Ignatius is about to be seduced by a legend.<br><br>During a time when even the most educated of folk believe in ghosts, Ignatius Swain arrives in the quiet town of Ville sur le Fleuve to act as pedagogue to the adult daughter of Gregoire Delacroix. There he encounters the enigmatic Jacques Bouchard, who appears to view him as a rival for Desiree Delacroix’s affection.<br><br>Nothing could be more misconstrued. Even if Desiree’s gaze were not able to freeze water, Ignatius has set aside hopes of love hereabouts. He satisfies his desires with the helping hand of ghostly fables, tales of terror that walk shivery traces and fiery passion up his spine ... until one night when Jacques’s behaviour breeches barriers, and the pair encounter the most famous of resident spirits on the road.

Seduced by a Legend

“I would not have thought you would take a liking to such tales.”


Hearing Desiree’s lilting voice so close behind him made Ignatius give a little yelp. The book tumbled from his fingers. In an instant, a shadow engulfed him, a large hand reached out, and swifter than he could ever have foreseen, Jacques caught the book in midair.


Flipping the book, Jacques stared at the cover. Ignatius flushed—the heat in his face undeniable.


“I was merely looking.” Did he sound too defensive?


“Hardly. This is not the first book of ghostly tales that I have seen you ponder over.” For the first time this evening Desiree flicked her gaze toward Jacques, including him in the conversation.


Conversation? Nay…joke, and Ignatius the brunt of it. He couldn’t help but wonder why. Was she warming to Jacques or simply wishing to tease her tutor, and knowing Jacques’s penchant for cruelty, did the minx use the brute’s capacity for meanness for her own amusement?


Chapter 10