Title Life times ~ Secrets All Around Author Quetzel E-mail powder_puff@hotmail.com Feel free to Archive. Category C, Alternate Universe, and Alternate Time! MSR Rating PG-13 Disclaimer All characters and ideas from The X-Files belong to Chris Carter, Fox and Ten Thirteen Productions. Summary The year is 1820 and Mulder is a spy for the British. His supervisors decide that it is time he took on a partner.... together he and Dana Scully make their way into the office of a French General and all Hell breaks lose! Note This is the first in a series I'm going to start, "Lifetimes" will be a set of stories set in different times, dates, worlds, all MSR. I might put some historical stuff in it. ROMANCE ~ MSR -------------------------- "Get out of my house!" He shouted at her, the fury building up inside of him. Phoebe gathered her clothes, the shame showing on her face, "Fox, I-" "No, I don't want to hear it. Get out of my house and don't ever come back here! Now!" She slipped on her dress, gathered the rest of her belongings and quickly fled from the room, the valet opened the door for her and she vanished out into the street. The valet, a man named Richard Garrick, turned to the young Earl. "Sir, was that wise?" "Richard, you know just as well as I do that she was a no good... trollop! I gave her everything I had and I've given enough! There was nothing outside the bed chamber that she did for me!" Richard nodded his hand, handing his master an envelope, "Sir, this arrived from General Fisher this afternoon. I didn't' want to....interrupt your meeting with Miss Phoebe." Mulder snatched the letter and turned to his valet, "Thank you, Richard, would you have the cook make some tea?" "Yes, Sir." Richard turned on his heels and vanished through the study door. Mulder did not read the letter until after he prepared himself for the inevitable. He would be sent to France again, the last spy, Jack Willis, had been captured and killed. Mulder would be sent to the front line again to get information from contacts. "Lord Mulder, I was over joyed to hear that you returned from your last mission safely, but then again, you always do. I do believe that you have heard of the death of Jack Willis, it is a tragedy, but Willis wasn't as good at his job as you are, but even you are in need of aid every now and again. I have found you a partner, and request your presence at my office later this evening, by 10 o' clock if at all possible. Your new partner will be waiting to meet you, and I have another assignment for you. God Bless, Walter Skinner Mulder set the letter down, "PARTNER?" He wondered. Perhaps it was time he retired... settled, he did need an heir after all! Someone to watch over the Mulder fortune. He took the letter from Skinner and tossed it into the fire place, letting it be consumed by the dark flames and the scolding heat. He paced for a moment, perhaps this new partner was going to spy on HIM. Fox Mulder had first started out in the business of spying when he was fifteen years of age, he had been sent to pose as a servant boy for another spy by the name of Wilder. Wilder was under investigation, and no one could get close enough to see who's side he was really on... so they sent a boy in. The supervisor of the mission had looked down at him proudly, "No one will suspect you, Fox. Report daily and remember... don't get caught! Once a spy's game is up, the consequences are going to hurt." He had lived by those words most of his life. At the age of twenty one, he was placed in the French government, his contacts in France grew and he was a perfect weapon... except now he had to worry about this new partner! Walter Skinner smoked his pipe, starring off at the moon. Fox Mulder entered the small office, a small salute and Skinner ordered him to sit down in a chair. Mulder looked at him closely, "Is a partner necessary, Sir?" "Of course, Mulder, you need someone to watch your back. Remember how Supervisor Jenkins sent you in when you were not even a man?" "Yes." "He had said that no one would care about you being a servant in the house, they wouldn't be suspicious of an innocent looking boy... but you were exactly what they needed to pull Wilder out and put him in the gallows." "Yes." "And again, we have found someone that the French would never suspect." "Another young boy? You're partnering me with a child?!" "No, Mulder, a woman." "WOMAN? That's just as bad! What are you thinking, Skinner? You can't put a woman on the front line! It's too dangerous!" "Sir, I assure you, I can be of some use." A female voice said from the door. Mulder turned around to see a stunning woman with red hair, curls around her shoulder, wearing a white dress. She looked as if she came from a royal family! And the eyes... Mulder feared he could drown in them. "Mulder, meet Dana Scully. Your new partner." Skinner said proudly, escorting Miss Scully into a chair. She smiled at him faintly, "A pleasure to meet you, Lord Mulder." Fox starred at her, "You can't be serious, Skinner! She's just a girl!" Dana's face went stiff, "Sir, I do look forward to working with you, and-" "Please, enough. Miss Scully is it?" "Yes." "Miss Scully, you should not be here. You belong any where else BUT here!" Skinner gave him a warning look, "Listen to me, Mulder, no one is going to suspect a woman such as Miss Scully." "And what is she going to pose as, my sister perhaps?" Mulder smirked. "Your wife." Skinner snapped. Mulder jumped a little, "Wife? How are we to do that?!" "Months from now we are to announce your engagement. You are to be married in four months, understand? Of course, it will be a real marriage, and there will be many people there and also French spies that are watching over you, Mulder. This wedding is to convince the spies, whoever they are." Mulder turned to her, "You're going to force us to marry? This is preposterous!" "It's for England." Dana said, her voice strong, "I am a patriot, Sir, and this is a small sacrifice. We are only to be husband and wife in name." Mulder sat still in his chair, "Sir, she's too young!" "You were fifteen when you started!" Dana snapped. "I'm not a girl!" He returned. Skinner stood between them, "Mulder, Miss Scully seems very willing to make this work, you however, I have doubts about. Either you cooperate with Miss Scully, or I'll have you dumped down the ranks, understand?" He nodded his head. "Miss Scully, please let me escort you to your carriage. Mulder, wait here for a bit." Skinner took the young girl's arm and led her out the door. Mulder fumed silently, FOUR MONTHS LATER The wedding had been planned by Skinner. The priest was an old man, a friend of Mulder's. They were married, but to them, it would never seem that way. Mulder saw no reason to have a wedding party, but Skinner said it was to convince the French that he had actually taken a wife. They might not believe that he suddenly married out of no where. So, for the first month, it was "arranged" for Mulder to meet Miss Scully at a ball... to dance with her... to share a quick kiss with her. They weren't sure WHEN the French were watching, but they had to make it seem that he was fond of her. So after a month of meeting with her, acting as if the world revolved around her, he "asked her to marry him." And from there on, the wedding was the biggest talk in London. Mulder turned to his new bride, "Are you all right, you look pale." He whispered. She turned to him, "I didn't imagine my wedding to be like this." He shrugged his shoulders, "You said you were a patriot." "Shh! I am." He took his new "wife" and led her down a set of steps, "Care for a dance, Dana darling?" He asked, his voice dripping with sweetness. She grinned, "Of course, husband." As they waltzed around the room, a group gathered to watch the new husband and wife, among them were sets of French spies that they could not pin point. The dance ended, and husband and wife went to their carriage. Dana was wearing a long white dress, the sleeves done around with lace, her hair covered by a small veil and her cheeks flushed. The crowd gave their best wishes, their embraces and hand shakes and salutes. Finally, they got into the Lord's carriage and Dana Scully was taken to her new "home." He watched her in the carriage, sitting opposite from him, starring down at her hands. "Lord Mulder, I'm sorry that you do not agree with me being assigned to this... project." "First of all, I suppose you should call me Fox. It is my first name. Second of all, I argued with Skinner that day to try to protect you. I don't believe that this is a place for a young woman." "This is all because I'm a woman?" "There is a bloody war going on here, Miss Scully! You could be killed! That's what they will do when they catch a spy, they kill him... or her in your case." She crossed her legs and smoothed out her dress, the carriage was bouncing and she was starting to feel ill, "Lord Mulder-" "Fox." "Fox, I know there is a war going on. And you are a fool, if I do say so myself. A war is no place for a woman? I was brought in to stop this war, Sir! I won't be doing it single handily, of course not, but I will