The rehearsal segment ended, and the actors relaxed.
Gautier-Luzarche wiped the fine sweat from his forehead and walked towards Mounet-Sully.
The two exchanged a few whispered words, evidently pleased with their performance just now.
Brother Duclos stood up excitedly, clapping vigorously:
"Excellent! So touching! Monsieur Sorel! Director Perrin!"
He quickly walked to the front, his voice choked:
"This... this perfectly embodies how the Lord's grace manifests within strict order!
How essential Director Lazi's persistence is! Without his strictness, where would this precious singing come from!
This play is bound to move all believers and make the world understand the arduousness and greatness of the Church's work in nurturing people!"
Lionel and Director Perrin exchanged an unspoken glance.
Lionel smiled:
"Thank you very much for your affirmation, Brother Duclos. I have always hoped to present as much as possible that... erm... complexity in a special environment.
Your understanding is crucial to us."
Brother Duclos gripped Lionel's hand tightly:
"I will report this immediately to Monsignor Vallette! This play is even more successful than I imagined!
It is the best interpretation of faith and values!"
He then cast an appreciative glance at Debussy, who was talking to the actors:
"This young man's music is simply a gift from heaven!"
After seeing off the greatly agitated Brother Duclos, the atmosphere in the rehearsal hall immediately relaxed.
Director Perrin gave Lionel a profound look:
"Monsieur Sorel, you are truly clever, perhaps too clever... I hope you can always be this lucky.
Don't misunderstand, this doesn't concern your creation—The Chorus is a good play and very suitable for the Christmas atmosphere."
With that, he shook his head and left.
----
Brother Duclos's enthusiastic praise and extremely optimistic report had a decisive impact within the "Sisters of St. Martha," just as Lionel had anticipated.
Monsignor Vallette received the report, and although Sister Anna Maria still harbored a trace of unease, in the face of strong conclusions such as "the dramatic effect is profoundly moving" and "it powerfully defends the image of the Church," she could no longer raise any strong objections.
A few days later, Lionel received a formally worded letter from Sister Anna.
[Monsieur Sorel:
May the Lord bless you.
In light of recent multi-party investigations, it has been confirmed that Sister Alice-Clémence Rochard's whereabouts are unknown, and despite a prolonged search, no news has been received.
In adherence to the principles of mercy and understanding, the "Sisters of St. Martha" have decided, following the recommendation of Mother Marcella of "Notre-Dame de Lourdes," to cease further investigation into this matter.
The Church firmly believes that wherever Sister Alice may be, the Lord's mercy will surely guide her path.
Or perhaps, she has been called by the Lord's grace and now rests in the Lord.
We will publish a brief statement in the ecclesiastical notices section of L'Univers this weekend to conclude this matter.
Henceforth, you may rest assured.
May the Lord bless you and your creations.
Sincerely, Anna Maria]
Lionel scoffed after reading the letter:
"Mercy and understanding?"
These two words were filled with a condescending sense of superiority, as if saying:
"Look how magnanimous we are; you should be grateful!"
However, since the previous promise had been fulfilled, Lionel didn't care about the tone.
But a private letter alone was not enough to truly put his mind at ease.
Only when it was printed in black and white in a publicly circulated newspaper, forming an official record, would it count.
This statement would serve as a credential, a piece of evidence that could be used in the future to refute any retraction.
He patiently waited a few days, bought the latest issue of L'Univers, quickly flipped to the final "Ecclesiastical and Other Notices" section, and meticulously searched among the dense small print.
Finally, in an inconspicuous corner, he found the long-awaited statement:
[Notice: Alice-Clémence Rochard, formerly a novice sister preparing for further study at the "Sisters of St. Martha" in Paris (originally from the Laragne diocese, Alpes department), has been completely out of touch since some time ago, and multiple searches have been unsuccessful.
Now, in accordance with relevant procedures, the search for her is hereby ceased, and her novice status is revoked.
May her soul rest in the Lord's embrace. This is hereby announced.]
The statement was carefully and vaguely worded; it neither admitted her escape nor confirmed her death, merely stating "the search is ceased," "her status is revoked," and "may her soul rest."
But this was enough.
This small statement, like an invisible key, finally unlocked Alice's shackles.
Lionel let out a long sigh of relief, his tightly strung heart finally relaxing a little.
He carefully cut out that newspaper page, folded it, and placed it in an envelope—this was proof of Alice's freedom.
Now, it was time to bring her home.
----
The Médan villa in late autumn was bathed in soft, slightly chilly sunlight.
The trees in the garden were either golden or crimson, and fallen leaves covered the paths, rustling underfoot.
The air was fresh and crisp, distinctly different from the murky air of central Paris.
Alice Rochard sat on a garden bench, wrapped in a thick wool shawl, a book resting on her lap.
But her gaze was not on the pages; instead, she looked at the misty tributary of the Seine in the distance, her eyes somewhat vacant.
Although she had found temporary safety, fear still clung to her.
She liked it here; Monsieur Zola and Madame Alexandrine were exceedingly kind to her, but she knew she couldn't rely on others indefinitely.
She could return to Lionel, but she knew she would only bring him trouble.
The sound of a carriage approached from afar, breaking the tranquility of Médan.
Alice looked up and saw Lionel Sorel alighting from the carriage.
A mix of joy, anticipation, and nervousness instantly seized her.
Lionel paid the fare, pushed open the picket gate, and walked along the path.
He wore a thick woolen coat, looking travel-worn, and his gaze quickly fell upon Alice, who was standing up from the bench.
Alice, her voice trembling, said,
"Lion?"
Lionel walked up to her, smiling as he observed her:
"Alice, long time no see. You look well; the air in Médan seems to suit you."
Alice softly said:
"Monsieur and Madame Zola are very kind to me.
Paris... how is it? Everything alright?"
Lionel took out the envelope from his pocket and handed it to her:
"Take a look. This is the statement published in L'Univers."
Alice took the envelope doubtfully and pulled out the newspaper clipping.
When she clearly saw the contents, her hands began to tremble slightly.
She read it several times, seemingly unable to believe her eyes—search ceased? Status revoked? Soul resting in peace?
"You are free, Alice. The 'Sisters of St. Martha' have officially given up their pursuit.
Legally and canonically, Alice-Clémence Rochard is no longer a nun."
Lionel's voice was calm, as if he were stating a most ordinary fact.
A tremendous sense of relief surged over her like a tide, almost making Alice lose her footing.
Tears instantly welled up in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks.
The fear, suppression, and grievances of nearly a year finally found an outlet at this moment.
She covered her mouth and began to sob softly, her shoulders gently shaking.
Lionel did not disturb her, simply standing quietly by, allowing her to release her emotions.
After a while, Alice's emotions gradually subsided.
She wiped away her tears, raised her head, her emerald eyes, though red and swollen, shone brighter than ever:
"Thank you... thank you, Lion... I don't know what to say..."
Lionel smiled:
"You don't need to say anything; this is what I promised you.
However, now that you are free, what are your plans?"
Alice was taken aback, lost in thought once more.
(End of this chapter)
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