20 minutes. The Count would like to see you in the west dining room to go over your duties.” He continued.

“And when will I meet The Countess?” Anna asked.

The horseman took a step back and turned to Anna with a half smile and answered: “You’ll meet her.”

Anna’s mother had been the lady in waiting to the Countess for a few months and she had never mentioned how mysterious and secretive everything was.

As she put away the remainder of her belongings Anna walked over to the window again and watched the couple continue their stroll through the icy gardens. The veiled countess then stopped in the center of the garden and quickly snapped back around and turned to the house looking in Anna’s direction.

Anna gasped and jumped away from the window and clutched her chest. Her breathing deepened. What had she gotten herself into?

2.

The west dining room was ornate and covered in gold. The ceilings were dripping with golden cherubs and frescos of painted scenes from the bible; a miniature Sistine Chapel. Anna walked in and gazed above her head and counted all the angels. 30. Outside of churches and cathedrals she had been to, she had never seen anything like it.

A side door opened and in walked Count de Versay. She turned quickly to face him and curtsied.

“Please, sit down.” The tall blond de Versay said pulling out a chair for her.

He lit two candles on the table and brought them near Anna and sat next to her.

“Frauline Anna, we are a very private estate. I’m sure you’ve already noticed that for a home this size we have a very small group of servants. Your mother was very trusted, and the Countess and I have agreed that being her daughter you too will be just as trust worthy. Is that a safe assumption?” questioned de Versay.

“Oh absolutely sir, I can be—I will be!” Anna said correcting herself.

“Very good, now there are terms that must be upheld your entire time here. The east end of the third floor belongs to the Countess. Only one person is permitted there, me. The Countess does come down, however infrequently, but when she does Her Grace demands the upmost discretion. You will be called upon only when she has emerged from her room. She does not reveal herself to anyone on the staff. I just want you to understand that. Questioning the situation is not permitted.”

“I understand Your Grace.” Anna affirmed.

“Well then, lets show you around shall we?” said The Count standing up in all his mighty height.

The Count showed Anna the front parlor where The Countess came down for tea every Wednesday. The room was painted a dark green, with more gold trimmings. The Furniture was a similar color but with thick dark blue stripes going down the fronts of the chairs and sofas. The tables were covered in the white lace. The Drapes were pulled over the windows allowing only the slightest bit of light. Anna went over to pull one of them open and she was quickly stopped by the Count.

“The drapes are never ever opened unless The Countess requests.” He said removing his hand from her forearm.

They moved on to the kitchen. She was given a list of everything The Countess could eat, would eat and would not. It was a simple list of pheasant fish, some beef; mostly potatoes for side dishes and lots of deserts with fruits. The kitchen was very large; as was the cook who Anna would hand the grocery list to every week.

Later that afternoon Anna walked into a grand dining room where a servant was polishing silver. There were hundreds of forks and knives and plates that looked like they hadn’t seen a good polish in years. As she went about looking at the different paintings and examining the drapes she heard music. The sound of a piano and what sounded like a bit of singing. A woman’s voice was surly coming from down an adjoining door of an opened room that Anna had not to on her tour with the Count.

She followed the music and as it swam into her years and drew her further and further down the glittering hallway into the room. It was The Countess at the piano, fully veiled and humming a song that Anna had never heard. She stood at the door way unbeknownst to the Countess. As she listened on of the horseman from earlier walked in from the other end of the hall and saw Anna standing at the door. He quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her into a different room and closed the door behind them. 

“What were you doing?” He said holding each of her shoulders.

“I was just listening.” Anna said removing his hands from her shoulders.

“You cannot do that. You cannot put yourself in a place where the Countess cannot see you. She must be aware of her surroundings at all times.” He said scolding Anna.

“Excuse me sir, but I meant no harm. She was playing so beautifully. I never meant to offend.” Anna said calmly.

“You have a lot to learn about Eishausen. Things are not what they seem here. She may have been there out in the open to whoever wanted to listen, but to her, she is alone. She is the only one.”  He exclaimed.

“Again, sir, I meant no harm.” Anna said pulling away from the horseman.

“Just be careful fraulein. Remember, every corner of this home is a sanctuary for the Countess. It may be where you live for now, but it is her only sanctuary.” The Horseman warned.

That night Anna lay in bed awake wondering what the reason was for such secrecy. Could she have been physically disfigured and needed a veil to cover her scars? Was she hurt somehow and too embarrassed to show her face to the world? It was a strange situation that consumed her every day she was at Eishausen, a castle filled with mystery.

Just then sound of someone weeping came from outside her door. It was faint but it was definitely someone weeping. Again…it was a woman’s voice. Fearing that the Countess had gotten up in the middle of the night and hurt herself somewhere in the home Anna sprung out of her bed and put on her a house coat and started her way down the staircase to find the weeping. It was coming from the East Wing of the home, the specific area she was not allowed to go to.

She couldn’t help stand there without knowing what was happening, if the Countess was hurt she had a duty to help her no mater water. She closed up her house coat and charged down the stairs to the third floor from her room above. And as she did so, The Count came barreling up from his room and blocked her.

“What are you doing?” He whispered.

Anna gasped as he startled her, she curtsied. “The Countess sir, is that her crying?”

“Yes. Please go back to your room. Everything is alright.” He said as the light from the winter moon lit up the hall way in a cold glow.

Anna took a step back and he entered the room. As the door closed she walked softly to the giant white door and put her ear to it. She could hear The Count comfort The Countess, reassuring her that she was safe and calming her down.

     *            *         *           * 

“I heard you got quite the fright last night!” The Horseman said coming into the kitchen the next afternoon as Anna prepared the meal list for the cook.

“What is your name?” She said in a frustrated tone.

“Albert.” He said bowing towards her.

“Albert— mind your own business!” Anna said in embarrassment and continued with her chore.

“Now, now, there’s no need for long faces. It’s happened to all of us at one point or another, your mother too.” Albert explained. “The Countess has trouble sleeping, and sometimes she cries. Someone should have explained that before night fell.” He continued.

