"Well perhaps the agreement was not completely without reservations, but I am close. Soon I will convince her, one way or the other."
Nicolette sent another pillow flying through the air.
"My, my, what a little barbarian you are!" Jamie laughed. "This is why I thought your family in direct lineage from Joan of Arc, Laurent."
Even she had to laugh. Jamie lifted her into his arms then carried her to the chair. His breath on her neck caused a shiver, his touch excited her, and she suddenly realized he was indeed overcoming her objections.
Laurent smiled, "Agreed to the betrothal?"
The delight in her brother’s voice gave her pause. He and Jamie proved to be formidable allies. She sighed. Perhaps it was time to change her mind, after all she is a woman. It is her privilege.
"Chere! You said nothing before." questions clearly rose in his gaze. "Tell me, what persuasion did he use to obtain your agreement? You have been so adamant in your refusal until now."
Nicolette could feel her cheeks grow warm again as the silence hung poignantly in the air.
Laurent laughed, "Oh, I see. He has been using some very interesting means of persuasion."
"Laurent!" Nicolette cried out, then threw a dinner roll at him, "How could you insinuate such a thing? Have you become uncivilized as well?"
"I think you must enjoy untamed, primitive men, because you seem to be quite a barbarian yourself, and I believe Jamie is right, sometimes you do seem to be more like Joan of Arc," Laurent dodged another roll.
Nicolette watched Jamie. He enjoyed Laurent’s teasing, they reminded her of two small boys, and she laughed, finally joining in the spirit of fun.
Jamie turned and smiled, "Who are you calling a savage? You threw two rolls at your brother, and now your face is so red that you could be taken for a wild Indian."
Nicolette promptly threw the last roll at him. Unfortunately, Jamie was not as adept at dodging them as Laurent had been, and wine splashed across his face and dripped from his nose when he jerked his arm upward.
They all laughed as he mopped his face. Toward the end of the meal the topic became serious. Laurent spoke of the recent developments in Paris.
"We will be very busy for the next few days, Chere. You must not mind if your betrothed is less than attentive."
"Laurent, you are impossible. I am not betrothed, and if you continue to bate me I will probably injure my ankle again in the chase."
"Chere, never would I taunt you, the banns will be announced tomorrow. Just now, please excuse me. I have business to conclude, and must rise early." He smiled and took her hand. "I love you, Chere. You must trust me. This is the best thing, and you are not as completely against the idea as you say. Even I can see the attraction between you."
Nicolette gasped, "Laurent!"
He laughed, "It is true. Now will you accept your betrothal?"
She could not help the quiver in her lower lip, but when she gazed at Laurent she realized she could not refuse him, "Very well. I accept, but I will never forgive you."
Laurent kissed her cheek, "Chere, you are full of affection for me. You will forgive me, and perhaps even thank me once you accept the seed of love that is beginning to grow within you. Now stay in your bed and rest. It would be very serious indeed if I caused you to injure your ankle even more."
When Laurent left the room, Nicolette became very serious, "Did you tell him what happened? Is that why he is having the banns read?"
Jamie laughed, "Of course not! He would have challenged me to a duel, and I would be dead now, instead of your loving betrothed."
Nicolette smiled then gazed into his deep blues eyes, "Then how did he know?"
Jamie sighed, "He knew nothing, but your blush told him much more than either of us wished to share. You were crimson!"
"And how should I have looked? After all, we were awfully sinful."
Jamie smiled, "Delightfully sinful, and I would be so again. I long to touch you each time you are near."
"You are not to say such things! Do they teach you nothing in the Highlands? It is simply not done, you may not say such things to an unmarried woman."
"I see. But it is perfectly all right to do them," he laughed, the sound echoing around the room. "As I have said before I think you enjoy the untamed, and wish a dangerous man." He picked her up and walked slowly back to the bed. His gaze never left hers then he kissed her deeply. "Good night, sweet Goddess."
