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Life's Illusions - Book Four - Chapter 20
It was now late August, Jacqueline had collapsed again, and this time there was almost a stand off situation in Jacqueline's hospital suite, after she'd answered a question from Carry.
Woody was shaking, not with anger, with fear, they'd been, not arguing, but the conversation was definitely strained, with a clearly fatigued Jacqueline finally saying.
"What would you have had me tell you Woody?, that I'm dying, and then have to suffer the face I'm now seeing, well I couldn't do that to you, and it would have made it so much worse for me, so I kept it from you, because I knew what your reaction would be, and I'm vindicated in that respect, because you're showing me the utterly crushed and broken look I predicted right now, please, just hold me Woody, I'm too tired to argue, don't hate me my love, my only objective was to protect you from the hurt I knew you would suffer, for as long as I could".
Woody took her into his arms, totally unable to mask his feelings, he was sobbing loudly.
After collapsing at Thorn House in London, Jacqueline had been ordered to rest, the doctor she saw explained it as fatigue, with Jacqueline promising to see her own doctor as soon as they returned to Montclair, and she did see her doctors, but they already knew the cause of her collapse, their prognosis hadn't changed, except to shorten their expectancy of the inevitable.
She'd spent a day in bed, then rested for a couple of days more in London, before they'd flown home early, missing Van's concert.
Woody had wanted to call off their trip to Chicago for Dillon and Trevor's wedding, but Jacqueline was having none of it.
"I'm attending that wedding come hell or high water, I want to see that sweet child settled, it's not as if I'll be getting stressed, the London Ball is out of the way, Junior and Daniels wedding is all organised, and I have plenty of time to rest before the Royal wedding, now stop fussing Woody".
He believed her, and true to her word Jacqueline had rested, cancelling many of her engagements, leaving her office to almost run itself.
But she was struggling, with heavier than usual makeup, to hide the sallow complexion, with looser clothes, to hide the weight loss, but most of all, with the lack of energy, the constant need for sleep.
They'd attended the Chicago wedding, achieving her goal of seeing Dillon and Trevor married, and in truth, it had rallied her somewhat.
May had seen them back in London for the Royal Wedding, it had been an absolutely magical occasion, and this time she'd witnessed Vans performance.
Early August saw Woody and Jacqueline hosting the wider family once again for Junior and Daniels wedding in the grounds of Chateau Montclair, a day Jacqueline counted as a blessing, she'd accomplished everything that she'd promised before her doctors gave her their damning prognosis, she was finally content, and able to accept the inevitable.
August was a stifling hot month, Josef and Carry were visiting, Carry had been almost shadowing Jacqueline, she had an awful feeling of foreboding, she sensed, something was seriously wrong.
August was also the month which saw Jacqueline collapse again, her doctors had her admitted to a private hospital in Nice, but this time she didn't bounce back as she had after her collapse in March, she languished for days in hospital, not showing any improvement.
Finally Carry confronted her.
"It's time to come clean Sister, you're worrying me, but that's nothing to the state Woody's in, I know you know what's going on, so spill the beans".
Carry was standing over Jacqueline, feeling strong, confident, waiting for Jacqueline to speak, but she could never have prepared herself to hear the answer.
"I'm dying, they tell me I might have a few months or so left at best, but it's probably a lot less".
When Woody and Josef entered Jacqueline's suite, they'd found her cradling a sobbing, completely inconsolable Carry.
Woody wanted to know what was wrong, why was Carry upset, but Jacqueline spoke to Josef.
"Take Carry out for some fresh air, I need to speak privately with Woody".
Jacqueline had gently broken the news to Woody, that she'd known since the turn of the year, there was no cure, no way to fend off the inevitable.
She'd watched as her strong, wonderful husband, crumbled before her eyes, exactly as she knew he would.
In the hospital gardens, Carry had finally been able to tell Josef what Jacqueline had said, and he'd cried with her, holding her tightly.
Jacqueline had been moved back to Chateau Montclair at the end of August.
