The carraige barely missed Chen Li as it came hurling towards her.  If she hadn't stepped back it would have killed her, which it would seem was the drivers intention.  Had Francois betrayed her? Had he really tried to run her down with her own equipage?

She watched from shadow of the tree lined street as it came to a sudden halt.  A man she didn't recognize jumped down from the seat.  Francois hadn't double crossed her after all.  The man looked back, and Chen Li stepped out to reveal herself.  His eyes grew wide from the sight of her.  After a minute of paralyzing shock, he took off running in the other direction.  Although it was dark, she could see his fear.   He knew who she was, and what she was capable of doing to him.  She let him go.

It mattered not, he was the least of her worries.   He was not worth pursuing.  He was nothing more than a local thug, he wouldn't be a danger to her anymore.  He had attempted what he was paid to do, and failed.  He would be found dead on the morrow.  The organization was not in the habit of leaving anyone who could bare witness to their crimes.   She almost felt sorry for the man, almost.

She hurried over to the coach to seize the horses reigns to calm them. "Whoa girl," she said to the mare, tightening her reign as she began to prance.  "Shhh, there now," She softly whispered to get the fille to calm down.  The gelding next to her was much calmer, but he would take his cue from the mare.   It wouldn't do if they were spooked and attempted to run.  Without guidance the carraige could overturn and destroy all.  An accident like that would mame the animals.  It would be devastating, as she couldn't bear having to put them down.

As she was about to climb up into the seat she heard groaning coming from inside.  She opened the carraige door to find her devoted servant sprawled upon the floor.  The back of his bald head bashed and bloodied. 

"Francios? Mon dieu! What have they done to you?"  She asked, not really expecting an answer as the poor man could barely move.  She pressed her handkerchief to his head and attempted to lift him.  "Viens. Come my friend. Let me help you up.  Oui?"

"Merci, Madame, but I do not deserve your 'elp or pity. I am a disgrace."

"Non.  You have done no such thing.  There wasn't anything you could have done.  You were struck from behind, it is not your fault.  Now sit here and we will get you home and tend to your head."

"Non!  I can not allow you to drive me.  Why it is not at all proper madame."

"Francios, I'm am honored by your kind words, however you of all people know I am not one for propriety.  Now, sit back and rest my friend.  I must get you home to your wife before she worries.  She will see to the injury to your head and your pride.  Oui?"

"Oui, Madame."

*******

Marioselle checked on Sean one last time.  He was resting now, as the doctor had given him another sleeping tincture.   The fever that claimed him earlier had seemed to have abated a bit.  He was still warm, but his color was improving and his breathing had steadied.  She prayed he wouldn't take a turn for the worse.  She had seen many die from such an malady. 

Most doctors would attempt to bring down the fever of their patients, but were ultimately clueless when it came to treatment for ague.  Many of them believed bloodletting was the answer. However, Dr. Williams did not.  He condemned the practice, as archaic and unnecessary.   Therefore, Marioselle had faith that the unorthodox physician knew what he was about.  After sending up another prayer for a speedy recovery she kissed his brow and left the cabin.  There wasn't anytime to linger, she had a job to do.

Ian was waiting for her on deck. Standing beside him was a peculiar looking man.   He was extremely tall and wirey, with dark wrinkled skin and a balding pate.  He looked ancient.  His clothing was foreign and unconventional.  It was interesting to say the least.  The french would consider him outre', strange and unusual. Marioselle found him intriguing.

He was wearing a long patterned skirt tucked and folded down at the waist, and a black silk coat over a white cotton shirt.  A scarf-like turban completed his quirky look.  However, the staid, yet fierce look in his eyes told her this man wasn't one to be trifled with.  She hoped he was on her side.

"Ian." She addressed as she made her way in front of him.  Are you ready?"

"Yes. I believe we are.  I would like you to meet my friend U Aung.   Aung will be aiding us in our little venture tonight."

Marioselle wasn't sure how to respond. The man wasn't royalty, though his demeanor and dress was not that of a common crew member.  Did one curtsy, or bow from the waist? Or did one simply shake hands?  As if he had read her mind, the man stepped back, placed his palms together, fingers steepled, and slightly bowed at the waist.  Thankful for his understanding of her social fuax pas, she immediately returned his gesture in kind. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you U Aung.  I only wish it were under better circumstances.  Are you certain you wish to accompany us? I dont wish to put anyone else in danger."

"Unfortunately one can never determine one's circumstances milady.  Fate however, has a way of bringing us together in our time of need.  It is my pleasure to be here when your time is now.  I am your humble servant."

"Thank you, U Aung.  I am grateful for your assistance.  Shall we set out then?" She asked, looking to both men.  "It's already been several hours since we left the ball.  I just pray we are not too late."

"Do not worry Marioselle, we will find her.  Aung knows the lower part of Paris like the back of his hand.  We will track her down in no time."

"I certainly hope so," she replied, as they climbed into the hackney.  She wasn't feeling as optimistic as Ian.  He hadn't met Chen Li, she had, and the girl didn't strike Marioselle as someone that could be easily found if she didn't want to be.