The Price of Love

by Vicki Hopkins

  Jolene’s mouth gaped open. Shocked over what had transpired, it took her a moment to regain her wits about her. He transformed into a monster in a matter of seconds. Hopefully, he wouldn’t return to the townhome any time soon. At the first opportunity, she would ask him to leave, fearful that he might try to accost her again.

  “Please proceed,” she instructed the driver with a trembling voice. He turned around and gave her a sympathetic look.

  “Yes, your ladyship.”

  After leaning back in the seat, she felt a foreboding over Geoffrey’s remarks. His threat lingered in her mind, “…when I’m through with you…” What could he possibly mean?

  She tried to dismiss his remark, remembering that Robert had sworn to protect her. Nonetheless, something in her knotted stomach told her that he meant every word snarled from between his pearly-white teeth.

  Chapter 26

  No Time to Spare

  Geoffrey had disappeared and kept away from Jolene for days after their disappointing time together. According to the staff, he would come back late in the evening after everyone retired, and then rise early and disappear during the day. His absence gave her a deep sense of relief that she would not have to face or deal with his immaturity any time soon. Since he had not taken the opportunity to apologize, it became clear that he felt no remorse for his behavior.

  Robert struggled with his annoying cold for a few days until finally he began to recover. After rest, soup, and pampering by his mother and the staff, he felt well enough to venture out of his room. Jolene had made regular visits checking on his welfare. The altercation with Geoffrey she kept hidden for fear he would jump out of bed and punch him in the nose.

  On the morning when he rejoined his family, he took a seat at the dining room table for breakfast.

  “Now don’t be too much in a hurry, Robert. Take care of yourself until it has passed entirely.”

  “I’m feeling much better, Mother,” he said, dismissing her coddling.

  He filled his plate with scrambled eggs, a large portion of bacon, and a croissant, and then sat down next to Jolene. It felt fitting to have him back in their midst.

  “So what did I miss during my days of sniffling?” He shoved a piece of bacon in his mouth and glanced about the table.

  “Not much,” his father answered. “It’s been a bit quiet. We’ve been waiting for your recovery to take Jolene to see the Eiffel Tower.”

  Robert glanced about the table. “Where’s Geoffrey?”

  “He’s been avoiding us, I’m afraid,” Jolene replied. “We had a bit of a disagreement, and I think I hurt his feelings.” Frankly, she doubted the man had any feelings.

  Robert raised his eyebrows. Her mother glanced curiously at her, but the duke flashed a knowing glance, seemingly understanding her inference.

  “Well, that’s interesting,” Robert replied. “Not that I’ll miss his company or anything.”

  After they had eaten breakfast, Jolene leaned in toward Robert. “Do you feel well enough to get some sunshine in the garden?” Her eyes conveyed the urgency for a private moment.

  “Yes, of course,” he quickly replied. “If you’ll forgive us,” he said to his mother and father.

  They appeared apathetic toward their leave from the table. Jolene led the way, and they strode briskly from the veranda into the center of the bushes so as not to be heard.

  “God, Robert, I’ve missed you,” Jolene exclaimed.

  “Sorry,” he answered sheepishly. “I hadn’t expected to get sick, but I am glad no one else in the house fell ill.”

  “We have to move forward quickly. I’m getting extremely eager to bring this to a close.”

  “Why the urgency?” He looked at her inquisitively.

  “My conscience is beginning to get the better of me, I think. This charade has gone on long enough. Everyone is here now, so it’s time.”

  “Well, we still have to get Philippe to the townhouse. I am not sure he is going to agree, without a good reason, to come for dinner.”

  Jolene had already taken the time to contemplate her next move. Confident her brilliant idea would work, she asked Robert for the prop she needed to continue.

  “Do you still have that box of cigars?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “Is it unopened?”

  “All these questions,” he complained.

  “Well are they?” Her impatience enunciated each word.

