The Betrothal by Mirella Patzer

Author:Mirella Patzer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: 18th Century, Colonial, Saga, Cultural, New World, Christian, Epic, Classic Historical Fiction, Family Life Saga Drama Fiction, French Historical Romance, Rewritten Classic, Historical, Suspense, Adventure, Fiction, Mystery, Literary Mystery, History, Crime, Literature, Classics, Literary, French, New France, Women's Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, Forgiveness, Christian Literary Fiction, Frontier, Wedding, Marriage, Secret, Shame, Guilt, Quest, Revenge, Inspirational, Family Saga, Family Life, Drama, Historical Fiction, Action
Publisher: History and Women Press
Published: 2013-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

70

Seigneur Pierre Robillard arrived in Québec and went straight to his uncle, Count Georges Le Barroy, who lived in a wide two-story home on a vast tract of land near the outskirts of the town. They sat facing each other in a set of chairs on either side of an unlit hearth. Two large open windows allowed a pleasant breeze to flow through the room.

After paying all due ceremony to his uncle, and delivering his Cousin Richard's compliments, Pierre addressed his sire's brother with a look of seriousness. “I have a matter to discuss with you. Although I am betraying Richard's confidence, it is my duty to tell you about it. Unless you interfere, the situation may become serious and produce negative consequences.”

Georges heaved a sigh. “One of Richard's usual scrapes, I suppose?”

“This time the fault is not Richard's, but his spirit is roused; and, as I said, no one but you can resolve his dilemma.”

“Well, let me hear it.” Georges leaned back in his chair, his fingertips pressed together over his corpulent belly.

“There is a Jesuit priest in Pointe-du-Lac who bears a grudge against Richard, and matters have escalated between them.”

Georges puckered his face. “I've told you both more than once to stay away from the clergy unless it is absolutely unavoidable!”

“But Uncle, Richard would have let him alone, had it been possible. It is the priest who has gone out of his way to provoke Richard.”

“What the devil has this priest to do with either one of my nephews?” Georges straightened in his chair and leaned forward.

“Well, the priest is well known as a restless spirit, one who takes pride in stirring up matters. He has taken a girl of Pointe-du-Lac under his protection, whom he regards with great affection.” He paused and looked pointedly back at his uncle. “And I don't know what else.”

“Affection? What sort of affection?” His uncle leaned forward, eyebrows raised.

“A jealous sort of affection.”

“Ah, I see,” Georges said, leaning back again. “This priest believes that Richard has taken a fancy to 'his' young woman.”

“Taken a fancy is the least of it. You know Richard. When he wants something, he will stop at nothing to get it. And now you see why this situation needs an advocate like you to intervene.”

Georges nodded. “I think I'm beginning to understand.”

“Richard had an enchanting encounter with this girl when he met her on the road and has since fallen for her charms. Richard is a young man, not a priest. But this is not what I came to see you about. The real problem lies in the fact that the priest has begun to talk of Richard disrespectfully, as if he were a low-born habitant or coarse fur trader, and has tried to instigate the entire village against him.”

Georges cupped his right fist in his left hand. “And his fellow priests? What do they do to stop their brother’s shameful behaviour?”

“They don't do anything to rein the priest in. They know him to be a hotheaded fool and are used to his rants.

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