Grave Consequences A Novel by Lisa T. Bergren

Author:Lisa T. Bergren
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Europe, Kidnapping, Italy, travel, Grand Tour, France, Romance
Publisher: David C. Cook
Published: 2013-02-28T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

~Cora~

He took my hands in his, kissing me on both cheeks as he smiled at me. “You look surprised to see me. You received my gift of the flowers, yes?”

“Th-those were from you?” What an idiot I’d been. To think that Will could afford such a gift, given his circumstances.

“But of course! Who else would they be from? Do you have so many admirers you cannot keep track of them? Why, certainly you do!” He grinned, and I had no choice but to smile back at him. He embodied exuberant pleasure, ease. And he was so pleased to see me, it was infectious. But I could not seem to find my tongue.

“Forgive my largesse,” he said, gesturing toward the trail of petals. “But I do love a dramatic, romantic moment.” He lifted my hands to his lips, kissing the knuckles of one and then the other. “Oh, how I have missed you since you left, my sweet! Nothing has been the same since we parted. Nothing.”

“P-Pierre,” I stuttered, “did you not receive my letter?” Even as I said the words, I knew it was impossible. There hadn’t been time.… He probably left before—

“Your letter? No.” He shook his head in sorrow. “What did it say?”

“Pierre,” I said, aching over what must be said, all over again, and finding it twice as hard in person. “You are so lovely. So kind and generous. But you and I…” I shook my head. “I simply don’t think we are meant to be together.”

He frowned, inhaled and held the breath, lifting his chin. He studied me and then slowly exhaled, nodding. “Cora, we are just beginning to explore what we might have. Would you stamp out a sprout before you’d yet seen its flower?” He shook his head. “I hear your heart, dear one. Your doubt. But I cannot let you go so easily.” His eyes searched mine, and he lifted a hand to cradle my cheek.

I stared up at him, wondering what else I could say…to tell him without it becoming a knife wound, slashing his heart.…

“Cora?” Will asked, behind me.

I turned slowly, feeling vaguely nauseated. He’d certainly seen. Seen Pierre speak to me in such a caring manner, caress my face.“Will,” I said, feeling caught and unaccountably guilty. “L-look who’s here!”

Pierre moved past me to shake Will’s hand enthusiastically. “Imagine my good pleasure when I received word that you were coming to this hotel! I despaired I’d never find you!”

“Yes, well,” Will said, shooting me a confused glance, “that is fortunate.” He paused, and a flash of displeasure washed through his eyes. “I understood we wouldn’t enjoy your company again until we met in Vienna.”

“As did I!” Pierre said gleefully, his eyes still solely on me. “Happily, I was able to revise my plans.”

“What a nice surprise,” Will said, no note of joy in his tone. Pierre appeared not to notice. Or ignored it. “How long might you sojourn with us before Paris calls you back? A day? Two?”

“No, no, no, my friend,” Pierre said, clapping him on the back.

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