Kate's Parisian Escape

Chapter 25

July 27th, 2011

To: Katherine Perryman <dreamchaser89@gmail.com

From: Kimberly Kit Jensen <kikiswebdesign@yahoo.com>

Re: Engaged

Alec was thrilled I decided to accept his proposal! I guess you probably already knew that. He was cool with a long engagement and waiting to start a family. It's a good thing he's not one of those controlling guys who always have to have everything their way and on their agenda. Also, he finally shaved his beard!!! I think he sensed I hated it.

My mom was surprised to learn I was engaged. She thinks it too soon. I told her we weren't going to start planning anything for a few years and I wanted to establish my career better before we tied the knot. But you know she's a psychiatrist so of course she's going to overanalyze everything I do.

How is it over there? Is Jeremy still giving you the cold shoulder? Still hearing voices. Sorry I didn't find more out about what happened to the Chevalier sisters. I'll see what I can do from over here.

Safe Dreams! LOL

Kiki

P.S. Apparently now I have to learn Yiddish and eat something called kugel.

P.P.S. Still haven't heard from the pet groomer! Maybe he really is dead??

Kate awoke the next morning to the sound of booming thunder and rain slashing against her window. Clearly, it was not meant to be a pool day.

She was on her way to the kitchen hoping she could convince Mrs. Dufour to make her some fried green tomato eggs benedict when she heard a sickeningly familiar voice. But it couldn't be she thought as she changed direction to the great hall. He wouldn't actually come. Not after the MANY times she had told him not too.

And yet...he had.

Kate discovered Henri drenched from head to foot dripping on the marble white floor in the great hall and speaking to...who else? Jeremy!

             "Ah here she is!" Henri said happily when he saw Kate. "She will tell you. She told me to come."

"Actually," Kate said, stopping beside Jeremy and pointedly ignoring the stonelike appearance of his face, "I expressly told you not to come."

Even soaked and shivering Henri still looked like his email stated dangerously charming. He had a passenger bag slung over one shoulder and a dripping umbrella in one hand.

"Now, Kate, do you think I'm an idiot?" Henri asked.

Privately, yes that's exactly what she thought.

"I can read between the lines. You know we have unfinished business."

"No, we don't. I have nothing to say to you Henri!" Kate exclaimed.

"Clearly you have not had your coffee yet. We can talk after you've had a chance to properly wake up."

"Henri I –

Jeremy stopped her by raising his hand.

"I think we all need some time to process recent events. I'll have someone show you to a room."

"But Jeremy – Kate interrupted.

"It's storming Kate. We can't send him away."

Kate crossed her arms in defiance, "I guess."

Jeremy called for a maid and instructed her which room to take Henri too.

When they were gone Kate glared at Jeremy.

"Isn't that Bernadette's room?" Kate asked.

Jeremy grinned. "Yes."

"What's your game?" Kate asked suspiciously.

"You don't want to talk to Henri, right? Which by the way, you have some explaining to do?"

"I know I should have told you he was so insistent on coming here. And no, of course I don't want to talk to Henri."

"And with Bernadette around you won't have to." Jeremy informed her.

"You really think Henri is that shallow?" Kate asked.

Jeremy gave her an "are you kidding me," look.

"Okay, you're right."

"At least this way they'll both be busy."

"Slightly disturbing to think about but true."

"Hungry?"

"Yes, I was on my way to the kitchen before I heard Henri."

"Good. And over breakfast you can tell me all about how Henri ended up in my family's château."

"Is there a second option to choose from?" Kate asked hopefully.

"No."

She sighed, "Okay but in my defense. He really wouldn't take no for an answer."

Jeremy wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Somehow I knew that."

To: Kimberly Kit Jensen <kikiswebdesign@yahoo.com>

From: Katherine Perryman <dreamchaser89@gmail.com>

Re: Engaged

Told you! Alec is the sweetest! You'll never have to worry about him cheating on you. If my mom was your mom, she'd just be happy someone wanted to marry me. Well, someone with more stability than working on a farm and buying lottery tickets.

Sadly, nothing to report with me and Jeremy. Except his "friend" Bernadette showed up. Who is a model and gorgeous and disgustingly French! And then to complicate things Henri showed up here too! I kept telling him things were over between us and not to come but he wouldn't listen! So, now we have two uninvited house guests. And no, I haven't talked to Henri yet I'm pretty sure it's because he's too busy having sex with Bernadette. I guess someone should be! Having sex that is, since Jeremy is apparently not attracted to me. I mean do I really have to come out and say it?

             No, luck on my end either as far as the Chevalier sisters. Jeremy took me to the room Marc was murdered in but that wasn't very helpful. It's so curious! How did they just disappear?

Hopelessly defeated,

Kate

P.S. I heard kugel was good!

            P.P.S. How do you and Alec feel about cats??