A Dove in a Cage of Gold
Spirits were high at the dawn of a new year. The old year, 1888, was put behind and was soon to be forgotten and old ties were renewed. Out in the streets, the common people danced though the night regardless of the daily ordeals they faced. For that day, was not a day of sadness but a day which the flame of hope was rekindled as a new year ushered in. The people thronged the streets with joyous laughter. Smiles and laughter could be seen at every angle , amidst the flurry of colourful fabric.
The cool, crisp midnight air was filled with the smell of beer and smoked meats. The cobblestone looked like a field in spring, covered with a vastness of paper confetti that had glided slowly out of the windows above. All the townsfolk were in their best clothes, even those who did not have the money to get new one tried to look at least presentable. Somehow, at this part of the year would the social ladder tear down its rungs and everyone was free to mingle with whoever was in the streets. Jugs of beer were raised high, the golden liquid spilt on the wooden floor of the generous proprietor's tavern. This was the scene on the streets, wild with merry-making.
The New Year soiree which was held at the de Plume's mansion differed slightly in the celebration of the New Year as compared to the streets just outside, but it was equally unforgettable. Those who were cordially invited to this yearly ritual of the de Plumes were allowed to pass through the ushers in crisp evening wear, their names were announced into the main hall for all guests to hear.
The main hall of this capacious mansion was a breath-taking sight. The pillars were carved so delicately by the finest of Romantic sculptors, a dazzling hue of gold and beige. The walls of the main hall were lined with glass. Mirrors and the floor were marbled and polished. But the real beauty came from the couples which danced at the centre of the hall. Silken gowns and fine suits moved with such elegance and grace and the people moved like swans. The mirrored walls and bright gas lamps created a spectral illusion that played with shadows and light and added enigma to the movement of the dancing couples. The orchestra played at the side, a sweet romantic waltz serenaded the dancing people. It was almost like living in a fantasy, that feeling that was suspended amidst these people of the higher society. Instead of beer that filled the air, the aroma of perfumes diffused with the aroma of rich wine that lightly perfumed the air with sweet intoxication. The whole hall was a flurry of melting colours.
Among the enraptured dancing couples were Marius and Laurette, the debonair young man and the ravishing young lady. The charming couple were soon to be wed come 3rd of February. A simple wedding, though, was to be held at the cathedral. Although not among the nobles that went around the grand hall, Marius and Laurette were of considerable status to be invited to such an extravagant soiree. Marius had not a title, he just a son of a wealthy local vineyard owner. Laurette was the daughter of an affluent doctor who treated the upper society.
The music in the main hall softened with a slow decrescendo and died down, marking the grand entrance of the Baron de Plume and his spouse. Everyone was silent with awe. The de Plumes wore shining gowns and suits as ever. The Baroness de Plume followed behind her husband who was incandescent with joy, a trail of handmaiden followed behind. Such a young lady was she! The Baroness Rene de Plume was at least 10 years younger than the Baron who was way past his prime, people speculated. She wore fine silks of gold and silver, long diamond earrings cascading like a waterfall in spring, adorned on her swan-like neck, thin wisps of gold and crystals glittered like the sun. She followed behind the pompous man silent as a sister of charity, sworn to silence. The hosts mingled in the crowd and wine and song resumed.
Laurette, intrigued by this powerful and rich lady, the power she could hold, felt slightly green with envy. She pictured herself in the Baroness' shoes. Oh, how wonderful it would be, living in such a world of a never-ending opulence! If only Marius was like that, a person with a perhaps…she blushed at that oddball of thoughts. And she began to doubt.
Marius noticed Laurette was slightly distracted from the dancing. "Are you alright?" he asked soft enough for her only ears. "Come let's go to the rose garden." Laurette silently nodded and to the rose garden they slowly walked.
A pause betwixt the two, and Marius slowly spoke, "Was there anything wrong there?"
"Oh, Marius! Nothing you did was wrong. I was thinking…" Laurette burst out laughing. She had to tell Marius of her fledgling envy for the Baroness. "The Baroness Rene de Plume, you saw her did you?"
"Yes. What about her?"
"How I wish I was her!" Laurette expressed an effusion of admiration mixed with green envy.
Marius, poor lad, was shocked to rigidity. "And why is that?" he stuttered.
"Can't you see? She has the precious of all gems, gowns of fine silk and satin, anything brought to her at a whim. She eats food beyond compare, a rich spouse and many servants at her hand. Which young woman would not be jealous of such a fortunate creature? How I wish I was her, Marius. This thought tries to burst its way through me."
"Don't talk so foolishly," Marius cried out to Laurette. "You would never love that life."
Laurette asked him why have he said so.
"That life is nothing but a web of deceit. The Baroness may have all the gold, the riches and all the servants at her hand but she is not loved. Her life is one whole masquerade, under a mask of happiness. If you take away this 'mask of happiness', she is nothing but a forlorn, woman with a rather miserable life. Do you want such a life like that, Laurette?" Marius expressed, explaining reason to Laurette.
Whatever Marius said was entirely true, for Rene de Plume, Baroness, who had all the riches at her command, married for wealth not love. It was an arranged marriage between the families. The Baron and his wife were wed for the sake of shared wealth. She could not object nor question as it was beyond propriety. Many may think she was blessed; instead she was cursed without having someone to comfort her or care for her. Such a paradoxical existence that for all the wealth in the world, she could not have happiness or love!
Laurette, upon seeing the light of Rene's dark life, wept. Tears that flowed were not only for her blindness but also for poor Rene. Marius was right. Being loved was definitely, by far, the best thing that could ever happen, for great things would come thereafter.
"So Laurette, would you want to be a dove in a golden cage or a dove that flies in the sky and free?" Marius saw the change in her thoughts and smiled.
Laurette gave no time for second thoughts and replied, "Definitely the latter."