Mystery Wife

by Annette Broadrick

  Sherye made a face at her faint reflection in the glass window. "Maybe the blow to my head knocked some sense into me," she replied with irritation at herself. "All I can say is, it's about time!"

  Danielle chuckled, sounding more relaxed. "I must admit that you're much easier to talk to now."

  Sherye leaned her head on the headrest and sighed. "I'm not at all certain I want to regain my memory if I'm going to discover that I've been playing the role of Queen Bitch of France."

  Danielle burst out laughing and after a moment Sherye joined her, finally seeing the humor in the exchange. If nothing else, they had managed to lighten the mood of their afternoon outing, which was a relief.,

  Once again Sherye felt that she had managed to pass a tough—because it was so nebulous—test.

  ❧

  When Raoul arrived home later that afternoon he found Felicity alone in the salon, working on her embroidery.

  "Ah, there you are," he said, walking over and brushing his lips against her cheek. "What are you doing sitting in here all alone?" He glanced around. "Where's Danielle?"

  Felicity sniffed. "Sherye complained over lunch that she had no transportation and demanded that Danielle drive her into town for her usual round of shopping."

  Raoul's jaw tightened. "I'll take her to town tomorrow to get a car. Danielle shouldn't have to play chauffeur."

  "Exactly what I told her, but you know Danielle. She's always trying so hard to please everyone and ends up letting them run all over her. When I pointed out to her that she was just allowing herself to be used and she certainly wasn't responsible for the fact that Sherye had so carelessly destroyed her car, Danielle insisted there was no reason she couldn't help. She's so protective of you. She probably thought if she could entertain Sherye that you'd have an easier time of dealing with her once you got home."

  Raoul rang for tea before he sat in his usual wingback chair. "I thought the two of them were getting along quite well at breakfast. I'll admit that I was surprised when I came downstairs this morning to hear them laughing together."

  "Well, they certainly weren't laughing over lunch," Felicity replied with a sniff of disapproval.

  When the tea tray was brought in, Raoul poured each of them a cup, then sat back with his.

  "Did Sherye say how she'd spent the morning?"

  Felicity looked up from her own cup, her eyes snapping. "She didn't have to. I know what she was doing. She insisted on spending the entire time with the children."

  Raoul lifted his brows."All morning?"

  "Yes. She totally ignored their routine. I could hear how excited the children were becoming while they played outside. She showed no sense of decorum. Instead she seemed to encourage them in their childish behavior."

  He hid his smile behind his cup. "I don't suppose there's any real harm in that."

  "Of course there is. She's just using them, and it's the children who are going to suffer for it in the long run because they'll think she's being sincere in wanting to become part of their lives. Of course, I see through her. I always have. She's trying to convince you not to continue with your plans for a divorce by pretending she's forgotten the past. She's hoping you'll forget it, as well."

  Raoul thought about her remarks, weighing them, before he responded in a mild tone. "I might agree that there's possibly some truth in what you say if I'd given any indication to Sherye that I was contemplating divorcing her. However, I've never discussed the subject of divorce with her since the accident."

  "Why not? Why shouldn't she know that you've made up your mind—finally—to get out of this ridiculous arrangement?" After a moment she added without looking at him, "Besides, I mentioned the divorce to her yesterday and she didn't seem all that surprised."

  Raoul froze, his cup halfway to his mouth, bis amusement gone. "You mentioned the divorce to her?" he asked in a carefully neutral voice.

  "Yes, I did," she replied, filled with self-righteousness. "She needs to know that you are no longer a fool who will continue putting up with her outrageous behavior."

  Raoul fought not to show his irritation with his mother. He understood how many times Sherye's actions had hurt and embarrassed his mother, but she'd had no business discussing their personal business with Sherye, particularly under the present circumstances.

  He set the cup down on the small table beside his chair. "Maman," he began patiently, "there was no reason for you to discuss the matter with her. Until she regains her memory she—"

  Felicity gave him a disapproving look. "Just what makes you think she has any intention of suddenly regaining her memory, when it's to her definite advantage to continue playing this helpless, pitiful role she's chosen?"

  "You know, Maman," he said, determined to stay calm, "she could have faked the amnesia without resorting to her abrupt attitude change."

  "Of course, but it wouldn't have been nearly so convincing or effective. Sherye has always known exactly how to behave to get what she wants. She knew that her leaving when you asked her to stay would provoke you into taking steps to end the relationship. It's no wonder that she faked the wreck, faked the blow to the head, faked the amnesia..."

  He shook his head and she paused in her recital of Sherye's latest transgressions. "The blow to her head was very real, let me tell you. I saw the wound and it was a nasty one. It easily could have killed her. She was very fortunate to have regained consciousness at all." He took his time refilling their cups before he continued. "I also believe her amnesia is equally real. I was there, Maman. I saw how she behaved. For one thing, she didn't believe she was Sherye DuBois. When we discussed who she was, she kept denying it."

  Felicity stared at him in surprise. "Why in the world would she deny such a thing?"

  "The doctor believes that while she was in a coma she somehow restructured certain events from a deeply subconscious desire—a yearning, actually—to escape her present life-style. He believes that those dreams became more real to her than the life she presently leads."

