Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 19: Nono and Barto (a.k.a. Papa Viktor)

Josette followed Viktor down the manor's second story hallway.  They stopped in front of a door and Viktor opened it with a flourish.

"Here we are," he announced, watching closely for Josette's reaction.

He was not disappointed.  His fiancée's eyes widened with surprise as she stepped into her new chambers.

"Oh!  Viktor!  This is... incredible," Josette clapped her hands in a manner reminiscent of her daughter.

Besides being large and airy, Josette's room was quite beautiful.  All the furniture was made of cherry wood and upholstered in a pale lilac satin fabric with a delicate embroidery of blooming wisterias.  The white silk rug had a similar pattern of flowers in various shades of violet, interspersed with light green leaves.  The decor had a Japanese feel to it, and gave the entire bedroom a peaceful, calming atmosphere.  In an alcove, there was a separate sitting area consisting of two armchairs and a loveseat, with a little round coffee table in the middle.  On the table, there was a crystal vase containing a lovely arrangement of white and purple blooms.

The centerpiece was, of course, the large bed with a lilac satin canopy above it.  The coverlet was also made of satin and depicted intertwining wisteria vines. There were several purple and light green throw-pillows that complemented the rest of the bedding perfectly. Josette ran her hand lightly over the smooth satin coverlet and blushed thinking about what activities besides sleeping would take place there.  Viktor stood close behind her.  He must have read her mind because he placed a delicate yet sensuous kiss on the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

"Come... there's more," he whispered gruffly.

Viktor took Josette's hand in his and led her toward the triple pane window.  When he pulled back the lilac curtains, Josette saw that the middle panel was a door.  Viktor opened it and they both stepped onto a large balcony overlooking the back gardens.  Josette leaned against the wrought-iron railing and breathed in the fresh October air.  She spread her arms out and smiled at Viktor.

"This truly is paradise," she sighed with pleasure as she took in the beautiful scenery.  The majestic oak and chestnut trees were covered in red, orange and golden leaves that gently rustled in the early evening breeze.  The garden pathways were covered with pebbles and lined with ornamental shrubs.  They all converged to a center point, where a three-tiered stone fountain still spewed a cascade of water out of a decorative cherub's urn, despite the late season.

"You should see it in the summer," Viktor replied, as he wrapped an arm around Josette's waist.  "When all the roses are in bloom."

"I'm sure it is breathtaking," Josette leaned in closer to him and placed her head against his shoulder.

They stood together in silence, enjoying the peaceful moment.  However, their reverie was soon interrupted by a loud shriek, as Lorie rushed toward her mother.

"Maman... this place is amazing," the little girl wrapped her arms around her mother, pulling her out of Viktor's embrace.  "And your room is... so beautiful!"

Lorie quickly released Josette in order to inspect her chambers more closely.

"I love your bed!  It's so big!"  Lorie exclaimed.  "And have you seen your closet?  It's almost as big as my whole room!"

Viktor led Josette back inside and closed the door behind them, keeping the autumn chill at bay.  He sat down on the little loveseat and watched Lorie with amusement.  His soon-to-be daughter was fleeting around like a pink butterfly, excitedly pointing everything out.  Josette followed her around, trying her best to keep up with her.