“Why does she cry?” Anna questioned.

“Ah! A mystery within a mystery. No one knows. The Count may perhaps, but he doesn’t really say much about her unless it’s an order; some sort of new thing we must complete for ‘her Grace, the Countess’.” Albert said mocking the voice of the Count.

“If she has trouble sleeping, that would be a reason why her husband does not stay in her room along with her.” Anna said trying to explain to herself why the Count came from the second floor to the Countess’ room the night before.

“Husband? The Count? No. They’re not married. According to him they’re not even related. By blood or otherwise.  He’s as much a servant to her Grace as you and I, albeit with a title.” Albert explained.

“A Day and a half and all of this…” Anna said dumbfounded by what has transpired in such a short amount of time. “But, still, why does she weep at night?” She asked.

“There are theories. You see when she first came to Hidburghausen it was by invitation of the Duke and Duchess of Saxony. They’ve given her this castle to live in as long as she pleases. No one was given her name, just specific instructions much like the ones you were given: not to interact with her directly, allowing everything to come from de Versay, keeping whatever we do know about her life private.” Albert explained.

“What are the theories of her?” Anna quizzed.

“Some say she’s a witch that has cast a spell on de Versay. They think he is a real Count and she just uses him for his name and connections, and must conceal her identity so that he never recognizes the evil sorceress who’s taken control of him. Of course those are wise tales and things of children. Other reasonable thoughts are that she is in fact a Countess who was injured somehow and now must cover hear face.”

“I can’t imagine a life where I wouldn’t allow anyone to get close to me.” Anna said staring out of the window to the frosty afternoon.

“Sometimes it’s easier for someone to hide away in some dark corner of a castle then to deal with the reality of their own lives. For whatever reason, this is how she’s chosen to live out her life.” Albert wisely confessed.

Later that evening as dinner was served The Count asked Anna to set the table for The Countess and himself as they were to dine together. Anna rushed into the dining room to place the final touches before the clock struck 6:00, the specific time she was given to have everything prepared and on the table for Counts.  At the precise moment the Countess would enter the room for dinner no one should be there.

As she shined the forks, cleaned a smudge from a plate and made sure the pheasant and potatoes were warm, Anna neglected to hear the clock strike 6:00. The door opened and Anna still had no idea of the time.

The evening light from outside of the dining room seeped in from the hall way as the door widely opened. A veiled created dressed in black, fully gloved, and not a patch of skin showing seemed to float across the blood red carpet and grew near the table where Anna was still finishing up her last minute perfections to her first dinner table for the Countess.

“Pardonez-Moi Mademoiselle.” The veiled Countess said as she stood near her chair.

“Oh!!!” Anna screamed as she took a step back and tripped on the hem of her blue dress knocking over a glass.  “I’m sorry.  I …oh…Your Grace I lost track of time!” She said in a deep bow, her head turned down into her chest.

The countess said nothing more and went to her seat. Floating along the red carpet.

“I hope you enjoy.” Anna said starring directly into the mass of black veil trying to make out eyes, lips anything to make her more human. But she could not. Anna again curtsied and started to make her way, quickly, out of the dining room.

Suddenly the Countess turned and spoke:

“I have asked that your mother receive the most acceptable medical care in our region Anna. She was very kind to me while she worked here. I will not forget that.”

Anna turned again and dipped into another curtsey. “Thank you.”

She closed the door behind her and fell backwards into the painted wall paper of spring flowers blending perfectly with her blue satin dress, sweat dripping from her brow...then she thought to herself: “Did she speak to me in French just now?”

As the Counts ate dinner Anna cleared out part of the kitchen table for herself to have a bite to eat. As she did she thought of the theories Albert had given her about the identity of the Countess. They all seemed plausible but didn’t explain why she might cry in her sleep. From what it seemed she did it often.

Curiosity got the best of her, and the mystery that surrounding practically everything she touched was consuming her by the day.

While the Counts were finishing up their dinner she made her way across the great hall to the main staircase that led to the private apartments, both west and east sections of the Castle. She took off her shoes so that the clacking of her heels would not be heard and made her way to the top of the stairs all the while turning her head behind to see if anyone was coming. She made it to the Countess’ room and turned the door knob. It was locked. Frustrated and flustered she stretched her neck muscles and lowered her head to relieve some of the stress and possibly express some relief that she hadn’t actually gone into the room and betray the count’s trust, she opened her eyes and that gazed at the floor she saw a small triangle of paper poking out from under the door. Without hesitation she pulled the corner of paper, it was an envelope. She didn’t know what to do: should she pick it up and take it with her or should she push it further under the door so that it no longer tempted her.

Anna made the sign of the cross and closed her eyes asking for all the powers that looked down on her to forget give her, but she had to know. She had to see if this letter would finally help her figure out what was going on around her. Anna then quickly stuffed it into her corset and set off back into the kitchen.

The evening came swiftly. Anna made her way through the castle to go up to her room to read the letter she found under the Countess’ door. As she made her way from the kitchen to the main staircase that led to her attic apartment but just then the shadowy Countess came from a darkened room again veiled from head to toe completely in black. Anna’s blood froze and was as icy as the river. She curtsied and dipped her eyes to the ground.

“You Grace.” Anna said, her blood still flowing cold like a winter’s wind.

At first The Countess said not a word, only dipping her head in acknowledgement. As Anna wait for her to pass the countess spoke again:

“How is your mother? I’ve tried to keep in touch with the doctors that I have employed but unfortunately have not heard back. She is doing well I hope.” The Countess said in her hushed tone of voice.

“I hope so too, I have not been able to keep in touch with my family much in the last few days since arriving here.” Anna said as the feelings in her fingers slowly started to return and the letter she stole burning a hole in her side, hotter and hotter the longer she stood in front of the Countess’s black mass of veils.

“You know, family is very important. I can understand your devotion to your mother. There is no love stronger, I imagine, then a mothers for her child. Tomorrow I will be out, you can come with me in the carriage which will drop you at your home to see your mother. Then we will retrieve you around noon. Hopefully that will be sufficient.” The Countess said floating off on to the staircase that took her to her east wing.

