Still, she knew a moment of regret, as she realized that she would not fulfill the pledge that she had made her father. Although Laurent had absolved her of that promise, a vague lingering guilt surfaced, and for a moment, she felt torn. Her life here was disappearing into the very air around her. Yet, at the same time she felt jubilation from being released from a fate that would have forced her into a horrible marriage, to a man she now abhorred, born not of love, but of convenience.
Philippe said nothing but remained silent, waiting for an explanation. Finally he spoke, "Enough Nicolette, I have apologized. Now stop this childish game."
She suddenly smiled, "This is no game. I am betrothed."
Philippe’s eyes widened, "What! This cannot be true."
Nicolette wiped a tear away with the back of her finger and took a deep breath, "It is true and it has been announced. We are to have our celebration in two days time."
Philippe grabbed her arm, startling her, and she began to struggle.
"No! This cannot be because you are betrothed to me. You gave your word. All my plans will be ruined."
"Your plans? Is that all you care about?"
Nicolette felt sudden disgust. His powdered wig had moved backward on his head revealing oily, lanky, blond hair. His light gray eyes were almost lifeless, even given his agitated state. His dress, although the height of fashion, with gray hose, white satin breeches, a gray brocade waistcoat, and a long, white satin, elaborately embroidered outer coat, seemed much too pretentious for a ride in the woods. The lavish lace falling at his neck and wrists were almost effeminate in comparison to the plain clothes Jamie wore. Extremely thin, his body, chest and arms appeared weak. Light rice powder covered his face, and his lips were painted a light pink.
Nicolette critically surveyed him, realizing how desperate she must have been to find him attractive, then she pulled her arm away.
Suddenly his high-pitched voice echoed through the woods and his grip bit painfully into her arm, "Why did you not tell Laurent you were betrothed already?"
She smiled, "You made me promise. Do you recall?" She waited a moment, "You told me to keep the engagement secret until I turned nineteen or you would deny everything. Remember?" Nicolette laughed at her own naiveté. Tired of his boorish outburst, she sighed. Her voice held little emotion when she spoke, "Philippe, you know only too well a woman marries whom she must. My fiancée was selected long before you proposed. I did not realize my future had been decided when I accepted you. Since you wished the engagement to remain a secret I could not speak of it. If you had approached Laurent before leaving for Paris it might have made a difference, but since he knew nothing of your proposal he made the choice of my bridegroom for me. It is too late."
Philippe’s body shook and his voice grew piercing, "But that can’t be! I will not allow that to happen. Laurent took away my Madeleine and I will take you."
"What do you mean, Philippe? What are you saying? That you only wished to marry me from a sick, misguided attempt at revenge?" Nicolette shrugged away his hand, but he grasped her arm instead.
"Chere, forgive me. I am simply upset. Your brother hates me and would do anything to thwart my happiness."
Nicolette tore her arm from his grasp, "My brother did nothing to oppose you! He did not know of our engagement, because you did not approach him. If you had only spoken to Laurent, perhaps things might be different. He would have understood because he loves me."
"Your brother loves only himself. He seeks to destroy you, to keep everything for himself, including the fortune intended for you!"
"My father left enough riches for a thousand children. Laurent has never be interested in money, only adventure. He is not a wicked man, and he did not intend this to hurt me." She lowered her eyes, hoping he would not see the fear she so plainly felt written in her eyes.
He squeezed her arm painfully, "Nicolette, you are sadly mistaken. Your own uncle told me of Laurent’s loathing. He has asked that you visit him in Paris often, but Laurent refused to allow it! John Pierre begged your brother to send you to him so that you could be presented at court!"
Philippe sounded as though presentation to the King was the only thing that mattered. When she looked up the hatred she saw in his face sent shivers down her spine. Nicolette tried to move her mare away, but Philippe grabbed the reins.
"You cannot believe that to be true. Laurent could not be so uncaring."
Philippe laughed, "It is true, ask your uncle."
"I never see my uncle, and I will not believe such a thing about Laurent." She jerked on the leather strap.
