The Rose of Provence Read Online Free PDF Page B

body was wrapped up in a
soft, cherry-red dress; a sand-colored lace shawl rested on the
delicate line of her shoulder. A basket swung on her arm, full of
colorful rose petals.
    Michel’s heart caught on fire in a flash. He did not feel
like he was burning to ashes from of the sunbeams shining on his
head. He was watching the unique phenomenon, and he knew that not
only the girl’s glowing beauty captured him, but the mysterious
power flowing from her.
    “ Neat woman folk, right?” The innkeeper stepped behind
him.
    “ Amazing…” Michel slowly returned to the ground from the
clouds. “Who is she?”
    “ She is a governess at the La Fontaines; her name is
Amrita.”
    “ Is she married?”
    “ No, but don’t get high hopes. Several young men have already
danced attendance on her so far, but she gave all of them the
bucket. But who knows? Maybe you’re going to be the lucky
one!”
    She disappeared in an alley, but Michel did not move for many
more minutes.
    “ Will the evening find you here?” asked the innkeeper. “Come,
a tender rabbit is waiting for you inside! You can also taste our
newest specialty, the rose cream soup. All of our guests go crazy
for it!”
    Michel spent the next few days practically half asleep. As
much as he could, he tried to concentrate on his studies, but his
thoughts always rambled to the main square of Arles and to the
heavenly phenomenon. His appetite increasingly declined, and he
tossed and turned sleeplessly in his bed at night. A week later, he
could not take it any longer and decided: he will go back and find
the girl. He has to talk to her by any means; he has to get to know
her personally.
    The following day was Saturday; duty did not call him to the
university. He swung into the saddle and galloped to Arles. It was
not hard to figure out where he can find the house of Baron La
Fontaine. He settled down in the shade of a large willow on the
other side of the road and waited. This time, the minutes and hours
flew quickly, because he was daydreaming in the meantime. However,
he was trying to remain sober in vain. His heart overcame his mind
and projected images in front of his mind’s eyes, in which they
were celebrating their marriage with Amrita. He could not decide
whether he sees only his heart’s desire, or the future that will
really come true.
    Since childhood, Michel has been able to unravel the drape of
the veil covering the future, and his visions proved to be true
more and more frequently. First, he thought that others also have
this ability, but later, he found out that it was not the case at
all, he was astonished. However, slowly he accepted that if God
created him to be like this, then there is certainly a reason for
it, and his future-related visions became increasingly reliable. He
did not tell anybody about them, because people have already been
burnt for witchcraft or less.
    In connection with Amrita, however, he knew nothing for sure.
The images of the desired future caressed his soul in vain, because
the doubt also sank its sharp claws into him and always whispered
into his ear that the girl would reject him.
    Michel was aware of his virtues: even if he was not the
finest young man around, his appearance was pleasant, his style was
distinguished and women appreciated this. His merits acquired
during the plague, and his outstanding studies, suggested a bright
medical career, which was also attractive in the eyes of the nubile
girls. But he also knew that Amrita is not one of those maidens,
she is unique. Will good manners and a promising medical career be
good enough to conquer her heart?
    When he caught sight of her stepping out of the gate of the
house, the intense heartbeat almost restrained him from addressing
her. Finally, gathering up all his strength, he stepped up to
her:
    “ My homage to the beautiful lady! My name is Michel de
Nostradame. I’m an assistant doctor in Montpellier, and I’m only a
few exams away from a medical degree. Don’t take