Anna took a deep breath feeling as if she hadn’t taken a one the entire conversation. She felt her side and there was the letter, still sitting between her rib cage and her corset. She watched the floating black trusses of the Countess go up into her side of the Castle and only until as she disappeared was when Anna felt it was safe to go to her room and read the letter. A letter that she knew would finally shed some light on the mysterious woman she was working for.

3.

The young governess swung open the door of her small room and locked it behind her. She lit a candle and tossed herself to the 
floor, kneeling by her bed staring at the letter she had pulled from inside her corset. She placed it facing up on the bed, it sat there for a few seconds looking up at her. She stared at the envelope on her bed that was marked with a blue fleur-de-lis, and then held it. Should she open it? Was she really about to do this? Her guilt was slowly being eaten up by the fire of the curiosity.

She picked up the enveloped and felt as if it’s secrets would seep into her finger tips, she was almost too scared to know the truth the letter might tell. She closed her eyes and pursed her lips then slowly opened the letter that was not sealed, just folded into itself, and she then removed the envelope’s contents. 


The letter was completely in French. The letter was short and read:

I write to you with the following information: we are now secure. 

My place here in England has kept those that sought revenge appeased. 

I write to you this final time, please dispose of this letter as I have instructed you to do to all the others. 

Forever yours

MR.

Ann was even more confused, yet her intrigue grew as the letter offered a clue into why the Countess might be hiding behind thick veils. She was hiding from a person or persons who sought revenge on her and her family. But who was “MR” from England? What could have the Countess done for revenge to be set upon her? It seems as though the letter only offered my mystery to Anna’s growing list of questions.

She quietly made her way down the stairs in the middle of the night to return the letter to the East part of the Castle where the Countess was sleeping. Liesel got closer and closer to the Countess’ door, her heart was pounded, the letter, again, burning in her hand. She knelt down and before she slid the it under the door she heard the crying again. This time it was not only crying but words were being spoken as if the Countess was having a nightmare. Liesel didn’t know what to do, should she knock and wake her or should she go find de Versay and tell him the Countess needed him. 

Anna knelt down to slip the letter under the door but as she did so a shadow came over her, it de Versay towering over her in a white shirt and dark pant; half-dressed almost, as if he was interrupted in as he was getting ready to go to bed himself. He looked at her with a deep stare and growled out a stern whisper: “What have I told you about this area?” 

Startled and in a panic, Anna crumbled the letter into her arms and hid it behind her back. 

“I’m sorry your Grace I meant no harm.” Anna said bowing her head.


“Go!” He said in a sort of half shout half whisper and pointed to her room. Anna flew up the stairs, the letter still in ball in her hand. She closed the door to her room quietly behind her hoping he would not come up after her.

Count de Versay opened the door quietly and entered the pitch black room where The Countess slept. She muttered nonsense and tossed and turned in her large bed. The canopy still coved in the darkest of clothes to keep out any son from entering when it was day time. 

“Madame. Madame awaken.” De Versay whispered softly.

At first she did not respond, but soon she did. From the darkened bed she The countess took a deep breath after realizing whatever she was dreaming was all fantasy. 

“I can’t seem to shake these terrors.” She said from the shadows.

“What was it this time?” De Versay said sitting in a chair across from her bed.

“The same. They are leading me into a room just like it happened. It’s dark there. I am calling out for my family but no one responds. I keep calling and calling and no one comes. Do you know what that is like? To be the only one left in the world. Or at least feeling like you are the only one left.” The Countess confessed.

“Is there really no one left?” De Versay questioned.

“No one that matters. Now, please go on. Go back to sleep. I’ll be fine.” The Countess said, dismissing her companion.

“Tomorrow morning we are set to visit the village. Are you sure you want to bring along the governess? There is still work to be done around the property that I am sure she could get done.” De Versay asked.

“She needs to see her mother. I will not keep her from that, I know the feeling all too well.” She responded.

“Very well.” De Versay said.

The following morning Albert and the other horseman were preparing the horses for the day to the village. Attaching their bridals and adjusting them so the bit fit perfectly. He was combing one of the horses; a giant beast of black with deep dark eyes when Anna came to him with the letter. She was frantic.

“I need your help.” She said in a hushed tone as she handed the letter to the horseman.

He looked at it and noticed that it had the same fleur-de-lis as the other letters he was asked to disprove of a few nights earlier. He snatched the letter from Anna’s hand.

“Where did you get this?” He questioned.

“I found it.” Anna said in a half-truth but noticed that Albert was himself stunned by the letter and seemed to recognize it. “Do you know what this is?” She asked waiting for his answer.

“What I know is that is isn’t for you to see. Did you read it?” Albert asked.

“I don’t speak French.” Anna said lying through her porcelain teeth.

“But you opened it. That is the only way you would know it was in French. Anna, I don’t believe you understand what is happening here. You cannot place yourself under these circumstances. It is best that you know nothing of what is happening.” Albert scolded.

Albert placed the letter inside his jacket and asked Anna to wait to the side as the Countess and de Versay were about to exit the castle and join her for the ride to the village. And just as she had always been, the Countess appeared dressed in a dark gown, in a veil so dark it looked as if she were being consumed by black smoke from the edges of her shoulder to the top of her head.

The two horsemen bowed and Anna curtsied and the counts entered the carriage. Anna followed.

“Shall we?” The Countess asked, ready for her day out.

The ride through the village was not a very long one, only 15 minutes by carriage. No one inside spoke, as they passed homes Anna could see villagers starring in wonder. The Dark Countess from the Castle Eishausen had returned to haunt them and lurk around their tiny village. Most of them just stared as Anna did right back. Some even waved as if it were a head of state, a queen in morning romping through to visit her subjects.

As promised Anna was allowed to visit her mother as the Counts went off on their day and would return for her in the early afternoon. Anna was so pleased to be home, she flew through the doors to find her brother pouring a glass of fresh milk for their mother was still stick in bed. Anna ran over to him and hugged him so tight he lost his breath for a second.

