Sabine took a seat on the bench across from him as his attention veered to the kitchen house’s open door. Brielle entered, making him forget his full plate and Sabine’s unspoken proposal completely. It was the first time she’d joined them here. Had she come seeking him and Titus?
Two Acadians—a blacksmith and carpenter—were talking to her, gesturing for her to go ahead of them in line. She accepted with a smile though that didn’t end their attentions. They continued to talk to her, asking questions and drawing her into conversation. Watching, Bleu’s resistance roared. He hardly heard Sabine across from him.
“So, since you are always traversing all over why not escort me to my father in Halifax?”
“Halifax?” Distracted as he was with Brielle, he groped for an answer. “The enemy’s den?”
“Ha! All of Acadie is now that. But at least we are finally free to visit there unhindered and not be imprisoned or expelled all over again.”
“I vowed never to return.” Try as he might, anger still burned beneath his stoicism. The heat of it nearly stole his appetite.
“A reunion with my father might change your mind,non? I’ve not seen him in eight long years, nor have you.” Determination hardened Sabine’s features. “The British officials might be willing to release him were he to leave Canada for good.”
“Far-fetched.”
“Please, consider it.”
“Do you know what you ask?” He raised his gaze in warning. “We would need a ship’s passage. Even then the journey would be long. Dangerous. Once we arrive—if we survive—he might not be there.”
“You don’t want to return.”
“I have no desire to see Acadie under British rule.” He forked a bite of fish but didn’t eat. “Nor your father their captive.”
“Not even to reunite with him?” Sabine’s face was nearly the color of her russet hair. “To helpmereunite with him, the only kin I likely have left?”
“You have family in southLouisiane, so I’ve heard.” His voice was firm as always when battling Sabine. “As for a guide, I have several contacts and can arrange an escort. But I cannot go with you.”
She frowned and fell silent though he was sure she wasn’t finished with the matter. Swallowing a bite, he looked over Sabine’s shoulder to Brielle again. She was garnering too much attention. Why had she decided to dine here instead of Orchard Rest? At least there she was spared excessive notice. Even in plain linen she was a feast of femininity—and being a newcomer only added to her allure. Since leaving the tavern she’d begun to bloom, her stark slenderness already a memory.
Sabine raised her voice as if realizing who’d stolen his attention. “So what is this I hear about you returning to the Rivanna with a woman and child?”
“Both,oui.” He was feeling strangely terse and short tempered, the meal unappetizing, the talk and laughter around them overloud. He’d grown too used to the silence of the woods.
Brielle was with Eulalie now, nearly to the food, when Titus caught up with her. Spying Bleu, he waved a hand. Bleu smiled, struck by how the boy had changed for the better in the short time he’d been here.
“Granted, not all the settlement is Acadian so they should fit in well enough if they’re willing to work and cause no trouble,” Sabine was saying. “You must introduce us.”
When Titus took a seat beside them a few minutes later, Brielle followed. Setting down his utensils, Bleu made introductions.
“You’re from the back settlements?” Sabine asked them. “A verydangereuxplace to be.”
Titus and Brielle exchanged a glance as she said, “We worked at a tavern overmountain.”
Surprise washed Sabine’s face—and disdain. Beingla crème d’Acadieand a Broussard, Sabine’s pride in her own lineage had never been more apparent.
“Servants,” Sabine said flatly, even dismissively.
“Don’t be deceived.MademoiselleFarrow is the granddaughter of theComte de Sancerre,” Bleu told her quietly, continuing his meal. “From France.”
A hush followed as Sabine’s scorn switched to disbelief. She looked at Bleu as if he was jesting but he paid her no attention, nor did Brielle elaborate though he sensed her own quiet pride. He resisted the impulse to look her way again. Her hold on him was like a leather tie, strong and unyielding, tethering them in ways he couldn’t fathom.
“I’m glad we’ve come here,” Titus was saying as he wielded his fork and ate like a man thrice his size. “I’d rather work along the Rivanna than anywhere else on earth.”
“It is a good place, a safe place to be.” Sabine smiled at him. “We need more youth like you to grow this settlement. As for you, Miss Farrow, what skills do you bring?”
“I’m willing to do whatever is needed and necessary,” Brielle answered, meeting Sabine’s dissecting gaze. “For now I’m working in the gardens and making garments for the settlement.”
“I’m sure Sylvie has something to do with that. Her needle never stops.” Sabine turned to Bleu. “And you? How are you spending your time?”
