Just then, the doors opened. A man in his late fifties entered the room. His light-colored hair showed edges of gray, but didn’t discount his virility. He was dressed in finery befitting the lovely manor and would be handsome by any estimation. He strode over to the couch and kissed Emily on the cheek.
“What is this I hear that my wife has a friend from Chevalerie to visit?” he said in a commanding voice.
“Hello darling,” said Emily. “Alexandra, this is my husband, the Marquis du Ponce.”
Alex rose to standing and curtseyed before the man, feeling awkward in her outfit. “Monsieur,” she said.
“So you are the legendary female guide?” he asked as he took her hand. “Please sit, don’t let me interrupt your reunion.”
“I don’t know about legendary,” said Alex, sitting back down. “But I am the guide, yes.”
“Do well, young lady,” he said. “I am tired of these raids. They are affecting my business, and my beautiful wife here expects the finer things.” He looked down at Emily, and she beamed back at him.
A maid entered through the servants’ entrance with a tray of tea. She laid it on the low table before them and set out gleaming porcelain cups. She poured the tea and arranged a tray of delicate, flaky biscuits. The smell was glorious, and Alex’s stomach rumbled.
“I leave you to your tea then,” said the Marquis. “Ma choupette, I am meeting with the Duke’s son. I shall see you for supper.”
“Very well,monamour.”
“It was good to meet you, Alexandra, the lady guide,” he said, turning to Alex. “Until next time.”
Alex said farewell, then took her cup of tea. The mention of Philippe in the presence of Emily brought up immediate feelings of jealousy and inadequacy in her. Seeing the exquisite woman before her, she was once again reminded that nothing she could ever do could make her the kind of woman Philippe would truly consider.
After a moment, as if she had read Alex’s mind, Emily spoke again.
“I don’t mean to pry,” she said, with a slow smile working across her face. “But now that we have put the ugliness behind us…I must ask you about Philippe.” She stopped to select a biscuit with a strawberry jam center. “Anything there?” she asked lightly.
“Oh no,” said Alex. “No, no, no.”
“Come now, Alexandra,” said Emily. “You are a beautiful woman, and he, I’m certain, is still a very handsome man. How exactly is that possible?”
“We are friends. That’s all.” Alex smiled, looking down at her cup.
“Men and women cannot be friends,” she said, raising afinger. She looked at Alex and knitted her brows, “But I suppose in your situation that is fair.” She eyed Alex for a moment. “May I offer some advice?”
Alex nodded.
“I do know Philippe well.” She cleared her throat delicately. “Or I did at one time.”
“I know,” said Alex.
“He is a good man,” she continued. “Maybe a little misguided, when it comes to women.”
Alex nodded again.
Emily continued with a caring smile. “Take whatever you want from him.” Then she reached across and placed her hand on Alex’s knee. “Just be cautious, because once a man gets what he wants,weare the ones left with the broken hearts.”
Alex spent the remainder of the delightful day chatting with Emily and shirking any duties that may have come up. Tomorrow she would be a guide, but today was about sitting by the fire with a very unlikely friend. Shortly after they had finished their tea, a nursemaid brought in Emily’s two adorable sons of nine months and two years old. Alex fell in love with the little towheaded angels, who played at their feet. She couldn’t have imagined a more pleasant afternoon. Emily had found a kingdom for herself, and despite their differences, it was a wonderful feeling to talk with another woman at length for Alex—she who spent so much time in the company of the gruffest of men. Emily, of all people. Who would have thought?
At half past five, the large door to the sitting room opened up. Several official-looking men who wore the Ponce crest on their chests entered, followed by Philippe and Laurent. The men brought chaos, swords clanging and boots trailing mud. They were clearly not aware anyone sat on the deep sofa by the fire. Alex noticed as Emily snapped her fingers and pointed for a maid to begin cleaning up the mess. The maid responded and scuttled over to the door with her broom.
The men spread out and Philippe approached the fire. He seemed very distracted to Alex. As he came closer, though, he noticed her peeking overthe back of the sofa. His face softened for just a moment before he had a chance to acknowledge the entirety of the scene before him.
His double take was so sharp Alex was sure his neck would be sore the next day. He stared, his mouth gaping, at the two women tucked into the cushions. For just a moment the charismatic, perfectly charmed son of the Duke, had not a word to say. Alex hid a smile.
Emily was the one to speak first. She rose to her feet and held out her hand, a mirthful grin on her face. “On behalf of my husband, the Marquis du Ponce, I would like to welcome you to our town.” She curtseyed before him. “I hope our accommodations are suitable for your stay,Monsieur.”
Philippe came around to face her. He took her hand and kissed it as he bowed. He glanced towards Alex.