“How is she?” Anna asked of her mother.

“She’s better! She’s sitting up in bed now, still a little fragile but she’s able to eat solid foods now. Welcome home.” Her brother Luke said.

Anna smiled and went off to her mother’s room and opened the door. There was she was sitting up reading a book. Once she saw her daughter standing in the door way she dropped the book and called for Anna with open arms.

“Oh my! A surprise in deed! My dear come, come here! How have the Counts been treating you? Are you happy? Are they feeding you?” Anna’s mother asked.

“Yes! They are. They’re very kind. I’m so glad you’re feeling better.” Anna said with a small tear in her eye.

“Well, slowly but surely. I imagine you have questions.” Her mother said lifting her eyes from her glasses knowing that when Anna left she had no time to prepare her for what the Countess’ home was like.

“Mother I don’t understand! Why is she … she’s covered all the time.” Anna said. “Is she in hiding?”

“I know nothing of her past Anna. What I’ve heard from others in the village are things of gossip and rumor. What I do know is that she is a guest of the Duke of Saxony who own Eishausen and that she is a woman of great name, and tormented by night terrors.” Her mother added.

“So she hides away from the thing that gives her those nightmares?” Anna asked.

“Hiding must make her feel safe in a way. More secure.” Her mother continued.

“Mother, I found a letter written all in French to The Countess from someone in England.” Anna said confessing her deed.

“You must not over step your bounds Anna. Reading that letter; even opening it was wrong.” Her mother said in shock.

“I don’t know why, but everything about her is so fascinating. I just want to know the truth. Its consuming me.” Anna said.

“Listen close… one day while the counts where out, I came upon the third floor and nearest the East wing, there is a ball room that is never in use. Go into that ball room. The paintings on the walls will at least give you a clue as to the truth as it did for me.”

Anna knew the room well; it was adjacent to the Countess’ bedroom and she had noticed the beautiful ornately decorated doors.

“What’s in there?” Anna asked.

“Paintings, beautiful paintings.” Her mother said cryptically.

Upon returning back to Eishausen the Counts retired for the evening. Anna went about her duties for the Countess while she rested in her room but all Anna could think about was what her mother had told her about the ball room which she had yet to see.

As soon as night fell and the Castle halls were still and secure Anna crept out of her room and down towards the east wing where the Countess slept and where the ball room was. She passed the Countess’ room and could hear her fast asleep, this night there was no crying, that meant de Versay would not need to come up to comfort her—Anna could do her investigating.

She walked slowly passed the room, the moon light dipping its blue toes in through the tall windows down the corridor. Anna kept going and finally, met the door of the ball room with very large thick double-doors that had golden nobs in the shape of lions on either side. She placed her hand around one of the lions and looked back towards the Countess’ room, it was still silent. She slowly turned the nob and pushed the door open making a slow creaking sound. She paused to see if the noise had stirred the house. It did not.

Once she felt safe enough she entered the ball room. It was dark but she could see that the drapes were drawn. She quickly rushed over to one of the windows to draw the drapes, he satin dressing shifting and rustling as she quickly pulled the drapes open. The flapped and flew across to one side and the winter moon light lit up half the ball room. Anna turned to look on the opposite side of the room to the wall where the moon light was illuminating a huge painting of a woman with alabaster skin, jewels dripping from her ears, hair gray but combed off to the side. She did not instantly recognize the woman. But as she walked closer she could see…it was the infamous Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. Anna put her hands over her mouth and walked down the same walk, the next large painting was the same woman, the queen, with her two children, a daughter Marie-Therese, and the a son Louis.

Further and further Anna went down the walls of the ball room and more paintings of the French Royal family, including three of just Marie-Therese. Anna could not believe it. Was the Countess related to the Royal family somehow? Was she in hiding?

“Beautiful aren’t they?” A voice said from across the ball room.

Anna spun around in shock, she had been discovered by the Countess.

“Your grace, I’m beg your pardon. I …” Anna said bowing in a curtsy.

The veiled Countess walked towards Anna still bent on one knee as the countess slowly entered the golden ball room.

“These were sent to me by from the Versailles after the Reign of Terror ended. This was my family.” The Countess said through her thick layers of black veils.

The Countess walked over to the one of the paintings, one of a younger Marie-Therese and put her gloved hand on the frame, memories of the past that she fought so hard to repress started to flood back to her mind, like a wave crashing on to a shore. Memories that kept her up at night, memories that kept her hidden from public view. Memories she tried for many years to forget.

They were all there hanging in a ballroom in the center of Germany, paintings of Versailles, and of Paris, all lost to her after the Reign of Terror.

4.
13, OCTOBER 1793
---Thirty-Sever Years Before---

The Queen of France, her daughter Marie Therese and stepdaughter Ernestine sat in a room, their prison cell, at the Temple prison in Paris where they had been for three years. It is a small room with a wooden floor and some comfortable chairs and places to sleep, nothing compared to the lap of luxury that they once enjoyed at the grand palace of Versailles.

The Queen, Marie Antoinette, was 37 years old and sat patiently awaiting a visitor, her most trust confidant, and the only person left she trusted: Antoine Barnave. The news Barnave brings is crucial to their survival.

The teenage girls read as Marie Antoinette looked down on the ground of the Temple prison from a slit window that is carved into the stone walls. She was impatient. She has dealt her last hand in the game of survival, proposing idea of a constitutional monarchy to help end the Reign of Terror by Robespierre. Her husband has been executed, her son has been taken from her, her daughter Marie Therese is the only living heir. This is her only hope, if it fails it would spell disaster.

“Mother you should sit.” Marie Therese says looking up from her book, one of two that they are allowed in prison.

“Barnave should be here any minute.” She says in a nervous smile.

Marie Antoinette and Barnave have taken the idea of the Constitutional Monarchy to the current leaders of the Revolution; a committee of men who are deciding where France’s future lies. Marie Antoinette’s proposal would bring more power to the people but still allow for Marie Antoinette and the lives of the surviving members of the royal family to be spared.

