Kitabı oku: «Pregnancy Proposals», sayfa 5

CHAPTER FIVE

“THIS is a lovely old inn, Lance. What does the name of it mean in English?”

He studied Andrea’s oval face in the candlelight. She had the classic features of a true beauty. He doubted she wore anything but lipstick.

“It’s called the Gold Chestnut Tree. If you hadn’t become ill the other day, I would have shown you the real one.”

She blinked. “Real one?”

“In 1990 there was a fire here in the Valley of No Return. It burned for five days. Afterward thousands of donations poured in from around the world to help save the mythical heritage that abounds here. Papa was one of the people instrumental in spearheading it.”

“Five days—”

“It was devastating. You may have heard of the Parisian sculptor, François Davin. He created a huge golden chestnut tree with pure gold leaves to pay tribute to international cooperation. The tree symbolizes the immortality of the dreams of men of goodwill.”

“I believe Richard did mention something about it. The branches are supposed to resemble a stag’s antlers.”

“That’s right. It’s to commemorate the wild animals who led the knights through the enchanted forests, and to remind us of the power of man’s love of Mother Nature.”

“How lovely,” she mused.

The personification of loveliness was seated across from him. “How was your crêpe?”

“As you can see, I ate most of it. Combined with the cider, everything tasted delicious.”

“No nausea spells this afternoon?”

She shook her head. The golden-brown strands glistened against her shoulders. With eyes dark as poppy throats, she had an enchanting color scheme.

“I spent part of the afternoon with your father in the garden and kept waiting to be sick, but it didn’t happen. The medicine has worked wonders.”

That was good news.

Since driving away from the château with her, Lance had purposely kept up desultory conversation to put her at ease. To his chagrin she’d seemed so comfortable with him throughout dinner, he had the premonition she’d made up her mind to turn him down hours before. As a result, she was enjoying their evening out without any accompanying nervousness.

Lance on the other hand found his appetite had left him. Once having asked her to consider his proposal, the idea that she might turn him down was getting harder and harder to accept. In fact it was quite unthinkable.

Baby or no baby, he discovered he wanted to be with her all the time. His physical attraction to her had been immediate. Knowing she was pregnant made her even more desirable.

Tonight she looked lit up inside. In the simple black dress and strand of pearls, her curvaceous body moved with a femininity that made him ache to touch her. He was charmed by her soft laughter. She was a person who enjoyed the small moments.

Andrea wanted nothing from him. As a consequence, he was prepared to give her his name. So far no other woman had meant enough to him that he wanted to live with her on a constant basis, let alone be responsible for her.

No longer able to enjoy the evening when he didn’t know her decision, he announced they were leaving the restaurant. She went along without demur, which probably meant she was tired and wanted to go home.

On the way back to the château, he drove her past Paimpont abbey to the pool nestled in the foothills his father wanted her to see. He shut off the engine and glanced at her profile.

“One night after your baby’s born and you’re able, I’ll bring you here for a swim. Merlin fell madly in love with Viviane in this spot. They used to make love here. When the moon is full, it reflects off the water like the silver chalice Perceval sought.”

She put down her window, allowing the sultry summer night air to filter through the car. “This place could be right out of a fantasy. Ever since I’ve been in Brittany, I feel as if I’ve been caught in a spell.”

Lance liked the sound of that. “It’s because you’ve entered the sanctuary of the wicked fairy Morgan-le-Fay, Arthur’s half sister. Remember those red rocks we passed earlier where the waters are turbulent? She would lure fickle knights here, then imprison them.

“Motivated by his love for the queen, Lancelot braved untold dangers to break those poor souls from Morgan’s evil spell. In the process he found the way out through this enchanted pool.”

“You’re part of that same enchantment,” Andrea spoke up. “Like a shapeshifter you take on a different form depending on the moment. I never know who’s going to appear next.

“Will it be the loving, devoted son? The battle scarred military man? The impeccable host? The knight in modern armor still rescuing damsels in distress? The wounded soldier who believes he’s lost his manhood? The boy-man yearning for his idyllic childhood? The Duc-elect of Du Lac fame? The unofficial fiancé of his stepsister?”

Mon Dieu.