do my best to end this and to stop the young boys who fight with their guns... to stop this killing and blood shed!" "How- how did you become a spy?" He asked, his voice lower as if there was someone in the carriage he was trying to hide it from. She looked down at her hands again, "My parents were killed when I was ten. I was an orphan, more or less." "No brothers and sisters?" "No, Sir, they vanished and I was the only one left. My parents were killed by French spies... my father was a General. My older brother, William, my sister, Melissa, and my younger brother, Charles, all disappeared. God knows what happened to them. We were only children! Poor Charles." "What happened to you then?" "I was discovered walking in the street with my pretty blue dress by a Captain named Harold Carrings. He took me in, raised me... and I was conditioned for this position." "How old are you now?" Mulder asked quickly. "I have just recently turned eighteen." "You mean for eight years you were conditioned to be a spy? Since you were a child?" "Yes, my Lord." He took her hand, "What have they done to you? How could Carrings do that to a girl!" She pulled back, "That doesn't matter anymore. What matters now is that I am here with you and we have a mission to complete. They say the French are making ships powered by steam... we are to retrieve these plans, plant fake battle movements and return home." Mulder leaned against the seat, "Yes, I guess so. Easier said then done, Miss Scully." "Lady Mulder now..." She whispered. A faint smile appeared on his lips, "Lady Mulder... I wondered in there ever would be another Lady Mulder. You are the first Lady Mulder to come to my home since my mother." "What is the name of your home?" She asked. "Candor Abbey." Mulder and the driver gathered the bags that Dana had and together they entered the great hall. Her mouth fell open, "Oh, my goodness. It's so... immense." He smiled at her, "Please, leave your things for the servants to retrieve, you must be tired." A row of servants was waiting for them inside the main door, "This is Lady Mulder." He introduced. "Dana, this is Richard Garrick, he basically runs the house." "If there is anything you should require, Lady Mulder, feel free to tell me and I will have it done." She smiled at him, he was an older man, with gray hair and eyes that had seen the world. "Thank you, Mr. Garrick." Mulder took his new wife and led her up to the bed chambers after the servants had left. He opened the door, leading her inside. "Any of the servants could be with the French." He whispered in her ear, causing her to shiver. She nodded her head, "We must be careful." Dana's eyes fell on the bed. He went across the room to another door, "This is your chamber, Dana, this door connects my chamber to yours. You will be safe in here, the door had bolts and locks, as does the window. If you should need my aid, just call for me. I am sorry that I failed to get you a suitable maid, I shall have one for you as soon as possible." "Actually, I had a maid once named Shana, and I would like to have her again, if you don't mind. I trusted here." "Shana? We shall discuss it in the morning then." She nodded her head, examining the room. He took her hand into his, kissing it, "Good night, my lady." "Good night, my Lord." He slipped through the door but she did not hear it lock. Dana walked around the room, the canopy bed was covered in blue silk, the window looked out onto a small court yard. In the corner of the room sat a desk, in another corner was a table, against the wall was a great big bed... she wondered if her new husband would ever come to her. She quickly undressed by herself and slipped into her long gray dressing gown, then got into her new bed. The bed was warm and the room was kept comfortable by the fire.... but she did not find sleep easily this night. General Marchand of Napoleon's Grand Army looked down at the report that had been mailed to him earlier. "Mulder has taken on a wife? What was he thinking... and she's an English woman!" Captain Dupuis let out a sigh, "Another man has fallen victim of love." The General raised his brow, "Really... I wonder what he'll do with her when we send him on assignments." "Sir, I hear from the spy we positioned in his home that she is young, and very beautiful. Perhaps this requires a meeting..." The Captain was thoughtful. "They sent you a drawing of her, nest-ce pas?" The General looked at the Captain, a faint smiling turning his lips. The Captain grinned, "Oui, mon General! Here it is." He handed him the black and white sketch of the girl. "Elle est tres belle! I haven't seen an Englishwoman so lovely... but Captain, I know what you are planning. I know how your mind works." "Pardon?" The Captain asked, amazed slightly. "Please, Sir, we all know what a rake you are. I know what you'd want with Major Mulder's wife... and il est mon ami, I can't let you near her. I can't trust you." "Mon General, I am wounded by you accusations." He mocked. The General turned around, "If we want to keep Mulder with us, you will stay away from his pretty little wife." "Saving her for yourself, eh General?" The Captain almost laughed. "Oui, if anyone is to have this belle anglaise, besides Mulder of course, it shall be me." The two men laughed, "Sir, you are to call Mulder back soon, isn't that true?" "Yes, I wanted a report from him, and it's about time that he met some other officers. I have great plans for Mulder in this army." Dana entered the library, looking for her partner. "My Lord?" She asked. He seemed disturbed, his eyes flashing over pieces of paper and envelopes. "Dana darling, care to join me for a walk?" He asked calmly. When ever he said 'Dana darling' it meant he wanted to get out away from the servants, he didn't trust any of them, besides Richard of course. "Of course, sweeting, let me get my wrap." She quickly went up to her chamber, wrapping the shawl around her shoulders and following her partner outside. He took her hand, leading her out to the pond behind the house. "Dana, I just received a letter from General Marchand. He requests that I go leave for Paris right away... and he wants me to bring you with me." "Me? How does he know about me!" She hissed. "The spies, Dana, don't trust the servants. Watch what you say. Now, have the house keeper pack your things that you wish to take, we leave tomorrow night." "So soon? I-" "Dana," He held her shoulders, "I want this mission over with as soon as possible so I may return you to safety." "Sir, I did not ask for your protection-" "I do not care, Lady Mulder." He said, his voice harsh. "Every second I fear that they will take you and rip you to shreds when they find out." "You're just worried that I'll give you away-" "I'm worried that you'll be killed." She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself, "Whatever you say, My Lord." He took off his cloak, covering her with it, "Let us get you inside before you catch your death from cold." He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her back to the house. She was exhausted, he could tell. Her little maid, Shana, had come along also. "Fox." General Marchand laughed, coming towards them. They had just arrived at Mulder's French home, a house as grand as Candor Abbey. She was over whelmed at his connections in England, and in France. Mulder wrapped an arm protectively around her waist, silently sending out signals to the other men that she was off limits, "General, I would like to introduce you to my wife, Lady Dana Mulder. Dana darling, this is General Marchand." She held out her hand and he kissed it, holding hers until Mulder glared at him. Gently, he released it, "This is Captain Dupuis..." The Captain was immediately at her side, kissing her hand and smiling charmingly. Mulder was starting to get frustrated... "Gentlemen, my wife is exhausted and I was hoping that we could delay business until tomorrow..." The Captain had shinning eyes, "Eager to get you wife to the bed chamber, aren't you?" He asked in French, assuming that Dana could not hear them for she and the General were consumed by their conversation about Paris. Mulder worked his jaw, but kept his calm face, "What would you do if you were in my position, mon capitain?" "I'd get rid of the guests and drag her upstairs to the bed." The Captain smirked, "Does she please you in the bed? From the looks of her, she most likely does.. Mulder glared, "Sir, it would be greatly appreciated if you did not speak of my wife in such a manner-" The General cut into the conversation, "Lady Mulder, we shall leave you to rest, you've had a long journey. We will return in the morning. Good night, mes amies." He took the Captain and they were escorted to the door. Dana gritted her teeth, "That pig! How dare he speak of me that way!" She was fuming. "The General?" Mulder questioned. "No, that captain! Do I please you in the bed, what kind of question is that? I can't believe it!" She almost tore the handkerchief in her hand. Mulder took her arm, "Dana, calm down." He whispered. "No, I can't! I don't see how they could talk of a lady that way! And what exactly