There are foot steps down coming closer and closer to the door, the three women huddle together in the center of the room, Marie Antoinette in the center, her delicate left arm reaches around her daughter Marie Therese and squeezes her tight. The nervous Ernestine who is the daughter of the late King Louis XVI and a mistress anxiously twists a pink handkerchief in her hand.

“Is this Barnave?” Ernestine asks softly.

“God I hope so.” Marie Antoinette said hoping it is not guards taking her to earlier than expected to trial.

The door to their cell bursts open with two guards standing at the entrance. They move slightly to the side and Barnave enters. He turns to the guards as the close the door behind him.

“Your majesty.” He says dipping his head to the Queen.

“Any news?” The queen replied as the girls sat back down in relief.

“Your majesty I regret to inform you that the committee has declined the reinstatement of the royal family as a Constitutional monarchy. The plan has failed your majesty.” Barnave regretfully explained.

The Queen took a deep breath and reached for Marie Therese’s hand. She half smiled and sat down next to her daughter continuing to hold her hand. The news had shocked her. She thought for sure, with a plan that would allow more power to the French public would help solidify the house of Bourbon and keep her daughter and Ernestine alive. Now it was certain, she knew she would stand trial.

“And what of the trial? When will it take place?” The queen asked in a soft voice breaking the silence in the room.

Barnave’s face turned solemn and he realized she knew her fiat was sealed.  “At day break, your majesty, I have a plan for your girls, its something out of the ordinary and quite dangerous, but I believe it could work.” Barnave said kneeling down near the women and whispering.

“A plan? What is it?” Ernestine asked.

“There is no doubt that the queen must stand trial, she must appear in front of the tribunal and she must repent and admit she was wrong,” Barnave explained causing the girls to shriek in shock that he would have their mother concede to the mob. “They have already decided your fate your majesty. They are not divided. They are agreed.” He continued.

In her mind the Queen had always known this day would come, even if she had never vocalized it. She knew it all along.

“Execution.” She said

“Yes, that you will meet the same end as your husband and most of the royal family. They… want you executed.” He said sternly.

“They can’t do this, can they? Why has no one from Austria come for us? Aren’t they our family?” Marie Therese said scolding Marie Antoinette’s family in Austria.

The Queen calmed her daughter and then stood up and walked over to the slit of a window that they had to look out on to the world that hated her so much that they prayed for her to be killed in public. They hated her so much they wanted her blood to be spilled for all to see. Yet she bared no ill feelings for her adopted France. A nation she in her heart still loved.

“What is this plan?” She said turning back to Barnave.

He smiled at her knowing she would agree then turned to the door which he opened. Barnave motioned for someone to follow him back into the prison cell. It was a priest. The priest entered and bowed his head to the queen, the Princess and Ernestine.

Once the door was closed the young priest and Barnave walked over to the royal women then Barnave spoke:

“This is de Versay. He and I have been closely working together on a plan for your escapes. But it will only work if the three of you will agree to what we have planned.” Barnave explained.

“A priest?” Marie Therese said in shock.

“Things are not always what they seem, your highness. I am in disguise. This helps me in and out of the Temple towers to see you and to insure our privacy. Once the Queen goes to trial and she is found guilty she will be sentenced to death, our plan is to have the tribunal to feel guilt and allow the two of you to be set free after her majesty is sentenced.” de Versay explained.

“Is no hope on saving my mother’s life?” Marie Therese asked with tears in her eyes. “How can we move on with our lives knowing that she is …”

“We can hope, but the tribunal will not budge on the queen.” Barnave said interrupting the princess’ thoughts on her mother’s demise.

“If my life is taken to save yours then it shall be worth it. What am I, if not your protector?” The Queen said holding her daughter’s face. “What is to become of them once I have gone?” The queen asked with a face of stone.

“We have set up places for both of them to go, but because their safety may be in danger all of their lives we have to take drastic measures to insure it. Madam Royale Marie Therese will flee to Austria where she will be guarded by your majesty’s family. As for Ernestine, she will have safe haven in England.”  De Versay explained.

Then two knocks rapped on the cell’s wooden door. Their time was up. Barnave and de Versay would have to leave until the morning when they would meet with Queen again and accompany her trial.

“Your majesty you must keep up your strength, these next few days will be very taxing. The same for the two of you little ones.” Barnave said.

The two royal conspirators then bowed and left the prison cell leaving the women behind frozen and silent in their fear of what may happen the following days.

Then the silence broke, “What if they don’t allow us to go?” Ernestine questioned. “What if they condemn us as well?

“I can’t bear to think of you gone mother. Everything we’ve had has already been taken now they want your life?” Marie Therese said sitting on one of the beds and cupping her hands together, a tear staining her cheek.

“I have to believe that this is what God has written for us. Otherwise why would it happen? The Queen replied to her daughter. “Once I am gone, it will be over, they will allow you both to be free and you will live out the rest of your lives. This you must take to your heart.”

The two teenagers looked at each other one, the crowned daughter of a king who had already lost her whole family, the other the same king’s illegitimate daughter who was guilty by association.

5.

The next morning at day break, the queen was taken from her cell leaving her Marie Therese holding Ernestine and pleading for the guards not to her Marie Antoinette. She was hysterical, as if her mother had been murdered right there in front of her. Ernestine did her best to comfort her half-sister but it was useless she was inconsolable.

Guards pulled the now former queen down several flights of stone steps, pulling her left then to the right. Yanking at her sleeves. As they came to the outside of the prison the morning sun stung Marie Antoinette’s smooth pale skin. It was as if the aging process has stopped on her while she was imprisoned. She squinted and tried to see where they were taking. A carriage awaited just outside the iron gate, it would be her final carriage ride as Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France.

As the black carriage pulled through the streets of Pairs, Marie Antoinette peeked through the dark curtain that stained the glass. The streets were fifthly and people were chasing the carriage as it made its way through the winding and twisted path of the city. People were screaming at her, and throwing things at the carriage. She could hear a woman they passed calling for the former queen’s demise. She wished her dead. She wanted to see her suffer just as the poor of France had suffered for so long.

