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aspect that I love about this arrangement.”
    “What are you talking about?” Xavier asked, trying not to push her further.
    “His leaves of absence. His business takes him all over the world for months at a time to collect the goods that he sells.”
    “And this is good?” Jérémie asked, puzzled.
    “You two, such romantics. Of course it’s good. It means he’ll leave me alone to govern my own life. I can live as I do now, but without the stigma of being a spinster. I can marry but maintain independence.”
    “Honestly, it makes little sense,” Jérémie said.
    Catherine had finally detected the hostility—Xavier recognized this side of his sister instantly. She knew when people disapproved and hated thinking that they were angry with her. But rather than change what she did, she campaigned to win them over.
    Catherine put her hand on Jérémie’s knee and implored with her eyes for him to agree with her. “You can’t understand the plight of a woman. I’m cursed with the necessity of marriage. Not because I don’t want to love. I desperately want to, but because any such arrangement condemns me to obey a man. I don’t have the freedom to choose. So what chance do I have for love? It’s an absurd fantasy, and I can’t lead my life with the notion that I may find it by accident. I have to act. So I chose a man who only takes a limited amount of my freedom, who travels constantly, which will preserve my autonomy. Not to mention his wealth. Believe me, too many of my friends talk about needing good fortune to find a husband. Fortune? I’m not waiting for chance. I have watched for the right situation and found it.” She sat back, satisfied.
    Xavier shook his head. She told the truth. She had sought someone who would nurture her freedom and not try to control her. She also wanted a business partner, and Marcel gave her both. She had articulated her philosophy a hundred times, and it always made sense to him. He just had never envisioned the vile Marcel.
    Jérémie thankfully spoke first as he rose from his chair. “Catherine, do what you wish. You’re too good a person to bow to others. Yet you sell yourself short. With such a good soul, a passion for life, and all the beauty in the world, there are men who would love and care for you without taking away the independence that makes you such a wonderful woman. It doesn’t sound as if Marcel understands the depth of the person he plans to marry. I hope I’m wrong. Love exists in this world. I wish you would give it a chance before you lock yourself into something else. If you’ll excuse me...” he bowed and took his leave.
    “He’s so sweet,” Catherine said. “Such a good man. We’re lucky to have him as a friend.”
    “Indeed,” Xavier responded, throat dry.
    “If you’re going to be morose, you can leave, too.”
    He stood to do so.
    “Wait. Come back.” Catherine pulled at his arm. “I didn’t mean it.”
    He gently disengaged her arm. “I respect your independence, you know that. I’ll honor your decision, you know that, too. But you can’t coerce me into agreeing with it.”
    “Fine. But come back.” She pushed Xavier into a chair. “I need my freedom.”
    “I know, and I don’t blame you. I pray for your happiness every day. I see the same world as you, with all of its faults and unrealistic expectations. Maybe I’ll understand over time.” But he knew he never would. Xavier grabbed her hand as she kissed him on the cheek and put her head on his shoulder.
Thomas: The Announcement

     
     
    27 May 1789 Evening
     
    THOMAS LISTENED TO Xavier’s latest news about Catherine’s engagement as he followed him toward the Saint-Laurent household for the first time. He had fed earlier than usual, in order to devote his full energy to Xavier on this important night. While Thomas relished interacting with humans in a social setting, it also exhausted him and demanded that he drink more blood than usual. He worried that Xavier