Read Online Upon Your Return by Marie Lavender - Free Book Online Page A

with a man before. She had spent evenings dancing with available gentlemen, however, and never had one of them affected her as Capitaine Hill had. Part of her could only attribute that to inexperience. But she knew that, were circumstances different at all, she would not mind getting to know the man as he learned of her in return.

Chapter Four
     
    “ Mademoiselle ?”
    “ Oui ?”
    “There is a guest here to see you. It is Mademoiselle Perét.”
    “ Merci .” Fara had been discussing the week's menu with the cook when Rosalie informed her of her friend's presence. She rushed into the hall to meet her. “ Mon Dieu …Helene?”
    “ M’amie !” They hugged.
    Pulling away from her friend, she observed any possible changes. No, Helene Perét was the same girl she'd known for years, her erstwhile companion at Cluny Abbey.
    The woman was slightly taller than average, with light green eyes, and a nearly black fall of hair. She was thinner than Fara, but certainly with the same iron will she knew her friend took pride in.
    It was Helene's season for she had been released from the nuns for a mere two months. She would be in the market for a husband as well, or at least her parents would push her to marry after a time.
    Fara turned to the servant behind her. “Francine, we will be having chocolate in the parlor.”
    “ Oui, Mademoiselle .” The woman left to see to her duties.
    Fara led her friend to the parlor and they both sat down. Sitting across from her childhood friend, she knew something must be wrong. Helene would only pay a visit unannounced if there was a serious matter at hand or if she was truly curious about something. The latter was the more likely of the two. Helene's only fault was her incessant need to dabble in others' affairs.
    Francine entered to serve up the hot drink from the chocolate pot and offer pastries. She took her exit quietly. Fara sipped the drink as she'd long ago been taught, her small finger pointing to the sky; it was now second nature to her.
    “Tell me, m'amie . What is troubling you?”
    A full pout rose to the girl's lips and she did not blink in surprise. “We've been friends awhile as you know…”
    “ Mon Dieu , Helene! It cannot be that bad!” She sat forward, put off by the woman's hesitance.
    “Perhaps not. But, there is a rumor concerning your reputation. It is something to heed.”
    Fara frowned. “Perhaps I will as long as you tell me what it is being said.”
    “Perhaps the truth? Perhaps not. I know you, m'amie . You can be a trifle curious about things as well, but I know there are some things you won't do.”
    “Such as?”
    “Be seen in public with a man below your station who is not a servant?”
    Fara should have known it would be news by morning. “Ah. Might it involve a young captain?”
    Helene's eyes widened. “It is true? I wouldn't have guessed…”
    Fara rolled her eyes. “Is it about being seen with him or perhaps something more? It doesn't matter though. Nothing happened.”
    “Who are you trying to convince? I was only curious and certain you would not allow yourself to be seen with such an individual--”
    She stood, feeling a bit miffed by her friend's comment. “Don't be a snob, Helene. Neither of us have ever been so strict in our ways.”
    “Ah, but you would not unless there was an honest reason. Perhaps this man saved you from something…or someone?”
    Fara stood up and stepped away toward the large window, swallowing hard against what she knew to be the truth, against what she had felt with him. “I do not know Jean Le Croíx’s whereabouts, Helene…” She looked over her shoulder to see the lady frowning. No matter how close she felt to Helene, she could not tell her the details. Pride kept her from admitting her fiancé had set her up.
    “That one has betrayed you, I fear.”
    “ Oui ,” she agreed.
    “Twill' get better. Your uncle will be on the lookout for another suitor?”
    “I believe so.”
    She nodded and rose to