Chapter 128, "The Concert", September 13, 1882, 6:30 PM.
Callum asks, "So, are you looking forward to the concert? Are you familiar with any of his works?" Abby replies, "I'm not, sadly. I love music, but I'm mostly familiar with the music from home. New Orleans has such a rich tradition of it's own. But I'm looking forward to hearing something new. And I've rarely had the chance to hear large ensembles like this." They soon approach the site of the prior Paris World's Fair. The massive two-towered building where the concert will take place is awe-inspiring.
Abby silently watched as they approached the building. She reminded herself that the Parisians attending this concert probably thought very little of the grandeur of the building. "Hmm. I think they were compensating for something," she finally said, dryly. He laughs "Famous last words. You may regret uttering them, given the fact that the host of the next World's Fair in 1884 is the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Let's see how extravagant they'll be! Despite the grandeur of this building it actually turned out to be overshadowed at the fair by Bartholdi's statue of Lady Liberty, that giant statue that will be erected in New York Harbor in a few years. The torch and arm of that statue was displayed in '76 at your country's Centennial Exposition in New York. Well for the '78 World's Fair here in Paris they had completed the head, neck and upper chest of the statue which was put on display."
She waved her hand carelessly. "Well really, how does one compete with the disembodied upper torso of a gigantic woman? I'm sure N'awlins will have nothing like it. We do everything extravagantly, darlin'," she said, her full New Orleans accent on display. "It's the only way to live." "I agree," he says. "Although you are actually right about this hall. I doubt that tonight's concert will fill even one-tenth of the seating capacity." "It was made for an event that would hold those numbers of people," she said, not bothering to suppress her accent anymore. "But it would have been wise of the architects and engineers to design the building so it could be modified after the fair to contain several smaller theaters that would be of more use to the city in the future." Cal replies, "Not everybody looks beyond tomorrow."
They exit the carriage at the main entrance and proceed to the concert hall. Callum pays in cash for their admission and they enter the grand building. A clock near the entrance way indicates that the performance will begin in another thirty minutes. They find seats near the front center. Callum's estimate appears to be accurate, as only one seat in twelve look to be occupied. "Well, we won't have to worry about being crowded," Abby said as they settled in. She took a look around the crowd. One of the reasons Cal had wanted to come tonight was to be seen supporting the arts in Paris, and she was curious as to how noticed he actually was here in Paris.
Based upon the number of looks that his attire is receiving he has indeed been noticed. The two front rows appear to be filled with the current aristocracy of Paris. The 45-piece orchestra head out from the side of the stage and begin to take their places. The string sections begins to warm up. Abby dropped her voice now, not feeling the need to be overheard by the current aristocracy of Paris. "Your Scottish pride does seem to have done the trick. Are you usually much noticed in Paris? Would the local gossip columns be happy to have an item about you in them?"
He says, "They wrote about me a little when I first arrived, but after that I became old news. I'm not all that flashy, although more so than either of my cousins, plus neither of them have the last name of Stuart. People around here do still remember when the family hosted Queen Victoria, even though that was ages ago." "Considering what your profession has been, that was probably a good thing. You know, I've studied the lives of Kings and Queens and noblemen, but I suppose I still can't really imagine what it's like. I'm sorry if I've been asking questions as if you were a case study," she chuckled. "My own life is just so different from what yours must have been. So enough of that. Is music something you enjoy for its own sake?"
He replies, "I do, and I met Jacques Offenbach three years ago, when his final opera, Tales of Hoffman, was performed here. He was quite popular in this city and is deeply missed. They initially did a multi-day tribute performance for him last year, each night featuring different operettas and ballets. Tonight's performance is actually a sampling of his full range of work, including some of his earlier cello compositions. He began his career as a concert cellist." Abby says, "I do love an opera. I haven't seen one in years. And cello is such a gorgeous instrument. I've always preferred the lower-toned instruments; cello, French horn, bass. I'm curious to hear the cello pieces."
Cal says, "The operetta, a short-form opera, was practically invented by him. He was an interesting man. He totally opposed the notion that musicians should also study magic, feeling that bards were essentially cheaters, using spells to supplement deficiencies in their musical ability. He felt that a true artist would be able to stand on their own without needing to tap into the energies of ley-lines of the world. That meant he was not a friend of those wizards we met in Egypt, which also makes it safe for us to be here tonight without fear that the Empress and her new husband will see us."
