Kate's Parisian Escape

Chapter 4

Château de Langlois, June 1788

Loire Valley, France

Adeline hurried down the grand staircase to the entryway where Christian Dubois stood under the large crystal chandelier.

"Christian how fine to see you," she replied hoping her voice did not betray how out of breath she was.

"Good morning, Adeline," he murmured in that deep soothing tone of his. "I had hoped to take a stroll with Juliette the weather tis very fine today."

Adeline nodded quickly, squelching her feelings of jealousy that Christian had arrived to see her sister. It made sense as they were betrothed but Adeline knew that Juliette did not feel about Christian the way she did. But there was nothing she could do. Their marriage had been arranged for many years.

"I'm sorry Christian; Juliette is out shopping with mama at the moment."

He nodded knowingly, "Then perhaps you wouldn't mind joining me?"

Adeline could not help the smile that instantly lit her face at these words.

"I'd love to."

"Wonderful;" and Christian held out his arm for her to take.

Christian unlike many men that Adeline knew, was not boisterous or vocal about politics, agriculture, and the state of the country. He had his opinions but only said something when he felt it was necessary. And he valued what she had to say and didn't dismiss her ideas or questions. In fact, he patiently answered any questions she had and always acknowledged her presence whenever they were together. It was just her rotten luck that Juliette was born first.

Adeline had loved Christian from afar for an eternity it seemed. Ever since she attended her first ball held at his family's manor. He was quite a few years older than her and very sought after by the ladies of the village. This was typical as he was stunningly handsome, rich and came from such a well renowned and respected family. Adeline obviously admired all these traits as well but when they had danced that memorable night, she sensed something different in him. Different in the way he held and looked at her. Treating her as his equal, she suspected the only reason he had even asked was a prompting from his mother, Adeline was no stark raving beauty. She was a bit short with unruly brown hair and dark chocolate eyes. Quite forgettable really even when she was outfitted in the latest fashions as she was today in a mauve colored gown with gold piping and a large black bow festooned at her bustle. It was clear that night the gentlemen wouldn't be striving after her hand. Christian's mother obviously realized this. She will be forever grateful. Even if she's spent many years since then pinning after a man she can never have, which is why she appreciated moments like this when she could manage to steal them.

Christian led Adeline outside to the gardens. They were quite vast here at Château de Langlois, with many intricate twisting paths. Christian chose the one lined on either side with tall oaks that would ultimately lead them to Ambrosia Pond.

"How are you today, Adeline?"

"Very well Christian and yourself?"

"Quite good actually. Why did you not go shopping with your mother and sister?"

Adeline sighed, "It was for the wedding. I'd anticipated it would be an exhausting day, filled with decisions and choices and colors...too much for me to take in."

"I'm surprised by how quickly it nears." Christian murmured next.

"Me as well," she replied.

"Have you any suitors yourself?"

Adeline shook her head, as if she could ever find a man to enter marriage with who would even come close to Christian, "None that I'd seriously consider as yet."

Christian suddenly stopped walking.

"What's wrong," she asked curiously, they were still quite a distance from Ambrosia Pond.

"Adeline, there's something I need to discuss with you. Something I've wanted to say for a very long time."

"Oh," was all she could manage as she stared up into his breathtaking blue eyes, alighting on the serious set of his jaw and the look of deep conflicted worry spreading across his face. "And what is that?"

He released her arm and took a few steps away from her. "Juliette, she's wonderful."

Adeline nodded no longer anticipating where this conversation was going.

"And I'm sure she'd make a wonderful wife and mother but..."

"But...?" Adeline prompted.

"I fear it would be a mistake if we wed."

"You do?" asked Adeline, surprised.

"Yes," he turned to face her once more, "You see I'm in love with someone else."

"Oh," said Adeline, swallowing audibly, heart racing rapidly. "And who might that be?"

He stepped closer so that he may gently brush his knuckles softly down her cheek, "You Adeline, I love you."

Adeline gasped as wonderful relief and joy coursed through her body. Christian loved her! Not Juliette! All those times she thought she'd caught him staring at her or when he asked her to dance multiple times in one night it wasn't because she was the sister of his betrothed it was because he generally cared for her, loved her!

"You do Christian? Truly?" she asked, hardly daring to believe her dreams could be becoming true.

"Of course, Adeline," he murmured gently, not breaking eye contact. "I would never lie about my feelings for you."

"Oh, Christian, I love you too!"

"I know sweetheart."

Sweetheart? She liked him calling her that.

"Was I that obvious?" she asked, flushing.

He cupped her face with his hands. "No more obvious than I was it would seem."

Then he kissed her. And Adeline really didn't care who saw even though she should because the scandal would be horrendous but there would be scandal either way. Christian kissed like he did everything else slowly, confidently, gently. When Adeline had asked Juliette how she felt when Christian kissed her, she said it was quite boring. She didn't feel anything, certainly not love or lust. But Adeline felt both; she loved how securely Christian held her. Protective as if nothing could keep her from him. Though he had to lean down to reach her, and she had to crane her neck up, she didn't care. She hardly noticed, after all these years she was finally in Christians arms. Finally, able to express how she really felt.

"What do we do now?" asked Adeline when they broke apart.

"Julie won't care," Christian assured her, "Her feelings for me have always been platonic."

Adeline nodded, "Yes, but the wedding. The invitations have already been sent out."

"You need to speak with Julie. There must be some way to keep this from escalating."

"Christian what exactly does this mean for us?"

Christian tipped her head up, "It means Adeline. That I want you to be my wife."

It was at that moment that Adeline promised herself she would do everything in her power to make sure that happened.