"What's this?" asked Olivia who made her way amongthem.
"We are to have two new babies in the family." Andre waschuckling.
"Marvelous news," Olivia said with a grin. "Babies are suchfun."
Lily who leaned on her husband's arm, said, "Perhaps later they are. At themoment—"
"Oh, dear," said Olivia with sympathy. "I see you suffer with the early stages. I am sorry. But it passes. And then the joy of expectation iswonderful."
Killian admired her exuberance. Her delight at the idea of children. He wondered if she had more than Camille at home. Where was home? And where did shelive?
Shetugged on her gloves as Andre's butler presented her cape."Merci beaucoupfor a marvelous wedding and all the festivities. I've not had such a good time inyears."
The Princess accepted her kisses on both cheeks and Andre embraced her. "You have not graced us as often as you should. I require you to return to us soon. Spring perhaps? We are to have the choirmaster and the organist at the Basilica of Sante-Clotilde at the Opera. You will want to seethem."
"I'd like to very much. Thank you, Andre. I will consider it. But well, you know I must consult myschedule."
"Of course. But you have an openinvitation."
"I will remember.Au-revoir."
"Have you a carriage?" Andre askedher.
"No, I will hailone."
No carriage?Killian seized the chance. She could not walk about alone in Paris at night. "She rides with us,Andre."
At his words, Olivia stared at him. "I don't wish toimpose."
Andre shook his head. "Let Killian do the honors, Olivia. I would feel better. And you will besafe."
She shot Killian a glance that said she did not believe that at all. But with Lily and Julian in the carriage, she had somesafety.
"My cape, please," Killian told a footman. "Good night,Madame, Andre,Marianne."
Minutes later, he offered his arm to the lady who had refused him more times than any woman ever had. Behind them, Julian and Lily spoke in whispers of delight and concern as they descended the steps of thepalace.
"You're very proud of yourself," Olivia said as he and she awaited the arrival of his carriage around the bend from themews.
"I am. And you will be safely to yourhotel."
Shehuffed.
"You don't believe it," he said with achuckle.
"Why must you always win? You realize, it's verytiresome."
I don't always."I can losegracefully."
She lowered her chin and glowered athim.
His grin grew wider. "Shall I allow you avictory?"
She blew a gust of air. "I must claim more thanone."
"Ah, but then you'd never see meagain."
His coach pulled up, the footman opened the door and Olivia climbed the step inside. Killian sat next to her. Settled there in the ruby velvet squabs, the street lamps casting rays of light gently upon her elegant face, Olivia looked ethereal and more carefree than at any timetoday.
