The Price of Love

by Vicki Hopkins

  “Hello, Angelique.” Her father greeted her with a smile and approached giving her a fatherly kiss on the cheek. At first, she shied away, at his touch. Afterward, she gave him a warm smile of approval.

  “I wasn’t expecting you,” she admitted. Her eyes darted over to the duke and Robert for an answer. Robert flashed a sly smile of victory before answering.

  “Well, father and I thought it was rude of us not to feed Philippe last evening, so we invited him over to make up for the oversight.”

  “And you came,” she said, looking at Philippe.

  “Yes, I came for you,” he replied, giving a quick glance at the duke.

  Her mother smiled approvingly at the scene. They were all together, the family that she had been born into. They were acting civil and courteous in one room. Every eye looked at her with love.

  What happened next had been entirely unexpected. Suddenly, she heard herself sob. Her arms wrapped around her waist, and she bent over heaving from emotion that came from her soul. A torrent of tears burst forth uninvited and uncontrolled.

  Robert came to her side and put his arm around her shoulder as if he understood the reason for her outburst, even though she did not.

  “It’s all right, Jolene. There is no more need to be angry. Everyone has made peace just as you wished. The animosity is over now.”

  The words did nothing to stop the tears she could not fight. The next she knew, they all flocked to her side. Her father put his arm around her waist to hold her up, while her mother took her right hand and squeezed it gently. Through her tears, she saw the blurry vision of the duke smiling warmly at her, and Robert’s kind eyes imparting his brotherly love and affection.

  “We are all so happy to have you back in our lives,” her mother said in earnest. “Aren’t we Philippe?”

  “Indeed,” he said, choking up in his own emotion. “I’m so proud of the woman you have become, Angelique. My sorrow has been turned to joy because you have returned to all of us.”

  After another minute, Jolene stopped sniveling. Robert pressed his handkerchief into her hand again. She quickly wiped her tears and then looked at them. Her heart felt as if it would burst from emotion. Her eyes looked at her father and pleaded.

  “Father, may I hug you?” Her voice sounded like a child.

  Philippe placed his arms around her and held her close. “You are home now, that’s all that matters,” he said, stroking her back gently. “We have the rest of our lives ahead of us.”

  Jolene pulled away and wiped her tears once more. She looked at the duke who stood nearby. His face radiated relief.

  “I have a sense, Your Grace, that you are responsible for this reunion. Thank you.”

  She quickly stepped in his direction and gave him a tight hug. He reciprocated and whispered in her ear. “It’s for you.”

  Finally, she turned toward her mother. Their words of reconciliation had already been spoken. Without saying anything more, she hugged her as well. Suzette held her for some time before they finally released one another.

  Afterward, she noted that Philippe focused his gaze upon Suzette as if he wanted to say something. She stepped out of the way and glanced over at the duke and Robert looking for direction.

  “I could use some fresh air,” Robert announced. “Anyone wish to join me on the veranda?” Robert nodded at his father to follow, and the three of them departed. Jolene saw that Suzette had turned to leave as well, but Philippe gently took her by the arm.

  “Stay,” he urged her.

  Obviously, something immensely personal would soon transpire between them. Jolene glanced at the two standing face-to-face. They were her parents, and it was a vision she wanted to keep in her heart forever.

  Jolene joined Robert and the duke on the veranda. “Is Philippe doing what I hope he is?” she asked Robert in anticipation.

  “Yes. Eighteen years is a long time to nurse an unforgiving heart, don’t you think?”

  Jolene stepped toward her brother. “You did all this, didn’t you?”

  He smiled at her and reached out taking her hand in his. “Well, His Grace over there helped somewhat,” he added, giving his father credit.

  “I wonder what he’s saying to her,” the duke said, staring at the doorway waiting for the two of them to emerge.

  “You should leave that between the two of them, Father,” Robert encouraged. “It’s their business, not ours.”

