“You’ve talked to Grégoire?”
Christina nodded.
“My Dear, you must be very brave. He knows about the bracelet.”
“But how?” Christina was terrified.
“I don’t know. I told him it was a gift from Richard on your sixteenth birthday and that you asked me to have it repaired for you. I told him you still believe Richard dead. And, courage Christina, he knows about the baby, as well.”
She tried to pull away from him, to run, to go anywhere, to just get away. Her world was falling apart! But Robert wouldn’t release her.
“Christina! Listen to me. It’s all right. He thinks the child his and he’s quite pleased. Just be careful. Say as little as possible. You have my word that we won’t let him take you. Do you understand?”
Before she could answer, she heard Guy’s footsteps approaching. He stopped beside Denis and wouldn’t have had a smile on his face had he known how much that young man was wishing he had a dagger concealed in the ample sleeve of his robe.
Robert gave her trembling hand a final squeeze.
“You see, here he is now,” he said, loud enough for Guy to hear. And then softly to Christina: “Remember, we’ll protect you. I swear it.”
Robert stepped away as Guy approached. Guy gave him a look that made him move off out of earshot, but he remained in Christina’s line of vision.
Guy sat down and took Christina’s hand, then slowly raised it to his lips. He stared at her and she tried to pull away, but he held her fingers tightly. Guy smiled. Slowly, he let his eyes fall on the bracelet that circled her wrist. Still pressing her fingers tightly, he turned the bracelet around on her wrist as if admiring the pattern of stones and flowers.
Christina was too terrified to move, so frightened she could scarce allow herself to breathe.
“Tell me, my dear,” he said agreeably, “where did you get this?”
When Christina said nothing he gave her hand a jerk, twisting her wrist painfully, forcing her even closer. “Answer me, Christina.”
“From Richard,” she whispered. Her heart beat so fast she could barely get the words out.
“I see. And when was that?” When she didn’t answer immediately, he pinched her fingers even harder.
“Years ago…my birthday…”
“Strange. I don’t remember seeing it before.”
“It was broken…”
Guy smiled.
So, it must be true.
His grip on her hand relaxed, but he didn’t release her. She was so beautiful. She looked much better, much healthier than she had when he left for Venice. He reached up to brush a wisp of hair from her cheek and she shrank from his touch as though he might strike her.
Denis, who was standing with Robert, saw her wince and moved to help her. Robert grabbed his arm.
“No. We must do nothing to make him suspicious.”
“But, My Lord!” Denis was beside himself with worry.
“Denis! Trust me. You must! For her sake.”
Denis relented, but the frown didn’t leave his face as he continued to watch Christina.
“Christina,” Guy went on, his tone more gentle now. “Let’s not get off to a bad start. I’m very happy to see you. I’ve missed you, you know.”
She tried to smile a little, but she was still trembling.
“Do you know why I’ve come?”
She shook her head, but she didn’t want to look at him again. Those eyes of his filled her with dread.
Why is this happening? Where is Richard?
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
She looked up.
Tell him what?
“About the baby,” he prompted. “Our baby.”
What could she say?
“Don’t you see? This changes everything. What you wanted before… Do you remember, Christina?” Guy was caught up in all his plans, all the plans he had for their little family. “What you wanted before, it’s what I want now.”
She was startled by the excitement she saw in his eyes.
“A family, Christina! Just like you wanted it to be last time.” He pulled her to him then, holding her tightly.
She didn’t resist. She couldn’t. She was too surprised.
“This time it will work. It will be everything you wanted it to be.” His voice dropped a little. “Everything I want it to be. I promise.”
What’s happening?
She could see Robert and Denis over Guy’s shoulder, but she wasn’t much comforted.
“And I have a very special surprise for you,” he said, releasing her. “You shall have it when you come home.”
“But I can’t!” She blurted the words without thinking.
Guy’s mood shifted, changing the tone of his voice and making his pale eyes a shade colder.
“And why not?”
“I…I must stay here,” she replied shakily.