Abby says, "I don't know that I would call it cheating. Although I do agree that a musician should strive for the very greatest excellence they can achieve without magic. After that, a bit of magic here and there and enhance an experience is no harm. But music has its own magic; we have to be careful not to obscure that. I hadn't considered being seen by the Empress... But of course I was not hiding my identity either." Callum says, "I am not overly concerned. She and Duruy both thought me to be a French Foreign Legion solider, essentially a lackey, so would not have paid very much attention to me. Even if they see a picture of me here tonight I sincerely doubt they will make the connection. However, if they actually saw me here with you, that would be something else entirely. I've been careful in picking the places for our visits in the city."
Abby says, "If it weren't for my testimony against some of their people, I'd say they wouldn't have paid much attention to me, either. Mrs. Parker and Mr. Eastman are the well-known ones, and Miss West... well, let's just say she has a manner that draws eyes. It all allows me to keep to the shadows when it might be to my benefit. It's nice to draw a few eyes myself now and then, though," she said, glancing around the theater. "I'm surprised you were willing to let me come into the city shopping on my own." He says, "I doubt that the Empress goes shopping in those stores. The clothiers come to her." "I'm sure they do," she laughed. "Someday I'll retire back to America after some fantastic find and make the clothiers come to me, too."
"Do you know any of these people?" she asked, indicating the rows ahead of them. "You haven't spent much time here lately." He replies, "Personally, no, with one exception. But I do recognize many of them. You are currently in the company of two dukes, one count, one marquis, three viscounts, three barons, and nearly a dozen castellans. Among the non-nobles are dozens of wealthy businessmen of Paris and even more musicians of varying degrees of fame." She comments, "When the house is full of other musicians; that's when you know you're in for a good show."
A very exquisitely dressed Frenchman comes out on stage and the house lights dim. He gives a short biography of Offenbach, with a little more detail that Callum had explained earlier. He says that the works will be played in chronological order. The first piece is a Cello composition written in 1848 titled "Concerto Militaire in G". It is then followed by an orchestra piece featuring an excellent flute solo from 1851 titled "Le Joueur de Flute". The next piece she is familiar with, "Le barbier de Seville" from the 1852 French opera of the same name. The introduction explains that music from the play is primarily credited to the main songwriter Antonie-Laurent Baudron, although Offenbach assisted him and was the primary author of this specific piece. This composition runs for a good half-hour. The lights go back on and the first of two planned intermissions is announced.
Just as she had disappeared into books that afternoon, Abigail disappeared into the music. Anyone looking at her could see her rapt attention. Abby was moved not only by the beautiful music, but the obvious joy the musicians took in making it, even if it was not the boisterous happiness usually on display in New Orleans. Once the lights came up, she turned to Cal. "Care to stretch your legs? Or would you prefer to avoid the chance of conversations with the patrons?"
He replies, "What I want is irrelevant. I appear to have been spotted by that one 'exception' I cited earlier and he is heading this way. Photographers appear to be following him, so if you don't want to be in tomorrow's newspapers you may want to move away from me." Abby looks across the room and sees that a hefty man with a thin mustache and thick mutton chops is storming in their direction with a big smile on his face. He is wearing a wool military-style uniform festooned with medals, gold braid and a gold belt. She does not immediately recognize the country he is from. He has an entourage of six men with him, two in uniform and four in suits. A pair of men carrying cameras are indeed following.
"Oh, I AM curious... but it's probably better if I don't show up in the papers. At least not until after we're airborne again. I'll just go stretch my legs and come back in a few minutes." She moved nonchalantly away, hoping to find a nearby spot to listen from, but still wary of the cameras. From a short distance away she watches as the bear of the man approaches and loudly exclaims in French with a distinctly Russian accent "Cal! Wonderful to see you!" He then grabs Callum in a huge bear hug. The photographers instruct both men to "Hold that pose" as they set up their cameras and take pictures. Abby had to admit that a burly uniformed Russian hugging a Scotsman in a kilt was probably going to be the most interesting photograph from this evening.
