Two Novellas by Bertrice Small: (The Awakening, Zuleika and the Barbarian)

Author:Small, Bertrice [Small, Bertrice]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Butterfly Kisses Press
Published: 2015-06-01T16:00:00+00:00

Epilogue

King Louis XVIII was sprawled in a comfortable tapestried chair in Renée de Thierry's private salon, his stockinged feet turned to the fire as he toasted his toes. "This is the only place where I am truly comfortable," he said, smiling up at his hostess, who placed an elegant Venetian goblet of excellent wine in his hand.

"I am pleased to hear you say so, Your Majesty," Renée replied. "You honor my house when you come to visit me."

"Come and sit next to me while César and I have our little chess game," the king invited her, turning from the hearth to the game table.

"I will," Renée answered him, "but first I have a little surprise for you, Your Majesty." She went to the door of the salon, opened it, and said, "You may come in now, mes enfants." Then turning back to the king, she began, "Your majesty, may I present my niece, the widow of Lord Charles Abbott, and now the bride of Monsieur Beaufort d'Aubert, of Louisiana."

Marguerite curtsied, her pale yellow skirts billowing about her like a daffodil. "I am honored, Your Majesty," she said softly.

The king kissed her hand, and raised her up so they might speak. "Your parents were the Comte and Comtesse de Thierry, were they not? You look just like your maman, ma chère. Do you remember them at all? Such a terrible wicked thing, the Terror!"

"I was only three months old when they were killed, Your Majesty," Marguerite answered him. "It was my Tante Renée who saved me."

"It was a brave act," the king agreed, "and one that should be rewarded, even now." He turned briefly to Renée. "I am bestowing your family's title upon you, chérie. You will be known henceforth as Renée, Comtesse de Thierry. That should cause a few eyebrows to waggle," he chuckled, then he turned back to Marguerite. "Your first husband was English?"

"I lived at St. Anne's, near the cathedral, until I was six," Marguerite explained. "Then I was sent to school in England. The Duke and Duchess of Sedgwick were my guardians. I met my husband during my first season."

"Sedgwick? Ah, but of course! He and his friends rescued several people from Madame la Guillotine," the king recalled. "Now tell me how you met this fine young Americain?"

"The duke introduced us," Marguerite said wickedly.

"When were you married?" the king inquired.

"Sunday, at St. Anne's, and naturally in a civil ceremony as well," Marguerite responded.

"You have given them your blessing, of course, César," the king said.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," the duke said through gritted teeth, a forced smile upon his lips.

"Do you play chess, Madame d'Aubert?" the king wondered.

"I do, Your Majesty," Marguerite said with a smile.

"César, give your cousin's wife your seat. She will play a game with me while you watch," the king commanded.

The Duc de Caraville arose and seated Marguerite politely. "Come and stand by your wife," he said to his cousin. "I am going to help myself to some of Renée's fine wine." He walked across the room to the sideboard, where the decanters and goblets were laid out.

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