Why Lorie? Part II

Chapter 9: Growing Suspicions

"So?  Tell me everything," Madame Foret sat across from Josette in the family parlor, daintily sipping tea from a fine porcelain cup.

The fireplace was lit, giving the room a faint orange glow.  Outside, the snow storm raged on and darkness had settled over the city even though it was only mid-afternoon.  The two women had some time alone, as Lorie had stolen her Grandpapa for the remainder of the day in order to give him an in-depth tour of her room and numerous toys.

Josette watched her mother with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.  Should she tell her everything about Lawrence Danville and his untimely demise?  On one hand, she desperately wanted to unburden herself to her mother and needed her advice.  On the other, she didn't want to upset the older woman, especially on the very first day of her visit.  After pondering the subject for a while, she decided it would be best to give Madam Foret a general description of the event, leaving out the more gruesome details.

Madame Foret listened quietly to Josette's story, occasionally nodding in agreement.  When Josette spoke of Lord Danville's murder, Madame Foret widened her eyes in shock before speaking:

"Well... I must admit... I truly hated the man for what he did to you and to Lorelei.  However... to meet such a violent end... I almost pity the chap.  He was a young fellow with his whole life ahead of him."  She paused and took another sip of tea.  "But, perhaps it is for the best.  He would not have left you and Lorie in peace... from what I understand of the situation."

"I feel the same way, Maman," Josette agreed.  "For the longest time, Lawrence was a constant thorn in my side, even when he kept his distance.  And when he first appeared right here, in my living room, I wished the worst for him."  She sighed and looked away.  "Of course, when it actually happened, I was very confused.  He was, after all, Lorie's father.  And the fact that he was viciously murdered right after he visited our home... it left a bitter taste in my mouth.  I somehow felt... responsible."'

"My darling child," Madame Foret reassured her, "... you must not blame yourself in any way.  It was an unfortunate occurrence, but it had absolutely nothing to do with you."

"Sometimes I wonder about that," Josette gazed into the fire, watching the flickering flames.

"What do you mean?"  Her mother raised her eyebrows.

"Viktor was the last man who saw Lawrence alive.  He walked with him back to the hotel.  What if..." Josette left her sentence unfinished.

"Surely you don't think your fiancée is capable of murder," Madame Foret sounded shocked.  "Viktor is an intelligent, kind man.  I doubt he would risk losing his reputation... and you, over a squabble with Lawrence Danville."

"I hope you're right," Josette murmured.  "Although... I wouldn't call their confrontation a mere squabble."  She looked her mother in the eye.  "There was a physical altercation between them.  I heard them fight.  Viktor assured me that it sounded worse than it really was.  Still..."

"Listen to me, Josephine," Madame Foret said sternly, using Josette's given name.  "I want you to put such thoughts out of your mind straight away.  Viktor loves you.  He tries to protect you.  But he is no murderer.  You must never say such things to anyone else, do you hear me?"

Josette nodded absentmindedly.  "You're probably right, Maman," she sighed.  "I guess sometimes my mind wanders... and I get these strange thoughts... How can I be sure that Viktor is who he says he is?  After all, he spends so much time away from home.  Always working," Josette air-quoted the last part.  "But what if he is keeping another side of him hidden from me?"

"Your fiancée is a hard worker.  You know that, don't you? You always have... from the moment you met him," Madame Foret came to Viktor's defense.  "Why the sudden doubts?"

"This whole Mystery Spell business, for example," Josette replied.  "Why did Viktor suddenly decide to banish Drogo and Nicolae all the way to America?"  Josette looked at her mother.

"Banish is a harsh word," Madame Foret replied.  "As you've told me in your last letter, Viktor simply needs someone he trusts to run that part of the business for him.  He couldn't very well stay in Massachusetts himself.  Leaving two of his grown sons there seems like a reasonable solution to me."

Josette didn't say anything more on the subject.  Madame Foret was a practical woman, and everything she said made perfect sense.  However, Josette knew something her mother didn't.  She couldn't tell Madame Foret about her romantic interlude with Drogo.  Deep inside, Josette feared that Viktor had somehow learned about it and that was why he decided to exile his son to the other side of the world.  Of course, she had no solid evidence to back her up, but it was a hunch... a very strong, persistent one.

Madame Foret noticed her daughter's wistfulness.  She decided to change the topic of their conversation to more pleasant things:

"What about the wedding?  Have you looked for a gown yet?  I know you've had to postpone it for a bit, but still..."

"No, I haven't yet," Josette answered dryly.  She was still resentful of the fact that Viktor had made that decision for her.  "I was going to... but now, there's no reason to rush.  Knowing Viktor, he'll probably end up staying in Mystery Spell for an entire year."

"I seriously doubt that," Madame Foret chuckled.  "It sounds like a very dismal place.  I'm sure Viktor will want to return to Vienna as soon as it's humanly possible."

"We shall see, won't we," Josette sighed.  "He does put work ahead of everything else... including me."

"Tsk.  Don't be such a downer, my dear," her mother tutted.  "A man has to work to provide for his family.  Be glad Viktor knows that.  Just look around you," she spread her arms wide. "How else could he afford such luxury?  Don't take it for granted, my child... it can be easily taken away."

"What can be easily taken away?"  Lorie stood in the doorway.

"Oh, my sweet darling!  Come to Grandmaman," Madame Foret beckoned her.

Lorie ran up to her grandmother and jumped on her lap.  "I missed you so much, Grandmaman!"  She wrapped her arms tightly around the older woman's neck.

"Careful, my child," Madame Foret gasped.  "I'm more fragile than I look."

"What were you two talking about?"  Lorie wasn't that easily distracted.  "It sounded very serious."

"We were talking about what to get you for Christmas," her grandmother lied like a pro.

Lorie's hazel eyes widened.  "Really?  And what did you decide?"

"We cannot tell you, ma petite," Madame Foret pinched Lorie's waist playfully making her squirm.  "Because then it won't be a surprise."  She winked at the little girl.

"That's okay," Lorie replied.  "I don't have to be surprised," she said coyly, twirling a lock of blonde hair around her finger.

"Yes, you do.  Now go back up to your room and play.  I need to speak to your Maman alone," Madame Foret eased Lorie off of her lap.

Lorie pouted and tried putting on her sad puppy eyed expression.  Alas, it didn't have the desired effect on Madame Foret.  The older woman wasn't easily swayed.  She gazed at her granddaughter through narrowed eyes and said a bit sternly:

"Lorelei, that only works on your Grandpapa.  Now do as I say, before I change my mind about giving you any presents."

Lorie immediately spun on her heels and left the two women to their grownup business.  She did not want to risk losing any presents.  And, after all, Christmas was only a day away.