Carry and Josef had stayed on, Jolly had flown in from Chicago, Sofia had arrived from Spain.
On a warm sunny day in early September, Woody had carried her to the terrace, settling her on a lounger, covered her with a blanket, next to the rose garden she'd had planted after speaking with Piers in Sydney.
Woody had been perched on the edge of her lounger, chatting animatedly, about the first time he saw Chateau Montclair, and Jacqueline, whilst holding her hand.
Carry, Jolly and Sofia, the three she always called her sisters, were sat next to her, reading newspapers, when she replied.
"I can still remember that day, the first time you came here Woody, I couldn't take my eyes off you, that was the day I fell in love with you, I've loved you every day since then, you do know that don't you?, I love you Woody".
He'd felt her hand growing slack in his, and then her grip completely relaxed, he knew at that moment, his beautiful Jacqueline, his soulmate, the love of his life, was gone, and he'd started sobbing, a sobbing which grew in intensity as the realisation really struck him.
The girls she'd always called her sisters just stared at them, their tears falling silently, it looked for all the world as if she were sleeping in Woody's arms, but his heart rending sobs told them they would never again hear her soft voice, her wonderful laughter.
Jolly had called Billy and Jay, she hadn't needed to tell them anything, her crying had meant they knew what she had to say, but when she was able to talk, her words broke their hearts.
"She's gone, my beautiful sister, I'll never hear her voice again, it hurts so badly".
Aly and Bo had arrived within the hour, Aly pulling Woody, his lifelong blood brother, into a hug that saw them sobbing together.
Carry took on the task of informing the wider family.
'It is with a heavy heart I have the sad task of informing you all. Our dearest, sweet, Jacqueline Montclair-Thorn passed away a short while ago. As a family we have lost one of our most loved, our Matriarch. God bless, may you rest in peace Jacqueline'.
In Sydney, Milo was alerted by their housekeeper, that Mr Piers was sat crying in the rose garden, he'd rushed out, to hear.
"Jacqueline died, she must have known this was coming when she came out here to stop me from being so stupid, another such wonderful soul gone forever, it's not fair".
Milo had cried with him saying.
"We need to call Roslyn, she'll be totally distraught, I think we should start the journey tomorrow, I'll call your Poppas, tell them we're on our way.
They'd stayed there hugging, with tears rolling down their faces all afternoon.
Their housekeeper, sensing something really serious had upset them, brought them cold drinks, and hearing the news, she'd gone back into the house crying, Jacqueline had been her friend, someone she'd genuinely liked, from the many visits she'd made.
It seemed everywhere, there were people who were genuinely heartbroken, mourning the loss of a kind, and much loved soul.
Condolences poured in from around the world, from individuals, Presidents, Heads of State, all expressing their sorrow at the loss of a genuinely wonderful soul.
In Montclair, the days ahead would see the whole town enter into a state of mourning.
The news spread around the town slowly but surely, anyone watching would have seen businesses pull down their shutters and blinds, close their doors, the town fell eerily quiet, groups of locals could be seen shaking their heads, wiping wet eyes, it was doubtful if there was anyone in town who didn't know and love Jacqueline, and they drew sad similarities, with that awful time long ago, when they lost Pierre.
In the days following Jacqueline's passing, Woody was on a roller coaster, his emotions taking him on a totally horrific journey, he didn't want to exist without her, but his youngest son Danny sat him down and with tears in his eyes explained.
"You have to get a grip Poppa, we don't know what to do, Momma gave us all direction, her office needs someone to run it, her charities need someone to step in, you have decisions to make, don't fall apart now, we'll help, but you have to make these decisions, don't desert us Poppa, we lost Momma, we can't lose you as well, we're hurting as well".
It had served to bring the present, and the future somewhat into focus for Woody, he'd hugged his son, crying as he realised how badly he'd dealt with things since Jacqueline had died.
"I'll try to get a grip son, you have to know how important you and your brother and sister are to me, trust me, I'll try to do what your Momma would have wanted".
