Midnight Roses

❀Chapter Three: Hope❀

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2012 by Amber Hanscom

❀Chapter Three: Hope❀

Father left in a whirl wind of hugs and goodbyes, thanking Julien purfusivly. Before he left he paused before ridding off.

"Les felles, what would you like me to bring you back from this trip?"

Desiree, Marion and I exchanged looks before answering.

"I would like some white cloth for my wedding dress," Desiree said, blushing. "Something simple will satisfy me."

"I would appreciate some paper, ink and quills father, I wish to write to Labonte."

Papa nodded, before turning to me. "And you mon Belle?"

I racked my brain. Fabric fine enough for a wedding dress was costly, and quills, paper and ink did not come inexpensive by any means. I knew without a doubt that Father would need whatever fortune he had to restart his business and pay his debts.

"I . . . I want . . . rose seeds! The rose garden was my favorite part of the Manor, Papa, and I miss the roses."

Father frowned. "Wouldn't you rather have wonderful treasures alike the ones your sisters requested?"

I shook my head. "Non, Papa. Roses are enough for me. All else I desire is here with me right now," I said smiling up at him.

Father chartled, wrapping his arms around me in a tight embrace.

"Ma douce Belle," he said as he pressed his lips to my forehead, he gave me one last squeeze before turning to my sisters and Julien. "I shall return as soon as I can. And I swear I shall bring with me the gifts you have asked me for my dears."

Father marched off, mounting Philip and rode off down the cobble stone road. I watched him go, my heart caught in an odd turmoil of hope and foreboding.

@-----'-------,--------(A/N: Its a rose ;p)

Julien kept his word to Papa, escorting us to our cottage safely. He did not leave Desiree's side the whole way, his eyes constantly flitting towards her. She would smile warmly at him and blush prettily. I watched Marion as well, a deep worry aching through me as I watched her woeful observation of Desiree and Julien's exchange of affection. I thought of Gustan again, of Labonte. Perhaps our wealth truly had been the object of their affections.

Julien was here, with Desiree-and where were Gustan and Labonte? Not here with us, reassuring my sister and I that they would love us despite our poverty. In my eyes Julien had rose above the two men by two hold.

It was a half day's travel, we arrived just as the sun was easing its way down from its perch in the sky. The cottage was lovely, something out of a fairy book. With two stories of stones ranging from grey to white, a thatched roof that looked as if it had recently been repaired. The door was made of dark ebony, a far cry from our polished mahogany imported from the west. Near by I could hear the sound of a bubbling brook, the sweet smell of wild flowers danced around me.

I turned to my sisters smiling widely.

"I think we're home," I said, truly believing that everything from then on would be better.

I wish I had been correct.

____________________Author's Note______________________

Cadet Amber reporting!

So. Uneventful but! Papa is gone and we all know what that means! Next week I'll be back-everyone I want you to curse my school for blocking Wattpad. Bad High School!!!! Anyway I look forward to hearing from every one!

vote, fan, and comment!!!

Lotso'Love

Amber :)