Philippe released her reins then moved his hand to her chin to force her gaze toward his, "Nicolette, why do you think that I did not offer for you before now? Your uncle assures me that Laurent has threatened to kill anyone who asked for your hand. Your brother is one of the best swordsmen in all of France. Any man would be a fool to challenge him."
Nicolette shook her head, "No! Why would he do such a thing? I cannot believe your accusation is true."
"Believe! Laurent is not who you think him to be! He is responsible for my sister’s death. She was pregnant with his child when he left for America. Once she was defiled, he refused to marry her. She took her own life from the disgrace."
"You lie! It cannot be true."
Phillipe’s wicked laughter rang out again, "Your brother is the worst of all brutes to do such a thing to such a sweet and innocent child. He ruined her. Now I plan to destroy him."
Nicolette’s voice was a ragged whisper, "By marrying me?"
Philippe gasped, "No, not at all Chere, you must forgive me. You mistake my intentions. My hatred of him has nothing to do with this, I wish you to marry me because I love you."
Nicolette sighed wearily. He seemed demented. She could see it in his face and hear it in his voice, "What a short memory you have, only a few moments ago you spoke of a marriage of convenience. No Philippe, you planned for me to be the instrument of your revenge. That is why you are upset."
Philippe gripped her chin, "No, my love. I only want to worship you. I promise that I will ever be true."
He drew her brutally toward him. His fingers dug painfully into her flesh. She struggled as he wrapped his other arm around her. His lips came down in a punishing assault. The touch, cold and wet, hard and hurtful, caused a shaft of pure fear that went through to the very core of her being.
Nicolette kicked her mare and Gigi jumped helping her to break his hold. Disgust flooded her, she gagged, and the back of her hand moved to her lips to wipe away his touch, "Laurent would never have been so dishonorable to your sister, or to me. He must have a reason to keep me from going with my uncle to Paris."
Philippe raised his crop, as if he would hit her with it, "How dare you affront me by not believing my word."
Unflinching, Nicolette glared at him, "I dare, Philippe. I also dare to question your words of love because you never loved me. It was only a marriage of convenience, remember."
Philippe winced, "I was simply teasing you earlier. I will not accept this new betrothal, Nicolette. You have promised your hand in marriage to me, and I intend to force you to keep that pledge. Remember, I can give you what the Scotsman cannot."
Nicolette’s patience began to wan, "And pray tell me, Philippe, what is that?"
He smiled, his crooked, yellowed teeth exposed, "I can give you this chateau. Your uncle promises that once he is your guardian and we are married, the estate will belong to me as part of your dowry."
Nicolette gasped, as fear permeated her senses, "This is Laurent’s property!" She took a deep breath. "Why would my uncle become my guardian while Laurent lives? What are you planning?"
Philippe grinned, "That my dear is something for you to consider."
"I have come to love Jamie. I will not change my mind," Nicolette’s fear caused her voice to wobble.
His laughter burst loudly across the clearing. Philippe nodded his head almost imperceptibly as he noted her fear, "Yes, my
dear. I have no doubt that in your innocence you have been won over. Women can be so easily led, but life is not quite so simple. And by the by, do not mention this conversation or I shall have your uncle take Laurent away immediately."
He rode to her and cupped her chin again, "Did I tell you that I find it very attractive when a woman is afraid of me."
Nicolette tried to twist away, but pain shot though her as he tightened his hold.
"Do as I wish or your beloved Laurent could have quite a desperate problem since the Bastille can be very nasty when one is there for an extended visit."
Nicolette tore away sobbing, and whipping Gigi, her mare, she galloped through the woods. She could hear Philippe’s wicked laughter as she rode, but she did not hear him following and relief flooded through her.
She loved Jamie! The revelation at once exhilarated and terrified her, as she finally admitted the truth. It was not simply a burning passion, and desire for his touch, but now there was so much more. She loved him with all her heart and soul. She wanted Jamie, not Philippe.
Laurent faced some unknown danger and so did her beloved home. She had promised her father. They must be protected. Her brother was wrong, she was responsible, she had always been responsible, and now would be forever. Now what am I to do?