  “Yes, unopened,” he sighed. “Again, why?”

  Jolene smiled. “Because I’m going to return them for a refund.”

  “You’re what?” Robert frowned.

  “Just leave it to me, Robert. I shall have my father here tomorrow evening. I promise you.”

  “Well, I have absolutely no idea what you have in mind, but I wish you success.” A disgruntled look of loss spoke his displeasure. “They are damn good cigars I had planned on enjoying.”

  “Oh, don’t be such a whiner,” she teased. “I will buy you another box when this is all over.”

  “So what is your plan?”

  “Men are more persuadable by the presence of a pretty woman.” She winked at Robert. “Watch me do my magic,” she said confidently. “Philippe will be here for dinner tomorrow evening, I promise.”

  Robert pondered what plan she had formulated this time.

  * * * *

  For a few moments, Jolene stood out of view of the picture window to deal with her nerves over seeing Philippe again. The urgency of revealing her identity gave her the bravery she needed for the minutes ahead. She had become weary of the deception that she had perpetrated to the duke and her mother. In all honestly, she did not have the heart to deceive her father for weeks on end.

  After straightening her shoulders and inhaling a deep breath, she walked toward the door and entered. The familiar jingle of the bell above announced her arrival. Philippe lifted his eyes showing surprise over her return. No doubt, the box of cigars in her hand caused him disappointment.

  “Your ladyship,” he said, walking forward and greeting her. “Is there something that I can help you with?”

  An overwhelming desire to hug him and confess everything tempted her will. Her heart pounded, and she could barely speak.

  “Are the cigars not to your friend’s liking?”

  A small smile spread across her face. She looked in his eyes and spoke her startling announcement. “Mr. Moreau, I offered the cigars to my friend but discovered his dislike of the brand.” There she was lying again. Her next confession with a priest would be about her deceitful falsehoods, and she shuddered to think how many rounds of the rosary she would have to pray.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” He took the box from her hand. “Please accept my sincere apologies for my poor recommendation.”

  His disappointment over his failure broke her heart. After all, they were just cigars. “Well, you’re never going to believe this,” she announced, fluttering her eyelashes nervously. “But when I gave them to my friend, he asked me where I had purchased the box. One thing led to another, and low and behold, he revealed to me that you were his stepfather.” Jolene waited for his reaction.

  Philippe took a step back and looked at her in confusion. “Oh,” he replied, barely showing a trace of emotion. “You must be the lady that Robert mentioned to me.” His brow furrowed when he began to look at her more closely with renewed interest.

  “Yes, I am his lady friend, as he put it. We met in London at a ball a few months ago. I made a few friends during my stay there. To further our time together, we decided to come to Paris for a holiday before I return home.”

  “Amazing that the two of you know each other.” Philippe sounded cautiously guarded.

  “Yes, it is.” Jolene saw suspicion in his eyes and feared. Worried that he had doubts about her story, she took her next move. “Now, Robert tells me that he invited you to dinner, but you have not given him an answer.”

  Philippe moved to the left and set down the box of cigars on the gl
ass countertop. His body language exuded awkwardness. “That’s correct. I have decided to turn down the invitation.”

  His shoulders drooped. Philippe pulled his gaze away as if he were ashamed. The physical act troubled Jolene, because she sensed his unworthiness.

  “Well, I’m not going to allow you to turn down the invitation,” she sternly replied. Her words caught him off guard. His head lifted, and he looked at her shocked over her spunky reply.

  “As much as I would like to see, Robert again,” he replied in a harsh tone, “I would not feel comfortable to dine with a lady of your class.” He paused for a moment expressing a look of discomfiture. “As I told Robert, I do not possess the white-tie, formal clothing to attend an evening dinner.”

  “Well, to be frank, I don’t care if you do or not,” she pressed. “Robert’s sentiments are more important to me than what you wear, Mr. Moreau.” She eyed him in the clothes that he wore. “You look professionally dressed and tidy as you stand before me now. Surely, you can come to dine with us in this fine suit.”

