Free Love's Vengeance by Dana Roquet

head and a heavy sigh, he went back to the work awaiting him on his desk.
     
    ***
     
    It was near dusk, after the evening meal had been taken that Bridgett excused herself and retired to her room to read. This left Desiree sitting with the Roche’s, talking idly of her plans for her trip, as Michel’ lighted candles about the comfortable drawing room to chase away the shadows of night. A hearty rap upon the door hastened Michel’ to the front hall, where in a moment he reappeared with Honore’ Romains at his side.
    “ Bonsoir .” Honore’ greeted the Roche’s with a nod. He curled an index finger at Desiree, “May I speak with you for a few moments privately?” he inclined his head toward the front door.
    Desiree watched her godfather as she rose and his pointed lack of eye contact with her left little doubt in her mind as to the purpose of Honore’s visit, “Francois you didn’t invite Honore’ over here to change my mind about my trip?”
    “He but cares for you Desiree, as do I. You can not make such a drastic decision without at least allowing me my opinion.” Honore’ spoke up, his deep booming voice full of determination that indeed, he would , have his say.
    Desiree shook her head with a disgusted sigh, “Why is it that my every move must have the approval of a commission?” she sneered teasingly at Honore’ as she moved to his side, clasping his hand in her own, “Come along then, let’s have this out. Merci Francois, for setting this one upon me—if it comes to blows, I am at a marked disadvantage.” She laughed.
    Honore’ was not exceedingly tall but stocky with a muscular body and strong sharp features that were almost hawk like in their intensity. He looked as though ever ready to do battle and in most instances this was true, for he loved to fight and had the size at nineteen to level most of his peers. But Desiree had always admired his clear, sky blue eyes and blond curls that saved him from looking like one of Satan’s own.
    Desiree dragged him through the front hall and paused while he opened the door, then preceded him out onto the veranda but came to an abrupt stop at the threshold and then she attempted to retreat a pace. Her retreat though, was brought to a resounding halt by Honore’s sturdy frame.
    In the dim light cast by a lantern at either end of the veranda, she could see Antoine leaning casually against the rail with his arms folded over his chest and legs crossed at the ankles. Rene’ sat at the top step of the landing, one leg drawn up before him and his arm dangling loosely across his knee—a grin from ear to ear—the blackguard ! Philippe sat in a wrought iron chair, with his feet propped up on the rail beside Antoine and all eyes were on her!
    “Oh no—please, not four of you!” she pleaded dramatically, lightly placing the back of her hand across her brow as if to swoon, while the other hand rested over her heart, “Have pity upon me! I feared defending my actions to Honore’ but all at once—I haven’t the strength!”
    “You little fool—stop overacting and come out here!—at least enough to allow Honore’ to close the door.” Rene’ chuckled, rising from the steps. He strode across the veranda, bringing a chair back with him. Placing it in the center of the group, he patted the seat invitingly, “Have a seat Desiree, you have some questions to answer.”
    When Desiree didn’t move to take the seat, Honore’ closed the door behind him removing her access to escape and holding her by the shoulders, led her to it, “Sit!” he barked firmly.
    “Now then!” Antoine began, running his fingers through his windblown hair, then clapping and rubbing his hands together in anticipation. He adjusted his position to allow Rene’ and Honore’ to join him against the rail and at the same time Philippe swung his legs down; sitting up and taking heed as Antoine continued, “Tell us why you would wish to go. Haven’t we paid enough attention to you