But in truth, none of them understood, Woody was a train wreck waiting to happen, bouncing from positive to negative at a moments notice.
The following day Woody had asked Carry and Josef to join him for afternoon tea on the terrace.
They'd been sat for some minutes, the staff had delivered tea, with cake, Woody hadn't said why they were there, in fact apart from greeting them, he hadn't said anything, it seemed he was deep in thought.
Finally, Carry asked.
"Woody, was there a reason you wanted us to be here?".
It was a wake up for Woody.
"I'm sorry, please, forgive me, I was thinking".
He stopped, reaching for his tea, before continuing.
"Jacqueline has named you as Matriarch, I am concerned, it's no mean feat, you have to be up to the task, do you actually think you are?, because I'm not sure".
Carry felt as though Woody had slapped her.
"What, you're saying you don't think I'm capable, you think Jacqueline was wrong?".
Carry got up, tears in her eyes, clearly upset, but before she walked away she said.
"Fuck you Woody, Jacqueline thought I could do it, who the fuck do you think you are to challenge that?, but I won't argue with you, I'll leave Montclair directly after the funeral service, I won't wait for the reading of the will".
Josef stood to follow her, saying.
"You're one of my favourite family members Uncle Woody, it's the only explanation I have for why I haven't already smacked your face into a complete mess, but I promise you, if you ever again hurt any of my family the way you just hurt my wife, you won't have a face, I'll obliterate it, and you with it".
Danny had come out onto the terrace as Carry rushed past him in tears, and heard Josef's words.
He was shocked, and tried to stop Josef as he went in search of Carry, but all he got was.
"Don't Danny, if I stay here any longer, I won't be responsible for what I'll do to him, he got away with it once with Pierre, I'll not let him treat my wife that way".
Danny let Josef go, walking over to his Poppa, he was angry.
"What the fuck did you do?".
Woody rounded on him angrily.
"Who do you think you're talking to, get out of my sight, you terrorist loving pervert".
Danny reeled back, unable to answer, he'd turned away, walking toward the Chateau, only to see Roslyn with a look of horror on her face, she'd heard her Poppa.
As Danny came toward her she grabbed him, even as he tried to get away, she hugged him as he cried, whispering.
"Don't, little Bro, he's angry, he's not thinking straight, he loves you, you know that, don't let a few stupid words drive you away, I'll talk with him, go find Petre".
She let him go, then started toward her Poppa.
"So my brother is a pervert is he?, I suppose that makes me one too, and Cecile, and The Comte, Uncle Jaque, and your brother Uncle Pete, and your blood brother Aly, and his sons, I could go on, but I don't want to, because it hurts me to think you would do this in anger because Momma died, hurting people who love you, and loved Momma, is not acceptable, now get a grip, I truly hope she's not watching Poppa, because she'd be so disappointed".
But Woody wasn't in a mood to think or act rationally.
"I may be hurting, and maybe I'm not acting rationally, but I don't need your permission to do, or say, whatever I please in my own home, if you don't like it, get out, and don't come back".
Roslyn was hurt, all of her life she'd idolised her Poppa, his words stung her, with tears streaming she'd replied calmly.
"Okay, if it's what you want I'll go Poppa, as soon as I've laid my beloved Momma to rest, and I'll make you a solemn promise to never return, from this day forth, you can tell people I'm dead, because I will be to you".
Woody knew what he'd done, knew he was wrong, but he couldn't bring himself to do anything about it, he reasoned, why bother, the core of his world had been ripped from him, he saw no future.
And then the rest of the Chicago family arrived, totally unaware of the drama unfolding at Chateau Montclair.
As they were being shown to their rooms, Billy passed two rooms where it was evident packing was going on.
Enquiring innocently who's rooms they were, he was surprised to learn they were Mr Danny and Miss Roslyn's rooms.
As soon as they were settled, Billy sought out Paul.
"What's going on, Roslyn and Danny are packing up like they're leaving, don't they understand he needs them now, probably more than he ever has?".
