“If we can.”
She was beginning to think she would have no trouble sleeping that night. The ordeal was over, and every muscle in her body felt heavy, sluggish. “Do you stay here with me?”
“There’s only one bed.”
She closed her eyes. “Yes, of course.”
There was a long silence in the room before she spoke again. “May I ask a question?””
“Yes.”
“Why are you always so angry with me?”
He didn’t answer for such a long time she was beginning to think he was ignoring the question.
“Because I bleed inside when I look at you.”
“What?”
“Go to sleep.”
Another silence fell between them.
“I’m sorry I was so foolish. I didn’t understand.”
“Understand?”
“That you didn’t want to hurt me.” She turned on her side to face the wall. “I thought all men desired women only because they were women. I’m glad you explained. I feel more at ease with you now.”
“Do you?”
“Yes,” she whispered drowsily. “I’m glad I don’t please you and you don’t want me.”
“No, I don’t want you.”
As she drifted off to sleep she heard him repeat the words. Strange, on his lips they sounded like one of the holy litanies the nuns had taught her.
“You don’t please me.
“And I don’t want you.”
Juliette met them at the door when François and Catherine arrived at the Place Royale the next morning.
“Is all well with you?” Juliette’s gaze anxiously searched Catherine’s face. She felt a surge of relief. Catherine showed no sign of ill treatment. In truth, her expression was surprisingly alert. “He did you no harm?”
“Other than stinging my ears with his foul language, he did me no harm,” Catherine said. “He has a more unruly tongue than even you, Juliette.”
“I’ve had a few more years to practice.” François smiled faintly. “And I didn’t spend my childhood in a nunnery.”
Catherine frowned. “Still, you should not—”
“Well, it’s done.” Juliette pulled Catherine into the foyer, untied her bonnet, and took it off. “You’re home safe and I’ll take care of you. Are you tired?”
Catherine looked at her uncertainly. “I don’t think so. I slept very well.”
“Good. But perhaps you should rest anyway. Jean Marc and Philippe are at Monsieur Bardot’s place of business arranging for funds for your stay at Vasaro. When they return we’ll have dinner and then be on our way. Run along to your room and I’ll be up in a moment.”
The vivaciousness faded from Catherine’s expression. “If you think it best.” She turned obediently toward the stairs.