did you do? You asked him what he would do if he was in YOUR position! Pigs, all of you!" She turned on her heels and sped up the stairs, still fuming. Mulder raced after her, but she bolted the chamber door behind her. "Dana!" He pounded. "I'm going to sleep, my lord, I shall see you in the morning." Mulder shook the handle of the door, "Oh, please Dana! I'm not asking much, give me a chance to apologize to you properly!" She door flew open and she stood there, her hair messed and her hands in small fists, "What do you want?" Mulder pushed his way past her, into the room and he locked it behind her. "Dana, I am sorry for offending you, but I had to make them think that everything was normal." He whispered. "Do you usually treat your women with such disrespect?" Dana snapped at him. He took her by the shoulders and shook her, "I've never had a wife before!" She pulled back, "I am not your wife." She hissed. He closed his eyes, "Dana... we must play our roles. You are in France, Dupuis wanted is a crude man and lacks some manners. Men such as the Captain will not treat you with respect unless they want you in their bed, but behind your back, they will talk about women as if they were objects. I fear that Captain Dupuis does want you in his bed, be careful around him." She bit her lower lip, "Damn the man." "Shh, go to sleep now, you need your rest." He turned around and was about to leave the room. "Dana?" "Yes?" "Nothing.... forget it. I shall see you in the morning." Dupuis burst into fits of laughter, "Did you see how angry he was?" "Do shut up, Captain Dupuis, you are not helping anyone by making Mulder angry." The General crossed his arms over his chest as the carriage bounced back towards the Palais Royale. "Sir, is she not a belle?" The General had a faint smile on his lips, "Yes, she is very beautiful. I do not blame Mulder for being possessive." End of 1/? Send all feedback to powder_puff@hotmail.com Subject Life Times Secrets All Around 2/? Dana woke the next morning, Shana quickly helped her dress. "My lady, did you 'ere dat there is a French General in this house?" "General Marchand, correct? Well... I suppose I'll have to go greet him." "Actually, my lady, the Lord told me to tell 'ya that you are to stay in your room until they have left." Dana looked down at her maid, "He said WHAT? Stay out of sight until they leave? No, that is just preposterous. Hand me my sash, Shana." The maid did as told and watched her mistress head for the door, "My lady, I think it is best that 'ya do what da Lord tells 'ya. I don't want 'ya gettin' in any trouble, eh?" She turned back to the maid, "Oh, please, Shana, don't give me that. I will be back in a bit. You're free to go." Dana checked her image in the mirror one final time before gliding down the long stair case. She met one of the servants at the bottom, "Good morning, Lady Mulder." "Merci, bon journee. Have you seen my husband?" "In the library, my lady, but he is with some guests from the Grand Army, I do not suggest you interrupt them." She smiled sweetly, "I'll just say hello quickly and be about my business." She quickly found the library and listened carefully through the door. "Have you the plans I questioned you about, Mulder?" "Oui, mon General. I was hoping that I could hand them over to you last night, but my wife was.... in the way." "She does not know what you do for a living?" The General had a hint of laughter in his voice. "Sir, she does know, but I do not believe that she had fully comprehended the situation. I prefer to keep her innocent and in the dark... she is faithful to her country, Sir, but she is also faithful to her husband. She did not want to come here, she fought me like Hell to stay in England... and I taught her a lesson." Dana decided she should come in now, just to shut Mulder up and stop making her sound as if she was a strumpet. "Bon matin." She said perfectly in French. The General was up on his feet, "Lady Mulder, Bonne Journee, comment allez vous?" "Ca va bien, merci. Et vous?" "Bien, bien." Mulder gritted his teeth, "Dana, good morning, what are you doing here?" She smiled sweetly, "Sir, I am in search of something to read. I did not know that you were entertaining company... I shall leave-" "No, do stay, Lady Mulder. Please, I insist." Mulder wasn't about to shoo Dana out when the General had taken such an interest, "Have some tea, Dana." She grinned at him and sat down on the sofa next to her husband, he took her hand into his. "Mulder, do you know of General Tavernier?" The General leaned back, but he didn't really take his eyes off Dana. Mulder thought for a second, "Yes, Sir, Jean-Claude Tavernier is very well known in the army." "Mulder, I believe that you have a great future with us, but if you wish to be known, you must meet Travernier. He is having a large gathering at his chateau and he is looking forward to meeting you." Mulder's heart almost stopped, "Sir, I look forward to it." The General handed him an invitation, "I look forward to seeing you and Lady Mulder attend. Good day, Lady Mulder, I hope you enjoy our country." She bowed lightly, "Thank you, Sir. Good bye." He kissed her hand, shook Mulder and a servant saw him off. Mulder collapsed into a chair, "God... do you know what this means?" She sat beside him, "You're going to be advancing. Imagine what you could learn hanging about General Travenier." "You know of him?" "Mulder, he is only one of the most important men in the French army." She said, "They trained me well when I was in England." She added with a whisper. He smiled faintly, "Come dear wife, I assume you haven't had a breakfast." He took her arm and led her to the dinning hall, "Mulder?" She asked lightly. "Yes?" "Are you ever scared? I mean... when you're in France?" "Of course... I'm scared when I am in England. Perhaps I should move to Spain!" He joked. She rolled her eyes, "I'm serious." "It's a dangerous business, and I still believe it is no place for a Lady and I will never forgive Skinner and Carrings for doing this to you... but now I'm scared for you as well as myself." Dana gathered her skirts as she raced down the stairs. Her husband was no where to be seen, and all the servants were busy working, so the lack of conversation was maddening. As she turned a corner, a blue ball hit her foot. Looking down at it curiously, she picked it up, examing it in the light. Written on the ball with golden letters were the words, "Jean-Paul." A small boy peered at her from behind the banister, "Wh- who are you?" He asked shyly. She raised an eye brow, "I am the lady of this house, Lady Mulder. And you are you, might I ask?" "Jean-Paul Falon.... my mother is the house keeper here." "Your mother is the house keeper, hum? Is she Marie-Claire?" "Yes, that is her." Dana tossed the ball in her hands, "Well... would this be your ball?" "Yes, my best friend gave it to me." He shyly ran his fingers through his blond hair. "Your best friend, and who would that be?" Dana was starving for conversation and this boy was an adorable child. "My best friend is Lord Mulder, madame." Dana dropped the ball, surprised. "My husband? Is your best friend? My... I can't blame him, though, you are a darling boy." Dana patted his head. The blue ball rolled down the hall and hit the black boots of Mulder, who was taking off his cloak, "Dana... what are you doing?" She smiled at him, "I met your friend, Jean-Paul." Mulder handed the boy his ball, ruffling his hair, "How are you, Jean-Paul? I haven't seen you around for days, what is the latest in the village?" Jean-Paul seemed eager to give the report, "There is a new school teacher, Mademoiselle Moreau. She is very mean, none of the children like her." Mulder turned to Dana, "Jean-Paul is my magistrate of the village." Jean -Paul grinned proudly, "Monsieur Mulder, when was it that you got married? Where?" Mulder took the boy's hand, leading him and Dana into the library, "Dana and I were married a month ago, in a church in England. Not far from London, actually. I met her at a ball..." A sad look came over Mulder's face, and Dana could feel it also. Perhaps, in another time, things for them could have worked out that way. But there was a war going on, and appearances must be kept up. Jean-Paul turned to Dana, "I am sure we will become great friend, Madame Mulder!" She shook his small white hand, "Like wise, Jean-Paul." "JEAN-PAUL!" The house keeper cried from the hall way, "Why are you bothering the master and his wife? Shoo! Out of here." Jean-Paul waved good bye to Mulder and Dana, then followed his mother outside. Dana sat down at the desk, in his chair and he pretended to be annoyed. "So, Mulder, you're only friends are children?" "My greatest friends are children." He smiled. "It's sweet, I get the impression that he doesn't have very many friends." "Jean-Paul is smarter than the other children, he will become something great... he never had much in common with them. I believe Jean-Paul is a genius." Dana leaned forward, "I would have never imagined that you would be such great friends with a boy like Jean-Paul." Mulder looked up at the ceiling, "I do not