Page 15 of Only You
‘Yes, my father wanted to borrow it quickly,’ she lied. ‘It seemed one of the husbands was quite interested in the craftsmanship.’
The woman’s eyes lit up and she could already see the future unfolding. The woman was sure to prattle about her love for the piece to her husband who would go to her father about acquiring ivory who would then go home to obtain more through whatever means necessary. And another piece of her home would be gone to traders while she stayed here enabling it all and powerless to stop it.
It’s business, she thought. It didn’t stop the knot that formed in her stomach as she continued to chat all night, smiling through it.
Sabine watched her maid, Sandra, carefully take her hair out of its updo. The feeling of pressure releasing was marvellous and she allowed herself to bask in it after such a long night. The only miracle was that there would be no more parties this week and that the next event Madame Roulet would drag her to was another opera in three days’ time. She would finally get to rest.
She tensed when she heard a knock on the door.
‘Princess,’ Damien called through the door. ‘Are you decent?’
‘It’smademoiselleand yes,’ she answered sternly. ‘You may retire, Sandra.’
Sandra gave a curious look over her shoulder, but said nothing as she stepped outside, Damien entering.
‘I believe you forgot this.’ He held out his hand, revealing her ivory necklace.
She gasped, hurrying to grab it. ‘Thank you.’ Placing it carefully in her jewellery box, her shoulders slumped in exhaustion. ‘I survived another day.’
‘Surely the party wasn’t that bad?’ Damien smirked. ‘I make great company.’
She looked at him from over her shoulder, serious despite the surge of gratitude that filled her chest. ‘Thank you for tonight. I realised I never thank you for anything.’
‘You never have to,’ he promised. ‘I’m here to protect you. I will not go back on my word.’
‘I guess you’re growing quite fond of me.’ She sat on her bed, one leg tucked under her, the other dangling off the edge. ‘And before you worry, I shall not run off and ruin the fun by telling General Roulet. Although it would be amusing to watch him scold you like a child.’ A shadow seemed to pass over Damien’s face, and she faltered. ‘Perhaps… I am mistaken,’ she revised. ‘I shouldn’t joke about such things. My humour could use some work. I’ll just—’
‘You’re not wrong,’ Damien cut in. ‘Truthfully, Roulet may have me scrub the latrines, if not demote me, for how close we have become.’
‘Surely, it can’t be that serious?’
He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. The silence built between them until it was uncomfortable. Eventually, he looked away. ‘I should let you rest,’ he said finally. ‘Goodnight, Mademoiselle.’
He quickly turned on his heel, slamming the door behind him. Sabine bit her lip and looked out the window.
What could he have possibly wanted to say, and why did her stomach burn with the need to know?
The manicured lawns of the Luxembourg Gardens stretched far and wide before them the next day. Colourful flowers blooming alongside the paths. Trees in neat lines supplied occasional shade as they visited the various statues and fountains. Usually there were plenty of people walking or lounging in the grass. Today there were only a few, due to the storm clouds above them. When Damien suggested staying inside for the same reason, Sabine merely scoffed.
‘Why would I be scared of a little rain?’ she had asked, before throwing on her coat.
They walked along the paths quietly, Damien’s eyes on their surroundings while Sabine looked around curiously. Her eyes lit up at every new flower she spotted, before gently touching their petals. She would flit from one to the next while Damien watched her, fascinated by her excitement.
Sabine belonged outside. He had never thought that of a lady – or any woman before – but seeing her among the flowers, she looked like an extension of nature and her appreciation for fresh air and plants didn’t feel superficial. He wondered how often she had gone outside when she was young.
‘All the time,’ she told him a little later. They sat on a bench near a fountain, eating a light lunch. The chef had packed brie, bread, apples and thinly sliced ham for them to share. She ate like a lady, but he could tell through her precision, it was practised. ‘My mother loved tending to the small farm we had. I liked racing with my father for what felt like hours. When I would visit my grandmother, all the village kids would play outside every day. It’s not like here, where everyone is always hiding.’ Her eyes filled with longing, and she started to pick at her sandwich.
‘I’m surprised you’re not spending more time with your father.’
Sabine smiled, but there was no joy. ‘He’s a soldier on a mission. He has things to do. I will see him when it’s done.’
‘Being a liaison is a full-time job.’
Sabine snorted. ‘Among other things.’
‘Ah, so he’s not a stand-up citizen.’
She shrugged and gave him a knowing look. ‘You French should know more than anyone else that landowning can be a tricky business.’
