Why Lorie? Part II

Chapter 29: Return to Bartholy Mansion

"Viktor plans to stay in Mystery Spell for three whole months?" Isabelle Marchal's blue eyes were filled with disbelief.

"Mm-hm," Josette took another sip of coffee from a delicate china cup. "He just sent me a telegram informing me not to expect him back until the beginning of August."

The two women were enjoying the warm May sunshine at the little cafe in the park — one of their favorite outing spots. They sat on the patio, where they could chat and also get plenty of fresh air, and watched Lorie and Delphine chase each other on the new green grass that had sprouted over the past couple of weeks. The little girls happily shrieked as they ran in circles around an old oak tree.

"That is a long time! Did he say why?" Isabelle asked.

"He wants to personally supervise the remodeling of his mansion. I guess he doesn't trust Nicolae and Drogo enough. At least, that's what he told me," Josette replied. "And frankly, I'm not surprised. Viktor needs to control everything and everyone."

"Why did he go there again to begin with? Didn't he just return from America in March?" Isabelle needed her memory refreshed.

"Apparently, this impromptu trip had to do with an opening ceremony for the new town hall," Josette replied. "I wasn't aware of the fact, but Viktor said he financed the reconstruction of the building after the old one was destroyed in a fire a year ago."

Isabelle raised both eyebrows. "A year ago? So Viktor's been to Mystery Spell more than once before, eh?"

"It appears so," Josette replied, setting the cup back on its little plate, with a clink. She stared off into the distance, deep in though.

"What's going through your mind, Josette?" Her friend inquired, a look of concern on her face.

"Viktor has so many secrets," Josette murmured. "It's strange... I've known him for six years... yet... I truly don't know him at all!"

"He certainly keeps an aura of mystery about him," Isabelle agreed. "But, in a way, that makes things more exciting, doesn't it?" She chuckled.

"Yes... and no," Josette said. "It did... in the beginning. But when you are engaged to someone... you hope they trust you enough to share all of their thoughts with you. You want to know who you are about to marry... at least, that's how I feel about it."

"I don't disagree," Isabelle remarked. "So, do you ever corner him and ask more specific questions?"

"Just a couple of times. But generally, we don't see each other long enough for me to ask him anything that would take more than five minutes to explain," Josette sighed. "Viktor's always on the run - at work, on business trips, doing things with each of his sons or with Lorie, and now... back to America again."

"Lorie was certainly upset when he told her he was leaving," Isabelle remarked.

"I know. I didn't think she'd ever stop crying," Josette agreed. "She is so attached to him... it makes things quite difficult for me. I couldn't refuse her request to return to Viktor's house. And now, I don't know how I'll tell her that Viktor won't be back until August. I'm nervous just thinking about it."

Before leaving, Viktor returned the key to his mansion to Josette. When she moved in with the Marchals, she hadn't taken one with her. Viktor told her to feel free to stay there while he was in Massachusetts. Josette asked Lorie what she wanted to do. The little girl immediately asked to move back home... even if temporarily. She was getting tired of sharing a room with Delphine and wanted to have all her toys readily available. Reluctantly, Josette humored her, especially since she was starting to feel guilty of abusing Isabelle's hospitality.