  Felicity sniffed, shoving her needle into the material with short jabs. "Sounds ridiculous to me."

  "Perhaps, but her new behavior supports the idea that she may truly wish to make substantial changes in her life. Spending her morning with the children, suggesting that she and Danielle spend time together this afternoon—all of this appears to me to point out some obvious shifts in her priorities."

  "Obviously she's managed to impress you," she grumbled.

  Once again his sense of humor surfaced. Raoul smiled. "Oh, I don't know, Maman. I don't think I'm all that easy to impress."

  "We'll see."

  He'd been home almost an hour when Raoul heard the front door open. Feminine laughter made it clear to him that Sherye and Danielle had returned, obviously in good spirits. There was a rustling of packages before he heard Danielle instruct one of the staff to take their purchases upstairs.

  The two women appeared in the doorway. Raoul stood to greet them and Felicity gasped. "Danielle! What in the world have you done to your hair!" Her sewing slipped out of her lap unheeded and fell to the floor.

  Raoul's gaze went to Sherye, who had a decidedly guilty look on her face. Then he glanced at Danielle and felt a small shock of surprise. He'd never seen his sister look quite so vibrant. Danielle's cheeks bloomed with color as she approached them. She raised her hand and lightly brushed her fingers across her cheek in a nervous gesture.

  Her coronet of braids was gone. Her hair had been drastically shortened until it feathered in wisps around her forehead and ears, like a pixie. Shortened, her hair had an unexpected tendency to curl, softening her features and giving her a gamine look. Her eyes, always her best feature in Raoul's mind, seemed more noticeable, perhaps because they were shining with anticipation. She glowed. There was no other word for it.

  "Do you like it?" she asked shyly.

  Raoul glanced around at his mother. It was obvious she hadn't recovered from the shock of her daughter's drastic transformation. Danielle need
ed reassurance, and he could see that his mother was too taken aback to say anything.

  He moved toward his sister, smiling, and took her hand. He raised it to his lips. "You look smashing. What a clever idea to make a change."

  "Well, I got the idea this morning from something Sherye said."

  "I knew it!" Felicity exclaimed. "I knew you wouldn't have done anything like this without someone forcing you to-"

  "Oh, no! Sherye didn't force me in any way. Actually, I brought the subject up. I was the one who mentioned that I was thinking about experimenting with a new hairstyle. She just went along to the shop with me to give me a little extra courage. It was Pierre who suggested that I had the features to wear this style." She turned around and Raoul could see how the cut flattered the shape of her head. He could hear the hint of anxiety in her voice when she asked, "Do you really like it?"

  Raoul glanced at Sherye, noticing that she was taking no part in the conversation. Instead she stood quietly by, watching the scene without comment. He returned his attention to Danielle. Still holding her hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze and said, "Yes, I do. Very much."

  He stepped back and gave his sister an all-encompassing look. "Do I detect that you are wearing something new, as well?"

  Color filled Danielle's cheeks. "Sherye happened to see this in a window we were passing and suggested that it looked like something I might enjoy wearing." She spread her hands along the skirt of her coral dress. "Since we weren't in any hurry, we went inside so I could try it on." She gave a nervous chuckle. "I must admit that I've never worn anything like it. The skirt is shorter than I'm used to wearing." She tugged at the pleats that fanned out around her. "It's probably too short.''

  Raoul smiled. "On the contrary. The men will appreciate the generous view of your shapely legs, Dani. I agree with Sherye. That particular color looks very becoming on you. You made a wise decision." He motioned to the grouping of sofas and chairs. "Why don't the two of you join us? We'll have more tea brought in."

  Raoul waited until the women were seated before he said to Sherye, "You should have mentioned to me this morning that you wished to go into town. There was no reason to insist that Danielle take you."

  "Oh, but she didn't, Raoul!" Danielle said. "Insist, I mean. I had nothing else planned to do this afternoon and Sherye wanted to see about—" She paused, looking uncomfortable. "Well, I suppose she can tell you___" She trailed off, her color heightened.

  "Tell me what?" he asked abruptly, looking at Sherye without bothering to disguise his suspicions of her behavior.

  This was not the time she would have chosen to have this discussion. Nor did she like the idea of having a marital discussion in front of Raoul's mother and sister. However, she saw no way to get around the matter. It was obvious that Raoul found nothing unusual about their lack of privacy.

  Smothering a sigh of frustration, Sherye said, "While I was looking through my closet today I discovered that I have nothing casual to wear here at home. I want to be able to do some gardening. I find it very soothing and relaxing. I mentioned the idea to Yvette and she was excited about the idea and wanted to help me. I also discovered that she didn't have anything appropriate to wear, either. I decided to see what I could find for us to Wear and surprise Yvette."

  "Gardening?" Felicity asked faintly.

  Sherye smiled. "Yes. I enjoy working with flowers and keeping a garden healthy." She paused, suddenly feeling confused. "Surely that isn't unusual, is it?" She looked around at the people watching her. "I remember gardening. I remember how much pleasure I get from it. Surely I—" She stopped, feeling as though she'd said or done the wrong thing again.