Except for her not knowing about his history with Corinne, she had him figured out better than any psychiatrist.

“If I’d wanted to marry her, I would never have joined the military. Enough said?”

She was staring out her window. “Then it was always her fantasy?”

“Always.”

“What about your father’s?”

“Naturally he wants me to settle down and be happy. But just so you know, the choice of bride has always been up to me.”

His hand resting on the seat behind her dug into the leather upholstery. Any hope he’d held out that Andrea might go along with his plan was fading fast.

“How about viewing me as a simple man who would love to be a father, and can see a way to helping himself and you at the same time?”

“There’s nothing simple about you.”

He leaned closer to her. “Is that the overwhelmed mother-to-be talking? The widow who’s still in mourning for the husband she’ll always love? The girl-woman who never felt she belonged? The student of the world wishing she had her degree? The grieving daughter who never knew her parents? The woman who’s on her own for the first time in her life and is afraid she likes it?”

A minute must have passed before she turned her head to look at him. “Touché.”

“Would you be willing to take the plunge with me into unknown waters and see what happens? With my money, you’ll never have to worry about going to work. Your child will always have my name and protection. Best of all, you’ll be able to be a full-time mother to your baby, and I’ll be there to give support.”

A troubled sigh escaped her lips.

“What else is on your mind?” he prodded. “Now is the time to unearth it.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Yes, you did,” he whispered. “Let me ask you a question. Do you trust me?”

She lowered her head. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have come out to dinner with you, and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

The tight band constricting his chest burst, allowing him to go on breathing. “Then let it be your answer. Promises are only just that anyway. You and I will be going where neither of us has gone before.

“Your sense of adventure is as great as mine, or you wouldn’t have come to Brittany a second time. For the sake of the baby, let’s agree to make the most of every second of it.”

He felt in his suit jacket pocket. “Give me your hand.” When she didn’t react fast enough, he reached for it. She trembled as he slid the engagement ring on her finger without problem.

“I bought it this afternoon. The minute I saw the pear shape of the stone, it reminded me of the lake where we met. What do you think?”

She spread her fingers in front of her eyes. “I think it’s the most exquisite diamond I’ve ever seen. I can’t imagine how you got the fit right.”

“After telling the clerk your height and weight, I added that you were pregnant. He figured out the rest.”

In spite of the tense moment, her mouth curved in a seductive smile if she’d but known it.

“After the baby’s born, you can get it resized so you don’t lose it,” he added.

“The stone’s so large, it would be impossible to miss.” New energy hovered around them like a livewire. “But I can’t accept it.”

The breath froze in his lungs. “So your forgiveness of my sins stops short of matrimony, even if it’s for the baby’s sake.”

“No, Lance. That isn’t what I meant.”

His guts clenched. “Then explain it to me.”

“This is the kind of ring you give the woman you love. I’d prefer something more modest.”

A shudder of relief passed through his taut body. “If that’s the only thing bothering you, do me a favor and wear it until I can get you another one.”

Afraid she’d take it off and break the enchantment of the moment, sending him back to the black hole where he’d been living for so long, he started to turn on the engine. That’s when he saw something move at the edge of the pond.

“Andrea—” he murmured. “Don’t make a sound. Just turn your head slowly toward the water.”

She did his bidding.

One of the things he enjoyed most about her was her acceptance of the unexpected. She had an inner calm, no matter her shock or fear. Not many people possessed that enviable trait.

He had trouble tearing his eyes from her long enough to watch the stag who’d come to the pool to drink. The woman at his side drew in her breath, letting him know how much the scene delighted her.

They watched for a few minutes. Then Lance heard the sudden hoot of a nearby owl. It startled the stag who threw back his head and pranced off into the foliage.

“I’ve never seen a deer with such a huge rack, and yet he was so graceful. Majestic …”

“That one’s been around a long time.”

“To think I’ve been trying to get a picture of the animals, and tonight I’m without my camera.”

“We’ll come tomorrow night about this same time and wait for him.”

“He was beautiful.”

So was she …

If he stayed here with her any longer and did what he felt like doing, he could frighten her off.

