Authors: Mary Christian Payne
“Elise, you’re a very wise lady. I prayed you’d come to the right decision, and you have. You will be the most beautiful bride that Thornton-on-Sea has ever seen.”
It was Sloan’s voice. Elise jumped and overturned a bottle of ink. It spilled all down the front of her rose-coloured dress. Wheeling around, she stood there, stunned. She and Sloan stared at each other for a moment.
“Who do you think should make the first move?” he smiled.
“You, of course,” she answered. “But if you’re adamant about not doing so, I shall.” She smiled back.
He walked toward her. “I love you with all of my heart and soul. Forgive me for doubting you. It will never happen again. Never.”
She met him half way. “Forgive me, Sloan. We were both wrong. I do believe you’re my soulmate. Soulmates need to be together. One can’t be whole without their other half.”
They came together in each other’s arms, and suddenly all was forgiven.
On the train back to Thornton-on-Sea, Sloan and Elise were seldom quiet. She wanted to know how he’d learned where she was, and why he’d decided to come to her. Sloan explained that it had actually been by accident. He’d run into Josef in the village and asked him to have an ale at the pub. Josef agreed. While chatting about details concerning the restaurant, an agreement was reached that no matter how things turned out between Sloan and Elise, they’d go forward with
Chez Chloe
. Josef was a bit worried that reaching such a decision would hurt Elise, but he had to consider his own future. The two had already put money into a building on the High Street and, if Josef backed out, he would lose his portion. Plus, opening his own, top-drawer restaurant was the epitome of a dream. He’d stood up for his sister, told Sloan the truth about everything, and had been very clear about his feelings. That was all he intended to do with regard to their dilemma. It was time for him to move forward with his own future. He and Sloan didn’t need to be the best of friends, in order to be partners in a business arrangement.
While the two were chatting, Sloan asked when he thought they could realistically plan on a Grand Opening. Josef answered without thinking.
“When Elise returns from Brighton, I’ll need to sit down and chat with her.”
He could have shot himself for opening his mouth and telling Sloan where she was. Sloan overlooked the slip and simply continued discussing
Chez Chloe
. But he tucked the tidbit about Brighton into his memory. If she hadn’t returned by the end of the week, he’d go to Brighton
.
He remembered Anne having told him of
Maison de Violette
, so he knew exactly where to look, once he reached the seaside resort. It shouldn’t be very hard. Few people visited Brighton in the autumn and winter months, so the town wouldn’t be crowded.
***
Sure enough, he’d found her almost immediately. All he’d had to do was ask at the railroad station. The porter knew who Elise was and spoke fondly of her. Sloan found his way to the lavender house on the beach and was welcomed warmly by Violette. She’d taken him to her office, where they’d chatted for a good hour. By the time she led him to Elise’s room, his head was full of more accolades about Elise than even he had ever uttered. It was obvious that Violette loved her like a daughter. She pronounced, over and over, how sweet and innocent Elise was and told about how emotionally devastated she’d been when she’d arrived in Brighton
.
Violette made it clear that falling in love wasn’t anywhere near Elise’s horizon when they’d first met. Of course Violette knew what had happened between them. Instead of tearing into him, which she felt like doing, she took a different tactic. She impressed upon Sloan what a wonderful lady Elise was – that she was truly one-of-a-kind. The man who married her would be the most fortunate soul in the world. She enumerated Elise’s good qualities, of which there were a multitude, and practically had him in tears again when he thought about how shabbily he’d treated her. At long last, he was shown to her room and left outside of the door. Elise knew the rest of the story. Thank God for Violette. Her wisdom had brought home, with full force, just how pride might have caused her to lose Sloan forever.
But they were together again and had already vowed never to allow anything to come between them. Sloan brought the ring with him. Not the one he’d originally presented to Elise. There were those nasty words spoken when she’d thrown the Emerald at him, and he didn’t want her reminded of that horrid scene for the rest of her life. He’d purchased a new one – this time a magnificent canary diamond that he said matched her golden hair. Elise was thrilled. She would have been happy to accept the original ring, but his thoughtfulness meant so much. He slipped it on her finger, and she swore it would stay there forever.
