Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 27: Drogo Receives a Warning

"Thank you for saving me, my darling," Josette whispered into Viktor's ear as they rode in the carriage back toward his manor.  "I couldn't have gotten away from them if you hadn't shown up.  Your timing was perfect."

Viktor placed a protective arm around Josette's shoulders.

"You can always count on me.  I will be there whenever you need me," he placed a tender kiss on Josette's temple.

Lorie watched them quietly before asking:

"Maman... Why was Mister Lawrence so mean to you?"

Josette arched an eyebrow:  "Nothing escapes you, cherie.  But you are right.  Lawrence and I used to be friends... and then we had a big fight.  I don't like him anymore.  And I believe he feels the same way about me."

"Henry was nice to me," Lorie remarked.  "He even shared some of his ice cream.  It was strawberry... and it was delicious."

Josette smiled indulgently.  "Sometimes, just because a person doesn't like another doesn't mean their children can't be friends."

"So does that mean that I can see Henry again?"  Lorie looked at her mother expectantly.  "Maybe we could invite all of them over?"

"We can talk about it later," Viktor interceded rather brusquely.  "But now, you two have to tell me what you thought of Vienna during your tour."

"I loved it," Lorie exclaimed.  "It's very pretty.  Almost as pretty as Paris."

"I agree with Lorelei," Josette added.  "It truly is a beautiful city."

"Do you think you'll be happy here?"  Viktor asked, looking at Josette.

"Yes.  Especially since you are here with us," Josette placed a hand on his forearm.

"But can we still visit Grandmaman and Grandpapa in Paris?"  Lorie asked.

"Of course," Viktor reassured her.  "Anytime you'd like to."

"Did Peter and Nicolae have fun at the party?"  Lorie suddenly changed the subject.

For a second, Viktor looked lost.  He didn't reply right away.

"I think Lorie is referring to their friend Johanes's birthday celebration at the gentlemen's club," Josette clarified.

"Ah, yes, of course," Viktor said.  "Well... I'm not entirely sure.  You'll have to ask them when we get home," he told Lorie.

And that is exactly what Lorie did.  As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the manor, she jumped out and ran inside.  Nicolae was in the library, reading a book.  He looked up when he heard the ruckus Lorie was making.

"Nicolae!  Nicolae!"  Lorie rushed up to him.  "How was the birthday party?  Did you have cake?"

Nicolae smirked.  "It wasn't that kind of party.  But... it was very nice."

"No cake?"  Lorie looked contrite.

"No.  Just a few friends spending some time together," Nicolae replied.

"Sounds boring," Lorie said.  "Where's Peter?"

"In the music room.  I think he's working on a new composition," Nicolae said.

Lorie rushed away to find him.  She opened the door to the music room and found Peter sitting in front of the piano.  He was scribbling something on a score sheet.

"Peter!  We're back!"  Lorie announced loudly.

"How was lunch?"  Peter asked.

"Fun!  We met some people," Lorie walked up and peered over his shoulder.  "What are you writing?"