Chapter 14

Over time, I discovered the backstory of my cottage friends, a tale filled with trials that left a deep mark on me, given my own lack of experience with the world.

De Lacey, the elderly man, hailed from a respected French family, enjoying years of prosperity and respect. His children, Felix and Agatha, were well-bred, living in Paris amidst luxury and high society, until their downfall caused by Safie's father, a Turkish merchant who, for unknown reasons, fell out of favor with the French government. His arrest and death sentence, on the day Safie arrived in Paris to join him, sparked outrage due to its unfairness, seemingly influenced more by his religion and wealth than any real crime.

Felix, witnessing the merchant's trial, vowed to save him, driven not by the Turk's promises of riches but by a deep sense of justice and, eventually, a love for Safie. Despite initially rejecting the offer of Safie's hand as a reward, Felix's resolve to help her father escape grew as he fell in love with her through her letters, which conveyed gratitude and lamented her fate.

Safie's letters, which I managed to copy, expressed her deep admiration for her Christian Arab mother, who had instilled in her a yearning for freedom and a disdain for the restrictive life awaiting her in a harem. Safie dreamed of a life in the West, where she could live freely and marry Felix.

The escape plan involved Felix smuggling Safie's father out of Paris, leading them to Lyons and then to Leghorn, Italy, where they planned to part ways. Safie chose to stay with her father until his departure but was determined to marry Felix, cherishing the freedom and love he represented.

However, the Turkish merchant had other plans, fearing the union with a Christian and planning to flee with Safie without fulfilling his promise. Felix's attempt to save his family from the repercussions of his actions failed, leading to their impoverishment and exile, while the Turk and Safie left Italy, leaving Felix a small sum of money in a mocking gesture of support.

Felix's misery stemmed from this betrayal and the loss of Safie, whom he believed he would never see again. Yet, Safie's arrival rekindled his hope and happiness, defying her father's wishes to forget Felix and return to Turkey. Determined to join her lover, Safie traveled to Germany, overcoming obstacles and the death of her companion along the way.

This narrative, filled with themes of betrayal, love, and the struggle for freedom, profoundly affected me, highlighting my own isolation and the complex interplay of human relationships and societal constraints. It deepened my affection and respect for the cottagers, despite the pain of knowing I could never fully be a part of their world.