  “Perhaps you’re right,” he acknowledged, sighing. “Your mother deserves what I hope he grants.”

  After what seemed like an eternity, Suzette walked out on Philippe’s arm. He escorted her over to the duke.

  “Your wife, I believe,” he said, handing her over.

  Suzette’s face glowed with a rosy tint appearing embarrassed over what had transpired between them. The sparkle in her eye spoke of release, and Jolene knew they, too, had made peace with the past. Before another word could be spoken, the butler appeared on the veranda.

  “Dinner is served,” he announced.

  With that, everyone turned toward the dining room to have a peaceful meal together. Jolene wanted to jump up and down like a little girl having been given a wonderful gift at Christmas. Instead, she merely smiled and controlled the urge. After all, she was still a komtesse.

  Chapter 32

  Season of Change

  A telegram arrived that once again turned Jolene’s life upside down. She had only spent two weeks with her reconciled family, barely having enough hours to make up for the lost years. Nevertheless, fate would allow her no more—at least now. Word had arrived from her aunt’s husband that Geraldine had been taken gravely ill. Jolene had kept her aunt apprised of her whereabouts by posting letters to Berlin in case something like this happened.

  After seeking out Robert, she discovered him in the library. She found him sprawled on the divan in his favorite position with a book in his hand apparently engrossed. As soon as he heard her coming, he slammed the book shut and set it down.

  “I have no time for your foolishness,” Jolene said, not actually caring at that moment what he read. “I’ve received bad news.”

  Robert swung his legs around and sat up straight. “What news?”

  “My stepfather’s sister, Geraldine, is sick. She is calling for me to come to Berlin. It sounds serious as if she might die.”

  “You intend to go, I take it?” He rose to his feet and stood before her looking as forlorn as she felt inside.

  “I have to, Robert. She’s been my aunt since childhood. She’s loved me like a daughter and been like a mother to me.” Jolene brought her hand to her head in despair. She sat down on the couch and grabbed his hand pulling him down by her side. “I don’t want to go. I feel horrible admitting it, but the timing is dreadful.”

  “Yes, quite,” he replied. “But you should go. It would not be right for you to disregard her request for your presence, Jolene. I’m sure that you would never forgive yourself if she passed away without being at her side.”

  “It’s not just that, Robert,” she moaned. Jolene brought her hands to her face in despair. “I’m afraid that afterward I shall be alone. What am I to do? I don’t want to leave you or anyone else behind.”

  Robert gently pulled her hands away. “Look at me,” he pleaded. “You don’t need to be alone. Take Philippe with you.”

  Her brow wrinkled. “Philippe?”

  “Yes, your father. His life here is an empty shell. He works in a mundane job and lives on the verge of poverty.”

  The proposal sounded plausible and well thought out. With Philippe by her side, the trip to Berlin and its sorrows that it may hold would be of immense support. “Do you think he will come?”

  Robert sighed. “Well, with Philippe you never know,” he jested, “But I cannot think of a reason why he would decline. He has years of your life to catch up on. I am certain that he would appreciate the time together.”

  “I like the idea, Robert.” Jolene relaxed seeing an answer to her dil
emma. “After Berlin, I wonder if he would come to Vienna and…”

  “Stay?” Robert answered her thought.

  Jolene smiled. “I don’t want to be alone, Robert. The estate is my responsibility. I owe it to my stepfather to care for his property and accept my title. One day I may sell it, but I cannot right now.”

  “I think having Philippe by your side will help you to accomplish those responsibilities. He will be a great support and help to you.” Robert paused, looking at her sadly. “I’ll miss you.”

  “Then why don’t you come?” Excited at the thought, she reached over and took hold of his hand.

  “I cannot,” Robert quickly responded. “Like you, Jolene, I have responsibilities. My father looks to me to continue the Holland realm, marry, and produce an heir.” Robert smirked at Jolene. “He actually told me that he thought you were a good influence on me.”