“Let’s go home. If my father’s still up, we’ll tell him our plans. Otherwise it will have to be tomorrow.”

“I think it would be better to wait until he’s had a good night’s sleep.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Now that she’d agreed to marry him, he wasn’t about to argue a minor point.

Once they were headed back to the château he turned to her. “While I was in Rennes the other evening, I bumped into Helene Dupuis who often plays hostess for Papa. She wants to give me a homecoming party. I’ll tell her to go all out since we’re already engaged and want it to be our wedding reception.

“I’d like to schedule it soon. To wait any later in your pregnancy might not be wise. I wouldn’t want to endanger your health. Two to three weeks ought to give your aunt and uncle time to come.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m afraid they wouldn’t be able to afford the plane fare.”

“I don’t expect them to pay for anything. That’s my privilege. I want your friends to come, too. Anyone on the faculty you feel close to.”

“Lance—”

“This will be my one and only wedding. I’d like to meet the people in your life. So will my father. Your family did an outstanding job of raising you. If your parents were alive, there’d be no question of their coming.

“Don’t be concerned about other social engagements. Because of your pregnancy, we’ll limit the number of parties to our wedding day and the christening. When you and I get better acquainted, you’ll learn I’m not a social animal like my father.”

“I already know that about you.”

“Do you mind?”

“No. Richard and I had to attend a lot of functions, but I must admit that most of the time I would have preferred to do something alone with him.”

“I’m a homebody myself. Once the baby comes, we’ll have our hands full.”

They’d reached the château. He pulled around the side and shut off the engine.

“My uncle liked to be home. He was a family man.”

“I’m looking forward to it myself.” Lance undid his seat belt. “During my downtime in the military, some of my married buddies would receive letters and pictures of their children through e-mail.

“I envied them having a family to go home to. After my hospitalization, I envied them for being able to give their wives a child. Under the circumstances it made sense to stay in the service and let those poor devils go home to the people who needed them.”

She released her seat belt.

“I can relate. In fact I’ve lived for so long without hope, I’m still in shock I’m pregnant.”

“Our baby will be here within six months. Maybe by then we’ll both believe it.”

After being burned by his past, Lance was astounded that he was putting himself in a position where he had to be willing to trust a woman again. Upon leaving the service, he never wanted or intended for this to happen. He was still in shock that he’d returned home to a situation where a woman had the power to make him vulnerable again.

But he couldn’t deny the emotions building inside him where Andrea was concerned. The attraction to her was too strong to ignore or deny, even if she was still in love with Richard.

When she’d broken down in Lance’s arms while she gave into her pent-up grief, it should have doused any fire building in him whether physical or emotional.

Instead the opposite had happened, and therein lay the problem. The one thing he feared was intruding on her grief. How to deal with this woman who was still mourning her husband?

That was the burning question Lance wrestled with at the moment. The only way to respect her feelings and keep his needs from growing out of control was to concentrate on the baby.

With that decision firmly in place he kissed her cheek before levering himself from the driver’s seat to help her out.

When he looked up, he noticed the light in his father’s room had been turned off.

“Papa’s gone to bed,” he said as he ushered Andrea into the foyer and up the stairs. “We’ll tell him over lunch. That’ll give both of you time to sleep in. How does that sound?”

When they reached her door she raised tremulous eyes to him. “That’ll give you time in case you have a change of mind during the night.”

He drew in a harsh breath. “Not a chance in hell.”

When morning came Andrea didn’t experience any nausea, yet her stomach felt fluttery. What if Geoff had reservations? She’d see it in his eyes immediately.

Without time to lose she hurriedly took another pill and her vitamins before getting dressed for the day. Andrea didn’t want anyone waiting on her. No one should have to climb all those stairs to bring her something to eat.

She put on fresh coral lipstick and brushed out her hair. It swished against the shoulders of her khaki blouse. Since all her pants were too tight to be comfortable, she donned the same wraparound skirt she’d worn a few days earlier. It accommodated her thickening belly.

The next time she went to town she’d buy some new clothes. She still had to pinch herself that she’d joined the ranks of those fortunate women who needed to visit a maternity shop.

As she descended the stairs, her whole world felt different. Because she was going to be a mother, and Lance would be the baby’s father, the knowledge colored her thinking. She had a new reason to live.