She hears them exchange small talk, the Russian speaking of his four children, the youngest having been born in January. Callum tells him (and the reporters listening in) that his days have been spent primarily managing the Stuart family farm east of Paris. He says that the harvest will be coming in soon, but until then he thought he might have time for a night off to attend the concert. The Russian loudly exclaims, "And you still have not visited me! My bride and children have never had the chance to know you. I insist that you make a trip to Saint Petersburg before the year is done." "I may just do that," the Scotsman replies. The Russian kisses Callum on both cheeks and says, "I should go sit back down. It is wonderful to see you again my eternal friend!" The man, his entourage, and the photographers exit.
Abby waited a few minutes to return. She strolled through the theater, smiling a bit while she thought over the Russian's effusive greeting. The story would be forthcoming, but it was amusing to imagine how Cal had met that bear of a man and earned such affection. The few minutes alone gave her a chance to admire the architecture of the place. She had teased Cal earlier, but it really was a beautiful building, and well worth taking some time to examine. Once she felt enough time had passed to alleviate any suspicion that she had left to avoid meeting the big Russian, she headed back over to her seat.
The lights flicker, indicating that the intermission is coming to a close. Callum has been talking to people seated near them, who had not been inclined to talk to him prior to the Russian's visit but now seem interested in him. Abby gave them a slight smile and a nod as she took her seat. "I'm glad you haven't been lonely while I've been gone," she said quietly. "You will tell me all about how you met that man later, I hope. I've been having a look at the theater, it's quite lovely." "Yes to both," is his reply.
The second portion of the show begins with a female vocalist singing the 1852 song "Les Voix Mysterieuses". This is followed by a 1954 piano dance piece titled "Decameron Dramatique", which originally comprised ten separate pieces of which three are played. Next is a ballet piece titled "La Belle Helene" which he co-wrote in 1855 with composer Louis Aubert, during which ballet dancers take the stage.
This portion of the show is then concluded with a one-act operetta from 1856 titled "La Rose de Saint-Flour". In the introduction it is stated that Offenbach was the king of the operetta, short one and two act operas, and that in his lifetime he composed and produced over one-hundred of them, of which this was his twentieth. The play features three main actor/singers, a female soprano whose character is named Pierrette, a male baritone plays a cobbler named Chapailloux and a male tenor plays a coppersmith named Marcachu. The operetta includes considerable dancing in its eight scenes. The plot is rather simplistic, comprised of the two men competing for Pierrette's affections, with them each replacing her broken cooking pot as well as other gifts.
As the lights came up for the second intermission, Abby leaned over to Cal. "I didn't expect to see a whole operetta tonight!" she said excitedly. "Truly, this has been far more than I expected. Thank you for bringing me. The music and dancing have been superb." He says, "Offenbach was well loved here in Paris. For his memorial concerts the entire hall was filled every night. While this tribute is less well attended, the people here are here for the right reasons. I am glad that we were in town when this took place, an unexpected surprise. And the best is probably yet to come, as he is best known for this later works. I am curious what they have selected from the last quarter-century of his life."
"So am I," she smiled. "It's going to be ridiculously late by the time we get back to the farm. Not that I have anything to be up for in the morning. Tomorrow evening it's back to reality." He replies, "Not that late. This performance may have started at what would be considered the regular theater time in New York or London, however in Paris shows and concerts normally begin a few hours later. This was earlier due to the planned length, which is most-likely what suppressed the attendance.
But yes, we are no rush to awaken tomorrow since we will not be departing until after sunset. However, I do want to leave sufficient time to show you what we have in the adjacent barn." "You know, to an innocent American like me, showing a girl something in the barn means something completely different," she smirked. He smiles and says, "Who is to say which meaning I had?" "Well, aren't we cheeky today," she laughed. "I'm sure I'll be thrilled to see whatever it is you want to show me."
After a few moments she asked, "So, why the photographers with your friend?" Cal says, "Who? You mean the Grand Duke Vladimir? Probably because his brother Alexander is the Czar of Russia." She waved her hand carelessly. "Oh, that would explain that, then. How did you happen to meet a member of the Russian royal family? And make him like you so much?" Callum casually says, "I saved the life of his father, Czar Alexander II. Possibly Vladimir's life as well as they were together. They were with the French Emperor Napoleon III, so he also might have been killed. I was ten years old at the time."