  Jolene giggled. “Well, I would like to think so.”

  “Honestly, I will admit your maturity and feisty spirit did cause me to reflect upon my own character.” He shook his head. “We have both learned so much about our parents these past weeks.”

  “Yes, we have,” Jolene agreed.

  “I see my father in an entirely new light than I did before. We have grown closer, and I have you to thank for it.”

  “So, you are no longer a rascal, eh?” Jolene teased him with an endearing smile.

  “Well, that’s to be seen,” Robert laughed. “Who knows, I may even start practicing law in London. God knows, father needs the money to keep the estate going.”

  “I have more than enough to help, Robert, should your father not be too proud to accept it.”

  “Nice gesture,” he responded with a snicker. “But his pride would not allow such charity.”

  Jolene’s smile faded. She had much to do. The train from Paris to Berlin would be a day’s travel. The tickets needed to be purchased, their bags packed, and a visit to Philippe made.

  “Well, I should begin preparations,” she sighed.

  “I will talk to father and mother and will make arrangements to return to England by the end of the week,” Robert advised. “I’m sure they will completely understand your dilemma.”

  They both rose and stood face-to-face holding hands. “I love you,” she said affectionately, kissing him on the cheek.

  “And I you,” he warmly replied. “We shall write one another and perhaps one day meet on holiday.”

  Jolene nodded struggling with a lump in her throat. Her eyes glanced at the book that Robert had set down. The marquis had apparently lost the bid for his attention as she noted the title, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Jolene reached down and picked up the book, thinking about how appropriate it was for the current situation.

  “For love is like a tree,” she began. “It grows of itself; it sends its roots deep into our being, and often continues to grow green over a heart in ruins.”

  Robert gazed at her strangely not understanding her recitation.

  “Remember those words when you read them,” she said, handing him the book. They were poignant for the moment. Her family, who had broken apart eighteen years ago, had come back together through love. One day, as love continued to grow, it would cover their hearts that had once been in ruin. Satisfied that she had accomplished what she set out to do, she prepared to return home.

  * * * *

  Anxious to speak with Philippe, she wasted no time. A few hours later, she instructed the driver to take her to her father’s residence. Robert had confirmed that he would be home. She had given Maria instructions to begin packing. After seeing Philippe, she would purchase train tickets for three.

  Robert had told her of his living conditions, but when the driver pulled up to the row house where he lived, her heart sank. Her resolve to take him to Berlin grew stronger each passing minute. Philippe deserved restoration in every possible way. Hopefully, he would not spurn her request from pride. If he did, she feared that she would kidnap him to make a point.

  After a few sharp taps, he opened the door. As soon as he saw her on his doorstep, he shrank in embarrassment.

  “Angelique, what are you doing here?”

  “Let me come in, Father, and I’ll tell you.”

  “All right,” he said, opening the door wide.

  He kept his head lowered and led her into the small parlor. When she witnessed the surroundings in which he lived, she understood how mortified he must feel over her arrival. Nevertheless, she did not come to judge his living conditions. On the contrary, she came to give him something better.

  “Father, I have bad news,” she began. With an outstretched hand, she grabbed his and held onto it tightly. “I must leave for Berlin immediately. My stepfather’s sister is gravely ill and has asked me to be at her side. She is elderly and frail, and I fear she may pass away.” Her voice cracked. “I want the opportunity to bid her goodbye.”

  Her father’s shoulders slumped, and he lowered his head. Plainly, her announcement broke his heart.

  “I have something to ask you.” She glanced at the floor for a brief moment to formulate her words. “I will not be able to bear it if you say no.”

  “Then ask me,” he encouraged her warmly.

  “Will you come with me?”

  He said nothing in response, but his eyes widened. She continued to persuade him toward a favorable answer. “I want you to be at my side in Berlin to support me.” She paused briefly to inhale a breath before continuing. “Then I want you to come to Vienna and stay.”