Lance happened to be on his way up to her floor wearing charcoal trousers and a claret toned sport shirt. Her breath caught at the sight of such potent masculinity. If she hadn’t cried his name in time, they would have collided.

As it was, his hand fell on her shoulder. She felt its warmth all the way to her bones. His eyes roved over her features in male admiration. “You look like a different person this morning. Motherhood becomes you.”

Everything he said sounded intimate and personal. “It must be that and the medicine. I’m much improved even since yesterday.”

She noticed the visible rise and fall of his well-defined chest. “I’m glad to hear it. I told Papa we wanted to have lunch with him. He’s looking forward to it.”

“How does he seem physically?”

“He’s getting back to his old self in a hurry.” Lance’s eyes scrutinized her. “Where were you going so fast?”

“To the library to do some research before lunch.”

His hand slid away from her arm with seeming reluctance. “While you do that I’ll be in the study doing some business.”

By tacit agreement they went down to the main floor together. She’d never been more aware of his height. He smelled so good—looked so good—If Lancelot had this same effect on Guinevere, Andrea could understand why Arthur’s dream failed and Camelot ceased to exist.

Lance accompanied her to the double doors of the library. His close proximity created havoc with her senses.

“I’ll look in on you later and remind you to take another pill,” he whispered.

Inhaling an unsteady breath she said, “There’s no chance of my forgetting.”

“I’m not so sure. With all those drawings to look at, you’ll be riveted. I spent a lot of my boyhood in there and know their fascination.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

Afraid to look at him she hurried inside, needing to put distance between them as a safeguard against her growing attraction to him.

The château’s library contained priceless books pertaining to the Du Lac family as well as thousands of titles dealing with all aspects of Arthurian legend. Some had been written in Breton, an old Brittany language resembling Cornish and Welsh.

Andrea found its history intriguing. She could understand how Richard had gotten caught up in the lore of the region. The various versions of the Knights of the Round Table could keep you engrossed indefinitely.

Two hours later, after she’d settled down to read an interesting piece in English on Perceval’s search for the Holy Grail, she heard female voices outside the door. It was probably a conversation between the maids. She continued her study of the text, unaware someone had entered the library until a woman spoke to her.

“Mrs. Fallon?”

“Yes?” Andrea got to her feet. A tall, striking blonde in an expensive three peach colored suit had entered the room. She appeared to be Andrea’s age, or maybe a little older.

“I’m Corinne Du Lac.”

Du Lac?

That meant she must have taken Geoff’s name when her mother married him.

“How do you do.”

The woman Lance planned to marry emitted amazing self-possession. And why not? Geoff would have welcomed her like a beloved daughter because it was the way he was made.

She drew closer until Andrea could see her light blue eyes. “Brigitte explained why you’re here. I understand you lost your husband recently. May I extend my condolences.”

“Thank you.”

“Have you accomplished everything needful for his book yet?”

“For the most part, yes. I’m still hoping to get a picture of a stag or a wild boar.”

“They’re very elusive creatures. I’ve never seen a boar in the forest. It could take a long time. If you’d like, I’ll ask the groundskeeper to keep a watch and get some pictures. I’d be happy to send them to you.”

She spoke excellent English. Andrea could only marvel. “That would be very nice of you. Geoff has been wonderful to let me stay here.”

“Everyone adores him, but no one more than I. He’s the only father I’ve ever known. Mine abandoned me and my mother.”

“I’m sorry,” Andrea commiserated. “My parents died before I turned four, so I understand how it leaves a big hole in your heart.”

“Geoff filled mine. When he and mother divorced, he didn’t let it make any difference to our relationship.”

So far Lance’s name hadn’t been mentioned. An intentional omission?

“He wouldn’t. He’s too genuine for that.”

“We love each other.”

Andrea didn’t doubt it.

“Since he’s resting, would you like to drive to Lyseaux for lunch? I just got back from a long trip to Australia and am yearning to taste French food again.”

Evidently she hadn’t caught up with Lance yet.

“I’d enjoy that, but I need to finish up my work here this morning.”

