Alex remained seated, watching him crawl out of his skin. “Philippe,” she teased. “You’ll never guess who I ran into.”
Emily lowered her hand. Philippe swallowed and composed himself before regarding her. “It is very good to see you,Madame. I did not realize it was Chevalerie’s own Emily who married the Marquis.”
Emily sat back down on the couch beside Alex. “It’s true,Monsieur. I believe I have shocked both of you today. But you see, your scout had informed us days ago that you would arrive, and once I heard that a female guide traveled with the Duke’s son, I was sure it was the two of you.”
Alex continued, “We’ve been having a wonderful chat for the greater part of the afternoon.”
“Oh,” said Philippe, looking uncertainly from one woman’s eyes to the next. “That’s nice.”
Emily rose once again, “Actually, I do need to go help prepare for supper. As mistress of a place like this, I cannot hide out for too long. Has my husband extended an invitation to dine with us tonight,Monsieur?”
“Yes,Madame, and I have accepted.”
“Wonderful. And Alexandra, I would be honored if you joined us as well.”
“After the tea, Emily, I would be a fool to say no.”
“Splendid! We will have time for both business and pleasure this evening,” she nodded, the excitement under her refined façade was evident. “Alexandra I will have a footman take you to the inn so you may dress for dinner.” She hesitated a moment then held her head with resolve. “And youare more than welcome to wear your pants to dine. If it so suits you.” She nodded. “But,” she continued, “I do have some beautiful dresses I would be more than happy to offer you for the evening.”
Alex grinned. “Perhaps it will feel nice to be out of these clothes for a change.”
A flash of relief washed over the Lady Marquise. “Delightful!” she chirped. “I will have my head maid come retrieve you to see the gowns.” And then, with another tsk to a maid who was slow at changing candlesticks, Emily was back to her duties. She directed a footman to show the men to the Marquis’ study and scooted another maid to hurry and clear the tea setting. Then with the last rush of attendants to take care of things to her standards, Philippe and Alex were left alone.
Philippe sat down across from Alex, in the same spot Emily had been seconds ago. Alex was trying very hard not to laugh at the fluster in his cheeks, but she supposed she would have looked the same way if she had stumbled upon the two of them instead.
“So,” began Alex, “What news do you bring from town?”
Philippe looked at her daftly. “You know who that was, right?”
“Yes, of course. Don’t be silly. She seems to be quite comfortable here.” She rested her hands on her knees. “I am happy for her.”
Philippe eyed her. “What did the two of you talk about?”
“Chevalerie. I told her some stories from the road.” She paused. “You.”
“Me?” he asked. “What did she say?”
The footman entered to collect Alex then, and she rose to standing.
“Only things I already knew,Monsieur,” Alex smirked at Philippe and curtseyed for the second time that day, the elegant surroundings infecting her.
Chapter Sixteen
The dining room displayed all the finery Ponce had to offer. Dark wood floors connected to a white wainscot that bordered the room. The upper walls were colored with a hint of lavender and carved back at intervals to hold imposing marble busts of the great men of Ponce. A large fireplace sat at the far end of the room with violet vases atop it, while two thick white pillars rose at either side of the entrance and connected to intricately carved crown molding. The hightrompe-l’œilceiling created the illusion of ascension while the crystal chandelier anchored it firmly at the center of the room. The cherry wood table, large enough for eight but set for four, sat below the chandelier and gleamed with polish. Philippe was shown his seat next to the Marquis who stood at the head of the table. Emily took her spot across from the Marquis and Alex sat before Philippe. The silver place settings twinkled in the candlelight, and the centerpiece boasted a bouquet of the same sweet-smelling poppies that could be found in the gardens. It was all very elegant and fine, Philippe thought, but it was Alex who took his breath away.
This was only the second time he had seen her, as an adult, in woman’s clothes, and it was a lovely shock. Her gown was a dark emerald green with black lace accents and a straight neckline. Though it was cut in the style of the day, with an angled corset leading into a paneled skirt, Alex had rejectedthe volume that was popular in dresses, creating a more form-fitting silhouette. Her hair was pulled back and her bangs swept to the side. It highlighted her high cheekbones and bright eyes. When she smiled at her hosts, Philippe had to restrain himself from leaping across the table to taste her plump raspberry lips.
The Marquis leaned back as a maid placed a napkin across his lap. “I’m sorry, Philippe,” he said. “I had hoped this to be more of a working dinner, but my wife insisted on something different.”
“We don’t get to entertain too often,” said Emily. In contrast to Alex, Emily’s indigo gown was so billowy, it puffed up around her in her seat.
“I’m very happy for the invitation,” said Philippe.
“Has your family been in Ponce long, Marquis?” Alex asked.
“We emigrated from Savoy when I was very young,” he said as another maid served croquettes. He held up his fork daintily, looking at the little balls. “We did not have much,” he said. “But it is only since I married the Marquise that I fight to get food onto my fork,” he said, stabbing at his plate.
“It’s a wonderful time for you to be here,” said Emily, ignoring her husband’s complaint. “We are preparing to celebrate the Marquis’ birthday. It will be the grandest event we have had all year.” She turned to Alex. “Do say you’ll join us. You must. I have already spread the word that the lady guide will be there and the chance to meet you has invigorated the town.”