She watched him as he left, then closed her eyes. What an enigma! His history fascinated her. First the battle in the meadow, then the experience in the barn, yet he was not what she expected. He could be very gentle, yet there were other times when his anger would flare. She smiled when she remembered his warnings not to tempt his dark side or to disobey his commands. How little he knew of her. She would always do as she wished.
Nicolette could no longer doubt that she would be his wife. She could fight him no longer, not his strength of body, nor his spirit. He was far too strong and a good match for her temper. Nicolette grinned, and, she no longer wanted to fight him or the betrothal.
~ * ~
Two days later she sat at the window, and watched Jamie ride away with two of his men. Just as her brother predicted he was certainly occupied. Her ankle continued to mend, but Marie insisted that she remain undisturbed and in bed.
Jamie had sent Alec to the Highlands to bring more clansmen. Marie was in love and could talk of nothing else, especially in Alec’s absence. Nicolette realized that she felt the same about Jamie. She yearned to hear his deep voice and feel his touch. She longed for moments alone as they had had in the forest, but he had remained a gentleman while they were alone.
Nicolette ran her fingers across her lips and closed her eyes. Those last few minutes alone in the woods had been the most exciting moments she had ever known. "What is wrong with you?" she whispered. "You are a wild one, a wanton."
Laurent had given her absolution and she no longer felt compelled to stay. Understanding that her brother had taken his responsibilities seriously all these years made her concerns seem unimportant. Everything would be taken care of just as they had always been.
She sighed. Philippe, her eyes widened at the thought. She tried to remember him, his voice, or his eyes, but she could not seem to recall his features exactly. Jamie was the one she dreamed of and whom lived in her thoughts. It was right that she marry him. She was trapped in a web of desire, a touch here, a kiss there, a simple word such as Goddess reminded her of their sinful behavior.
His gentle treatment seemed so very sweet that she could no longer resist him. She craved his nearness. He kissed her when they dined last night, a sweet kiss, but his hand had caressed her breast. How she longed for more! Though she begged him with her body he remained a gentleman, and she could not find the courage to plead with words. Perhaps he was right, and she did prefer the barbarian, because at times her desire for him raged until she felt like a savage.
Nicolette limped to her dressing table, brushed her long curls, then tried to think of something other than the terrible longing deep within her for him.
Marie had told her she had slept with Alec, and she remembered her reaction with a smile. "Marie! You must go to confession, or you will surely burn in perdition," she thought of those words.
Jamie’s touch felt like heaven, it was the most wonderful thing she had ever experienced, and she wondered what it would be like to sleep in his arms. "Now it’s me who will burn," she whispered.
~ * ~
Laurent sat in the overstuffed chair facing the fireplace. "Lafayette has learned my uncle is making preparations to have himself declared Nicolette’s guardian. The only way to accomplish that is to eliminate me. He believes John Pierre will ask the King to sign a Lettre de Cache. I cannot understand the delay, unless the King refused to sign the necessary papers."
Jamie sat across from him, "This letter, it is dangerous is it not? You could be thrown in the Bastille for no reason."
"
I see that the missive from hell is well known. Although it is not often used these days, yet I could simply disappear. If that occurs, take Nicolette and leave France immediately. Nothing will save me, but you can keep her from his clutches."
"Laurent, I will never leave you to suffer that fate alone, not after what you have done for me."
"I insist. Nicolette is all that is important. Just as you have fulfilled your vow to me, my vow to my father is no less sacred. Do you not see that?"
"Aye, I understand completely. I will take her where no one will find her. Once she is safe I will return for you. How can I get in touch with Lafayette if need be?"
Laurent walked to the desk, returning with an addressed, sealed letter to his friend, and a packet of papers inscribed with Jamie’s name.
"I have taken care of what is necessary. Almost everything I hold in the Paris bank account has been transferred to London. I am quite prepared for what might happen. I will leave these here, in this secret cabinet." He walked to the bookshelf and pulled out the two books closest to the window. A section popped open to reveal a shelf full of papers, boxes, and currency.