The other woman’s brows knit together. “Why is that? I thought the book was your husband’s project.”

“It was, but I was also his assistant and am looking for something special on Lancelot to turn in to the publisher with his manuscript.”

She folded her arms, resting her slender hip on the edge of the table. “There must be thousands of books on him.”

“There are. I’m sure my husband read them all. He was steeped in legends surrounding King Arthur’s court. But being a professor, he was determined to add his own fresh outlook. The Château Du Lac captured his imagination and mine.”

After a brief silence, “I suppose you were told you can’t take pictures of the room where you’ve been sleeping.”

“I would never do that without permission.”

“Geoff doesn’t want anything about the room to get in print.”

“I don’t blame him. In my opinion those paintings constitute some of France’s greatest art treasures. If the public knew about them, he’d be hounded to death.”

“It’s good you understand.”

“Of course. I feel privileged to be allowed to stay in there.”

“You have no idea how fortunate you are.”

Uh-oh. The other woman’s comment had a territorial sound to it.

“How long before you return to the States?”

The burning question was finally out.

“I’m not sure.”

“You don’t need to get back to your job?”

“If by that you mean do I work at Yale University? The answer is no. After teaching classes, my husband would come home and I’d help him do his research on the computer.”

“What will you do now?”

“Andrea’s going to have her hands full from here on out.”

The deep masculine voice could only belong to one person. She hadn’t heard Lance enter the library.

Corinne swung around. “Chéri—“ she cried with uninhibited longing. “I heard you were back!”

“Bonjour, Corinne.” He shut the doors behind him, but made no advance toward her. “I’m glad to see you two have already met. It saves me having to find you in order to make introductions.”

“Mrs. Fallon and I were just getting acquainted.” She hurried toward him, and grasped his arm. “Now that you’re here, let’s go somewhere private. It’s been forever since I last saw you, and we have so much to catch up on.”

“We can do that later. Right now I have something important to tell you.”

“Not in front of your father’s guest surely,” she pleaded in a hushed tone, but Andrea heard her.

“This involves Andrea. It can’t wait.”

At this point Corinne’s head jerked around. Her eyes stared at Andrea as if she were some kind of alien. “What could she possibly have to do with us?”

“Since you became my stepsister ten years ago, and we’re family so to speak, I would say quite a lot.”

Andrea was coming to know Lance’s moods. Right now his features had taken on a faintly chiseled cast. She was reminded of that night in the forest when he’d ordered her off the property. It sent a shiver down her spine.

The other woman looked less sure of herself. “Lance—I don’t understand you.”

“Then let me enlighten you.”

He removed Corinne’s hand from his arm and crossed the expanse to reach Andrea. “I told you I’d be in to remind you to take your pill,” he said to her sotto voice.

“I would have taken it when we went into lunch.”

To her surprise he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close against his hard physique.

“Corinne?” he addressed the woman standing there like a piece of petrified wood. “You might as well hear our news now.”

“What news?”

“I’m in love and have found the woman I’m going to marry.”

It was a good thing Lance was holding on to Andrea, otherwise she would have collapsed in a heap.

“If Papa continues to improve, we’re hoping to be married within three weeks time.”

Corinne’s face lost color. “Married—”

Lance hugged Andrea tighter. Looking down at her he said, “It happened so fast we can hardly believe it either can we, mon amour. I never believed in the coup de foudre. Not until I met you. It was love at first sight.”

He lowered his head and kissed her hard on her astonished mouth before turning to Corinne. “I know you’ll be happy for us, but I have to ask you a favor. Papa doesn’t know yet. We’re going to tell him at lunch.”

His smooth shaven jaw brushed against Andrea’s cheek. Despite the chaos of her emotions, the feel of his skin sent a curling warmth through her body.

“I’d like the two of you to become good friends. In the meantime I hope you’ll forgive me for interrupting, but something has come up. I need to talk to Andrea alone.”

He grasped her hand and started walking toward the door. Corinne stared at Lance in anguish before leaving the room ahead of them. She disappeared down the hall with her suit jacket flapping.

Lance headed for the staircase. He tightened his grip, letting Andrea know he had no intention of allowing her to break free until they’d reached the third floor.