like ALL children, ever now and then I run into a brat." She nodded, "I do not like all children either. Jean-Paul, though, is a sweet child. How did you meet him?" "His father left him and his mother, I heard of them through a friend in the village... I decided that she needed work, so I offered her a position here. She brought Jean-Paul along with her, back then he was a child of three perhaps." Dana stood up, patting his shoulder, "You're a good man, Mulder. You never cease to amaze me." She was to be dressed in a green gown, her hair in curls as usual and her face powdered and done with blush. As she was getting ready for the gathering at the chateau, a knock interrupted her acts. "Who is there?" Shana called, pulling out her Lady's dress. "It is Lord Mulder." He opened the door. Dana quickly grabbed the dress to cover herself, she was wearing a thin chemise. "Shana, leave please." He said sternly. Shana bowed her head and retreated through the door, Dana wished she could call her back. Her heart pounded and dreaded what Mulder wanted. He quickly handed her a robe, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to invade your privacy so, the servants were questioning why we didn't act as husband and wife.... I'm sorry." She put the robe on, fastening the front, "My Lord, what is it that you want!" Her face was bright red. He sat on the bed, positioning his elbows on his knees, "I was wondering... have you reported?" "Yes, Sir, I gave my letters to the contact and went about my business. Why?" "Just wondering, this came for you and I had to read it... I want you to explain this." He handed her a torn envelope. She took it from him, quickly skipping down to the signature at the bottom. 'Eric Saulnier.' "That is a French name.... and I would like to know why this was sent to you." His voice was rising and she was forced to take a step back as he approached her. "Give me a moment." She scanned the letter. Dearest Dana, I hope this letter finds you well and in good health, my heart broke to hear that you had arrived in France... why could you not stay in England where you were safe? I also hear that you have taken a husband, why? I wish to see you soon, Dana, I want to take you home. France is not a place for an English woman, especially not you. I know how you despise that I worry so much, but I fear for your safety every second. The business you are in is no business for a girl, and I don't give a damn what you think, I'm going to get you home. General Marchand is always talking about you... and Dupuis is bragging about how he will have you in his bed. Leave now, Dana, I just want to protect you. Please meet me at the Reine Cafe tomorrow at noon. There is much we have to discuss. With great love, Eric Saulnier. Her heart plummeted to her feet as she let the letter fall to the floor, "Oh, my God." Mulder remained with his hands crossed over his chest, "HOW do you know him, Dana? I believe that he is a Captain in the French Army. How on earth do you know a captain in the French army?" His voice remained low, but the anger was obvious. She looked up at him, "I can't believe that you opened it without my permission. You say that you don't want to invade my privacy! No one forced you to open the letter!" He took her by her arms, shaking her, "Tell me now, how do you know him? I don't wish to question your trust, not you Dana!" She pulled back, falling onto the bed, "I met him two years ago, they brought me to Paris for final training. He aided me on my first mission when I was... kidnapped and taken to a brothel near the edge of Paris. The Frenchmen who took me actually sold me! It had nothing to do with the army, but Carrings left me for dead. Eric helped me escape before..... anything could happen to me." She blushed crimson. Mulder frowned, "Why- why is it that he writes to you now?" "He means well, Mulder, he does really! He wants me to go home. He never agreed with this line of work! How could he? I doubt he wants all that trouble he went through to save me to be for nothing." "Perhaps I should let you go with him..." Mulder said aloud, thinking. "No! You can't! I won't go. I came here to full fill my promises to Carrings and Skinner and I will not leave until I have done so." He looked down at her, "Then you won't be meeting him?" "No, I won't be." She looked down at the floor. "How do you know that you can trust him?" "I doubt he would have saved me and released me to Carrings if he meant to do me harm. And he is a good man, I know he is." "He is a Captain in the army, perhaps we could use this to our advantage?" "You want me to use him? No, I will not!" "If you wish to continue with this mission, you will do as I tell you. There is much we can learn from a trusted Captain." "Mulder, please, leave him be. He has done nothing but good for me and he does not wish for this war to continue." "Is he an English spy?" "No, of course not!" "Is he a loyal Frenchman?" "Some what..." "What is his agenda?" "To stop this war, Mulder, that's all he wants! And it's what I want!" Mulder started pacing, "Go get dressed, we shall be late for the gathering if you delay any longer." And with that, he sped out of the room. Mulder had his arm wrapped protectively around her waist, at first she was uncomfortable... but when the Frenchmen started gawking at her, she was glad he was at her side. A woman with black curled hair and brown eyes approached them. "Fox, darling, how wonderful that you were able to come." She kissed both his cheeks. He smiled at her, "Jacquline, I was happy to hear that you returned to Paris. Jacquline DeWinter, meet my wife, Lady Dana Mulder." Jacquline raised an eye brow, "So, the rumors are true, I was jealous to hear that another woman had snatched up my Fox. Well.. I can't say that I deserved him." She smiled sweetly at Dana. Dana had no idea how she was to react to this woman, She took Mulder's arm possesively, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss DeWinter. How is it that you and my husband are aquatinted?" She looked accusingly at Mulder. The woman just laughed, "Ah, why dwell in the past? I have missed my chance and he is yours now. Do excuse me, Fox, Dana. There goes my sister. I wish to chat with you both later." And with that she vanished into the crowd. "Rude woman." Dana muttered. He looked down at her, "Jacquline is... a bit high strung." "Really? How DO you know her?" He gritted his teeth, "She was my mistress years ago." "Oh, well at least she had enough sense to know not to talk about it in front of your wife." "Why are you getting so upset? You are free to have outside relations-" He was cut off when General Marchand approached them, "Lady Mulder, it is a pleasure to see you." The older gentleman said, kissing her hand. She smiled charmingly, "Like wise, General Marchand." Mulder and the General politely chatted for a bit, Dana could take no more and she decided to go off on her own. She excused herself and found her way to the library. The gentlemen had been sorry to see her go. The library was so prodigious it took her breath away. At the end of the library was a window that over looked a garden, the light from the fool moon shined on the desk in the corner. Dana examined it closely, "Travenier's desk!" Quickly, she raced to the door to make sure no one had seen her, then slowly and silently she closed it. There was no key, so she was unable to lock. With her heart pounding fast, Dana quickly walked back to the desk. Her father once had one exactly like this.. and if memory served her correctly, a secret compartment was found at the side. She slid her hand along the smooth wood, feeling nothing but flat surface until her fingers brushed a small lever. A smile spread across her face, it was so cleverly hidden it was nearly impossible to find! With her index finger, she pulled the small lever down and heard a click. A rolled up tube of paper fell to the floor almost silently. Dana picked up the tube and spread it out on the table. There was enough light from the candles and the moon for her to see. These were blue prints, dark lines outlines a ship, lighter ones and other pages showed the making of an engine. She couldn't believe it! It was amazing! Dana was so wrapped up in her discovery that she did not hear the door to the library open. "Lady Mulder!" A male voice gasped from the door. She let out a small shriek and dropped the papers, "General Marchand!" Behind him stood Captain Dupuis, a man who she assumed was General Travenier... and Mulder. "I- I-.." She had suddenly loss her grasp on all language. Mulder approached her swiftly, and before she knew what had happened, his hand flew hard across her cheek and she was thrown to the floor by the blow. Marchand's long legs carried him to the desk quickly and he scooped up the papers, "Care to explain this, Lady Mulder?" Travenier approached Dana, "I do believe, Marchand, that you under estimated her." Mulder kept his face stone cold, "My wife is a patriot, Sir, unfortunately, she favors those who oppose us. She will be taken care of-" "Perhaps she should be punished... a public beating and whipping should