Page 25 of Only You
Sabine shook her head when the door closed. ‘I should send her back.’
‘She only wants to look out for you,’ Damien told her.
Sabine looked at him in surprise. ‘And here I thought you were sworn enemies,’ she commented. It was no secret to her that Sandra wasn’t fond of how often they broke conventions of their stations, whether asking for moments of privacy like this or Damien sneaking Sabine treats during parties.
‘Oh no, she despises me,’ he said, and Sabine cracked the first genuine smile that night. ‘But I know she would never betray you. She never says negative things about you.’
‘That’s… fascinating,’ Sabine stated, voice flat. Damien rubbed her arms, and she looked up at him, yearning for his touch. She had craved it all night. He indulged her with a sweet, lingering kiss, savouring the tender moment. Too soon, he was already stopping.
‘I can’t stay much longer,’ he whispered.
Sabine fisted her hand in the collar of his uniform but nodded. Laying her head on his chest, she indulged in the few moments they had left. ‘I thank God that you’re here.’
Damien kissed the top of her head. ‘As do I.’
A week later, she was sitting in the drawing room with Lamont, his mother and the Roulets. The conversation was polite as they discussed upcoming events and light business. Sabine only chimed in with the occasional word or two, spending more energy trying tolookinterested. With her father gone, it was an easier act than she thought it would be. Without him, she could get away with being less than spectacular. From the pointed way Genevieve ignored Sabine, that seemed to be the preference no matter how much Madame Roulet tried to include her in the conversation.
Sabine took a delicate sip of her tea as Damien entered the room. She made sure her eyes didn’t linger as he delivered a note to the general, murmuring a message in his ear. Luckily, she had another chance to look at him when the general stood up. Damien’s lip quirked up the smallest bit when he met her gaze. She took another sip to hide her smile.
‘I’m afraid I have other matters to attend to,’ General Roulet announced. ‘Madame Laurent, please send my regards to your husband. We must catch up one of these days.’
‘Wait, dear, we have to discuss the wedding date,’ Madame Roulet exclaimed before the general could leave. Sabine’s eyes widened and her eyes immediately landed on Damien. His brows furrowed for a moment before he smoothed his expression.
‘Ah yes,’ General Roulet said. ‘Well, Sabine has been in France for a year but such an affair would take time to prepare, especially with her father overseas.’
‘So, perhaps, next summer would be a good time?’ Madame Roulet suggested, looking at Sabine. ‘I understand Côte d’Ivoire is much warmer than France, there’s not much we can do about the temperature but surely, we can be more accommodating to you and your family then.’
Sabine opened her mouth to agree, more than comfortable with the year-long delay, when Genevieve spoke.
‘Absolutely not. We’ll have it in autumn.’
Sabine’s jaw dropped and she was glad she wasn’t the only one. Madame Roulet seemed just as taken aback.
‘Madame Laurent, surely you can’t be serious,’ Madame Roulet said, her previously jovial tone sounding strained. ‘We wouldn’t want the wedding to seem rushed. We all know how easily a reputation can be ruined over an indecent rumour.’
‘What would be so indecent?’ Genevieve said. ‘Kwame has been a friend of our family’s for years. We may know the agreement is fairly recent but surely that doesn’t need to be public information. Seven months is more than enough time for the arrangement to be deemed decent, is it not?’
‘Still, it may not be wise to take the chance.’
‘Well, unfortunately, we and Kwame have business that cannot be delayed. So, improper or not, this marriage must be taken care of sooner than later.’
‘I’m inclined to agree with my mother,’ Lamont said. ‘Besides, the timing will be perfect. We’ll be visiting Marseille this winter. It would be a great way to spend our first Christmas together.’
Genevieve peered at Sabine and set down her teacup. ‘Don’t be sad, my dear. October is a splendid time to get married.’
‘I’m… merely shocked,’ Sabien said. ‘I didn’t expect our union so soon, but it sounds wonderful. I shall lean on Madame Roulet for arrangements, yes?’
‘Oh, yes! We shall have it here. It will delightful,’ Madame Roulet exclaimed, her excitement leaving no room for argument. Genevieve pursed her lips but said nothing. Lamont looked relieved before smiling at Sabine. She smiled back, her face hurting from the strain.
‘Fantastic. I’ll let Kwame know.’ The general tipped his head towards the room before he and Damien walked out, the soldier not looking back. Sabine blinked a couple of times, reminding herself to breathe as Genevieve and Madame Roulet discussed wedding details. She saw movement out the corner of her eye of Lamont, gesturing that they go outside. She forced herself to stand.
‘We are going to get some fresh air,’ Lamont announced to the madams, who barely looked up, not pausing their conversation. He held out his hand and Sabine took it delicately, following him outside.
She slipped her hand out of his once they were outside. They walked slowly around the perimeter, workers skipping away when the couple approached.
‘It’s a beautiful day,’ Lamont said.
‘Yes,’ she replied, wondering if he felt as awkward as she did. It was hard to start a conversation with someone when she didn’t have anything in common with them. For a man that was allegedly so good for her, it would have been nice to be notified exactly what traits her father admired about him.
