Free Decision and Destiny by DeVa Gantt

is why you came down here!
    “Well, then,” he said, “your insomnia has become my good fortune.”
    He stood and helped her with her chair. She breathed deeply, intoxicated by his presence, the light scent of shaving lotion and cologne that lingered in the air. Impressions of last night’s haunting receded.
    Fatima broke the spell, bustling into the room to lay a plate before him, taking Charmaine’s breakfast order as she poured two cups of coffee.
    “I’m glad we have this quiet moment,” he said. “I have a few things I need to discuss with you.”
    “Yes, so do I…”
    Again he smiled, and she hesitated, waiting for him to speak first.
    “I’ll be leaving for Espoir on Monday,” he continued.
    “Leaving?”
    The word erupted with childish fervor, yet he seemed pleased.
    “Only for a week or two. I’ve neglected her for a while. But there are important matters that can’t be postponed any longer.”
    “Two weeks?” she asked sullenly. The day had quickly turned dismal.
    “The time will pass rapidly, and I’ll be home before you know it. Why the glum face? This isn’t about John, is it? He hasn’t been troubling you, has he?”
    “No, he’s been unusually courteous this past week.”
    Paul scowled. “So I’ve noticed. What is the matter, then?”
    She was about to tell him, but faltered. “It was nothing.”
    “Are you certain?”
    “Yes, quite certain. I’ll be fine while you’re away. We’ll all be fine.”
    He cocked his head to one side, his expression thoughtful while Fatima served Charmaine’s food. “How are the children?” he asked.
    “Lately, they’ve been very happy, especially with John entertaining them.”
    “John?” he queried, rankled by her use of his brother’s Christian name, which fed his growing unease. In that case, she is fair game. We shall see who is the better player. “I don’t like it,” he objected. “He shouldn’t be ‘entertaining them.’ He’s a bad influence.”
    Not one week ago, Charmaine would have readily agreed, but John’s conduct had been exemplary over the past few days.
    “I will put a stop to it. I don’t want him taking advantage of my absence.”
    “Put a stop to it?” she exclaimed. Easier said than done! John had gone from minding Pierre, to helping with the girls’ lessons, to sleeping in the nursery with them. One look at Paul’s face, and she prayed he’d not find out. “I don’t see how you can possibly order your brother around,” she reasoned. “He comes and goes as he pleases.”
    “I will speak to him. He shouldn’t be interfering.”
    “But you can’t do that!”
    “Why not?” he asked, puzzled by her vehemence.
    “What I mean is—that won’t be necessary. There is no sense in stirring up a hornet’s nest. He’s been cordial to me of late, and the children enjoy his visits. Besides, if you tell him not to pester us, he is sure to do just that. I’m certain if we do nothing, he will tire of visiting the nursery all on his own.”
    Paul considered her comment. “You are likely right,” he said, allowing her to breathe easier. “At any rate, Charmantes must be managed while I’m away. That should keep him occupied during the day. Even so, you should remain wary of him, Charmaine. I know him well, know how he operates, the little games he loves to play. He will use the children to toy with your affections. I’ll not allow him to hurt you.”
    Charmaine was certain his gallantry was sincere, but she smiled halfheartedly, ate quickly, and left his company.
    She had just reached her room when John stepped out of his own chambers, bleary-eyed. Clearly, he’d be glad to be back in his own bed tonight.
    “Good morning…I think,” he said, securing the last button at his collar. “Did you get any sleep last night?”
    “I eventually drifted off, close to dawn. Are the children still asleep?”
    “Surprisingly, no, but they appear well rested and are already begging to visit the stables to curry