“Yes, it’s because of what they did to you.”
“It doesn’t seem…fair.”
“No.”
“I don’t wish to marry.”
“I know, Catherine.” Juliette sat down on the bed beside her and took both Catherine’s hands in her own. “But you realize I’d never ask you to do anything that wasn’t for the best?”
Catherine nodded listlessly.
“Then you’ll do as I ask?”
“Not Philippe.”
“No, not Philippe.” Juliette’s hands tightened around Catherine’s. “Someone else.”
Catherine tensed. “He won’t hurt me?”
Juliette’s rush of fury was followed immediately by passionate tenderness. “I promise you won’t be hurt.”
Catherine relaxed. “I couldn’t bear to be touched like that again.”
“It won’t happen. Trust me.”
“I do trust you. I’ll do whatever you wish.” Catherine withdrew her hands from Juliette’s clasp and Juliette realized she was already drifting away again. “I think I’d like to go sit in the garden now.”
“Be sure to take your shawl.” Juliette rose to her feet. “Will you join us for supper?”
“What? Oh, no, thank you. I shall go to sleep early, I think.”
She was asleep now, Juliette thought in despair. When would she wake? “Would you like me to come and brush your hair after supper? It sometimes helps you to sleep peacefully.”
“No, thank you. I’d rather be alone.” Catherine’s gaze slid away from Juliette’s. “Unless you think it necessary.”
This from Catherine, who so hated to be alone shehad sometimes sought out Juliette’s company in Sister Bernadette’s tomb. “No, it’s not necessary. I simply thought you might like it.” Juliette moved toward the door. “I’ll tell Marie you’ll have supper in your room.”
She was halfway down the stairs when the idea occurred to her.
It was too absurd.
But was it?
She continued down the stairs, a thoughtful frown on her brow.
“You can’t work through this meal, Jean Marc,” Juliette said as she opened the door of the study the next evening. “You must have supper with us tonight.”
“Must?” Jean Marc repeated silkily.
Juliette nodded. “We have a guest.”
“What guest?” Jean Marc’s chair screeched as he pushed it away from the desk. “Dammit, you know we can’t have guests with you and Catherine in the house.”
“Join us in the Gold Salon in a few minutes.” Juliette left the study.
François Etchelet looked surprisingly elegant when he was shown in. His dark brown hair was drawn back from his face and fastened with a black tie, and his dark blue coat fitted his shoulders as impeccably as did Jean Marc’s or Philippe’s. The gracefulness of his bow betrayed an easy worldliness, and Juliette had a sudden memory of Philippe’s words regarding François’s reputed seductions. Evidently the panther did indeed have hidden facets to his character.
“Good evening, Monsieur Andreas,” François said to Jean Marc and then continued impatiently. “This travesty of a social supper isn’t necessary. Let’s get on with it. Why did you send for me?”
