Free Blazing Love: A Hot, Romantic Suspense Series, Book 2 (The Carlisle Sisters) by Kay Brody Page A

challenge but it is one that I have grown accustomed to,” Hélène said.  “At least there are no surprises with Claude; he is always the same.”
    “I am sorry, Aunt Hélène.  I have tried to speak with him about his attitude many times but it does no good,” Jehan said sadly.
    “As I said, Claude is as he is.  He will not change; and if he did, I believe that would send me to my maker,” Hélène smiled ruefully.
    Jehan chuckled.
    “How is Uncle Marceau?”  Jehan asked.
    Hélène looked down at the herbs and began clipping off bay leaves to place in the basket.  She would have liked to tell Jehan of Marceau’s improvement but she couldn’t trust him to not tell Claude.  And asking him not to speak to his father about it would only open a can of worms that she’d rather not deal with.
    “He is the same,” she lied.  She hated telling an untruth, but it was necessary.
    “I am sorry to hear that.  I will continue to pray for him.  I know all is not lost,” Jehan said sympathetically.  “I was glad to hear of your brief getaway.  Did you enjoy it?”
    “It was productive,” Hélène answered, instantly regretting her poor choice of words.
    If Jehan thought her answer odd he did not show it.
    “Good. Although you are devoted to Uncle Marceau, it was good for you to get away for a respite,” he said.
    Hélène only nodded, relieved.  Jehan rose.
    “I must be on my way.  But I will come back to see you soon,” he said.
    Hélène looked up at him.
    “I wish you lived here at the castle.  It would be a joy to have you here.  Won’t you reconsider and stay?”  Hélène asked.
    Jehan smiled wanly and shook his head negatively.
    “I cannot share a roof with my père.  I cannot tolerate his behavior.  I wonder how you do.” Jehan said.
    “As I said: one can grow used to it.  Most of the time I simply ignore him; which causes him much aggravation,” she smiled gleefully.
    Jehan laughed.
    “It might be worth moving in just to see his reaction to being snubbed first-hand,” Jehan chuckled.
    Hélène laughed as well.
    “Come back soon, Jehan.  It is always a joy to see you,” Hélène smiled.
    “I will Aunt.  I promise,” he swore.
    He bent to kiss her cheeks then sauntered in the house.  He entered the kitchen and saw Claude carrying a food tray across the room.
    “Having a bite of lunch, Père?”  Jehan asked.
    Claude was startled and nearly spilled the bowl of soup that was on the tray.
    “Must you sneak up on a person like that?”  Claude snapped.
    “I wasn’t sneaking up on you.  Why are you so jumpy?”  Jehan asked.
    He watched his father closely.  Claude had been acting cagey of late and Jehan didn’t trust him.  Claude was known for his unscrupulous behavior; and it was no secret that he disliked his brother, Marceau.  Perhaps Aunt Hélène’s request that he move in wasn’t a bad idea.  He would be better able to keep an eye on his père if he were living there.
    “I am not jumpy.  You just startled me,” Claude snapped.
    Jehan crossed to his père and looked down at the tray he held.
    “Mmm!  That soup looks delicious,” Jehan said.  He picked up the spoon to taste the soup. 
    Claude stepped away from him.
    “Away with you!”  Claude nearly shouted.  “This is not for you.”
    “Why not?  Food always tastes better from someone else’s plate,” Jehan grinned.
    “This is for Marceau and there is not enough for you,” Claude snarled.
    “How odd.  Margot always cooks enough for an army,” Jehan replied.
    “She did not prepare this.  I did so myself,” Claude said.
    “ You ?” Jehan asked in disbelief.
    “Yes.  I wanted to do something special for my poor invalid brother.  Is that so strange?”  Claude challenge.
    “For you?  Yes.  Yes, it is,” Jehan answered honestly.
    “You disrespectful little scoundrel!  Get out of my way!”  Claude ordered.
    Jehan shrugged and stepped past Claude, bumping into his shoulder and