Free Love's Vengeance by Dana Roquet Page B

sputtered Rene’.
    “We shall see.” Desiree said with a laugh, standing and hugging each in turn, “I must go in now. It is getting late but I shall see you tomorrow.” she reminded Honore’ pointing a finger at his chest, “We were planning a picnic remember?”
    “ Oui I shall be here.” Honore’ sighed, still dejected by their defeat.
    “Cheer up fellows, I shall not be leaving until the end of the month.” Desiree called over her shoulder as they plodded down the steps. She opened the front door, starting in but stopped short, listening to a comment from Antoine.
    “Picnic, eh? Well stay clear of the creek or dress for a swim.” he warned, “You never know when she will strike or for what offense.”
    Desiree closed the door, laughing gaily and peeked into the drawing room on her way upstairs, “Francois, I am afraid my plans still hold. They understood.” She drawled with a teasing voice.
    Francois shook his head with a disgusted look directed toward his wife, “They will convince her—eh?” he grumbled.

 
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
    It was a cool morning in late May, that Desiree and Bridgett began their adventure. The Roche’s carriage pulled up to the busy docks of Rouen and each in turn, Francois assisted his wife, Desiree and Bridgett from the high coach. Philippe and two other boys approached and unloaded the trunks and cloth satchels, carrying them the short distance to the small sloop that stood waiting.
    Without much fanfare but plenty of warm hugs and kisses, Bridgett and Desiree bid farewell to Madeleine and Francois, then stepped aboard the boat with assistance from Philippe.
    “Now you take care Philippe!” Monsieur Roche’ barked and was answered with a curt bob of his dark head.
    Philippe smiled at Desiree and there was no one who could doubt that he would guard her with his very life. Bridgett knew he was fiercely protective of Desiree and although she could hardly abide his constant attentions to her charge, she knew that he cared for her very much.
    Philippe seated himself opposite his two passengers and with a flick of his wrist, released the lines and pushed off from the dock with an oar, casting a worried eye toward Desiree. She was teary eyed as she called her goodbyes to the Roche’s and then waved to their receding forms along the dock until they were out of sight after rounding a bend.
    “Will you be all right Desiree?” Philippe asked with concern.
    “Don’t worry Philippe. You know me, a crying baby of late. I am thankful I said my farewells to the rest yesterday, I’m afraid I might have made a huge scene.” She smiled softly, reaching out to clasp his hand for a moment. She wiped a tear on a lace kerchief, smiled a bit more convincingly at her friend, and then filled her mind as well as her senses with the activity about her.
    Other sloops, with their tiny sails flapping in the cool morning breeze passed them, on their way back up river loaded with passengers or goods bound for some small hamlet. Their oars stroked in assistance to sails, fighting the current. A few of the captain’s called greetings as well as offering information regarding conditions on the river ahead to Philippe.
    Although her reasons for leaving were not ones of happiness, Desiree began to feel a mounting excitement and interest, thinking of the adventure she was undertaking. Her mood brightened as they moved closer and closer to Le Havre, until by the time they arrived, she felt truly as if going on a holiday rather than an escape from danger.
     
    ***
     
    The port city of Le Havre was a bustling waterway to the sea, the major landing along the northwestern coast for foreign traders. The Seine’s mouth opened into the channel at this point and ships from every port around the world were anchored in the wide Baie de la Seine . The flags that flew above each vessel told of their origin and ports of call and from the distance, the gay colors made the waterfront look lovely and