December 30th, nine o'clock in the morning. Napoleon sat at his office desk, engrossed in the task of reviewing documents about potential candidates for his children's personal maids. The list contained various individuals who had worked in noble families before the revolution, while others hailed from noble backgrounds that had fallen into decline, leaving them seeking employment.
"Such changes in fortune," Napoleon pondered, shaking his head with a mix of sympathy and understanding. He set aside one of the documents he had just read, contemplating the lives that had taken such unexpected turns.
Just then, Beaumont entered the office. "Your Excellency," he said, respectfully acknowledging Napoleon's presence. "Madame Bonaparte is here."
At the mention of his wife's arrival, Napoleon straightened up in his chair, preparing to greet her.
"Thank you, Beaumont," Napoleon replied. "Please, show her in."
Moments later, the door opened, and Ciela stepped into the room, dressed in an elegant fashion befitting her position. She wore a beautiful gown made of fine silk, adorned with delicate lace and intricate embroidery. The color, a rich shade of deep blue, complemented her eyes and added a touch of regality to her appearance. Her hair was styled in a fashionable manner, with curls cascading down her shoulders, and a few artfully placed pearls adding a subtle sparkle.
"Darling," Napoleon greeted warmly as he rose from his seat to welcome her. "Damn you look stunning…" he praised, his eyes scanning her up and down.
"Well, I have to be, as I am the First Consul's wife," Ciela replied with a smile. She then moved on to the business at hand. "So how are we looking at the candidates?"
"Still going to take time," Napoleon said simply. "Where are the children? Are they dressed now? I'm excited for them to make acquaintances."
Ciela nodded. "Yes, they are ready and waiting in the drawing-room. Perhaps you should see them before we leave?"
Napoleon offered his arm to Ciela. "Let's go."
They walked together to the drawing-room, where Francis and Aveline eagerly awaited their parents. Francis, dressed in a miniature military-style jacket, looked every bit the young officer in training, while Aveline wore a charming, frilly dress adorned with ribbons.
"Bonjour, my little ones," Napoleon replied, beaming with pride. "Are you excited? This is going to be your first official trip to someone's estates, where you will meet children of your age?"
Aveline nodded eagerly, and Francis gave a shy nod.
"Let me escort you three to your carriage."
With that, Napoleon led the way outside Versailles. There, an horse-drawn carriage pulled by six horses awaited, who will then be escorted by Elite Consular Guards consisting of 100 men.
The moment the soldiers saw the First Consul coming out, they performed a salute.
Napoleon acknowledged the salute with a nod and a smile. He then turned his attention to his children. "Remember what we told you while you are at someone's house. Behave yourself, don't make trouble, and be respectful," he reminded them, his tone firm but loving.
"Yes, Papa," Francis replied, standing up a little straighter.
Aveline nodded, her eyes wide with determination. "We will be good, Papa," she promised.
Ciela smiled at her children's eagerness to please their father. "You both will be just fine," she assured them, giving each of them a reassuring pat on the back.
With that, Ciela, Aveline, and Francis climbed into the carriage, settling into the plush seats. The Elite Consular Guards took their positions, preparing to leave.
Bessierres approached Napoleon and saluted.
"Protect them with your life, Bessierres," Napoleon commanded. "I entrust their safety to you."
"You have my word, Your Excellency," Bessierres replied with equal determination.
With that, the carriage set off on its journey, with the Elite Consular Guards forming a protective escort around it. The horses trotted steadily, and the wheels of the carriage rolled smoothly along the well-maintained road.
***
As the carriage set off on its journey, Aveline couldn't contain her excitement. This was the first time she was going on an official trip to someone's estate, and she couldn't wait to meet children her age and explore new surroundings. The gentle rocking of the carriage made her feel like they were embarking on a grand adventure.
Inside the carriage, Francis sat across from Aveline, looking a bit stern and reserved in his miniature military-style jacket. He always looked like that, which worried her that no one might approach him and make friends. Well, if that were to happen, she would step up and help him out.
As the countryside passed by, Aveline watched with curiosity through the window. She saw green fields, quaint villages, and even some farm animals. It was all so different from the bustling life at the palace. Aveline wondered what it would be like to live in one of those villages, with a garden to play in and animals to take care of.
Then, her gaze fell upon the soldiers riding alongside them on a horse. They looked strong and disciplined. Aveline knew they were there to protect her family, and it gave her a sense of security.
"Mama, do you think the children at the estate will be friendly?" Aveline asked, breaking the silence inside the carriage.
"I'm sure they will be," Mama replied with a reassuring smile. "Just be yourself, and you'll make friends in no time."
"I hope so," Aveline said, a bit of nervousness creeping into her voice.
***
Meanwhile, sitting across from Aveline was Francis, his chin propped up with his hand as he observed his sister's excitement. He wasn't as bubbly as Aveline; rather, he felt indifferent about meeting new people. The reason he came with them was that he didn't want to disappoint their parents. Surely, he could have told them that he was fine and didn't need to go out, as he enjoyed staying in the library and reading books to entertain himself. But that's not going to work.
As the carriage continued its journey, Francis couldn't help but think about the new estate they were going to visit. He wondered how different it would be from the palace, and if the children there would be friendly or judgmental of their status. After all, he was well-aware of their family's circumstances. His father was born from nothing and rose to power through his military prowess, but that also meant some people might not look kindly on them, especially from the nobles.
The carriage rolled on, and Francis could see the estate getting closer with each passing minute. He prepared himself inwardly, and tried to push aside his reservations and focus on the excitement radiating from his sister. Aveline's joy was contagious, and he didn't want to dampen her spirits. She deserved to have a good time, and he would make sure she did.
As they arrived at the estate, Francis marveled at the grandeur of the place. The sprawling grounds, the impressive architecture, and the well-dressed staff reminded him of the opulence he was accustomed to at the palace. Then, there are people dressed in their formal attire, servants bustling around, and the children of the estate running and playing. It all felt like a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
With his mother and Aveline by his side, Francis stepped out of the carriage and took in the surroundings. He noticed some curious glances directed at them, but he paid them no mind.
At the gates, there is this man standing there. Based on his attire, it seemed to be the owner of the estate.
"Welcome, Madame Bonaparte. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Louis de La Rochefoucauld, the owner of this estate," the man said with a polite bow. "It is an honor to have you and your family as our guests today for my daughter's birthday."
"Thank you, Monsieur de La Rochefoucauld."
"It's a bit sad that the First Consul couldn't come," Louis said.
"He has a lot of work ahead of him, making him unavailable to come into these events," Ciela replied.
"So these are your children?" Louis asked, glancing at Francis and Aveline.
"Yes, these are our children," Ciela replied with a warm smile, introducing Francis and Aveline to Monsieur de La Rochefoucauld.
Francis offered a polite nod, "Bonjour, Monsieur."
"And this is Aveline," Ciela continued, gesturing to her daughter.
Aveline curtsied gracefully, "Bonjour, Monsieur. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine," Louis said, returning the greetings with a kind smile. "I must say, Madame Bonaparte, your children are delightful."
"Thank you, Monsieur de La Rochefoucauld," Ciela replied, clearly proud of her children. "We are looking forward to a wonderful celebration."
Louis nodded, "I assure you, it will be a joyous occasion, and your children will find it quite enjoyable as there are a lot of people of their age in attendance."
"I'm sure they will," Ciela said.
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