Abby says, "I think I've lost the capacity to be surprised when you drop that kind of thing. You aren't going to just leave it there, are you? Details, man!" Callum answers, "On June 6, 1867 here in Paris, there was an assassination attempt against the Czar. It was in all the papers. The start of the 1867 World's Fair in Paris was marred by a Polish nobleman named Antoni Berezovsky's pointing a double barreled pistol at open carriage that the Czar, his son, and the French Emperor were riding in. The official story is that the gun malfunctioned and blew up in the assassin's hands. The Czar's son Vlad was the only one who saw what really happened, that the gun exploded after being hit by a magic missile spell thrown by a young Scottish boy in the next carriage."
Abby says, "He obviously made an effort to find you, and keep in touch with you after all these years. So while I'm sure he's grateful, he must just flat out like you as well." Cal replies, "He approached me immediately after it happened, astutely deducing that his bringing attention to what I had done would cause great embarrassment to my family given the attitude towards wizard magic in the British Isles. Vlad and I have been good friends since then, and often timed our visits to Paris to coincide. In many ways he's like the older brother I never had. He introduced me to many 'firsts' in my life, although with Paris as the backdrop, that isn't necessarily hard to do. I will say this, that day had a very profound influence on my life. I would not be here now, or in my profession for the past several years, had it not been for what happened then."
She asks, "Will you really go to St. Petersburgh at some point?" He replies, "I really should. I visited there once with my father when I was twelve and Vlad was twenty-two. I met Vlad's brother then, although he didn't become the Czar until their father was killed early last year. nfortunately due to my father's presence that trip was far more formal that I would have liked it to be. I have not made it back there since, my work always interfered. would truly love to meet his family. He has written me and sent photographs, but I would like to meet them in person. I guess it's time for me to finally learn Russian, I never had to before as the adult Romanovs all speak fluent French."
Abby says, "Well, as I like you just the way you are, I suppose I owe him a debt. It seems like your father's presence brings down a lot of things that would be fun otherwise. Your work won't be in a position to interfere now, or at least you're in a position to choose work that will let you get there soon. Maybe I'll learn the Russian with you. It's been a while since I picked up a new language, I'm probably getting rusty."
He says, "That would be wonderful, although winter is by far not the best time of year to visit Russia. Napoleon Bonaparte discovered that. Perhaps next summer." "Yes, after a winter visit to Russia you could start a land war in Asia. That always goes well." Abby shivered comically. "Ugh, winter. I do not do winter. I love that my work keeps me away from winter." He says, "Mary Stuart felt the same way, which is why she also had the estate on the sea to the south." "A wise woman," she said. "An estate by the sea sounds infinitely preferable to a cabin knee-deep in snow. Of course, I haven't actually experienced it... maybe I'd change my mind if I did." He replies, "Knee deep snow is something you only have to experience once. fter the first minute it gets old." "And cold, I imagine," she finished drily.
DM's Note: Callum will indeed visit St. Petersburg later in the year as he was later used as a playing character in a Sidewinder Recoiled game set there in December 1882.
Patrons have now all returned to their seats as the orchestra takes their places on the stage and the house lights dim for the final act. Abby sat back, ready for the final part of the night's performance. The final act begins with his 1863 single act operetta "Il signor Fagotto". It is a story of story of a father outwitted and true love winning, and contains a variety of musical styles. It has six singer/actors consisting of three sopranos, one tenor and two baritones. The characters in the story itself are all classical musicians, and their performances include instrument solos in addition to the traditional singing.
The second piece is third of the four acts from the 1864 romantic opera "Die Rheinnixen". This is by far the lightest and most imaginative of the four acts, as the other three have war and tragedy as their themes to emphasize the romance, whereas this act has elves and woodland spirits helping the couple. Next is a piano piece from 1873 titled "Souvenir d'Aix-les-Bains." The final piece is the second and final act from one of his last operettas "La fille du tambour-major" from 1879. It was one of his most successful pieces, having run for 240 performances. In this act the character Stella falls in love with Robert, but her father has promised her hand to a feeble-minded old marquis, Bambini. However, Lieutenant Robert receives the news that Stella is the daughter, not of the duke, but of a French drum-major. The music is exquisite. "Ahh, l'amour. Always so much drama," Abby sighed.