do her some good." Dupuis was standing tall by the window, looking down at Dana's still form. "And you are just the one to do it." Marchand nodded his hand, "A whipping then, keep her in a cell tonight... wouldn't want her running off." Dana felt as if her heart was to explode, she looked up at Mulder, her eyes pleading for him to help her. He looked to see the tears in her eyes. "General, you can't!" Mulder exclaimed. The older men and Dupuis turned to him, "Why on Earth not?" Travenier asked, his voice deep and scolding. "Sir, she is with my child, by hurting her, you hurt my heir! Please, wait until my heir has come into the world... then you may do with the wench as you wish." Marchand looked sympathetic, "Heir, Mulder? Well then... wouldn't want to harm an innocent life... especially not Mulder's heir. Mulder, you are to keep her confined to the battlements of your estate, unless she is with you. If I find that she has strayed, then there will be no saving her, or your heir!" Mulder pulled Dana up to her feet, "Thank you, General. I will make sure that she causes you no more trouble." And with that, he dragged Dana out of the library and called for their carriage to take them home. He pushed her into the carriage, he knew that the guests had watched him and Dana leaving. She sat silently near the window of the carriage, the tears spilling down her face. He could see a dark bruise forming where he had hit her, and his heart clenched. "Dana, are you all right?" "I'm fine." She wiped her face, wincing with the pain. He moved forward to sit beside her, the carriage was now on the dirt roads, "I'm sorry I hit you... I've never hit a woman before.... I didn't mean to hurt you." She nodded, "And I didn't meant to get caught." He sighed, brushing her red curls away to inspect the injury, "Dana, I didn't know what else to do! I tried to lighten the blow but I also had to make it look real. I'm sorry-" "Please, Sir, I don't want to speak of it any further! Forget it!" Her voice was high and she sat up straight. Mulder cleared his throat, "We'll have to get you out of France soon... before they suspect that I lied to them." "WHERE on Earth did you get such an idea? Telling them that I was with child, WHAT were you thinking?" "I was trying to save you! Do you have any idea what they will do to you when they find out that we're betraying them? I promise, you will get out of France before they can do you any harm.... I will find a way." She crossed her arms over her chest, "I'm sorry.... I was careless." "What was on those documents?" "The steam boat plans, we have to go back for them!" "Are you insane? You aren't going anywhere! If they find you any where outside of my estate, Dana, they'll shoot you!" "And your unborn heir?" She snickered, "What gave you that idea?" "What else was I to say? I always wanted an heir..." His voice trailed off. "It bought us some time, did it not?" Dana examined his face in the dim light, "I... nothing." The conversation was dropped and they rode home in silence. When they reached the front gate, Mulder helped her up to her chamber. "You will be all right. I'm not going to let them harm you." He whispered, kissing her forehead. "I trust you." She answered him softly. Mulder and Dana were becoming quite fond of each other, she did trust him, with her life. God only knew what would happen to her, she shouldn't have been so foolish. She caused him nothing but trouble. Dana glanced up at the grandfather clock, her thoughts returning to Eric Saulnier. He could help her, she just had to find a way to contact him! Dana had to get out of France, an Agent who has been found out is a worthless agent, she learned that first thing. She gathered her skirts and walked out of her chamber into the main corridor, "Jean-Paul?" She called. The child was no where to be seen, so she searched for him in the maid's chamber. He sat on the bed, playing with his leather ball, tossing it up and catching it. "Dame Mulder!" He stood at attention. She smiled at him faintly, "Jean-Paul, would you do a small favor for me? You'll be rewarded handsomely for it." His ears perked up, "I'll do it for free, Dame Mulder." "No, I insist on giving you something for your good deed. Here is your mission." She handed him an envelope and a paper. "This is the address, do you know where the Rue Liberation is?" He nodded his head, "My friend lives near there." "Good, go to this address on Rue Liberation and give it to a man named Eric Saulnier. Only Eric Saulnier, understand?" He nodded his head, "What if I can not find him?" "If you fail to find him, return home and give me back my letter and I will try again later. Questions?" He shook his head, "I understand." She handed him the instructions and the letter, "Thank you, Jean-Paul, this is very important to me." He smiled at her, said good bye and raced down the steps. "Jean-Paul, where are you going?" His mother questioned. "Rue Liberation, mother! I shall return shortly." She assumed he was going to visit his friend, and Jean-Paul was a very intelligent boy, and she trusted him. "If you should fail to return in time for diner, you will be throttled!" She warned him. He nodded his head and raced out the door. Eric Saulnier was sitting in his library going through his favorite books. The valet entered, holding the shoulder of a boy. "Monsieur Saulnier, there is a boy here to see you." Eric's eyes fell on the stranger, he took off his glasses, "And who are you, young sir?" The young boy turned to the valet, "May we speak alone, Sir?" The valet was not amused, "Sir, you are not going to humor him, are you?" "Leave, Justin." The Master ordered. The valet gave the child a dirty look and retreated out the French doors. "Now, how may I help you? What is your name?" "Jean-Paul, Sir." "And have we met before?" "No, Sir, but you do know a friend of mine." Eric raised his eye brows, laughing softly, "I doubt that I know any of YOUR friends, Sir. Are you sure you have the correct house?" "Are you not Eric Saulnier of the French Army?" Eric became alert, "Who are you and what is your business?" "I- I have a letter for you. From Dame Mulder." Eric shot up to his feet, "Dana? When did you receive it?" "She told me to be quick and deliver it only to you. As soon as she gave it to me I came searching for you. She wishes that you respond to her and hand me the letter to deliver to her." "How is it that you know Dame Mulder?" "She is my friend, Sir. Her husband and I are VERY close, and since she is his wife, I am close with her now. My mother is the house keeper of their home. I live there with them." Eric took the letter opener and invaded the envelope, his eyes falling on Dana Scully's familiar writing. "Eric, I am so sorry that I did not respond to your last letter, I did not want to cause anyone trouble. I was very foolish this night, I was caught breaking into General Travenier's desk, and they threaten a public beating... but Mulder and I were able to avoid that. He is all right, it was just I that they caught. All they know is that he married a very rebellious English woman. A very stupid one, also. I want to save Mulder from abandoning his mission for me, I beg of you, Eric, please help me... all is lost if I do not find my way to safety. I have a few months left, there are French spies all around us and I am confined to Mulder's estate. I need to get out of Paris, I need to get out if France! You are the only one I can turn to, mon ami, please respond quickly. au revoir, Dana Eric sighed, closing his eyes, "Oh, my God. What are we to do?" The young boy stood there silently, "Sir?" "Stay here, let me write her a reply." Quickly he took out a pen and paper, scribbling down his response. "Dana, Of course I will aid you in your escape from this disaster. Next time, dearest, please listen to my advice. I will always be here to help you and you may always depend on me. A ship is leaving for London twelve days from tomorrow, I will be on it and you with me. I will see what I can do to lighten the blow of the army, do not fear, ma chere, I will do everything I can and you will be returned home safely. A tout a l'heur, Eric." He stuffed the paper in an envelope and handed it to the child, "Give this only to her, understand me?" The boy nodded, "Yes, Sir." "Go now, and thank you for coming so quickly." The boy was escorted to the door by the valet and Eric collapsed into his chair, "What are we going to do?" Mulder was sitting alone in the dinning room, the fire crackled in the corner and the servants had all retired for the night. He buried his face in his hands, He had promised her a safe passage back home... but in reality, there was no way he could assure that. He worried about her so much. He didn't want to leave the estate, just in case if the soldiers came for her while he was away. His eyes fell on the meal he had abandoned, it was now cold and just thinking about eating it made him ill. He had to see her, speak with her so they could plan a course of action. Standing up, he walked up the short flight of stairs to her bed chamber, he did not knock, just in case if she was sleeping. Taking