Forbidden by Susan Johnson (best feel good books txt) 📗

"That's why you need Bourges?" Turning back to the Duc, Daisy's expression was less anxious.

"Yes." He didn't say he could also use Bourges because the lawyer had political alliances with the judicial system that might be of help. He didn't say Bourges was perhaps the only man in the country who could launch an offensive to Isabelle's irrevocable refusal. He didn't say he intended to win his divorce, with or without Bourges.

"I think the occasion calls for a bottle of champagne."

Valentin proposed, genuinely happy for his friend who had had too little love, who had, despite his amorous reputation, lived a very solitary life.

Adelaide was already reaching for the bell-pull. The Duc squeezed Daisy's hand and kissed her gently on the cheek. She loved him with all her heart, she thought, smiling at him.

At dinner that night, while no disclosure of his plans was made, for the Duc had yet to speak to his children and Bourges, the de Chantel guests cast knowing glances at each other. The Duc was obviously in love, and the sumptuous and wealthy Miss Black from America, while less open in her feelings, clearly returned his sentiments. They were cheerful and gay, although plainly distracted by their shared affection; the Duc said, "Pardon me?" numerous times in the course of the evening, requiring some comment be repeated before he heard it. And the beautiful Daisy Black's eyes glowed with an exuberant joy outshining her diamonds. When they danced later, after dinner and more champagne, after the men over port and cigars had roguishly teased Etienne about the schoolboy light in his eyes, everyone agreed the Duc was smitten.

Sending notes around, the Duc saw his children very early the next morning before any possible gossip might have reached them. He wasn't concerned that Isabelle might talk to them. Her relationship with the children was formal, a restrained dialogue over tea, occasionally. Even Hector was brought to her when she felt impelled to give some instructions on his upbringing. She rarely visited Jolie or Justin's apartments and never the nursery.

He rode with his son in the Bois shortly after sunrise, the two men so similar in height and dark good-looks, although Justin's youth was apparent in his slim, rangy build. Justin, at barely twenty, hadn't yet developed the powerful physique of his father. They spoke first of Justin's trip, imminent and a source of much excitement to him. Etienne recommended his favorite haunts in Cairo, offered some fatherly words of caution, and ended with his usual question prior to Justin's jaunts. "Did Legere give you the letters of credit?"

"Yes, Papa. Also the letters of introduction."

"Don't forget, the French consul likes Havana cigars. I'll have some of mine sent round before you leave. You should at least present yourself out of courtesy."

"Don't worry, Papa, I shall. His wife's very attractive."

Quickly glancing at his son, Etienne met a sunny, light-hearted smile. He'd lived too long in the world to offer hypocritical advice. Instead he mildly said, "Perhaps Robert would like a case of my special brandy with the cigars. I'll see to it."

Since the Duc rode often in the morning with his son, Justin saw no particular significance in the occasion, and as they cantered through the carefully kept acres of the Bois, meeting very few other riders in the postdawn hour, Justin kept up a running monologue on his preparations for Egypt. The Duc had to finally interrupt because their circuit of the grounds was almost complete.

"I've something of importance to say."

"I know, Papa, I'll be careful. I always am."

The Duc smiled at the vitality in his son's expression, feeling for a moment immense pleasure in Justin's happiness. At least .in the desolation of his marriage, his children hadn't suffered. "It's about your maman and myself," he said, his voice perhaps conveying the consequence of what he was about to say, because Justin slowed his mount and gave his father his full attention.

"I've asked her for a divorce."

"Finally," his son said.

He'd not expected so succinct a response. Nor one so dégagé'. "You're not disturbed?" As a parent he felt responsibility for living up to his children's expectations.

"What took so long?" his son quietly asked.

At which point the Duc explained about Daisy at some length, saying at the end, "I'd like you to meet her before you leave…"

"With pleasure," Justin said to his father's hesitancy, aware what profound changes were about to alter his father's life. "Jolie will support you too, Papa." Justin's declaration was simply put, a child's offer to help. "But," he added with a grin, "I'm glad I'm on my way to Egypt before the fireworks start. You know Maman will go for the jugular."

"It's going to be one damned mess." Etienne sighed. "She'll marshal all the conservative judges and ministers. The closed ranks of the monarchists will stand firm. I hate to think of my lecture from her cousin the Archbishop."

"Don't forget Belle-mire Montigny," Justin said with a lift of his dark brow. "I'm sure she'll descend on you with her aging Jesuit advisors." His grin widened. "Maybe Egypt isn't far enough. There's always Indo-China. Would you like to consider an Eastern journey?"

"Yes." The Duc's own smile was rueful. "Unfortunately… my absence wouldn't solve this dilemma. I'm dead serious about marrying Daisy and it's pleasant in a grim, yet hopeful way to be serious about something after so many years. Thank God, this is the last dynastic marriage in the de Vec family. Jolie is happy and you—"

"—are happy, Papa. And I'm not going to marry for another ten years at least."

The Duc smiled. "Unless Robert's pretty young wife turns your head."

"Papa!" His reply was disclaimer and protest both. "She flirts with everyone."

They were crossing into the Rue de Rivoli now, the traffic still light, only shopgirls and tradesmen going to work, along with an occasional freight wagon passing by. "I've, asked Jolie to come to see me when Hector finishes his breakfast. Would you like to join us?"

Justin hesitated for a moment,