“On the contrary. You must come home, Christina.” His words made his intentions clear. She
would
come home.
“Please. I can’t leave. Not now!” She was pleading with him, begging him to leave her at the abbey.
Guy stood up abruptly. He looked down at her with disgust, wondering why she always spoiled things.
“You’re coming home where you belong, Christina. I’ll be here at noon Friday for you and you
will
be ready.” With that he turned on his heel and walked quickly back down the arched corridor.
Shortly after the children left with Monsieur Louvet, Phillipe returned, to say that Yves was not at the warehouse, but had gone to his daughter’s in Beaucaire for his grandson’s christening. He was to return to Arles on Friday.
Richard’s first inclination was to go back to the abbey and then return to Arles on Friday, but Maryse convinced him it would probably be wisest to stay. The less time spent out in the open, even disguised as a monk, the less likely he might be recognized.
He knew Maryse was right, but he was concerned about Christina. Finally, he sent her a brief note assuring her he would return on Saturday and that he was safe.
Maryse had little chance to comfort Richard, for no sooner had Phillipe left with the note to Christina, than Monsieur Rouverault arrived. Maryse left the two men alone in the salon and went to check on her cook’s plans for supper. She had a special surprise for Richard.
When Guy was safely away from the abbey, Robert went to Christina’s room. Denis and Grégoire were waiting with her. She sat there on the little sofa, dry-eyed, in stony silence and nothing they could say to her seemed to have any effect. Robert sent Grégoire for something to calm her, and sent Denis to wait for him in his study.
Robert sensed a resignation in Christina and it worried him. He knew she would have to be very strong in order to survive this setback, and for the first time in quite a while he wondered if she could manage it.
“Christina, I’m so sorry.” Robert sat down beside her and took her hand. “My dear, I meant what I said. You’re safe with us. We will protect you.”
“You can’t protect me. No one can.”
“Christina! What a terrible thing to say. Have you so little faith in those who love you?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Of course it matters,” Robert said gently. “Surely you understand what Richard has risked to come to you?” When there was no response, he emphasized his point by squeezing her hand. “His
life
, Christina. His life.”
“And where is he now? Now, when I need him? Now, when
we
need him?” She crossed both arms over her belly.
“He’s in Arles, making arrangements for the two of you to leave. He’s taking you away, Christina. Have you forgotten?” Robert sensed her slipping away.
“I haven’t forgotten. But has he?” she asked coolly.
Grégoire returned then, knocking softly on the door. He produced a cup of warm wine that Robert coaxed her to drink.
“Christina, see if you can rest now. And listen to me carefully. We will not let Guy take you from the abbey. The only way that you will leave here is with Richard. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Christina looked at him skeptically.
“My dear, this abbey has withstood the attacks of armies. Do you really think your husband can stand against it? Trust me, Christina. You’re safe here.”
She moved to the bed and lay down. Though she closed her eyes immediately, it took some time for her to fall asleep. Robert waited until he was sure she would rest, then he and Grégoire went to his study in the tower to meet with Denis.
“What are you going to do?” Grégré asked.
“I’ll wait until late tonight and send Denis to Richard. I want to be absolutely sure no one sees him go. Guy has an informant among us.”
“What?” Grégré was shocked. “How can that be?”
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out.”
Stefano was annoyed when Guy refused to take him to the abbey. He pretended it was of little consequence, but he was determined to see Christina. There were quite a few questions he wanted answered. So, he went out to call on some acquaintances, to let them know he was back. And finally, he stopped by Guy’s offices where there was a letter waiting for him that had been sent on from Venice.
15 Janvier
Dearest Stefano,
I am writing to accuse you of being most unkind. I’ve had no word from you since you left Marseilles. I confess I thought you’d see the error of your decision to leave me, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. So, I have taken it upon myself to make amends.
I can’t understand why you left. I admit that it was taking longer than I promised to make the arrangements for our trip, but you were so impatient! I thought you were happy. Was I so wrong? I know I was happy and I know, too, that I have not had a moment’s peace since you left.