out the key link from his pocket, he found the key to Dana's chamber and unlocked the door. The fire was burning bright and the room was pleasantly warm. Dana sat at the window, wearing a white night gown. A gasp escaped her when she saw him, "Mulder?" She immediately reached to cover herself with her robe. He closed the door behind him, "Are you feeling all right?" Her red hair was hiding her cheek, where he had hit her. "I'm fine." In a few steps he was at her side, pulling her hair back with his hands, "Don't move." Once more, he inspected the damage he had inflicted upon her. "I'm so sorry..." He whispered. She lowered her eyes, "Why are you here?" "We need to discuss what we're going to do now. I'm sure they'll be watching you all the time, to see that you do not leave the estate. I'm not sure how I can get you out of here without the servants learning of it." She bit her lower lip, "I want you to leave me." "What?" He frowned. "I'll do what I can to get out of here on my own, but I don't want your aid." "You mean just leave you? Of course not, you're my partner, Dana!" He hissed. She pulled back, "You can't jeopardize the mission, you know you can't. If you try to help me, it'll only increase their chances of catching you and killing you also. The worst I'll get is a public beating... you can tell them that I tricked you into thinking I was with child." He took her small hands into his, "No, when Marchand gives a beating, you'll wish you were actually dead, Dana! It's never a simple whipping, it's torture that lasts for days. I know of men who have killed them selves to get away from it. I'd rather take your place than let you go through all that." He pulled her into his arms. Dana buried her face in his shoulder, "I can't let you do this...." He hugged her tighter, "Please stop it, Dana. I will have a message sent to Skinner and he will send someone for you, and I will take care of the rest." He kissed her temple. She pulled back to look at him, "What if you are captured?" He smiled faintly, "Better me than you, Dana." "No, the risk is too great. You are mad, Skinner will be furious that you threw all this hard work away to help me-" He silenced her with a kiss, he held her close to him, cradling her head with his hand. "Dana," he said in a whisper, "I will die before I let them lay a hand on your pretty head." She found the beating of her heart alarming, and the lack of oxygen was doing her no good. "Mulder-" He kissed her again, "I've told you to call me Fox." "F-Fox..." Suddenly she had lost her thought and had nothing to say. He pressed his forehead against hers, "Dana, we will find a way. And I am willing to throw this mission out the window if it means keeping you out of harm's way." She was such fool, the tears spilled down her cheeks, "Fox." He smothered her face in kisses, "Do not cry, ma chere, it makes me cry." He said the words in French. He helped her stand and led her to the bed, laying her down very gently. She wiped her tears with the sleeve of her night gown, but she remained silent. He ran his fingers through the strands of red hair and smiled down at her, "We have been married almost two months and yet we have never done this." She blushed, "M- Fox... I've never....b-been with any-" He silenced her with his fingers, a smile on his face, "It's all right, sweeting, there is a first time for everything." He whispered into her ear, sending chills down her spine. END of 2/? All comments and feedback to powder_puff@hotmail.com Subject Life Times Secrets All Around 3/? She sighed when the dawn came, a small moan escaped his lips, "I dread morning." She grinned, turning over to look at him, "There is no way to avoid it." Mulder closed his eyes, "We can spend the morning here... in bed." Dana felt him wrap his arms around her, "Fox, the servants will notice that we are on good terms... we aren't supposed to be. After all, I did break into your superior's desk." He kissed her shoulder, "Don't think of that anymore, Dana." "How can I not? I've ruined everything-" "I'll have to distract you then." He kissed her neck, her shoulders and her arms. She let out a whimper, "Fox, get up, we don't want to waste time." There was a knock at her door and both of them jumped, "Who is it?" Dana called. "Dame Mulder, it is Jean-Paul. I must speak with you." The child's voice sounded urgent. Mulder quickly leapt out of the bed, getting back into his clothes that were thrown onto a chair. Dana slipped into her gown and wrapped the robe around her, she glanced back at him to see if he was ready, then unbolted the door. Jean-Paul stood patiently waiting. She ushered him in, "Good morning, Jean-Paul." "Good morning, Dame Mulder," he turned to look at Mulder standing by the window, "Good morning monsieur Mulder." "Hello, Jean-Paul. How are you?" Mulder asked smiling. "Very good, Sir." He turned back to Dana, handing her the envelope. "What is this, Jean-Paul?" Mulder questioned, taking the envelope from the child's hand. "A letter for your wife, Sir." The boy answered. Dana bit her lower lip, "Give it to me, Fox." Mulder ignored her and took the letter to the window, "Jean-Paul, who gave you this letter?" "Monsieur-" Jean-Paul was about to reply but Dana cut him off. "Jean-Paul, thank you so very much for giving me this letter. As promised, here is your reward." She handed him a few coins. The boy smiled at her, "Thank you, Madame." "I'll see you down stairs, Jean-Paul." Dana held the door open for him. As soon as she heard him going down the stairs, she reached for Mulder and her letter. He raised it high above his head, "Who is it from, Dana? Jean-Paul said it was from a monsieur." She put her hands on her hips, "You, Sir, are invading my privacy. Give it to me!" Mulder pushed her back, not hard enough to hurt her, but enough to get away from her. She finally gave up, sitting on the bed with her arms crossed, a pout on her face. While she fumed on the other side of the room, Mulder tore open the envelope and read the letter. When he had finished, he crumpled it up and was about to throw it into the fire. Dana grabbed his arm, "Fox, no!" He pulled back, "What are you doing, Dana? Do you not trust me?" She pried the letter from his strong hands and quickly crossed the room to get away from him. He started pacing back and forth in front of the fire, "How could you do this, Dana?" After reading Eric's letter, she turned to look at him, "I did not want you to have to worry about me getting home. I'm taken care of now, you can go about your business." He stomped towards her, taking her by the arms and holding her tight, "I told you, I would protect you!" She pulled away from him, hiding her face with her hair, "Leave this chamber, Mulder." She went back to using his last name. "No, I will not. I will not trust your life and your safety with a Frenchman! We can't trust him." "I am not asking you to trust him, I trust him! This has nothing to do with you. As soon as I am gone, you can forget about me." "I love you, Dana, I could never forget about you!" He shouted. Both stood silent, starring at each other. The British could have invaded and they would not have noticed. "What did you say?" Dana finally asked. "I love you." He said assertively. The world started spinning and Dana had to sit down, "Oh, my." He starred at her, "Dana, I would never make love to a woman that I did not have strong feelings for.... Dana?" "Yes?" "Do you not feel the same way?" She wasn't sure what she could say, "Fox.... I have strong feelings for you also. When you told them that I was with your child, I wished it were true." She whispered. He wrapped her up in his arms, "I can't trust Saulnier with your life, I have to make sure that you are returned back to England without harm." When Dana looked up at him, she saw that he was crying, "Fox? Why do you shed tears?" He shook his head, "I really don't know." She smiled, "I do love you, Fox." "Dana, you might actually be with my child now." "But we've only... once." She blushed crimson. He tilted her chin, "It only takes once." Her heart swelled, a child... his child! Ah, the war. How could she forget? Marchand and Dupuis sat in the office of General Travenier. One of the servant spies they had planted in Mulder's house was waiting in the corner for his turn to speak. Travenier signed some papers and finally turned to his guests, "Now, gentlemen, how may I help you?" Marchand took the lead, "This is Martin Lafon, we had him positioned as a valet in the Mulder house... he has some information that you might find interesting." Travenier turned to the man, "Yes?" "Mon General, I have learned dat Dame Mulder is considering an escape. While I was cleaning her room, I found a crumpled letter on the floor, under her chair. Here it is. From someone named Eric." The General read the letter, letting out a sigh, "Well then... perhaps we should find who this Eric is." "Could he be French?" Dupuis asked. "He could be anyone. We will have men waiting for them on the ship, Dame Mulder will be dragged to prison..." "Mais mon General, she is with child!" Marchand interrupted on Mulder's