Loved by the Beast by T E Elliott

Author:T E Elliott [Elliott, T E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781087106496
Publisher: Hidden Treasure Publications
Published: 2019-12-10T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

The carriage rolled through the gates late the following afternoon. The servants lined up outside on either side of the main entrance as Duchesse d'Aramitz, her son, and his bride-to-be came down to meet the carriage. Audric held back as his mother went forward. Léa stopped and looked up at him. “All will be well, Audric,” she reassured him and placed her hand in the crook of his arm. He nodded his head and gave her a nervous smile as he stood a little straighter.

Devereux opened the carriage door and a petite, sprightly young woman hopped out, dressed in the latest fashions with a wide paniers holding her skirts out at her hips, a mop of curly hair, and a large hat. A stoic lady’s maid stepped down after her.

“Bonjour, Mother!” she practically shouted as she first kissed her mother’s cheeks then gave her a light hug.

“Bonjour, darling, you might have given us more of a warning of your arrival, we only had your letter yesterday.”

“I’m sorry, Mother, I knew Aunt would change her mind in sending me if I didn’t come right away.”

“And how long will you be staying, dear?” the Duchesse tried to be sweet.

“Trying to get rid of me already?” the girl’s enthusiasm waned slightly.

“Of course not, I just like to be prepared for these things, you know.”

Her voice lowered and she could barely keep back a sigh as she replied, “Yes, I know. You may tell Villeneuve I’ll be here for the summer, at least.”

The girl then looked over her mother’s shoulder and stepped around her. She calmed as she walked up to Audric.

“Brother?” she almost whispered.

“Lizzy,” his voice was low but affectionate.

Her chin started to quiver and she ran into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck and closing her eyes as she savored the hug. He held her close, lifting her off her feet, and let out his breath. “I’ve missed you,” he said as he set her down and brought her to arms’ length.

“And I you.” She wiped her tears. “You’ve grown older, Brother!” her voice grew lighter again.

Audric lifted her hands out to look her over. “And so have you! You’re practically a woman.”

“I like to think I am a woman, thank you!” She put her hands on her hips in protest.

Laughing, he said, “A very beautiful one at that!”

Beaming at his approval she plowed into him for another hug around the middle. He smiled over at Léa and mouthed his thanks.

“Lizzy, may I introduce you to Mademoiselle Du Bois?”

Lisette stood up straight and turned to Léa, “Mademoiselle?” She looked between the two.

Duchesse d'Aramitz came forward then, “I’m afraid that’s my mistake, Lisette, I may have written to you prematurely of your brother’s marriage. But, I trust it will come to pass shortly.”

Lisette jumped up with excitement, “Then that means I haven’t missed the wedding!” She giggled. “I’m so happy to make your acquaintance, Mademoiselle.” She kissed Léa joyfully on each cheek. “May I call you by your given name?”

“Of course,” she answered warmly, “you may call me Léa.

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