Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 5: A Mysterious Visitor

April 14, 1906 started like any other spring day.  Josette had moved in with her parents after being fired from the Paris Opera.  She needed not only their emotional support, but also their physical and financial help.  Although she had managed to save some money, it wasn't nearly enough to comfortably live on once the baby would arrive.  Monsieur Foret was a banker with a good reputation and an even better income. Josette hated having to depend on Papa, but, at the moment, she didn't have a choice. 

Luckily, her relationship with her parents had mended and continued to improve, and they were happy to have her back home.  They were also excited about seeing their grandchild make its upcoming entrance into the world. Maman and Papa assured Josette that she and the baby could continue to live with them for as long as they wanted to.  But Josette had no intention of burdening them for much longer.  Once back on her feet, she fully planned to return to her singing career.  The only question was:  where?  She had severed her ties to the Paris Opera, and hadn't yet responded to any other offers.  For the time being, she wanted to fully focus on her pregnancy and on motherhood.

With her due date quickly approaching, Josette stopped going for long walks in the park or through the winding streets of Paris.  In order to get some fresh air and sun, she often sat in the little garden behind her parents' house.  There was a beautiful pink blossoming cherry tree that she placed her rocking chair under.  She was there that morning, reading a book, when Maman interrupted her.

"My dear, you have a visitor," Madam Foret announced.  She seemed a bit flustered, which was quite unusual for her. 

Josette raised an eyebrow.  Visitors were very rare these days.  Especially those who could have such an effect on her mother.

"Who is it?"  She asked.

"I've never met the gentleman before," Maman answered.  "He introduced himself as Monsieur Bartholy.  Does that ring a bell?"

Josette shrugged, intrigued.  "No. What does he want?"

"Why don't you talk to him yourself," Maman replied with a wink as she disappeared back inside the house. 

A few minutes later, she reappeared followed by their mysterious visitor.  He appeared to be in his early forties and was very well dressed.  He was tall and had dark hair and brilliant green eyes.  He immediately reminded Josette of Lawrence Danville, especially in the way he carried himself - with self-assurance and elegance.  When they locked eyes, Josette felt unsettled.  She hadn't met any men lately, especially handsome ones.  She automatically touched her rounded belly, and blushed.  The visitor took off his bowler hat as he greeted her.

"Mademoiselle Lafoure," he spoke in a deep, confident voice.  "You are even lovelier up close." 

He approached her cat-like, and stopped right in front of her.  Josette lifted her hand, and the stranger took it and pressed it to his lips.  She felt a little jolt of electricity running through her at the contact.  His hand was cold, but very strong.  He held on to hers a bit longer than necessary.

"And you are?"  She asked, watching him coyly from below her dark eyelashes, her hand still trapped in his.

"My name is Viktor Bartholy," he said.  "Count Viktor Bartholy.  And I confess, I am one of your biggest fans.  I have traveled from Austria on several occasions just to see you perform."

Josette was flattered and flashed him a smile.  She nodded toward her mother, who discreetly disappeared into the house once again.

"I'm afraid I have disappointed my fans lately," she looked down at her belly.  Viktor's eyes instantly followed hers.  She thought she read a quick look of surprise in them, before his gaze returned to her face.