behalf. "So?" "Sir, Mulder wants his heir, even if she is a spy for the British, the child is still his." "Fine then, she will be treated well in prison until the child is born, but there is no way that I am trusting her outside of the bars." Five days had passed and Mulder knew of no way he could get Dana out, now he was desperate, he would have to meet with Eric Saulnier. "Dana, I am leaving for a bit. I suggest that you spend some time down stairs so the servants are not suspicious." "Where are you going?" She questioned. "I am taking Jean-Paul out for a bit, I will return shortly." He took her small frame into his arms and kissed her, "If anything should happen while I am gone-" "I know what to do, Fox. I'll be fine." He sighed and released her. Then, taking his cloak he left her chamber and searched for Jean-Paul. "Monsieur, where are we going?" The boy asked as Mulder led him to the carriage. When they were safely inside, Mulder turned to him, "Jean-Paul, you and I have been grand friends for many years now, nest-ce pas?" He smiled brightly, "Yes, monsieur. Of course!" "Good then. I am planning a surprise for my wife... and I am in need of your help." "Really?" "Do you remember when you went into Dana's chamber with a letter... it was from a man named Eric Saulnier, is that true?" "Yes, monsieur." "Can you tell me where you got this letter?" "From Saulnier himself, Sir." "Really, would you come with me to his home? Do you know where it is?" "On Rue de Liberation! It is near Marc's home." Mulder knew Jean-Paul's friend, Marc, both were about the same age. "Right then, will you come with me to see Saulnier?" "Yes. Of course!" Mulder grinned, ruffling his hair, "You are one of the truest friends a man could have, Jean-Paul." When the child entered his home for the second time, Eric Saulnier was anxious. But then... the tall man behind him came into view. "Monsieur Saulnier... this is Monsieur Mulder." Eric's heart almost stopped... this was Dana's partner. "Monsieur Mulder, what brings you to my home?" "This is about my wife." He said, his face grim. "What about your wife?" "I need to get her out of France before any harm comes to her." "But of course, Monsieur." "I need you to help me." He added. Eric raised his eye brows, "Really?" "I know that you have been sending letters to my wife... I worry about her very much, I don't want her in France a second longer than she has to be. She's been confined to my estate, getting her out will be difficult." "Yes, Monsieur, it will be. Would you like me to take charge of the matter?" "First of all, I want to know what your relations are with my wife." "Monsieur, I aided her once a few years ago, when ever she is in France, we write to each other. I worry about her as much as you do, Mulder." "Is that all?" "I care for her very much, Mossier Mulder, I will do whatever it takes to return her to London." On the way home, Jean-Paul started asking questions. "Is Dame Mulder leaving us?" "She has to go home, Jean-Paul." "Why? Why are you sending her away?" Mulder put his hand on the boy's shoulder, "It isn't safe for an English woman to stay here, I have to get her out of here." "But why do you not escort her yourself?" "I need to stay here." "Why?" "Jean-Paul, you know that I am a very important man in the Army, nest-ce pas?" "Oui." "Well then, you must understand that I am needed here." "Why did you marry an English woman and bring her here if it was not safe?" "I didn't think, mon petit on." The boy frowned, "What does she say?" "She wants to go home also." "Did she not like her stay here? Does she not like us?" "Jean-Paul, no one could dislike you! Now stop asking questions, we're home now and you have to leave for school." The child knew the discussion was over and would press no more. Mulder, however, was left brooding. Perhaps one day, he and Dana would have children like Jean-Paul. A WEEK LATER Captain Dupuis and half a dozen men waited patiently at the docks, any moment now Dame Mulder would show and so would the mysterious Eric. Marchand had said to escort her to le confinement de femme, a prison for women. And whoever her accomplice was would be sent directly to Marchand. Eric had spotted the men when they arrived, it wasn't hard. Eric Saulnier was a veteran solider, he knew when he saw military men. He left his carriage and searched the perimeter for Dana, she was no where in sight. "You can still not kill an innocent life." "I said I will not harm her until the child has come into the world, you have my word." END of part 3/? Subject Life Times Secrets All Around 4/? Dana was led into a hall way by the guard dressed in the uniform of the French Army. He looked down at her, "Madame." He held the door of her new home open to her. She stepped inside, biting her lips. The room looked like any other room of any chamber in Mulder's Estate. The curtains were blue silk, a canopy bed waited for her and there was a Persian rug on the floor. On the other side of the room was a small desk and candles were set all around. The guard cleared his throat, "Dame Mulder, you are confined to this room. You will not be provided with a maid, so please do not ask for one. You will leave this chamber only when the General allows it.... which shouldn't be too often." Dana turned to the guard, "I'd like to see my husband-" "He will come for you when he has the time." The guard closed the door behind him and Dana heard it being bolted shut from the outside. She immediately raced to the window, she unhooked the latch and threw it open. The only thing that greeted her were bars! Her chamber was on the 5th floor of the prison, far down below she saw a courtyard... the gates were near by. Dana started cursing as she paced the room like a caged animal. Mulder? What was Mulder going to do? What would they do with her when they realized she wasn't with child? She couldn't take it anymore, she threw herself onto the bed and let the river of tears flow down her cheeks. She had failed miserably, she wasn't meant for this. Mulder looked the guard in the eye, "I would like to see Dame Mulder." The guard raised an eye brow, "Does the General know, Sir?" "Let me in now to see her or-" The guard, not waiting for Mulder to finish his threat, handed the man the key, "Major, I can only allow it for a moment." Mulder was satisfied with the guard's flexibility and entered Dana's room. He was surprised that it wasn't an average prison cell.... but they had given her special treatment, she was the wife of a Major and she was with child. After he closed the door Dana threw herself into his arms, "Fox! Oh, God." He wrapped his arms around her, "Shh, don't cry, love." She pulled away from him, "Fox, what are we going to do?" His face became serious, "Dana, I don't know what the hell you were thinking!" He raised his voice. She winced, then it dawned on her... he was acting for the spies. "I will not betray England, Fox!" "Don't call me Fox! Major Mulder to you!" "Well, Major, I don't think you could blame me for doing what I did... for my country." Mulder put his hand on her cheek, "As soon as my heir is born, we'll have no need for you." She remained silent, not knowing what to say. She looked up at him, her eyes pleading for help. "Don't worry, sweeting, I'll do anything to stop them." He whispered. She wiped her tears from her eyes before he could spot them, the two just starred at each other. "Major?" She asked, her voice quivering. "What?" "Didn't you have any feelings for me?" "Of course not." He mouthed the words 'I love you.' Dana's lip quivered, she wrapped her arms around him, "Me, too." She whispered. He stroked her hair, "This is my fault." He whispered to her. "No. It's mine." He pulled away, "I should have found another way, darling, I'm sorry." His voice was now barely above a whisper. "No time for being sorry, Fox." He kissed her on her lips, "I love you, Dana, I'll get you out of here or die in the attempt." "I'm not worth losing a life over-" "I won't hear it." A knock on the door caused them to jump apart, the guard poked his head in, "Major, I'm sorry, but you must go now. The general is waiting for you." Mulder nodded, he looked once more at Dana's tear stained face and followed the guard out. He was led into a small office, where Marchand and the Warden waited for him. "I thank you, Sir, for giving her good living quarters." "I'm not a cruel man, Mulder, although she did deserve one of the dungeon cells... she is your wife and I will treat her well. Dupuis has started an investigation to find this mystery man, Eric, do you have any clue as to who he may be?" "I really have no idea, Sir. I doubt that my wife was having an affair, we weren't here long enough for her to have one. She barely associated with people outside of the army circles... I believe that Eric might be an alias." "Possible, if so, we'll never find the bastard." Marchand mused. "True." "We could interrogate your wife some more-" "She won't reveal the information, Sir, and I'd like to relive her of stress... who knows what she might do to the child just to spite me." "You fear for your child, Mulder?" Marchand seemed curious. "My