Pure of Heart by Auria Jourdain

Author:Auria Jourdain
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency, French Revolution, Historical romance, doctor, epic journey, England, France, albinism
Publisher: Auria Jourdain
Published: 2017-08-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

“Dieu, will this journey never end? It feels as if we’ve been traveling for months.”

Attempting to take her mind off her nausea, Contesse gazed out the window of the carriage with a sigh. She was so tired of complaining. Eric and Talon would most certainly agree. Their journey taxed her strength, and each day brought new struggles.

It didn’t help that Claire was pushing them forward like gladiators in a chariot race. Contesse had no clue why the woman was so anxious to get to the borderlands. According to Talon, they had plenty of time before the snows came. What she needed was a few days’ rest.

Eric placed his text aside and followed her gaze. “At least the scenery is impressive, love. The rolling hills and rustic cottages remind me of my village.”

“Is that so?” She smiled. The little towns tucked between the picturesque landscape were indeed quaint. She’d enjoyed the variety of people they’d met. Had her mother lived in one of these little shires? Perhaps some of the people they’d stopped to chat with were related to her. The thought was oddly comforting. “Do you have strong family ties to your village?”

“I suppose. My great-grandmother was born and raised in Yorkshire. My father was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, but he was sent to live with my great-grandmother when my Grandmother McEwan died.”

Contesse smiled. “How ironic. Madame Claire said my mother’s sect lived near the borderlands, oui? Your family roots aren’t too far from mine.”

He laughed. “Aye. Fancy us meeting in London. My mum was born in Ireland. My maternal grandparents still live in Dublin. I’ve only met them once. I was so young when they last visited, I’m not sure they’d even remember me.”

Sensing a twinge of sadness, Contesse squeezed his hand. Since they’d visited the Romani camp, Eric, Talon, and she had had their lives upended. Talon had become short-tempered and churlish, keeping mostly to himself as he guided them northward. On the other hand, Eric had been empowered. He spent evenings regaling her with fond tales of his childhood and siblings. When they’d stopped to rest and change the horses at the small shire of Buntingford, Eric had dropped a few letters at the post. Apparently, his sister, Anna, lived in Bedfordshire with her husband and young daughter, just a day’s ride from Cambridge.

Talon’s vibrant family had changed Contesse’s apprehensions as well. She envied Eric. At least he had siblings to visit with and share memories. Did she have a sister or brother? She hoped so. How she longed for a family that she could swap stories with or spend a holiday.

Her papa must have possessed a gift of foresight because her curiosity about her ancestry had changed with every new experience. While she’d been hesitant to go on this quest, Talon's family had given her a deep longing and desire for family. Unfortunately, the only memories of her early life thus far were bleak reminders that she was an unwanted child.

No, not unwanted. Papa and Hélène had loved her as if she were their own.

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