Paul's reply completely threw him.
"They're not leaving him, he threw them out, that was after he told Aunty Carry she wasn't fit to be Matriarch, I swear Uncle Billy, I don't know how I've stopped someone from strangling him these last few days, but I won't be here to do it after Momma's funeral, if my brother and sister leave, then I'll follow them".
Billy was gobsmacked to put it mildly.
The atmosphere at Chateau Montclair was awful in the days before Jacqueline's funeral.
Roslyn, Cecile, Danny, Petre, and Paul, were present at dinner on the evening when most of the family arrived, along with Josef, Carry, Juan, Manny, Berto and Maria, but that was to be the last time they would dine as a family.
The following day Roslyn sought out her Aunt Jolly.
"I wanted to explain, Cecile and I won't be at any further meals, nor will Danny, Petre, or Paul, you've probably heard what Poppa has told us, we didn't want you to think it was a slight on you, we love you all dearly, but we can't pretend any longer".
At dinner that evening, the numbers of absent family were glaringly obvious, the numbers around the table had dropped dramatically, not a single member of his own family was there, including Paul, and the atmosphere was toxic.
The missing family were still present at Chateau Montclair, they simply chose not to interact whenever Woody was present.
For the few days before Jacqueline's funeral, they'd chosen to eat each night quietly in the restaurant at The Inn.
When Piers and Milo arrived, they were shocked to be brought up to speed by Aly and Bo, at first refusing to believe what they heard.
But on the first night they'd joined Roslyn, Cecile, Danny, Petre and Paul for dinner.
Roslyn and Cecile had hugged them both, crying as they'd confirmed what Piers and Milo had heard was true, their Poppa had rejected them, and they were leaving Chateau Montclair, along with Danny, Petre and Paul, immediately after the funeral.
Piers and Milo didn't hesitate, with Piers saying.
Come to Sydney, Australia has an enormous wine industry, you could stay with us whilst you investigate where you want to set up, please, let us do this for you, we owe you so much, allow us to show you a wonderful new lifestyle, Australia is so vibrant, you'll love the life there".
Paul was looking a little left out, but Milo asked.
"And what about you Paul, will you come as well, you'd love it as well?".
He didn't hesitate.
"If I'm welcome, yes, I'd like to branch out on my own, start up my own Financial Development Company, I can base myself anywhere, but it would be nice to have some family moral support whilst I find my feet".
Piers, who'd been sitting next to him, turned, looking at him with amazement.
"How could you think you would not be welcome, of course you are, and any help we can give you is guaranteed, please come".
Three more people had reason to be angry with Woody the following morning, when Paul told Pete, JJ, and Marcel, he was resigning his position and leaving Montclair, he cried as he explained, his brother and sister were leaving because of his father, and he couldn't stay, he was following them.
The family watched Woody's behaviour with a sense of foreboding, hoping desperately that he would see sense, but he had his head in the sand, refusing to believe he'd done anything wrong, insisting his children should apologise to him for their rudeness, not the other way around.
He dismissed any suggestion that Roslyn, or any of them for that matter, would actually leave the security they enjoyed in Montclair for an uncertain future, just to score a point against him.
The day before Jacqueline's funeral, she was laying in her casket in the White Drawing Room at Chateau Montclair, a tradition the family had followed since first receiving it's status from the then Royal Court of Louis XIII in sixteen twenty, nearly four hundred years earlier.
It was made widely known viewing would be open from ten in the morning until midnight.
By six in the morning, four hours before the gates were due to open, it was apparent, just as had happened with Pierre, the sheer volume of townspeople wanting to pay their respects would test their endurance, there were already more than a hundred queuing patiently outside the gates of Chateau Montclair.
Throughout the day the numbers had only swelled, never seeming to diminish.
It wasn't until around ten in the evening that it seemed possible they might just get everyone through, and by midnight only a few remaining townspeople were waiting, the last man through, before they closed the gates at midnight, had come running along the road, almost out of breath.