Marie Antoinette closed the tiny gap in the curtain she made and gulped. She had forgotten the cruelty that lived just outside the walls of the Temple Prison. She had forgotten the world around her wanted her life to end.

She arrived at the Tribunal not as an anointed queen, not as the former wife of the head of state of France who lived in the lap of luxury all her life. Now, she was disgraced, she was trash. She felt the stares of all around her burning holes in her clothes. She never looked at them. She looked straight ahead and kept her head high. She was born a queen, and would die one.

Inside as the deliberations went on around her the selected members of the committee who now ruled France for the time being argued their points. Marie Antoinette was a symbol of everything they hated about the aristocracy, an elite group of people they had weeded out of their society for taking all they had and giving nothing back, the arguments continued as Barnave and de Versay looked on from the audience.

“Why should she live? Why shouldn’t she meet the same fate as her King, the Capet did?” One man in a powdered wig and a large mole on his face yelled.

“She should not!” Another said with many more agreeing.

“Madam, Marie Antoinette, have you anything to say to the committee?”

A silence fell upon the room, and Marie Antoinette, her hands tied in front of her stood up. She cleared her throat to spoke.

“Messieurs, all that I have done…” She said in a soft voice.

“Speak up woman!” Someone from the crowd yelled.

“Speak up!” Another screamed.

“Yes, please, speak up.” The man sitting in the center of the committee said with a slithering voice.

“I have done nothing wrong, yet my family and I have been condemned.” She said to the jeers of the audience booing her.

“Nothing wrong? You’ve lived your life in opulence. You and your family have given nothing back to the nation that gave you everything. You and your greed and your husband and his green brought France to its knees. But Madame, France and her people always rise. And we have risen. The things you have done as Queen have disgraced and defiled the nation. A vote! Shall the fate of the Marie Antoinette, the former bourgeoisie Queen Consort of Louis XIV be spared or shall she meet the same end as her husband, one of a treasons pig?” The man in the center of the committee asked of his peers.

That was it, just as de Versay and Barnave had predicted, they had voted for the Queen to die by Guillotine in the morning. Barnave and de Versay quickly got up from the audience at went towards the door where the guards were bringing Marie Antoinette who had yet to drop her head in shame. She walked through the crowed who had changed in their demeanor. Instead of exuding anger and rage they were now radiating pleasure, waving the French flag and singing songs of victory.

As she was exiting the Tribunal Barnave and de Versay stopped the guards from placing the queen inside the carriage.

“She will be able to speak with her priest before tomorrow, will she not?” Barnave asked gesturing to de Versay who was still playing the role of a priest.

The guards pushed them aside and forcefully placed Marie Antoinette back inside the carriage and closed the door.

“There will be time. Tomorrow morning at dawn she will be given 10 minutes to receipt her final sins. That is all.” One of the guards said as the carriage carrying the queen swiftly went off back to the Temple prison.

Barnave walked down a cold and damp corridor inside the Temple, a hallway that lead to him to a cell that was dark and chilly. He looked and side and she was there.

He looked around and saw that no one was near, he whispered inside to the prisoner who sat on the bench reading, a woman who’s hair a soft gray sticking out from under a white cap. Her face, not young, yet it was not marked the years. Small creases around her eyes, and a few near her mouth, but old she was not.

“It is done. The queen will be meeting with the priest tomorrow for 10 minutes. We have a very small window. Remember, this is for king and country, I will retrieve you and we will meet in the room with the priest.” Barnave said to the woman who never spoke, and never looked up from her book.

Marie Theresa cried in the lap of sentenced mother. She could not believe she would now lose her in just a few hours’ time. For the last two years that they were imprisoned she had lost everyone that she held dear, and now her own mother. It was all too much.

“Shh…you mustn’t cry so my love. I am prepared for whatever may come to me.” Marie Antoinette said stroking her daughter’s hair.

“What will I do without you? Where will I go?” the princess said sobbing.

“Austria! They will keep you safe and you will forget everything, all the darkness of France forever.” Marie Antoinette said with a comforting smile.

“And what of me? Will the bastard daughter of Louis the XVI be given the same treatment as her half-sister?” Ernestine said with a cringe.

“We’ve all had to sacrifice, and I assure you Ernestine, you will live a proper life in England. I promise.” The former queen said.

Later that night as Marie Antoinette lay in bed resting for her day tomorrow, the two sisters sat in a daze at the events that were happening. It was like a dark cloud inside the room that surrounded them.

“This is all a dream. It must be?” Marie Theresa said in a hushed voice as her mother rested.

“It’s not, its happening.” Ernestine said in a forceful tone.

Marie Therese’s voice was weak and tired she had cried all day and had not stopped once night fell. As she sat in a chair looking out over city of Paris she turned to her half-sister and noticed what she had not ever noticed before. Ernestine’s eyes were just as hers were. Hey hair a similar color. Her skin was a bit paler, but similar too. An idea quickly materialized in Marie Therese’s mind. She took her chair and brought it closer to Ernestine, close enough she her whisper could be heard, but only by Ernestine.

“It’s been just too much for me these past few years here. I don’t know how I can move on with my life as it is; knowing what I know and seeing what I’ve seen replay in my head over and over again. Do you feel the same?” She asked her half-sister.

“We’ve been through horrible times. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy.” Ernestine responded.

“Ernestine, I have an idea. It just came to me. Have you ever noticed how similar we look? We have the featured our father gave to us. Eyes. Lips. Have you noticed?” Marie Therese asked.

Ernestine stooped and stared deep into Marie Therese’s eyes, and noticed the similarities too, something she had never before noticed. They were so distant growing up that Ernestine never really felt like she had siblings but now seeing what Marie Therese pointed out made her feel oddly close to her sister, and to the father they shared.

“I see it. Yes.” Ernestine said with a smile.

“Ernestine...” The Madam Royale Marie Therese began “What if it was you who went to Austria under my name, and I as you to England?”