  It looked far from acceptable and slightly thread bare at his elbows, but it didn’t matter. She had to get him to the townhome. Alarmed that her plan would crumble before her eyes, her hand trembled. His acceptance of the invitation was critical. Otherwise, she would have to blurt it out here and now before she erupted like a volcano. With determination, she again dismissed his refusal.

  “I will make you an offer,” she continued. “We shall also dress less formal, if that will make you comfortable. There will be no evening gowns or white ties at the table. After all, you are like family to Robert, so there is no need for us to put on airs. Surely, you will not deny us the pleasure of your company.”

  She hesitantly reached out and touched his forearm. Philippe’s eyes looked at her gloved hand. When his gaze rose to examine her sincerity, she saw that he softened his resolve. Once more, using her charms, she tilted her head and pouted her lips slightly.

  “Please,” she implored in a sweet voice. “Do it for Robert and for me. He is a dear friend of mine, and I want to see him happy. Besides,” she continued in sincerity, “I’m interested in getting to know you better.”

  Philippe shifted in his stance but remained silent. By the look in his eyes, he carefully thought about her plea.

  “All right, then. If you are certain that my attire will not offend.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she said, squeezing his arm slightly. “It will be perfectly fine.” With a broad smile, she dropped her hand from Philippe’s arm. After touching her father for the first time in eighteen years, she felt an elation that she could not put into words.

  “About the cigars,” he said, moving around the counter. “Does Robert prefer anything different? I am happy to exchange them or give you a refund.”

  “I have no idea what he likes to smoke,” she admitted. “Why don’t you ask him tomorrow evening? Then you can exchange them for something more enjoyable to his male senses,” she teased. Finally, the somber look upon Philippe’s face faded. With a smile and a glimmer of approval in his eye, he agreed.

  “Yes, that will do fine.”

  “Well then, it’s all arranged. Robert can give my driver the address for your residence. I’ll have our motorcar pick you up at seven o’clock.”

  “Very well,” he acknowledged.

  Jolene relaxed. The tension she felt earlier lessened. “Goodbye, Mr. Moreau. We will speak again tomorrow.”

  “Goodbye, your ladyship.”

  Philippe directed his attention to replacing the cigar box on the shelf. She exited onto the sidewalk and turned to the left. For a brief moment, a rush of emotion took her breath away. “So much is at stake,” she whispered with tears welling in her eyes. “God in heaven, give me the strength to do this.”

  * * * *

  Upon her return to the townhome, Jolene told Robert what had transpired. She had succeeded in using her gift of persuasion to obtain his acceptance of an invitation.

  “Well, I’ll be damned,” he replied with a smile. “How in the hell did you pull that off?”

  “The tool of guilt and coercion,” she replied.

  “Well done.”

  “Where are your parents?” She glanced around seeing no one.

  “They’ve gone out for a stroll, I believe.”

  Jolene unpinned her hat, walked over to a chair, and sat down exhausted from emotion. Robert joined her.

  “You look troubled,” he said, putting his hand on her shoulder.

  “I am troubled. What I’m about to do is change all of our lives by one confession.” Her voice cracked. “I want my family to reconcile, Robert.”

  Robert heaved a sigh that caught her attention. “Jolene, listen to me,” he said, bending down and gazing into her eyes. “No matter how much you want this, I beg you not to set your expectations too high. People often do not act as we think they should.”

  “Perhaps after I confess how I feel to each of them, they will come to their senses,” she said.

  Robert rose and shook his head doubtfully. “I fear tomorrow evening will be one that neither of us will ever forget.”

  “Probably not.” She looked at Robert mournfully. “Will you forgive me, please? I need some time to myself.”

  “Not until I give you a hug,” he said. He leaned forward and gave her a tender squeeze, which she reciprocated in return.