heir is all that matters." "You'll be a good father, Mulder. If your wife says anything-" "She won't, Sir." "But if she does, you will tell us, nest-ce pas?" "Of course." Mulder replied. The two men parted and Mulder was escorted out of the prison gates and he rode his carriage home to his estate. He had sent a letter to his contact, a man by the name of Byers, pleading for help. He was expecting a reply any day now, Skinner had to be informed. Mulder still had to get the plans from Travenier.... that task remained hanging over this head! Byers examined the letter, then handed it to his companion. Langley, after reading it, passed it onto Frohike. The three starred at each other, "Damn it! I thought Scully was trained for this-" Langley paced in front of the fire. Frohike sighed, "I suppose everyone makes mistakes, hers just cost a lot. And what do you suggest we do?" Byers frowned, "We'll need more people. Mulder seems... desperate. Quick, have a message sent to Skinner and inform him of our current dilemma. He'll be so upset." Langley yawned, "It just goes to show you, never trust a woman to do a man's job." Byers coughed, "I have no thing against women, but I don't think a war is a place for Miss Scully. Damn the bastard Carrings for putting her there. She is too young, not even twenty!" "They needed a young pretty thing in there to blind the Generals." Frohike muttered. Langley thought for a second, "I don't understand why they put her there, and why she was forced to marry Mulder." Byers explained the situation to his colleague, "You see, they wanted her to get to the Generals, they wouldn't suspect a pretty face. Of course, they wanted her to be unfaithful to her 'husband' and get information. There was no quick way of getting her to the top so fast, so they married her off to Mulder. This immediately put her into the General's eyes... but things didn't work out as well as they expected." "I'll say!" Frohike poked at the fire, making the ashes and sparks fly. Langley stood up, "Well, when they learn that she isn't with child, she's dead. We must get her out by the end of two months... the General isn't THAT blind." "Gentlemen, the lady could die if we should fail to extract her from the prison." Byers muttered. Langley fell silent, Frohike spoke up, "We'll just have to get the girl out." Walter Skinner started tearing his desk apart, he was so furious! His two agents had gotten themselves into trouble, he was doomed! A letter had been sent to him by Byers and the news was all bad! He had it arranged for other agents to go down and aid them. Eric Saulnier was not of the English army, but he was a friend of Dana's and they could count on his help. Skinner had sent two other agents who were in Paris, Carrings, the man who had trained Dana, and Jason Harrods. With some luck, they would be able to get the mission accomplished with no lives lost. He'd hate to see any harm come to Miss Scully... Lady Mulder. Eric Saulnier was tearing papers and throwing them into the fire. He had asked Mulder to meet him, he was so worried about Dana. Mulder entered his library, escorted by the valet. "Saulnier!" He shouted, charging at Eric. Eric jumped back, the valet came to his aid. "Mulder, I'm sorry! I didn't mean for this to happen, it's all my fault!" Eric started rambling. "MY WIFE IS IN PRISON!" He shouted, "She'll be killed!" "It's going to work out, I know it! You bought us some time with your story that she was pregnant... a few months at best. We'll find a way, Mulder." Mulder pulled himself free of the valet's grasp, "You failed us! What happened!" "They got to her first! One of the servants in your house told the General and they beat her there. I should have planed an escape route for Dana-" "You just planned one for yourself, Saulnier! You left her, there!" "No, I didn't! I was forced to leave of I would have died! At least with me on the outside, she has one more chance of making it home. I want the best for her, and I want to help her home. She shouldn't have been in this war in the first place!" Mulder fell silent, "What will we do?" "I have uniforms of the guards, we have our ways in... it will take some planning, but I know we can pull her escape off." Marchand entered the prison chamber, he smiled at the sleeping form of Dana Mulder. Without thinking, he told the guard to leave for a short break and he bolted the door. With silent steps, he made his way over to her bed and sat down beside her. Her dress was layered and yellow. Marchand let his hand travel up her ankle, to her hip. Her whole body went stiff and she sat up, "Fox!" Marchand raised his brow, "I'm afraid that I am not your husband, Dame Mulder." She pulled back from him, leaping off the bed, "What are you doing here?" He crossed his arms over his chest, "I do what I feel like. I don't have to answer to you." He stood up and walked towards her. Dana pulled back, "What do you want?" "Just you, Dame Mulder." He took her hands into his. Dana's mind was spinning. She let him kiss her, she let him wrap his arms around her. Her heart beated a thousand beats a second and she was turning crimson. She had to get out of here... one way or another, this might just be her escape route. The knock on her cell door caused the General to relent. "WHO IS IT?" He snapped. "Mon General, it is Captain Dupuis!" The General started cursing the man as he went to open the door, "What do you want?" "Sir, what are you doing-" "Interrogating the witness... what is it that you want?" "I just had some questions about..." Dana could not hear the rest of their conversation, but the General gave her a final glance and closed the door behind him. She immediately went to see if it was locked, some faint flicker of hope... the hope was smashed when the handle failed to turn. She slammed her hand against the wall, "Damn it!" Jean-Paul approached Mulder, "Monsieur, where is Dame Mulder?" Mulder sighed, "She's gone, Jean-Paul." "But where?" "She went to visit some friends. I need to speak with her maid, Shana." Jean-Paul went to go fetch the maid that Dana had brought with her, she followed the boy down the steps. "Yes, Sir?" "Shana, I'm sending you back to England." "But why? I was havin' fun 'ere." "It's not good for you to stay. I'll have arrangements for tomorrow, you will be sent to London with an escort. Pack your things, and pack some things for my wife." "Is she goin' with me?" "No, she won't be. But she will need things for where she IS going." Shana asked no questions and followed the orders. Jean-Paul looked at him once more, "Is the Lady dead?" "No, Jean-Paul! Of course not! She just... can't be here." The child was obviously confused and curious, but Mulder refused to answer questions. "Will I see her again?" Mulder sighed, "No, Jean-Paul, she isn't safe here. You know I work for the Grand Army?" "Yes." "Because of me, she isn't safe. So I'll be sending her home soon, and her maid Shana must go now." Jean-Paul would have continued to ask questions but his mother called him, "I'm sorry, Monsieur, that he troubles you so much." The old woman faintly smiled. Mulder ruffled the child's hair, "I adore this child, so does my wife... we enjoy his company." Mulder thought that perhaps he and Dana could have had a little one like Jean-Paul. Maybe there still was a chance. General Travenier and his wife sat across from each other at tea. He handed her some cake and she refused it politely. "Melissa, why are you so silent?" "I was worried about Major Mulder, his wife's betrayal and all..." "The poor man, didn't deserve a wench like her. But he does find her a pretty thing, so at least he had his time." "I heard she was with child." Melissa sipped her tea. "Where from?" "Claire Dupuis, the Captain's sister. He was blurting it all to her and she started spreading the gossip." "Damn it, that woman never can shut up!" Travenier seemed irritated. "Darling, if she is with child, what are you going to do with her?" Melissa questioned. "Nothing at this point in time. Marchand seems to feel that the owes Mulder something, so he lets Dana Mulder live until the child is born. She has very fine quarters on the 5th from of the woman's prison and is treated like a queen there. Of course, visits are limited. Did you ever meet Mulder's wife?" "Yes, once at the last social gathering. Briefly, she seemed very shy." "Well, the woman has spunk. She broke into my desk and ruined everything. I had to have everything moved out." "What did she get into?" Melissa asked innocently. "Steam boat papers, nothing of your interests, sweetheart." He wiped his mouth with a napkin. "You did move them, though, right?" "Of course." "Where to?" "A vault in my study... why are you asking, Melissa?" "Oh, just making conversation." She put on a blank face and starred down at the tea cup as if it would reveal to her the mysteries of the universe. He raised his brow, a smile spread across his face, "I'll see you for dinner, love, until then." He put his hand on her cheek and kissed her mouth, then departed for the carriage. She quickly sat up and left the breakfast room, rushing to her chamber. END of 4/?