He'd spent several minutes talking to Jacqueline, before turning, with tears coursing down his cheeks, expressing his condolences, saying to Woody.
"I'm sorry I'm so late, I couldn't take time out from my three jobs, but I couldn't let her go without I told her my final thanks, for saving my son's life, she gave me a wonderful gift, I'd have given my life to save hers, my heart is broken along with yours".
Danny, Roslyn, Paul, and Woody stood guard overnight, it was a terribly strained time, no one said a word, until Woody tried to break the ice.
"We're here as family, to spend our last night with your Momma, my beloved wife, I hope we can do that and move on as she would have wanted after tomorrow".
He'd expected Roslyn, if anyone, to challenge him, he was shocked when Paul replied.
"Momma would be heartbroken to know how you have treated us since she died, I really hope she can't see what you've done, but whatever, tomorrow we will say goodbye to Momma, and then we each leave Montclair to start a new life that you foisted upon us, it's not something we would have chosen to do, but you've made it clear, you don't love us, for the rest of our lives, we'll always feel pain when we think of Montclair, and that is so wrong".
For the rest of the night, no words were exchanged.
By morning Woody understood how stupid he'd been, but it was to late in his mind to try to make amends.
The funeral day started off as a dismal grey morning, but, as if in defiance of the expected, before the procession left Chateau Montclair, the clouds cleared, and the sun shone.
The wider family totalled nearly one hundred, Chicago alone were twenty one, and they traveled in from, Australia, Tokyo, America, Spain, London, and the Canary Islands.
There were diplomatic attendees from several countries, as well as Royal representatives from several courts.
Jacqueline had been a welcome personal friend at almost every Royal Court, but some she favoured more than others, they always knew it would cost them, her visit was always about collecting for her charities, and they loved her all the more for it.
For Woody, one of the most significant attendees was an emissary from the Vatican.
The Montclair Funeral Home had been appointed to arrange Jacqueline's funeral, it would be a replica of Pierre's, but attended by so many more mourners from around the globe.
The funeral home had been tasked with bringing in a massive fleet of limousines to supplement their own fleet.
Jacqueline would leave Chateau Montclair, her family's Ancestral Home of more than four hundred years, for a service at the church in Montclair.
At eleven o'clock precisely, Jacqueline's casket was placed ceremoniously on an open landau, the funeral party was ready to leave Chateau Montclair.
Around a hundred or more villagers, had gathered before the gates of the Chateau, waiting to walk behind when the funeral procession set off.
The funeral cortege traveled at walking speed, for the hour or more that it took to reach the town.
When they arrived at the outskirts of the town, as a substantially increased funeral cortege, comprising around one hundred of family in the cars, and by then, well over a hundred on foot, most everyone in the established procession was astounded, the streets were lined by locals, but more poignantly, they were again carpeted in flowers, just as they had been for Pierre's funeral.
The sidewalks were completely filled, people Woody and Jacqueline knew as friends, standing shoulder to shoulder, with tears rolling down their cheeks, a true testament to how much they'd loved Jacqueline.
The further they went, the greater the numbers joining the procession, the greater the depth of flowers over which Jacqueline would pass, it was obvious, the villagers were once again pouring out their love.
As they entered the village Woody's breath caught in his throat, without exception, every street hoarding, which normally held advertising, had been changed, now there was a picture of his beloved Jacqueline, surrounded by a heart, underneath, he remembered the words from the day they'd laid Pierre to rest.
'One day we will meet again, we'll endure that wait, content in the joy we have experienced in knowing you, but as well, in anticipation of the love we will experience when we can hold you once again in our arms, RIP our beloved Jacqueline, until we meet again'.
As they entered the plaza in front of the church, there were so many villagers, there was just barely enough room for the procession to get through.
The landau came to a halt in front of the church, and Jacqueline's casket was lifted onto the shoulders of Woody, Jaque, Pete, Reece, Billy, and Paul, Danny and Roslyn walked behind, arm in arm, followed by the wider family.
And so Jacqueline's most final journey began.
TBC Allan
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