  Philippe’s face flushed. “Oh, Angelique,” he said, shaking his head as if it were a preposterous idea. “I couldn’t.”

  “You have nothing here, Father,” she said, glancing at the tattered furniture and bare necessities. “I have more crowns in the bank than I know what to do with. Please, allow me to share my life with you and give you the home you deserve.”

  With a hard line of his brow, he projected his pride. “But I don’t want your money.” He sounded offended by her offer.

  Stubborn man, she complained inwardly. She raised her voice at him.

  “Don’t you dare be stubborn and bullheaded with me, Philippe Moreau.” Jolene tightened her lips in protest. She wanted to shake him by the shoulders to bring some sense into his head. “Do you expect me to return home like an orphan, alone and without companionship to live my life in Vienna?” Tears stung her eyes over the thought. “I have been denied your presence for eighteen years. Now you want me to turn my back on you? How could you even think I could do such a thing?” Indignant and determined, she waited for him to respond.

  Once again, her spunky attitude appeared to catch him off guard. Perhaps he had seen a part of himself in her fiery eyes as she stood there making her prideful demand for restoration. She realized at that moment that her own stubbornness of character must have come from Philippe’s genes. Jolene almost laughed at her robust scolding.

  “Well, if you put it that way,” he answered with a smirk. “I suppose I better come along with you, or I’ll be in trouble.” He stepped forward, placed both of his hands on her shoulders, and looked affectionately into her eyes. “Are you sure?”

  Jolene’s spirited attitude melted at this touch. A broad smile spread across her face as she recognized his willingness to be at her side. “Yes, Father, very sure.”

  “Then, when do we leave?”

  Jolene flung her arms around his neck and held him tightly.

  Chapter 33

  Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

  “It’s time,” Maria announced, walking into the suite.

  Jolene stood by the balcony and looked out over the city one last time. She never did get an opportunity to see everything that she wanted, but perhaps one day she would return. With everything packed and ready to go, the time had come to bid her goodbyes. Her heart ached thinking about it. The last few months had given her a family and drastically changed her life and that of others.

  “My lady, they are waiting,” Mari
a reminded her again.

  “All right,” she relented, grabbing her purse. “Just give me a moment alone.” Maria curtsied and left.

  Jolene knew that one last task needed completion. As bizarre as it might appear to others, she felt compelled to do so before she departed. If it had not been for one woman who found the courage to confess the truth, none of this would have happened. She would have lived her life as someone else. Her father and mother would have continued to grieve, and a wonderful brother would have been lost to her forever. She closed her eyes and spoke in a low voice.

  “Dorcas, I don’t know if you can hear me, but I cannot leave without thanking you for telling me the truth. May your soul rest in peace.”

  Jolene had turned to leave, when unexpectedly a tug came at her heart. Everyone involved had come to a place of reconciliation, but one person remained forgotten.

  “Jacquelyn,” she said, “I forgive you for taking me from my parents. Your actions made me an instrument of reconciliation amongst my family. May you forgive them for your pain, too, and find eternal peace.” Jolene pictured her in heaven with her unborn baby happy and loved. A tear trickled down her cheek, and Jolene quickly caught it with her hankie.

  She inhaled a deep breath and composed herself before going downstairs. The footmen had finished loading their luggage, and in a few short minutes they would depart. Everyone stood in the foyer waiting for her arrival. She glanced at her father, and he smiled with anticipation etched upon his face. She knew in her heart that their life together would be everything she hoped.

  When she glanced at her mother, she saw sorrow. Her eyes sparkled with tears. Jolene stepped forward and gave her a hug. “We will write, Mother, just as we talked about. There is plenty of time to get to know one another.”

  Suzette squeezed her tightly in return. “I hope someday we can be together again.”

  Jolene pulled back. “Of course, we will. I will travel back to Paris for holiday, and we can rent a townhome again. You can show me everything in the city that I missed.”