Chapter 46 April 13, 1814: The Victory Procession

Last night began like many other nights. I lay awake and I worried. Everything was quiet, except the footsteps of the Russian guards.

Suddenly the sound of wheels reached my ears. A carriage stopped outside, and someone knocked at the door. I remembered the night when Villatte and Rosen came back. I opened the door myself then. This time I was afraid to go down.

After a few moments the door was opened. There were voices below, but I didnt recognize them. Then someone ran up the stairs and into my bedroom. Jean had come at last.

I lit a candle. He was on his knees beside my bed. His hair had gone quite grey and he was looking terribly tired.

"Youve had a long journey," I said. "Ill get you something to eat. Then you must rest."

He lay his head on my hand, but he didnt answer.

"Jean, youre at home," I said. "You can sleep in your own bed tonight."

Slowly he lifted his head. "Yes, of course. Can you find beds for them all? Brahe is with me, and three other officers."

The house is full, Jean, I answered. "Julie is here with her children, and Hortenses boys, and----"

He jumped to his feet. "youve filled the house with Bonapartes? With Swedens enemies?"

"Theyre only children," I told him. "Ill give your officers some food. After that we must find rooms for them in a hotel."

"They can stay at the Swedish embassy," said Jean. Then he opened the door between my bedroom and his.

I followed him with the candle. He stared round his familiar room without a word. It welcomed him back, but he didnt seem to recognize its welcome.

"I too shall stay at the embassy," he said slowly. "Im sorry, Desiree. Ive made a mistake. I shouldnt have come to this house. It memories hurt me too much." He held me tightly. "Come down and meet my officers."

I was glad to see Brahe again. I wanted to kiss him---but I couldnt do that. Instead, I asked him: "How is Oscar?"

"Prince Oscar has written some music for our army bands," said Hrahe. He knew that this news would please me. It did. My heart jumped with sudden joy. Men who write music dont make wars. My son will help Sweden to live in peace.

Fernand had lit the fire. We sat round it while he brought food and hot coffee. The night was cold and the coffee was especially welcome.

Jean pointed to the Emperors picture above the fireplace. "Where is he?" he asked.

"Hes at Fontainebleau. Hes waiting there while the allies discuss his future." I added quietly: "He tried to kill himself."

"What!" the Swedes cried. But Jean said nothing. He was staring into the fire.

"Since he returned from Moscow, he has always carried poison with him," I said. "Two nights ago he drank it. But a servant saw this and told his officers. They called a doctor immediately. Now hes quite well again."

"Soldiers dont take poison," said one of the Swedes. "He ought to have shot himself."

I didnt want to discuss Napoleon. "Tell me where youve been, Jean," I said. "Why didnt you come here before?"

"The Tsar wanted me to march into France with him and his allies. I refused. Ive been driving round Belgium for several weeks. But now Ive come because my Swedish army wants to march in the victory procession tomorrow. I must also talk to the Tsar."

"Youre too late," I told him. "You didnt answer his letters. So he had to accept his allies plans. France will have a Bourbon king again, Louis XVIII. Talleyrand agreed with his. The Tsar had other ideas."

"The Tsar wanted His Highness to---" began Brahe.

"Dont say it!" Jean shouted angrily. "Sweden wants the Tsar to be her friend; and Ive been rude to him, Desiree. Ill apologise, of course. But will he forgive me? Hell never understand why I didnt accept his offer."

I went and sat on the arm of his chair. "The Tsar has forgiven you, Jean," I said. "I told him why you couldnt accept the crown of France. He understood, and hes proud to be your friend. I explained everything to him."

"You what?" Jean and all the Swedes were staring at me.

"The tsar came here. He wanted to show his respect for the wife of the Crown Prince of Sweden," I told him. "and now, gentlemen, you all need some sleep before the victory procession. I hope youll be comfortable at your embassy."

The officers went, with Brahe. Jean followed me upstairs and lay down on my bed. I had to undress him like a child. He was too tired to do it himself.

After breakfast we were sitting in the study when Brahe came. "Weve had a hundred visitors at the embassy already this morning." He said. "Theyve all heard that Your Highness has arrived. Talleyrand was among them, and several French marshals, and the Russian and British ambassadors. They all want to see you. We told them that you would ride in the procession this morning. Perhaps you will see them later?"

At that moment Villatte knocked and came in. Jean welcomed him warmly. But Villatte didnt smile. He just stood there stiffly and said: "With your permission I will leave your house now, Your Highness. The allies have freed all French prisoners."

Jean looked hurt and surprised. "You want to leave us? Why? The Emperor doesnt need you now. Even his marshals are coming to me."

"Im not a marshal, Your Highness; Im only a colonel. But I know my duty. I wish to go to Fontainbleau and say goodbye to my Emperor.

"Of course, colonel, youre free to go," said Jean. "But we hoped that you would stay here as our guest."

Villatte politely refused the invitation. Then he bowed and left the room.

Jeans face was looking old and sad as he said: "Ill be terribly lonely in this procession. Im the loneliest man in France ---except Napoleon, perhaps."

"Nonsense, Jean! Im with you, and Im not with him. Now you must go. Your officers are waiting."

He got up and kissed my hand. "Promise me that you wont watch the procession," he said.

I promised. I hadnt wanted to watch it. In fact I had already lent my carriage to Julie, so that she and the children could watch.

"It was very exciting, Desiree," she said when they came back. "There were thousands of soldiers in strange uniforms. The Tsar smiled, and the Emperor of Austria waved his hand to the crowds. The King of Prussia looked fierce and angry. But Jeans face showed nothing at all. He just sat there on his horse. And when he rode past, everyone was suddenly silent."