In January, 1789, Louis XVI decreed that the Estate-General be convened on the May 1st. To convene the Estate-General meant limiting the king's dictatorship. But Louis XVI had no way of changing the course of history.
OSCAR I almost became a queen.
Andre looked at her with perplexed sights. Oscar was smiling; she had done a joke which he couldn’t figure out. Oscar hadn’t mentioned Louis Joseph’s love to her. Louis Joseph was the Dauphin, however this nice boy was sick and everyone knew that he would not stay Dauphin so long.
On the opening ceremony there weren’t any applause toward Marie Antoinette. People were still respecting the king but Queen was an object of hatred. Marie-Antoinette had felt that the cold war between her and the Estate-General had started so long ago. However her biggest problem was the health of her son.
ANDRE Three weeks without a break has passed since the opening. It seems like things are rough.
ALAIN I was informed that the commoners' delegates are challenging tough debate against the clergy and nobility. I wanna join them! Here she comes…
Oscar was checking her soldiers. For three weeks nobody had taken a vacation, they had all stood under the rain and sun. She was proud of them. This hard period was also bad for her health. Her longed cold was turned into something different, she could feel it, it was going deep to her lungs.
ALAIN Commander, how's it going inside?
OSCAR As disorderly as it has been. When this is over, you'll all get a vacation. So hang on till then.
Oscar picked up the empty bottle.
OSCAR Hey, this is unsafe. The delegates might get hurt when they leave. I told you before to dispose of things like this.
She threw it towards Andre. But Andre’s vision was blurred again. He could not catch it. Alain just wanted to save the day so said : “Andre, you should be tired. I can pick it up..” Oscar was confused. She was suspecting about Andre’s vision for a while. But she did not have a chance to check it. Should it be?
After the sun set, Oscar went to her office. She had to prepare some documents that she did not have time in the afternoon. This was not the only reason. Her coughing was getting worse during the night so she didn’t want to be seen; sometimes she was coughing blood and suspecting that it was a lung disease. Her body was restless. Mornings were full of Estate-General. She wanted to be with her men because protecting Estate-General was a big responsibility. In a way she was feeling that she was the only one, who could really do that. Nights were harder. Her dreams were full of Andre. It was not jealousy or something else. His face was staying in her mind whole day. Andre was not aware of her feelings. Maybe he was thinking that she still loved Fersen. For her, everything was so clear. Ahh, that damn coughing again… Somebody was knocking the door. She tried to stop that stubborn cough. It was Alain.
ALAIN Ma’am, night-shift is on order. No incident happened until now.
OSCAR Thank you Alain.
Coughing was back. She was turning pale.
ALAIN Commander, are you all right?
OSCAR I am. You… can… leave…
Alain had no intention to leave. He realized that it was not a usual cold. Oscar started to feel dizzy. She dropped her handkerchief on which Alain saw the blood drops. He went out.
ALAIN Andre, you should check the commander. She is not fine.
ANDRE What happened?
ALAIN Do what I told you. Ok? I am going to take a carriage.
When Andre arrived Oscar was breathing hardly. It was not a simple cold; she could not deceive him anymore. Alain took the carriage to the door and Andre helped her to walk. They went to Dr. Lassonne’s house. Doctor’s examination result was not so good, Oscar had tuberculosis.
LASSONNE You should take a rest, should have good food and nice weather. If not… Lady Oscar, I know you from your childhood. I even know the fever you had when you are three. Please… Unless you don’t take rest, you don’t have more than 6 months. Your body is getting weaker under these conditions.
Six months… It was not so long.
ANDRE Don’t worry Dr. Lassonne. She will…
Oscar turned back herself. She shouldn’t forget her position and current situation of their relationship. She had no right to confuse Andre after trying to make him out of her life.
OSCAR Andre, thank you for the comment. But I can’t. I just need a month more. I have responsibilities. You know… We should protect Estate-General.
ANDRE Oscar, at least for a week… You should take a rest. Go to Normandie. You can not go on like that.
LASSONNE Andre is right. You can not work for a while. I think you won’t like to faint in front of your men.
If it was a possibility, she had no choice… She nodded her head.
Heaven in Normandie...