Laurent clasped his hands behind his back, and began to pace in front of the bookshelves, agitation showing on his face, "deBerges has told everyone he is betrothed to Nicolette. It was provident that we have already announced the betrothal, and published the banns. We will hold the ball this Saturday. When I was in Paris, I invited several people to the wedding, and today we will send out invitations to those in the province. Then next week, we will have an outdoor banquet, a party for the people who live on the estate. At that time, I will make two announcements. One of course is the wedding, the second is that anyone interested may come with us, and immigrate to America. We will leave soon."
Jamie laughed, "You have arranged all of this so quickly?"
"Oui, it was quite easy. I asked Lafayette for his ships, and they are at our service. I am having them prepared as we speak."
The excitement in Jamie’s voice echoed around the library, "Wonderful!" Then he became pensive, "But what about the Clan?"
"We will take the ships to Scotland and can even winter there if need be, then make our journey. There is still much that we need to arrange. We must find a place to settle, and I thought of the Carolinas. What do you think?"
"Aye, a good place for a new start. My Uncle lives in there, he can help us to buy land." Jamie laughed, "My God man, my dreams have come true because of you. How can I ever thank you?"
"Simply love Nicolette, treasure her."
"Such a simple request, you know I do already. Is there nothing more?"
"Take care of my people as you would your own if anything should happen to me."
Jamie was suddenly serious, "We need to act quickly. We cannot allow John Pierre a victory." He walked to Laurent and put his hand on his shoulder.
"I am relieved the betrothal ball is Saturday."
Jamie nodded, "I as well. But we must get you out of the country. We shall not wait until I have lost you. You are my closest friend, the brother I never had, and a man destined by God to save my life. I cannot let yours be forfeit." Jamie broke away and then awkwardly walked to the fireplace. In his entire life he had never before expressed his feelings so openly.
"I feel the same, my friend. You, too, are the brother I never had, but if anything should occur, I am relying on you to take care of everything and everyone."
Jamie nodded, "Aye, you have my word. I have just one suggestion, perhaps you should tell Nicolette of the ball. If you surprise her again I may lose my best friend, because this time I think she may call you out for a morning duel," Jamie’s booming laugh filled the library.
"Indeed. I have also brought something to soften the blow, a new wardrobe from the finest designers. Andrea de Lafayette advised me. It is a trousseau fit for a princess. The finest in the land, and that should please her."
Nine
Nicolette rose early. Since Laurent’s return, she and the entire staff had worked diligently to prepare for her betrothal ball. Now all the plans were in place. Her ankle had mended, and finally there was time to ride.
It seemed odd that Jamie was not waiting for her in the stable. Then she remembered he and Laurent had ridden to the far side of the estate. She giggled. Secretly she thought of Jamie and Laurent as two of the king’s musketeers, and it made her laugh every time. All for one and one for all, and both were determined to see her wed. Together, Jamie and Laurent were a formidable force and she had succumbed to their will.
Gigi had long since memorized the path to the lake. When Nicolette looked up she realized it lay just ahead. She had not been there since the first day she had met Jamie. She rode out of the deep green forest and into the clearing, then looked down into the water as she approached. The crystal blue depths reflected perfectly, the fluffy white clouds above her.
The lush meadow, fresh with spring growth, and brilliantly colored wildflowers were lovely. She looked back toward the trees envisioning Jamie, just as she had first seen him, with his tall form leaning against the strong oak, and his arms folded in front of his broad chest. She closed her eyes and smiled, almost expecting to hear him call her Goddess.
"Nicolette!"
Her heart jumped. Then, a frown crossed her lips when she recognized the voice, "Philippe! What are you doing here? I thought you had forgotten me," her voice remained polite, yet formal. Her mind raced. Philippe was here? No matter, it was time she told him of her decision.