~ * ~
Dinner proved to be a quiet affair. Jamie and Laurent discussed business. Nicolette seemed distant and aloof, lost in a world of her own.
Jamie noted that she watched him. Her gaze had gone from his hand to his eyes then his lips. He watched as the tip of her fingers had tenderly caressed the stem of her glass. Her beauty defied description. The creamy peach expanse of her shoulders made him ache to touch her. The deep rose of her gown only seemed to emphasize the beautiful and expressive emerald fire in her lovely eyes. Her blush rose lips, full and tempting, seemed to beg for his kisses. He had never wanted anything so much as to taste her just then.
When their gaze met she tore hers away, excused herself and left the table in a rush. Her reaction surprised him. In the past few days their relationship had changed. He had dared to hope that she was falling in love with him. Whenever she spoke her voice sounded soft and deep, almost like a caress. Often, when she gazed at him, her eyes seemed to shine with an inner glow.
Yet tonight was different, something had changed. Now she seemed cold and withdrawn, as though she were somewhere else. Jamie wondered if her doubts had re-surfaced.
He turned to Laurent and saw the concern on his face as well, "I won’t join you for a drink tonight. Nicolette seems distraught and I think we should talk."
Laurent smiled, "Indeed, perhaps you should take her an after dinner drink. She will be in the summerhouse. She always goes there when she is troubled. Perhaps she is just a little afraid of the ball."
"Aye, or mayhap the marriage," Jamie walked to the sideboard, picked up a sparkling crystal decanter filled with burgundy and two goblets, then stepped out onto the verandah.
The moon shone full and bright, illuminating the night with a pale, glistening light. Leisurely, he followed the stone steps as they curved to the garden below. An owl hooted above him, and he heard something scamper though the underbrush. Luminescent light caused the path of white rock to sparkle. His footfall crunched loudly and he had little hope of surprising her. He thought about the look he had seen in her beautiful eyes. Laurent had to be wrong. Whatever worried his Goddess had nothing to do with simple jitters, no not Joan of Arc. Jamie prayed she would not run from him as she often did when upset.
Two tall Greek Doric columns supported a high rounded arch on either side of the entrance to the pagoda. There were five other entrances, identical to this one, with wooden latticed panels’ in-between. The fragrance of an array of flowers wafted through the night air, on a gentle warm breeze. Deep red roses looked black against the white of the columns as they spiraled upward. Shadows from the latticework ornamented the wood floor in a design that reminded him of the gray marble squares from the foyer of the chateau.
Jamie leaned against the doorway of the gazebo, observing Nicolette quietly. He admired her lithe beauty. She was so absorbed in thought that she had not heard his approach. She paced back and forth at the other end of the summerhouse.
"Good evening, sweet Goddess," he whispered.
Nicolette turned around, her skirts swinging out widely, then twirling about her legs as she stopped.
"Jamie!"
"Aye, Aphrodite. I’ve come with offerings of wine for my Goddess," he put the decanter and goblets on a bench. He stood with his hands on his hips, his legs wide, watching her.
She smiled then lowered her gaze, "Jamie, how can I ever learn to trust you when you say such outrageously flattering things?"
"Nay, tis’ not simple flattery. I speak the truth, for to me you have hair spun from the red, gold sunset and emerald eyes a gift from the deepest forest glade. Aye, and the ruby lips of the siren beckoning to me, lass, you are a Goddess."
Nicolette gasped and turned around, "You mustn’t say such things."
Jamie moved to stand behind her, "And why not lass? Why not speak those words?"
"Because they are words that I cannot resist, and I must," her voice was full of sadness.
Jamie smiled and lowered his forehead to touch the back of her hair. The aroma of roses teased and his senses began to swirl into the familiar vortex of desire he felt whenever she was near. His hands moved to her creamy white shoulders to caress the soft warmth of her perfect alabaster skin. He pulled her against him with a fierceness that surprised even him, "Why must you always resist? Why must you fight your feelings, and me? Give way sweet goddess."
