Kate's Parisian Escape

Chapter 20

Château de Langlois, July 1788

Loire Valley, France

Christian, though not pleased, had agreed to wait until August before calling off the engagement. Marc assured Juliette his plans were coming along for them to run away together. It did bother her that he wouldn't share the details of these plans with her. At times it seemed to her he treated her like a simple-minded fool! She was no idiot! Though reading and writing proved challenging for her at times she had learned ways to compensate for this disadvantage. Hardly, anyone knew of her difficulties. Marc certainly didn't. And she planned to keep it that way.

Lately, Juliette had been thinking about what Adaline had said. Giving up her way of life here at Chateau de Langlois in the lap of luxury. With fine clothes, servants, and the best food. But Juliette felt stifled. She wanted to see the word, experience more than balls and sewing circles. If she married Christian, she knew her life would be dull and predictable.

Juliette suspected Adaline believed she was continuing her physical relationship with Marc, but they had only laid together once. That was all they needed so Christian would end the engagement. Of course, Juliette wished she had known he was in love with Adaline and planned to end it all along. But it was done now, so there was no point in dwelling on it.

Juliette was on her way to her room for a nap when she heard the strains of a violin in the distance. She had spent the morning with her mother reviewing wedding plans. It mattered not to her if they used roses or calla lilies or if her veil was ten or twenty feet long. There would be no wedding after all, she'd just as soon as her mother made all the decisions herself. Juliette was developing a nasty headache and she was sure talk of invitations, and her trousseau were the culprit. She followed the sound up a narrow spiral staircase until she reached a closed off room at the end of the hall. Peeking through the cracked door, she saw Louie. She knew he played the violin and that he was very good, but she hadn't thought about where he might practice. Usually, she didn't have much thought for him except why he was constantly interfering in her life.

She supposed he was handsome in his own way. Dark hair and eyes, tall and lithe, and though she would never admit how she knows this he always smelled nice. Like coffee and fresh linens.

"I know you're there." He suddenly said, making Juliette jump. "Are you planning to spy on me all afternoon?"

Juliette pushed the door open. "Shouldn't you be working?" she asked haughtily.

"I am working," he retaliated. "Your father gives me one hour every afternoon to practice the violin."

"Why?" Juliette asked, surprised, stepping into the room.

Louie was perched on a chair near the fire. The grate was empty, the drapes closed. In fact, the room was quite dim but whatever piece Louie was practicing he clearly knew by heart. There was also a piano in the corner. This in fact had been the music room when Juliette and Adeline were forced to take lessons. They were dreadful and eventually their parents agreed they no longer needed to practice. Juliette suspected more for their sake than theirs.

"Because he doesn't want me to lose my skills or talent." Louie answered by laying the violin and bow on his lap.

"You're a valet, not a musician." Juliette pointed out.

He narrowed his hazel eyes at her in a displeased manner, "I think I can be both."

"How did you learn to play?" Juliette asked curiously.

"My father taught me."

"Hmm," said Juliette musing that over.

"I know what you're planning." Louie interjected.

"What do you mean?" Juliette asked innocently.

"With Marc. I know you plan to run away with him."

The serious expression on Louie's face made Juliette laugh. "You have quite the imagination."

"It's a foolish thing to do Juliette. Even you must know that."

"I am not discussing this with you." Juliette informed him.

"Fine." He relinquished. "But either you call things off or at the end of the week I go to your father."

Juliette's eyes blazed with anger. "This is none of your business!" she cried.

"I've made it my business!" he declared.

Juliette could not understand Louie's fascination with her. Was Adaline, right? Did Louie have feelings for her? He'd never been unkind to her. When he worked in the stables, he used to take her riding. Juliette had an unexplained fear of horses and Louie helped her learn to trust and respect them. He'd been her dance partner before her debut and showed her how to ward off unwanted advances from gentlemen. Not that she'd ever needed to do this. Everyone knew of the match between Juliette and Christian. And yet, Juliette had always given Louie a hard time because no matter what sweet things he did, he always seemed to aggravate her in the process.

"How did you even find out?" Juliette demanded appalled he'd come across this information.

"I hear things. And I know Marc Roux. You can do much better."

"Oh really? Like whom? You?" Juliette laughed again.

"At least my intentions are good."

"How can I be sure of that?" Juliette snapped.

"I have kept your secret all these years, haven't I?"

It was the one thing he could have said to silence her.

"Whether you want to believe it or not I have always meant well by my actions Juliette. Remember you have until the end of the week."

Then he took his violin and left the room. Leaving Juliette stewing in her frustration.

Such an infuriating man!

And yet....it was true what he said. He must care for her or why else would he have kept her secret?