Page 34 of Only You
Sabine smiled. ‘We suit each other well,’ she answered civilly. Sabine started to step around her, but Pauline followed suit, blocking her.
‘Yes, but you were unaware of him before your arrival in Paris, were you not?’ she continued. Sabine hid her hands behind her back, resisting the urge to force the woman out of her way. She had to maintain relations because… she couldn’t remember anymore. Why was she here?
‘How did you know out of all the suitors in the world that he was so “suitable”? Or was it all that land that pulled you two together?’
‘My, my, Pauline, you’re quite concerned about my upcoming marriage,’ Sabine warned with a smile.
Her eyes widened in faux innocence. ‘Forgive me, I only meant to dispel a few rumours. People say you have long been acquainted, but none have ever seen you two together.’
‘There’s no need for theatrics,’ someone said behind her. Sabine looked over her shoulder to see Lamont with a goblet of water, handing it to her, standing close but not enough to touch her. ‘Sabine is modest, and I respect such grace in a woman.’ Turning to Sabine, Lamont held out his hand. ‘I believe we should make our way over to my father. Shall we?’
Usually, Sabine would hesitate, but tonight she took it without a second thought. He walked her in the direction of his parents but changed their course right before they reached the circle of people, instead, leading her to a path just outside. She hadn’t noticed how warm it was inside the house until she took a deep breath of the cool night air.
‘I hope you are not offended by my rescue,’ Lamont said stiffly, letting go of her hand as soon as they were out of sight. Sabine rubbed her fingers together as she checked behind them. Not Damien nor any of the other guards had followed them out.
They were alone for the first time since their disastrous ride.
‘It’s quite all right,’ she said. ‘I’m actually grateful.’
‘I trusted you would appreciate the gesture. I remembered your fatigue when you first arrived,’ he recounted, a small smile curling on his lips.
‘Yes… I thought it was my lack of practice with such festivities.’ Sabine cleared her throat nervously. ‘Perhaps it is my personality. Maybe I should be grateful I didn’t grow up with the expectation of attending these kinds of events. I shouldn’t have taken that frustration out on you. I apologise.’
‘There’s no need, I understand,’ he said.
‘Pauline mentioned that you are the “crown jewel of suitors”. I must admit I don’t quite know what she means. I know your family used to be part of the aristocracy.’
‘Ah, yes, before the commoners decided we were all better off dead. They were never fond of the lucky ones,’ he joked dryly.
Sabine forced a small laugh. ‘And how are you lucky?’
‘I’m surprised you don’t know,’ he said. ‘My father owns half of the coffee and cocoa plantations in your country – well, the ones owned by the French, thanks to your father. We’re working on expanding soon.’
‘Oh,’ Sabine said, her eyes wide.
‘You truly didn’t know?’
‘My father has been usually busy lately. He probably assumed you would inform me of your family’s endeavours,’ Sabine forced out as she tried to process Lamont’s words. She knew her father was selling Côte d’Ivoire land to foreigners, but she didn’t know it was for French plantations, which meant he was in deeper with the government than she thought. ‘H–Have you and your father visited often?’
‘Occasionally, but personally I quite enjoy civilisation. Not to say your home isn’t beautiful but I can’t quite see myself spending much time there,’ Lamont said. ‘Considering how adamant your father was about you being here, I assume you two are of the same mind.’
Sabine bit the inside of her cheek to hide her shock as she realised exactly why her father was enamoured with the idea of her marrying Lamont. ‘Yes,’ she lied. ‘We’re quite alike.’
‘Even if not, I doubt your father would give any less than the best in the world,’ Lamont commented. ‘He cares for you deeply.’
‘Yes,’ she said awkwardly before starting down the path towards the stables. Lamont followed her. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
‘You’re wearing my ring.’
Sabine looked down at her hand to see the emerald ring sitting comfortably on her finger. ‘Today is a special occasion,’ she told him, not meeting his gaze. She had forgotten she was wearing it, instead constantly aware of her ruby bracelet pressing into her skin under the sleeve of her dress.
‘Right,’ he said. ‘You play the fiancée with great skill.’ The dejection in Lamont’s voice caused Sabine to look at him. He kept his eyes straight ahead, but she could see the disappointment.
For the first time it dawned on her that Lamont might have been excited about marrying her, that he may have viewed it as more than a power grab or gaining a bed mate. Maybe, he wanted a genuine relationship with her. Yet, considering his family’s business, she couldn’t imagine why. Sabine looked down at the path, an uncomfortable lump forming in her throat. ‘It is my duty,’ she responded.
‘I know.’ He touched her arm softly, signalling her to stop. ‘I feel I must apologise for my presumptions. I admit I assumed you would be happy to marry me. I didn’t think about what you may have lost in the process. That was cruel of me.’
‘As my fiancé, you have that right.’