Jamie pulled her near then felt the tension in her body. He stepped back and turned her around to face him, his hands spread wide over her shoulders. He looked into her eyes, searching the emerald depths, "Tell me Goddess. What is troubling you so? I thought you were beginning to love me just a little."
He could see the moment that her fear changed to confusion, "What are you afraid of? What is it, Nicolette?" He shook her very slightly.
"Can I tell you? I do know not what you will do truly. I barely know you and sometimes I do not understand what I feel."
Jamie tilted her head upward with a finger under her chin, "I could never do anything to willingly hurt you."
She shook his hand away, "How can I believe you? You marry me only from a sense of obligation to my brother."
Jamie looked down into the glittering emerald gaze, "It may have been the reason I came to France Goddess, but you captured my heart from the first moment at the lake."
"How can that be true? I was a complete stranger."
Jamie’s gaze never left hers, "Aye, but such a beautiful one, a siren who called to me as no other woman. Can you believe this then? I love you." he watched as her eyes widened. The pulse raced wildly at the base of her throat and the sight mesmerized him. It was entrancing, and for a moment he felt the siren calling him only this time with her delicious body. He wanted to kiss the silky, milk white skin of her neck.
"Do you say that because you must, by virtue of the vow to my brother? Or could it possibly be true?" her voice sounded wistful and tears glistened in her eyes.
Jamie longed to kiss away those tears and help them disappear forever, "I love you more than I can say, more than life or honor. I would do anything to have you, to call you mine. I love you more than a man should love a woman. My feelings are boundless. For the first time in my life I find myself vulnerable, my feelings lay bare for the world to see, and it is frightening." Jamie took a deep breath and nuzzled her ear, "I have loved you almost from the first moment. Come, I know you felt it then and every moment since. I love the way the pulse at the base of your throat races at my touch. I love how your body responds to me with each kiss. Do you not understand? You are my destiny, created for me as a gift from the heavens above. I love you, my sweet, beautiful Goddess. I promise to treasure you all the days of my life."
His gaze ne
ver left hers, moving over her features then back to her eyes, waiting to see if she believed his words, "And you Goddess, love me too. Whether you wish to say it or not, I know it to be true." One hand moved across her shoulder while the other slowly slid around her waist and he pulled her toward him, almost violently. His strength seemed more than he could control, as she crashed against him. His lips sought hers, wildly, hungrily, hoping to convince her of his love in a way that his words could not.
Nicolette felt the melting warmth spread throughout, as the length of his body touched hers. Her thoughts were a wild jumble, as desire overwhelmed her senses. Her arms slowly moved upward to encircle his neck. His kisses rained down on her, one after the other, causing the undeniable heat and yearning she felt at his touch to flow deliciously through her. Her breasts tingled and her body ached. His every caress seemed magical, causing a shiver to race through her body, then the slow burning fire turned into white, hot passion.
She tore her lips from his, gazing into blue fire, "I love you, from the very depths of my soul. I do love you, Jamie."
A low groan left him, as he pulled her into his arms again. He kissed her and she was lost, the tide of emotions giving way to a sea of sensations as the delicious warmth once more flooded though her. His lips ravished hers, and Nicolette could feel the joy of taking as well as giving pleasure. A deep, throaty growl came from him, and she opened her mouth. His tongue slipped in, to stroke hers. She gasped! Her head fell back over his arm and his mouth left hers to trail intimately behind her ear, only to move upward to capture her lips once more. He seemed hungry, starving for her touch, as his mouth took absolute possession. His raw growl of pleasure made butterflies inside take flight in a million different directions. She shivered, then suddenly found herself swept up into his arms. He carried her to the bench at the back of the pagoda. Her senses swirled as his mouth again found hers, his kiss openly carnal.
Nicolette pushed the waistcoat from his shoulders then tore at the laces of his shirt. She sighed as her hand caressed the tight curls of his chest. She thrilled at the touch of his bare skin, excitement rippling over her. Her hand moved over the firm muscles, then stilled as she felt the strong, rhythmic beating of his heart. The scent of him, the musky aroma filled the air.
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