  Felicity looked over at Raoul without comment. He ignored the look. "Tell me, Sherye," he asked, "how was your visit with the children today?"

  Feeling as though this was a trick question, she studied him for a long moment before she quietly responded, "I enjoyed it very much."

  He glanced at his watch. "It's almost time for Louise to bring them down to see us."

  More tea arrived. Raoul sat back and quietly observed the interaction among the three women in his household. From his mother's expression he could see that she was still a little dazed by the changes in Danielle.

  Now that the general attention had moved away from her, Danielle looked much more relaxed. She was animatedly telling Felicity about something she'd bought, and had lost her self-consciousness. Raoul took his time about studying the changes in her. He was really quite amazed. The combination of a new hairstyle, a brighter color and younger dress style seemed to take several years off her, leaving her looking vibrant and very attractive.

  Whether the two younger women were willing to acknowledge it or not, he knew that Sherye's influence today had helped to create the changes in Danielle. She was the one who had first spotted the dress Danielle wore. She was the one who had convinced her to try it on, or, as Dani might say, encouraged her to try it.

  He leaned back in his chair, pondering the ramifications of what he was witnessing. For years his sister had shown little to no interest in her looks or in her style of dress. If anything, she had seemed to go out of her way to be as unobtrusive as possible.

  In the past Sherye had ignored her, dismissing the idea of a friendship with his sister, claiming that they had absolutely nothing in common. He hadn't tried to persuade her to change her mind because he tended to agree with her. His only request was that she show his family respect. To a great extent she had ignored them completely.

  So what had brought on this new attitude of friendliness? Was his mother right, and she was trying to make sure of her standing in the family?

  Now that he was thinking about it, he realized that Sherye was wearing something that looked out of character for her—a simple shirtwaist dress and low-heeled shoes. With most of her hair pulled back, leaving only escaped curls framing her face, she looked very young. Almost innocent.

  While he sat watching her, Sherye glanced past him. He saw her expression change from one of social politeness into one of warm pleasure. He blinked, surprised at the change in her. He couldn't remember ever having seen her so animated since she'd regained consciousness. Raoul glanced around to see what had caused the transformation.

  Louise had entered the room with the children.

  Today Jules's sturdy legs carried him immediately to Sherye, his arms stretched out, while he babbled something incomprehensible. Laughing with obvious delight, Sherye scooped him up onto her lap, oblivious to the wrinkling effect on her clothes. She gave him a hug and murmured something too low for Raoul to hear from where he sat. Whatever it was made Jules giggle.

  Yvette came directly to Raoul, hugged and acknowledged him with a kiss on the cheek, then immediately broke into an animated description of her morning with her mother.

  A sudden sense of unreality swept over him and for a brief moment he had a flash of empathy for Sherye's dilemma when she seemed to have awakened in another world.

  Had he been in the habit of fantasizing, the scene before him couldn't have been closer to what he could have wished for his family—Danielle looking young and pleased with herself, Sherye playing with their son, Yvette bubbling with plans she'd made to spend time with her mother.

  Only Maman deliberately held herself aloof from all the changes. Perhaps she was feeling the same sense of confusion he was experiencing. How had Sherye managed to create such a difference in their family during one twenty-four-hour period in their lives?

  What had caused such a radical change in her?

  More to the point, how long would the change last?

  Chapter 8

  Four weeks later Raoul stood at the window of his office at the winery, gazing out at the long rows of the meticulously kept vineyard, thinking about the changes that had taken place in his home since Sherye had returned.

  The sound of children's laughter rang through the chateau.

  Danielle had met a young man who seemed to spend an increasing amount of time
visiting the chateau.

  Maman had actually complimented Sherye about something over dinner the night before.

  He'd never seen Sherye so happy.

  Sherye's happiness was the most bewildering of all to him. Although she hadn't seemed to regain anything of her lost memories, she appeared content to spend each day enjoying her life.

  Only with him did she maintain a polite distance.

  After that first morning she had never ventured into his bedroom. If anything, he got the feeling that she did her best to stay out of his way.

  He remembered the day he took her to buy another automobile. She had strongly resisted the idea until he had pointed out to her that other members of the family might not find it convenient to provide her transportation whenever she felt the urge to leave the chateau.

  She had given in, but had refused to consider any of the expensive sports models she'd been drawn to in the past. Instead she had found a sedan that she felt would be more practical when she wanted to take the children with her.

  Although he still saw many changes in her, Sherye's stubbornness hadn't lessened in the slightest.

  He had bought the car she wanted, fully expecting her to change her mind within a week. Instead she appeared delighted with it, installing an infant's seat for Jules as well as a safety lift seat for Yvette.

  Sherye continued to spend most of each day with the children, until Louise had approached him wondering if he still wanted her to oversee them. Since he hadn't been certain how long this new phase would last with Sherye, he had assured Louise that her services were still needed and appreciated. He had suggested that she learn to enjoy having more free time.

  Raoul had discovered something about himself today. He didn't know how it had happened, or when, because the change had been so gradual. He probably wouldn't have become aware of it even now if the attorney he'd consulted hadn't called him earlier in the day with regard to the status of the divorce.