  “Would it sound strange, Robert,” she whispered, “If I told you that I loved you?” Her cheeks blushed. “You know what I mean, right?”

  He chuckled and flashed a boyish grin at her. “I love you, too, Sister,” he said, enunciating the sibling notation. “Thank God, I didn’t try to kiss you before I found out who you were. Wouldn’t that have been strange?”

  Jolene brought her hand to her mouth and giggled. “Oh, dear God, just the thought embarrasses the daylights out of me.”

  “I’ll leave you alone to your thoughts,” he said, exiting the room.

  Robert understood her need for privacy and a moment alone. Underneath that rascally persona there existed a young man with a good heart. Jolene sat back in the chair, looked out the window, and pondered what lay ahead.

  Today, she had lied to her father to get him to come to a dinner they would probably never share together. Nevertheless, it had to be done. The significance of bringing the three of them together to announce her identity had been foremost in her mind. She could have easily told them one by one. There had been numerous opportunities to pull her mother aside and the duke to declare everything.

  When she first met her father, it would have been glorious to tell him that her name was Angelique Jolene, without spouting off her title as if she were an arrogant aristocrat. Instead, she kept her lips sealed. Even Robert could have brought the news of her return when he visited.

  Tomorrow, though, everything would change. She would no longer be the woman she thought. Instead, she would be the daughter of Suzette and Philippe Moreau, who eighteen years ago disappeared. She tried to imagine the emotions they would feel at that moment, but her own clouded the vision.

  Obviously, it had been providence that Robert had been the first to discover her identity. He had become her strength, confidant, and invaluable friend through it all. Without him by her side, it would have been a bumbling journey of mishaps.

  His earlier warning, not to set her expectations too high resonated in her heart. She wanted it to work together for good, like a miraculous event with heaven’s intervention. Yet, a premonition inside her soul told her that it might not go as smoothly as she hoped. Maybe she should call for the French Legion to be on standby. Her heavy thoughts gave way to her brother’s sense of humor and she smiled.

  Chapter 27

  The Day of Reckoning

  By the time evening arrived, Jolene had tossed around every emotion the human heart possesses. Sorrow, anger, disillusionment, fear, and even tones of affection for her parents waxed back and forth like a pendulum on a clock.


  Earlier in the day, she met with Robert to discuss how the reunion would unfold. They decided he would make sure that his parents were in the sitting parlor no later than six thirty. Robert would open a bottle of wine and offer before dinner drinks to keep everyone occupied. She entrusted him to guide his side of the family while she took care of her father.

  Jolene instructed the butler to have Philippe remain in the foyer after his arrival. He would tell her immediately afterward, and she would meet him alone. When her welcoming greeting ended, she would escort him to the parlor to join the others.

  The final element in their plan had to do with the evidence she would present to corroborate her story. Jolene had taken Dorcas’ diary, along with a piece of Jacquelyn’s jewelry, and placed it in the center drawer of the writing desk in the parlor. She chose the ruby and diamond necklace with one large teardrop stone in the middle. On the reverse side of the center ruby, the initial and crest were prominently visible. Jolene would allow the heirloom to tell her story.

  As the hour approached, Robert met Jolene in her suite for a few words beforehand. “Are you sure you are ready to do this?”

  “Absolutely. I traveled thousands of miles to England and France and am not about to give up on this momentous family reunion.”

  Robert chuckled under his breath. “Momentous. I would call it suicidal.”

  “Oh, hush,” Jolene rebuked him, in a teasing tone. “I cannot think of any other way to bring this displaced group of souls back together. They all deserve to be told at the same time.”

  “Shall I stand by your side, or would you prefer that I sit during your speech?”

  “Well, you’re part of this sibling reveal, so I’d like you to stand by me. I think your knowledge of the situation will bring credibility.”

  “I can see the anger in my father’s eyes that I’ve known all along. There will be hell for me to pay because of you,” he complained with a frown.