Their conversation turned to talk of the engagement party and wedding. No one in the village knew of the rupture in their relationship, outside of Anne and Josef. They were both immensely glad that they hadn’t shouted it to the world. Things could progress as if there’d been no interlude. Sloan had told his parents that Elise had gone to Brighton
to visit Violette, who was more mother than friend. She wanted Violette to be at the wedding. Neither Lord Rowan nor Lady Celia had any reason to question what Sloan told them.
Sloan and Elise also discussed what to do about Anne. Should she be included in the plans that were being made? Neither particularly wanted her present, but if they shunned her, there were sure to be questions, not only from his parents, but Anne’s as well. They reached the conclusion that they would send an invitation, and she could decide whether she wanted to attend. If she came, they’d both be decent to her, but certainly not overly warm.
Sloan had also brought a letter from Giselle. Naturally, it hadn’t been opened. Elise tore the envelope, and read the contents. Giselle was happy – settled – liked America. Elise’s eyes scanned the words. She and Ted were going to come over for the wedding! She would be Elise’s Matron of Honour. Other than having Sloan sitting next to her on the train, she couldn’t imagine anything that would have made her happier. Now that everything had worked out, and plans were going forward, Elise was elated. The date was still December 28. There was so much to accomplish. Elise knew she’d be incredibly busy. She began ticking things off in her mind; invitations needed to be ordered; a wedding gown selected; attendants’ apparel; a time set for a chat with the Rector; decisions about the reception – flowers, music, and food. On and on. It was all so exciting. She would let Lady Celia handle arrangements for the engagement party. After all, that was truly her affair. Of course it was in honour of Sloan and Elise, but she would rather Lady Celia make the decisions. Elise would be happy to lend her thoughts, but she really wanted to concentrate her attention on the wedding itself.
She would invite Lady Celia to accompany her on a trip to London to search for a wedding gown. She knew very little about which shops would be the most appropriate. Everything had to be perfect. She’d never dreamed this day would come. It was going to be flawless. She would have Josef walk her down the aisle. She could imagine how touched he would be. He’d been as much her father as anyone, from the time she could remember. Everything was turning out so splendidly. She was going to marry Sloan and live in the wonderful village she’d come to love; he would adopt Chloe who would, at long last, have a Daddy; Violette would be there; Giselle would be there; could any woman ever have felt such fulfillment?
***
The guests danced the night away at Elise de Baier and Sloan Thornton’s engagement party. Lady Celia had outdone herself.
Highcroft Hall
was a picture. The ballroom was filled with yellow roses and white lilies, with purple and white violets as accents. Elise stood in line with her future in-laws, receiving good wishes from everyone present. She held a sweet nosegay of yellow and white rosebuds, encircled with lavender violets. Her dress was enchanting. It was very pale yellow, with a wide sash of lilac satin encircling her tiny waistline. The designer in London had made it according to her specifications, so that it fit perfectly with the décor of the evening. Constructed of organza, it had an Alencon lace overlay, with long sleeves and a high, Victorian collar. Not since before the war, had anyone seen such an elegant event. Ruth outdid herself with food preparation. Regardless of the fact that rationing was still in effect on certain items, it was a marvelous feast. There was even a delightful cake, covered with yellow icing and topped with candied violets.
Anne accepted the invitation, but did not bring an escort. She looked lovely, but somewhat subdued. Wearing an amber gown, with the shoulders bared, and her dark hair spilling softly around them, no one could deny she was a beautiful woman. Elise had a kind heart and couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for the person she’d once thought was her friend. Sloan and Elise accepted Anne’s best wishes when she moved through the receiving line, but otherwise kept their distance. Naturally she knew most everyone present, so she wasn’t lacking in attention. Sloan couldn’t help but notice that his friend from London, Elliott Woodbridge, who was going to be his Best Man, seemed somewhat intrigued with Anne. Sloan briefly remembered the talk he’d had with Elliott back in London, right after the war. The girl he’d described as his own soulmate could well have been Anne. Elliott had said that he preferred brunettes – sultry, sexy, and spunky. Elliott had also said she would have to be intelligent. Well, Anne was certainly all of those things, as well as sly and manipulative.
