The Anticipation

That night flies by. Again, I help with serving the boisterous customers, but tonight none of the women from the brothel are present to cause a scene. I am grateful for the respite, but worryingly marvel at the prowess of Étienne. I trust his words but am surprised that it moved all those women to leave us alone.

"Camille, go spend some time with your friends." Jeanne-Marie shoos me with a wave of her hands. They flail through the air, blocking my path.

"Can you handle the crowd?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

"I managed when you left, and I will need to manage in the future." She shoots back at me. I chuckle at her stubborn domineer even as her words sting. It is not like I chose to have to go to Torcy and get married.

"Okay, let me know if you get overwhelmed." I hand her the pitcher I have been carrying around full of liquor.

"Enjoy yourself." She calls as I turn and walk away. She is like a best friend or sister, always pushing me to relax.

I come up to the siblings, who are relatively quiet tonight.

"Jeanne-Marie chased me away." I say as I sit next to Charlotte, and across from Étienne. Charlotte is filled with mirth at my chastisement but warmly welcomes me. We chat about life, and plans we have for our trip. Étienne occasionally joins in the conversation, but he is content watching us, and adding in small grunts to signify is approval or disapproval of a topic. His eyes are glued to me as we talk. It should unnerve me, but strangely I feel at ease with him near. I give him a smile every time I look over into his dark eyes. He seems to be deep in some contemplation as he studies me. The time between each of my glances shortens until I am returning his intensity.

There is a large yawn from next to me. I look over to find Charlotte covering her mouth. "I am tired, so I will take my leave, good night." She says as she stands and backs away towards the stairs.

We both call back our own well wishes for her rest, before returning our gazes to each other. I realize on some level that Charlotte had excused herself to give us some privacy, and this causes my cheeks to heat.

"Are you sick?" Étienne reaches out, leaning over the table to brush his hand against my forehead.

"No, why do you ask?" I try to pull away but he is faster, managing to touch both our foreheads to compare our temperatures.

"You are flushed. If you have a fever it will ruin my plans for tomorrow." He states. I bask in his attention, as curiosity builds.

"I am fine. You need me for your mysterious plan?" I try to change the conversation as I pull away from his warm hand.

"Yes." He sits back down, as his eyes follow me.

"Who says I will come willingly?" He me a knowing smile, amusement twinkle in his dark eyes.

"Then I will just need to entice you." For an instant I imagine what he will do to entice me. I fight my urge to break eye contact as I remember our sweet kisses. Will he be bold enough to use them against me?

"With what?" I challenge him, hoping he will give me a clue. I know I have pushed for time to heal, and understand, but I a part of my heart wants him to remind me of the feelings I had that night. Those feelings that drowned my fear with peace, and hope.

"You'll see." The smirk never leaves his face. It is simultaneously enraging and endearing. I want to lean forward and shock it off his face.

What has gotten into me? I need to get out of here before I push too far!

"Fine, I am going to bed so I can be ready for your scheming tomorrow." I stand and follow Charlotte's lead upstairs.

"Sleep tight." He calls at my back, as I strut across the hall and up the stairs. I don't have to turn around to see the triumph on his face. I wonder if he wants to follow me, like I want him to do.

When I reach my dark room, I quickly undress, and slip under my covers. Though my body is tired, my mind races with possibilities for Étienne's plans. I know it won't be anything that will harm me, but I can't figure what would be exciting around here. I list ideas in my head, but nothing is particularly enticing. He seems sure to be able to sway me, but there are no interesting libraries or fabric stores in the vicinity. Sleep is hard to find as my anticipation grows, but eventually it comes. I am reminded of the first night I met him, when he first filled my head and chased away my sleep.