She then adds, "Wonderful for a story, but not so much for real life. I prefer the course of my romances to run a bit more smoothly." Callum says, "I can tell, let's take a look at your current romance shall we? Magically impersonating French actresses, magically flying alone across a desert, swimming towards danger after having your boat magically overturned, escaping from the King's prison, riding horses into palaces under attack, fighting a Viking warrior maiden who transforms into a dragon, boarding enemy ships, blowing up dirigibles, standing in the middle of a battlefield, and taking rides on flying carpets going faster than anything should travel. Is that what you would define as going smoothly?"
Abby says, "Bah, none of that had anything to do with my romance. At no point did someone interpose themselves and tell me who I could or could not love, nor did some arrogant upstart try to steal me away or buy me from my family for a sack of grain and a mule. When some random woman tries to drown me so she can steal my love I'll consider the romance as not going smoothly." He say, "Given everything else in your life as of late, that would be tame by comparison."
Callum comments, "So, on the subject of romance, do you have anybody particular in mind?" "Hmmm," she shrugged. "I've been a little busy for that kind of thing. But I do seem to have a soft spot for a man in a kilt." He replies, "Then I should point you out to my cousin Charles, as he was wearing one today. Although he might be a little old for you." She says, "And he wears overalls. I can't bear a man in overalls," she teased. "Know anyone who wears a kilt and can fly a dirigible?" With a smile he says, "I will have to give that one some thought."
The cast of the performances come out for the curtain call. They are brought out in the order of the performances and are introduced by name as well as their association with Jacques Offenbach being mentioned. Approximately half are mentioned as being the original artist when the piece was initially performed. "So many of the original performers... No wonder it was so excellent," Abby said. "It was worth the long trip." "It was indeed," Callum states.
As the concert ends Callum gestures across the room to the crowds who have now gathered around his friend. He says, "My friend the Prince, correction, Grand Duke, seems to have admirers. Actually, I think the Russian's have something there, the title 'Prince' sounds far more dainty, whereas 'Grand Duke' is very masculine." "It's a good thing you're only going to be a Sir, then. Prince is an impressive enough title for most people," she laughed. "People will faun all over a Prince. Perhaps the advantage is that people keep their fawning a little more dignified with a Grand Duke."
He says, "Well, I am very glad that we came here. The performance was excellent. But there is no reason for us to stay around. That photograph in the papers will be sufficient for my task. Do you want to go somewhere for a bite to eat or would you rather just head back to the castle. Abby replies, "We didn't eat before we left, so it's been since lunch since I ate, and I have no idea if you've had anything since breakfast. I'd say some food is in order." He answers, "Dinner it is then" . They are among the first to depart the elaborate building and start to make their way down the long driveway to the rows of waiting carriages. Callum asks, "So, what do you fell like this evening? We're dressed for anywhere in the city, fancy or otherwise."
Abby replies, "If you think you've satisfied the need to be seen, why don't we go somewhere more casual? My favorite part of a city is almost always just immersing myself in its every day places. But if you have another idea I'm willing to hear it. There is something to be said for hitting the highlights, too." He replies, "I know of a place that might fit the bill for that. It's in the neighborhood where we dropped Maracita off. How is your Spanish? They do speak fluent French there, but Spanish is the preferred language of the establishment." "My Spanish is pretty poor. Its pretty commonly spoken back home, so I've picked up some, but it's rudimentary at best. Which should in no way put us off," she smiled.
He says, "Very good, that's the spirit. And I hope that you enjoy Spanish food. And by that I don't mean the food from Central America and South America that has been influenced by Spain, I mean the food served in the finest restaurants in Barcelona and Madrid." "I haven't the faintest idea, but I'm game. I've rarely met a plate of food I didn't like," she said, leading him away from the theater and toward the carriage.
They are about three-quarters of the way back to the waiting line of parked carriages when a man comes up beside Callum and says softly in French, but loud enough for both to hear: "Mr. Stuart, my employers would like to speak to you and the young lady. Please do not do anything other than accompany me. They do not wish either of you any harm. However, if you do not come with me there are a quartet of armed men who are following that will bring you both considerable harm."