Even Violette had come to the party. Dressed, as always, in a lilac gown, she could have passed as a member of the peerage. She was definitely a very attractive women, in spite of being in her early fifties. There was nothing flashy or untoward about her. Elise was exceedingly proud of her, and made certain that everybody present met her. Both Sloan and Elise chuckled to themselves when they noticed that old Lord Tom Sterling, an acquaintance of Sloan’s parents, hovered about the elegant Violette, bringing her punch and asking for dances. If he had known what Violette did for a living, he would probably have keeled over in a dead faint. The gentleman was a widower, perhaps in his late sixties. He was good-enough looking, if one liked the type. Clearly he enjoyed his rank in the aristocracy.
Elise wasn’t sorry to see the party come to an end. Although it was the most incredible ball she’d ever attended, and she couldn’t quite grasp that it had been held in her honour, she was counting down the days until her wedding. Now that the engagement had been announced to one and all, the distinguished, engraved invitations she and Lady Celia had selected could be addressed and posted. Elise was anxious to get on with preparations. She loved Sloan with all of her heart, and the wedding day couldn’t come soon enough.
Guests departed, and after the last one left
Highcroft Hall
, Lady Celia, Lord Rowan, Sloan, Elise, Elliott, Giselle, Ted and Violette gathered together in the drawing room to talk over the night’s success. That was always one of the most enjoyable parts of hosting a large party. It was such fun to discuss everything afterwards. Everyone agreed it had been unsurpassed in loveliness. Elise continued to receive accolades from the small, intimate group. She smiled and thanked them, but insisted they move on to other topics.
“You spent a good deal of time chatting with Anne Whitfield,” Sloan remarked, looking at Elliott.
“Yes, I did. I was very drawn to her. Do you recall our discussing soulmates when we met in London after the war, Sloan? I have to admit, Anne touched a nerve with me. She meets my definition of the ideal woman.”
“Oh no, said Giselle. “
“Why do you say that?” Elliott questioned.
Sloan and Elise looked at each other. “Elliott, be a bit careful with Anne. You know she and Sloan were once engaged. That’s all behind them now, but we’re not certain Anne is ready for another relationship,” answered Elise.
“
I’ll watch my step. But
,
I’d like to see her again.”
“Anne could use some attention from a handsome gentleman. Just go slowly,” Elise continued.”
“I’m glad I’ll see Anne again at the wedding. I may even make arrangements to see her before then. Believe me, you’ll be the first to know if it develops into something serious.”
Sloan shook his head, but said nothing more.
“Violette, you were the ‘Belle of the Ball’. Lord Sterling was charmed with you. How did he strike you?” asked Lady Celia.
“He’s a very fine man. I felt honoured that someone of his stature would find me attractive. We got on very well. Of course, he was just being gallant. Can’t you imagine me traipsing about with someone from the aristocracy?”
“And, why not? Personally, I think he’d be lucky to have you.”
“Lady Celia, you’re very kind. But he doesn’t know me at all. I doubt he’d even speak to me if he did.”
Lady Celia had no idea that Violette owned a brothel. If she had, she too would likely have keeled over. “That’s nonsense. Just because you’re not of the peerage, and are in business for yourself, I think he’d find that admirable. We’ve known Lord Sterling for eons. His deceased wife owned an interior decoration business. He’s always admired women who aren’t interested in leaning on their men.”
“Well, that’s lovely. But I think we’ll leave it at that. I’m far too fixed in my ways to think about changing them now. I’m really quite happy with my life.”
“Of course that’s the important thing, isn’t it?” answered Lord Rowan.