I miss you, Stefano. I am beside myself with worry that you have found someone else and will never come back to me. Oh, please don’t let that be true! I will do anything to have you return, anything. I swear it! But you must write to me. You must tell me you are well and that you long for me, even as I long for you.
Come back to me and I swear we will do everything I promised and more!
Sabine
Stefano was amused. He was surprised how often he’d thought of Sabine. She was certainly a woman to be reckoned with. And though his primary concern at the moment was Christina, there were times when the simplicity of his relationship with Sabine appealed to him.
Guy had been very secretive about his plans for Christina. But Stefano was no fool. He knew from past experience that things might not work out for the three of them. Guy’s behavior might deteriorate, Christina might not be as happy to see him as he hoped (though he did find
that
possibility hard to imagine), or—and even harder to imagine—he might not love her as much as he thought he did. Only time and Christina could answer those questions.
In an effort to keep as many options open as possible, Stefano replied.
2 Février
Sabine!
What a surprise to hear from you! As you see I am currently in Arles, staying with some friends. I may be returning to Venice but I can’t say when.
Your letter makes it quite plain that you are no nearer to leaving Marseilles than you were when I left. That fact alone makes it very hard for me to believe you really miss me as much as you say. Nevertheless, I will admit that I think of you quite often and if you ever do find yourself free to travel, I would not be displeased to hear from you. Should I be free—if and when that time ever comes—I might consider joining you.
Until then, my dear, I’m afraid you must content yourself with memories…
Stefano
Stefano folded the letter and sealed it. He knew it sounded a little cruel. But he also knew his cold reply was more likely to inflame Sabine’s desire than the sweetest words ever would. She preferred a challenge, in bed and out.
By the time Guy returned to his house, he had put the annoying fact of Christina’s reluctance to return to Arles completely out of his mind. Instead, he was concentrating on how beautiful she looked, and how obviously pregnant she was. Pregnant with his child. Plans! Oh, he had plans!
“Well?” Stefano said as Guy came into the library and poured himself a drink. Apparently he hadn’t noticed Stefano was there.
“Well, what?” Guy replied matter-of-factly.
Stefano stifled his anger. If Guy wanted to play a game, Stefano was willing. He didn’t answer.
Guy was smiling when he did finally turn and face Stefano.
“You seem pleased,” Stefano said, showing as little interest as possible. “I take it things went well?”
“Oh, yes.”
Stefano watched him a moment, then stood up. “I’m sorry. It seems you would rather be alone.” He started for the door. When he reached for the handle, Guy spoke.
“On the contrary.”
“Well then? But forgive me, I seem to be repeating myself.” This time Stefano allowed his voice to betray just a little irritation.
Guy tossed down the rest of the brandy and poured himself another. He filled a second glass and handed it to Stefano.
“Thank you. Are we celebrating something?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Do you want to tell me what?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I see.” Stefano returned to the chair where he’d originally been sitting. “Well, since you don’t seem to be interested in sharing your news, maybe we should find something else to talk about. Did you see Christina, then?”
“Yes.”
“And she’s well?”
“Yes, quite well.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.” Stefano didn’t know what Guy was up to, but it was obvious he was not about to tell him anything about Christina.
“So, I was thinking we might go out tonight. It’s been a long time since we’ve been to Madame Dijol’s together. I thought it might be amusing to get reacquainted. We could have supper there, make a night of it. What do you think?”
“Good idea. Let’s do it.”
Richard was indeed surprised that night at dinner when Maryse introduced him to her children’s nanny. It was Geneviève, the young girl from Madame Dijol’s who had shared his last night with Maryse so many years before. At twenty-three she was quite a beauty, tall and slim and very blonde. She had lived with Maryse since Albert was born, helping with the baby and later with Janine. Geneviève was determined to take her time in choosing a husband. She’d had her fill of men at Madame Dijol’s. But just last year she’d fallen head-over-heels in love with a handsome banker and she was now engaged to be married.