A Death Bouquet (tag: Jeannette)

[Christine Daaé]

Christine went up the steps inside of the apartment building until she reached the little flat which belonged to her Mamma Valerius. She had the bouquet for her in hand (now sans one black rose) and removed the key from her pocket before fumbling a bit with the door and letting herself in.

She entered in a rather silent state, closing the door immediately behind herself. The bouquet was sweet-smelling, despite its not-quite-so-sweet significance… Then again, she supposed it were a tad sweeter at least without the black rose amongst it.

She entered the little kitchen to find a vase and some water for the flowers. After all, they would last far longer if they were properly cared for. As she entered the kitchen, she caught sight of Jeannette there. She painted on her usual pleasant smile and greeted her. “Good afternoon, Jeannette… I trust that things have been well today?”

[Jeannette Day]

Jeannette hummed to herself as she bustled about the little flat. Madame Valarius was in her room, resting. She'd shooed Jeannette--and the plate of food she'd brought--out earlier that afternoon, insisting on waiting till mademoiselle Christine got in before she'd eat. A worried frown pulled at the girl's lips, interrupting her humming. Surely the older woman was simply tired, and not ill. She looked well enough but...Jeannette bit her lip and whispered a quick prayer. Crossing herself, she ducked into the kitchen, setting the plate on the stove.

Madame Valarius was a kind, gentle woman, who often reminded Jeannette of her own mother, back home. How was her mother? Did she miss her? Perhaps later in the week, Jeannette could write, and tell her how she was. Tell her about the job. About her employers. Assure her that all was well. Without telling her where, exactly, she was. That way her father couldn't find her and order her home. Yes. Before the week was out, she would do just that. And, God willing, Madame Valarius would be feeling better by this evening. Humming once again, she busied herself washing up the breakfast dishes.

She looked up as her mistress entered the house, her eyes growing wider at the bouquet in the other woman's hand. "Alors! Those are very pretty! Where did you get them?" Jeannette fetched a vase from one of the cabinets and filled it with some water from a pitcher she kept near the sink. "Here, mademoiselle, let me do that.". She reached for the flowers. The worried frown returned to her face at her mistress's question. "Things are alright, I think. Madame is resting."

Jeannette paused, teeth closing over her bottom lip. Christine was a sweet, gentle person, not the type to get angry without a reason. And yet, she loved Madame Valarius very much. Suppose she blamed Jeannette for the woman's refusal to eat? Yet Jeannette couldn't keep it from her. That would be dishonest, and thar was wicked. Best simply to tell her and have it over with. If she was cross, she was cross. So be it. "Madame didn't want her lunch, though. It's here, on the stove. She said she wanted to wait for you. I tried to persuade her, but she wouldn't listen.". Jeannette ducked her head. "I'm sorry."

[Christine Daaé]

“Thank you, Jeanette,” Christine said as the mid took the bouquet of flowers from her. “I bought them, actually. I got my first pay with the company today and I thought I would be nice to get something for Mamma…” She gave a little smile, watching the maid place the flowers in the vase. She was glad now she’d discarded the last rose. The bouquet seemed almost happy without it…

“Oh good…” she said, pressing hand over her heart in a sort of relief when the other said that her dear adoptive mother had been resting. Lord knew that the old woman needed it. Ever since she’d lost use of her legs and been confined to her bed, it seemed her health in general had been deteriorating. The rest would surely be good for her.

What the maid said next, however, caused her some small amount of alarm.”She didn’t? Oh… Oh dear… is she feeling well? Do you think we should call for a doctor?” The flash of terror which had come to her eyes was quite evident. After all, Mamma Valerius was the only ‘family’ she had left. Any little sign of her health failing her was a frightening experience in and of itself.

“N-no It’s not your fault,” Christine said, beginning to wring her hands, her eyes flitting off for a moment, and glancing about the kitchen—anywhere but at the bouquet. Her eyes returned to the maid and she took a little breath before forcing an uneasy smile onto her face. “Well, I’m here now, so there’s no need she wait any longer…right?” Her smile failed her again.She hoped this wasn’t anything serious….