"Come, you know very well that I could not forget my fiancée," he laughed and the slightly wicked sound made her head begin to throb.
"I have known for years about this place. You bathe here every morning."
Nicolette gasped.
"You could say that I watched you grow up," he laughed again.
"Philippe! You have seen me bathe?"
He winked, "Come now, do not be so modest! I would venture to guess the entire province knows about your morning outings."
Nicolette quickly lowered her eyes so that he would not guess at her embarrassment. How many others had seen her in such a compromising position?
Suddenly she realized how little she knew about this man. She remembered her fear that he would be angry over her wild behavior. Instead, it was just the opposite. He appeared vastly amused. His form was elegantly thin, but she felt nothing for him but disdain. A bleak chill filled her. This was the man I wished to marry? She shuddered, surprised that now she felt nothing except revulsion. He had characteristics she had not noticed before. He seemed cold and indifferent, nothing like she thought. The Philippe she had envisioned lived only in her imagination. She had never really known him.
Nicolette could not help the comparison to Jamie’s beautiful, masculine form and smiled. She could almost hear his sensual voice, and see his deep blue eyes at that moment. She thought of his casually elegant grace and kindness. Jamie would have never been so cold. Marie’s judgment of her proved correct, she was a woman in love, what a relief to finally understand her feelings so completely.
She cleared her voice, "Well, I thought you had quite forgotten me."
"Not at all my dear, just as you could not have disregarded me," Philippe smiled. "Tell me, did you miss me?"
What a pompous ass! Why did she not see that before? Fury kept her silent.
"Come, Chere, you cannot be angry with me. After all, you know I live in Paris, and that I find life here tedious. You were more than willing to accept that only a few weeks ago."
Nicolette sat in stony silence for a moment, "Indeed, although I must tell you much has changed since then." She took a deep breath and decided to ask the question that had haunted her, "Philippe, I must understand. Why did you never write? I was quite alone, and as you well know Laurent was anxious for my betrothal. Why did you wish to keep your offer secret?" He did not reply, and she continued, "You put me in an impossible position. I could hardly go to my brother and ask for my own hand in marriage on your behalf."
Philippe muffled a curse, "Of course my dear, but I had many things to take care of in Paris. Things are very hectic at court these days. I know you will find this unbelievable, but there is almost insurrection."
He shifted in the saddle, and she could see his discomfort under her direct gaze.
"There was much at stake here as well, Philippe, but I can see you were far too busy to care." Nicolette finally knew Philippe for who he truly was, a selfish, inconsiderate child who cared for nothing but himself. Instantly, she realized how fortunate she was that fate had intervened, and she silently thanked God for saving her from such a cold, loveless fate.
"Nicolette, you cannot be that upset. Did you not realize that this marriage would be in name only? Simply, a marriage of convenience for us both?"
She almost laughed. He completely misinterpreted her feelings, then she became suddenly furious at the insult. Did he think her foolishness so complete that she would accept anything from him, even a marriage of convenience? She took a deep breath, "Of course, I apologize for thinking that marriage should be anything more."
Philippe simply gazed at her for a moment then rode near, until their legs touched. He leaned over and covered her hand with his own, "Nicolette, you should have known that I would return. I had to go to Paris for assistance. I needed an ally, and I have found support from another quarter. Your uncle will help me convince Laurent that we will marry."
Her unshed tears stung her eyes. How could she have thought that Philippe cared for her? She stammered, "You...You do not understand. It is too late." She pulled her hand away.
"What do you mean?" he sounded surprised. "Chere, what has happened? What is wrong?" Philippe smiled, "Are you so easily hurt that you would break the engagement over such a triviality?"
Philippe guessed the tears in her eyes were for him, and she felt a moment of anger when she heard amusement in his voice.
"I am betrothed to another, a Highlander," Satisfaction rushed through her when she noted the shock on his face. "And a man whom I love," she smiled. Jamie was right, she did love him, and loved him with all her heart and soul.
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