To Have and To Hold Chapter 44

Chapter 44

“You continue to astonish me, Auguste,� Colette whispered. “How did you know all that? I told you before, no one was watching me. No one knew what I was doing.�

“Nicole did,� Auguste said. “She had it all written down in that journal. She knew you, Colette. She knew you better than anyone else. After all, you were such close friends.�

“I don’t have time for this,� Colette said.�

“Well, if the truth be told, I don’t have the time either, my cousin. There are other things that I have neglected far too long.� He looked up at Francis, then to Henry and Danielle.

“Come to my study, the three of you. We have much to discuss this night.�

He looked at Antoine. “As soon as you settle things with your wife and children, please come and join us.�

“I will, my brother.� Antoine said, “when I finish here. I also have much to discuss.�

“Then we will take our leave.� He looked at his daughter. “Come Danielle, you will finally learn all about the mother you never knew

Auguste turned, took Francis by the arm with one hand, and herded the children toward the door with the other. They were about to open it, when Colette’s voice rang out,

“What about that sword, Auguste? You still haven’t told me about that sword.�

Auguste turned. “Haven’t I made this clear, Colette? I would have sworn that you would have recognized whose sword it is by now.�

“I do not understand,� Colette said, “I thought it was a present. We buried it so that we would feel that we were digging up buried treasure.�

“Yes, you’ve said that. Think, Colette. The sword has the royal seal on it. Isn’t that obvious enough?�

Auguste turned his back and attempted to leave the room.

“Is that all?� she said, smiling. “Is that all there is? You have not answered my question. Not to the fullest anyway?�

[ Edited by susan on 2002/6/29 1:27:01 ]

Updated: June 30, 2002 — 3:47 am