“What?” Ernestine said confused at the notion.

“You see, my Austrian relatives have not seen me in the flesh. You could go there. You could go to Austria and live out the rest of your days as the rightful dauphine of France and use my title of Madam Royale.” Marie Therese said with a glimmer in her eye. 

“Ernestine, I would gladly give it up. You can live your life as I would in the any palace of Austria, in turn I would go to England and away from all of this.”

“We would switch?” Ernestine said. “But your mother she…”

“She only wants us safe. And I too want to be safe. All the years being here…it’s too much.

 They’ll release us, you’ll go to Austria, and I to England. It’ll all be over.”  Marie Therese said grabbing her half-sisters hand and kissing it.

“What if we are discovered?” Ernestine questioned.

“They will not. I promise.”

Ernestine then returned the kiss, and just as they did, the sun broke through the tiny slit window and light slowly seeped into their dark cell. The day was born.

                *       *       *       *      *

6.

Anna stood in shock what the countess had told her of The Queen, Marie Therese and Ernestine. And as fantastic as the story was, she believed every word. It was in the way the countess had told the story, it made Anna feel as if she were there in the flesh reliving it with her. But it still did not explain who was under the veil. The small hints that the countess revealed only gave Anna more questions.

“Those were dark days, Anna. A part of my life I never wanted to relive. But perhaps that is the way things work, isn’t it? The things of which you hide from the most are the things that find you the fastest.” The countess said walking towards a portrait of Louis XIV.

“What happened to them? Marie Therese and Ernestine?” Anna prodded.

The Countess turned back in Anna’s direction and chuckled slightly. She could see that Anna was still unsure of her identity. The story, detailed as it was proved to only continue the mystery and the shroud of that covered the castle Eishausen.

“Their lives were spared just as Barnave had explained. When the Queen was taken away each girl was given back to the surviving members of their families only as few weeks later” The Countess reported.

“And did they indeed switch places? Did Ernestine resume her life as the Madam Royal?” Anna questioned further.

“Ah….well, that is a question that you will have to ask her herself. 

The truth is Anna, Madame Royale Marie Therese would write to me often, but in secret, at least it was supposed to be a secret. I would dispose of her letters from England so that those who still sought to end her life would never know where she was”

“The Letter.” Anna whispered to herself.

“Yes, just like the one you found. De Versay told. Anna nothing happens in this castle that I don’t know about, I thought that was made clear when you moved here.” The Countess said walking closer to Anna.

“You knew…” Anna started before she was interrupted.

“I know you read the letter, yes. Albert told de Versay, and of course, he told me.” The Countess said now standing directly in front of Anna, like a tower of black smoke.

There was a gnawing feeling in Anna’s stomach. Her mouth was dry and she felt tiny beads of sweat starting to crown the edges of her forehead. Anna took a deep breath and a step back from the black heap that was the Countess.

“Your grace, ever since the day I set foot here…” Anna said, and then stopped herself. 

“Your Grace, I apologize I should not have read your letter.”

The darkened ball room started to feel as if it were getting darker and darker as the black mass of veils of the Countess stood I front of Anna. Just then, for the first time Anna looked into the deep shades of black and saw a glimpse of a face. A fair relaxed face. The face of the Countess.

Anna squinted at the countess, it was a face she had seen before and then she realized. It was one of the faces of the paintings. Something came over Anna and she took a step forward and did the unthinkable. With one swift move she pulled the veils off the face of the countess revealing something she never ever believed could be possible. As the Countess turned quickly to hide her face she realized it was all over. Anna had already seen  her face. She turned back to Anna and pushed away the light gray hair that framed her porcelain face. And then Anna knew who the Countess was. Her face, although slightly aged, but well preserved, was the face of Queen Marie Antoinette of France. The Queen was alive.

*      *       *       *      *

7.
16, OCTOBER 1793-PLACE DE LA CONCORDE, PARIS

On the day the of the Queens execution, Marie Therese and Ernestine had already been removed so that they did not have to endure the trauma of watching Marie Antoinette humiliated in the eyes of every Parisian citizen. The queen was taken from her cell and her hands were tied behind her back, and she was taken by armed guard down the same corridor she had often fantasized escaping from. But not today. Today she would not killed in front of hundreds of people who once were her subjects and now spat in her face.

As she walked down towards the end of a long hall filled with cells, Barnave and de Versay appeared and stood in the doorway of the exit.

“Stop! I believe the queen was promised one moment with her priest. A final time to confess all her sins.” Barnave said gesturing to de Versay who was dressed as a priest to take Marie Antoinette in private.

“She is no longer a queen. She was convicted of treason. Her rights have been taken.” A guard said.

“Far be it for you sir to deny this to a dead woman walking. All humans have the right to confess their sins before they their end. Surly you would want the same for yourself.” The disguised de Versay said bowing his head to the guards.

The guards looked at each other and realized the power of religion. They passed Marie Antoinette over to de Versay and gave them 5 minutes. No more. No less.

De Versay quickly tool Marie Antoinette over to a cell that was hidden in a corner of the hallway. He removed a key that was around his wrist and hidden by his sleeve, Marie Antoinette all the while unsure of what was happening. The thick wooden door opened and he shoved the former queen inside. And there awaiting them was the other female prisoner. A woman who had been convicted of killing her husband, and who was not much older than the queen herself.

“What is this?” Marie Antoinette said pushing herself into a corner at the sight of the woman.

“Your majesty we do not have much time you must quickly switch clothes with this woman.” de Versay said

“Switch clothes? What do you mean?” Marie Antoinette said shocked.

The woman started to disrobe as she was instructed to the night before by Barnave. De Versay began untying the queen’s hands, the woman who looked only a year or two older then Marie Antoinette quickly replaced her clothes with those of the former Queen’s and tucked her gray hair in the cap mimicking Marie Antoinette’s.

Marie Antoinette, still confused at the situation finished tying up her the other woman’s dressing gown around her neck and looked over at de Versay.

“Explain this!” she demanded.

