Free Moontide Embrace (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page B

coat and white knee britches, in the outmoded style of a grand era. The old man's white hair 7 tied back with a black velvet ribbon, also represented the style of another era. Judah met faded turquoise eyes not unlike his own. He perceived heightened interest, curios ity, intelligence, and a mocking light in those shrewd old eyes.
    Extending a trembling blue-veined hand to his daugh ter, while his eyes never left his grandson's face, Gustave Montesquieu spoke in French. "So, my daughter has returned home at last?"
    "Oh, Papa," Gabrielle cried, clasping his hand in both hers. "I have missed you so desperately." Judah knew his mother waited for some sign of affection or welcome from the old man, who only studied her with cold indifference.
    "Do not snivel, Gabrielle," Gustave scolded, removing his hand from her clasp. "You were overemotional even as a child. I see you have not changed, except to age somewhat."
    Judah saw the pain in his mother's eyes, and he stepped forward, wrapping her in a protective embrace. "You have no right to insult my mother." Without thinking, he spoke in English. "I will not allow her to remain in this house for one moment longer than it takes to pack our belong ings. You are a bastard, and I am glad to be able to say it to your face. It makes the journey worthwhile."
    Gabrielle gasped, as two pairs of turquoise eyes locked in combat. She clutched her son's coat-front, waiting for her father's reaction to his insult. She knew that both her father and her son were stubborn and proud, and she wondered if either of them would relent. She was startled when she saw her father's face ease into what was almost a smile.
    "If I am to be insulted, I prefer it be done in French. The English language is so vulgar and common. It has always grated on my ears. I assume your mother taught you her native tongue?"
    Judah glanced at the old man through half-closed lashes. "My mother taught me several languages. If you would like, I can insult you in each one of them."
    This time Gabrielle was dumbstruck by the laughter that issued from her father's throat. "I damned sure do not intend to stand here and listen to insults from a young pup who is barely old enough to shave. I happen to know how old you are, so we will assume it is your youth which makes you speak so rashly, and not bad manners."
    "Were I beyond your age, I would still tell you what I think of your treatment of my mother. You have broken her heart every time you returned one of her letters unopened. You have caused her sleepless nights, and days of yearning for her girlhood home. She has suffered much because of you. I do not intend that you hurt her anymore."
    The old man's eyes narrowed, and a spark ignited. "Gabrielle is my daughter. I will treat her as I believe she deserves."
    "No, Monsieur, you will not," Judah declared, lapsing into French. "You have the earlier claim on her, but you forfeited your right to that claim. I am taking her away now!"
    Gabrielle reached out her hand to her father. "Please, Papa, do not do this. I can stand it if you do not want me, but do not put Judah through this torment."
    Gustave Montesquieu waved his daughter aside. "What makes you think I am the tormentor, Madame? Was it not your son who first started with the insults?"
    Gabrielle glanced up at her tall son, her eyes shining with love and pride. With a determination that surprised her father, she spoke. "If you do not see that when you hurt me, you hurt Judah, then we have nothing more to say to one another, Papa."
    The old man's shoulders sagged, and he seemed to visibly age before their eyes. "Have done, Gabrielle. The time for insults is over. I sent for you; how can you doubt that I wanted you home?"
    "If that is so, Papa, why were there no arrangements made for us in New Orleans. Why was the buggy not ready to receive us when we arrived at the docks of Bend of the River? If you meant to belittle me and my son, you have succeeded."
    The old man's face whitened,