A Prisoner of Versailles by Golden Keyes Parsons

Author:Golden Keyes Parsons
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2010-03-30T00:00:00+00:00

PHILIPPE STEPPED FROM THE HACKNEY AND HELPED HIS mother descend. A stableboy moved forward toward them. “Madame, monsieur? May I assist you?”

“Oui, we are to be in the king’s hunting party today—Clavell, Madeleine and Philippe Clavell.”

“Ah, yes. The king sent word that you would be coming. You may wait here. I’ll fetch your horses.”

“I’ll help you.” Philippe stepped toward the young man.

“Oh, no, monsieur. That’s my job.”

“I would like to help you. I’m bored.” Philippe bowed slightly. “And please call me Philippe.”

“I’m Gabriel.”

Philippe looked to his mother, and she nodded. “Go ahead, son. I’ll wait here.”

The two young men, who appeared to be about the same age, went into the stable and proceeded down the aisle, passing stall after stall of beautifully bred and groomed horses.

Philippe stopped in front of the gate of a stall containing a large black Percheron. He stared into the darkness. “Tonnerre?”

The horse nickered and moved to the front of the stall, where it nuzzled against Philippe’s outstretched palm.

“Good boy. Do you know where Pierre is?” He patted Tonnerre’s neck.

Gabriel moved to the gate. “You know this horse and his master?”

“Yes, a good friend. Do you know Pierre Boveé?”

“I have met him. He comes in nearly every day to check on his horse and often goes with the king on the hunt. He has not been around, however, for several days. Most unusual.” Gabriel reached out and patted the Percheron as well. “Wonderful horse.” He stepped back and looked at Philippe. “Where are you from?”

“Our home was in southern France, around Grenoble.” Philippe hesitated. “But we have been living in another country . . . for a while.”

“Ach! You are the one Monsieur Boveé told me about! He said I reminded him of a young man who was much like family to him but lived in another country.”

“He did? When was that?”

“Oh, that was several weeks ago.”

Philippe fell silent as Gabriel guided him farther into the interior of the stable. They stopped in front of a stall, and Gabriel led out a pair of chestnut Bretons. The two boys saddled and bridled them.

“These are some of our best steeds. You must be special guests of the king.”

“You could say that. He and my mother were friends when they were young.” Philippe looked at Gabriel. Could he perhaps kindle a friendship with this stableboy? He kicked at a rock as they came out into the holding area. “Listen, I don’t know how long we are going to be . . . be visiting here at Versailles, but I need a friend—someone to ride with, go fishing. Would you like to . . . would you be interested in doing some things with me? Mère is great, but . . .”

“You want to be friends with me? Monsieur, I’m just a stableboy.” Gabriel looked at Philippe’s fine garments.

“And I’m just a boy who needs a friend. Don’t let the clothes fool you. King Louis had these made for us after we got here. Believe me, I wouldn’t be wearing them if I didn’t have to.

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