“Your majesty, this woman has no more to live for. She has committed a hideous crime and has been sentenced to death. Instead of waiting her sentence out, she has graciously decided to take your place as you. She is sacrificing herself.” De Versay explained.

“You would do this for me?” The queen said looking deep into the woman’s face.

The woman did not speak, she only handed Marie Antoinette the rope and had her tie her hands just as they were before.

Marie Antoinette watched from the woman’s cell as de Versay took the imposter down through the corridor, to the awaiting crowds who were screaming for Marie Antoinette’s head.

Outside the Place de Concorde the grounds were swelling with anxious people there to see the queen decapitated as punishment for all her sins against the state. The crowds grew larger and larger and more restless. But then de Versay and the woman posing as the queen emerged. Barnave signed with relief. It had been done.

“Come! Come! People are waiting!” one of the guards said as he quickly pulled the woman’s arm not noticing the slight difference in her appearance. They walked quickly as the crowds chanted cold evil things at the supposed queen.

With the haste of the situation and the anger and hate for Marie Antoinette all the crowd could see was red, and not that they woman they were calling to die was in actuality someone different all together. No one had noticed.

As she stepped up to the Guillotine, the imposter queen saw the crowd getting larger and larger and cheering for what was about to happen. She became nervous and stopped at the edge of the steps. Off to the side Barnave and de Versay paused, would she reveal their secret? Would she back out of their plot and expose herself as a fraud?

Barnave and de Versay knew they had only a small window of time to get the real queen out of the cell if they were exposed.

“Hurry, you must take the queen from the cell before anyone realizes the truth. Take her to the castle in Germany…I have been given instructions that the Duke of Saxony has permitted this. Keep her there. No one must know who she is. Do you understand?” Barnave said to the fake priest.

“I do!” de Versay said as he dashed back into the Temple to retrieve the rightful queen.

Inside the Temple the queen waited in the corner of the cell in the other woman’s clothes. She could hear the crowed screaming her name and calling for her blood. Her breathing began to be shallower, fear was finally setting in, something she did not expect. Then a key started to unlock the door. This was it, surely they had figured out the plot and come back for her, the door opened and in walked de Versay.

Marie Antoinette fell to the ground sobbing. She was safe. She felt the the dirt from the floor in her fingers, the pain of all the years locked away and the trail and the death of her husband and leaving her daughter behind started to spill out onto at this moment, feelings and emotions she had bottled up never allowing to spill out until now.

“Madam you must get up, we must get you out of here. Come, come quickly!” de Versay said pulling the Queen up from the ground and covering her with a large coat he had around his shoulders that slightly obscured her face.

Together the slipped through the crowds and guards and they all watched the spectacle at the guillotine.

The imposter queen took a deep breath and stepped up to the platform where the guillotine’s shadow lurked and cast down on her face. She stepped up to the final stair her foot stomping on the foot of her executioner.

“Pardon me sir, I meant not to do it.” The woman said as she made her way up to the edge of the platform where she would meet her end.

The guard grabbed her by the forearm and looked at her strangely, something was different, he thought, but couldn’t quite tell. She seemed thicker in the waist and her nose was slightly larger but he hadn’t really looked at her very closely before. The crowds became unruly and started to throw vegetables and splash water on the platform and calling for the guard to do his job.

The guard looked at the woman, the woman everyone thought was the deposed and vilified Queen of France, Marie Antoinette and put caution to the wind. He set  her down, arms behind her back and dropped the Guillotine.

The Crowed exploded in cheers. They got what they wanted. 

8.
NOVEMBER 1793
THREE MONTHS AFTER “THE EXECUTION”

A modest horse drawn carriage pulled into a long winding dirt road. It stoped in front of a small castle just outside of the German town of Hildburgausen. Inside is a veiled woman who is only to be addressed to as “The Countess”.

She emerged from the carriage to the awaiting staff: Two horseman, a cook and a lady in waiting by the name of Bauer.

The Countess, covered in veils and dark clothes passed the awaiting staff that bowed and curtseyed as she past them. Bauer, The lady in waiting, is of the village and has a young daughter, she calls Anna.

Bauer, still in her curtsey, holds a letter that came to the Castle earlier in the morning. Addressed to no one, only stamped with a gold flur de lis, the Countess noticed the colors of the envelope in Bauer’s hands and stops in front of her.

“Pardonnez Moi, Ce’est pour moi?” The Countess asks in French.

Bauer, first confused when at the language then realizes the Countess is pointing to the letter.

“Oh, yes your grace, it came this morning.” Bauer said passing the note to the Countess.

The Countess’s mysterious belongings were brought into the empty castle that has been loaned to her by the Duke and Duchess of Saxony. She is shown to her apartment where she lights a candle and sits at a desk. Alone now, she removes her veils raveling the face of Marie Antoinette. Alive.

The former Queen of France, now in a secret exhale opens the letter:

These are freighting times. But I am well, England suites me to a part. I know not where these letters are taken. All I know is that somehow, my dear mother, they are reaching you where you are. Ernestine, too, has filled in quite rightfully in Austria in my place, from what I am told.

I will not ask, for I know it cannot be, but I do wish to see you again. Perhaps one day. As long as you read these letters, and they are not returned I will know that you still walk this earth and may sleep at night.
Destroy these mother after reading them. Destroy every single one.

With love Madam Royale
Marie Therese

The former queen, the countess, took the note and pressed it closed to her heart allowing a single tear to fall from her eye. Something she had not done in over three years. And when it feel, it almost startled her. She wasn’t use to feeling the truth around her. For so long as she was imprisoned she had to stay strong, strong like iron gates of Versailles, but even iron gates can falter.

This tear was one of relief and happiness. She did not fear death and longer, for in a way she was dead. Forced to live out the rest of her life as a ghost haunting the halls of a castle, in a town where did know a soul, in a nation that was not her own.

Yet, in all the sadness and in all the pain she had suffered over the years in the Temple, the Countess…the Queen now knew her daughter was safe, she herself was safe and most of all their secrets would be safe.

Forever.