Inheritance

CHAPTER TWO

Mass had never seemed so drawn out before. It was almost as if Father Phillipe wanted to tire us out to the point of desperation before we even left the church.

"In sin are we born, and in sin do we live, all but for God, who strengthens and purifies us."

Maybe mass wasn't so bad. Maybe it was the thought of what was awaiting me when I got home.

The dress fitting.

This chapel will be waiting for me a month from now. Along with him.

The thought made me almost fidgety.

Marriage seemed almost too close for me to fathom it completely.

"In grace, we are saved, and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are to live faithfully in His great service. As did the disciples and all those before us. And with this..."

Without my meaning to, a sigh escaped me. I felt my mother twitch next to me.

"Is the Word of our Lord and Saviour boring you, my dear?" my mother whispered to me, her mouth barely moving as she tried to not draw attention to us.

"My apologies, mama."

Satisfied with my response, she turned toward the father again.

Heaven help me.

***

"Don't you think Madame Roux could have worn something a bit less red tonight?" my mother commented next to me, her voice sounding like it couldn't be farther from enjoyment.

My mother, always the socialite, decided that we would be attending another ball in the area tonight. One, I was told, the La Ponte family would also be attending.

"We have to make a good impression, Anne Marie." my mother told me earlier that day when I asked if it was really necessary.

We were already engaged after all. Now it's all down to the planning of the wedding.

A cough sounded at the back of my shoulder, dragging me out of my thoughts.

Turning around, I saw him then.

His dark hair looked almost untamed tonight. The charming smile he always seemed to wear seemed natural, as if he woke up like that.

"Good evening, Lord La Ponte." My mother spoke first. "Lovely to see you, as always."

"And you, Lady Mercier." He smiled in her direction. And then turned toward me and bowed. "Mademoiselle Mercier. You look beautiful tonight."

"Thank you, my Lord." I curtsied in turn.

"Might I have the next dance?"

I smiled. "Why, yes. You may."

***

"You know, I really meant it." He smiled, his eyes locked on mine as we waltzed around the dancefloor.

"And what could you possibly mean by that?"

"I meant it when I said you look especially beautiful tonight."

There was something extremely honest about my betrothed when he spoke to me. Something that I couldn't put my finger on. Something that made me want more. Something that made my stomach lurch and my heart beat a bit faster.

"You know, you already have the engagement. You don't need to flatter me anymore."

"I know. But, isn't it more fun when you mean it?" He asked, turning me in the process.