Claire Delacroix Read Online Free PDF Page A

long moment. “I should not so indulge you,” she said finally. Célie shook off Esmeraude’s grip and rose to her feet. “Indeed, you should not ask me to do so!”
    Esmeraude smiled impishly. “But when have I been concerned with what I should and should not do?”
    Célie chuckled. “Vexing child. You have always known your own intent too well to be biddable.” She smiled and Esmeraude smiled back, the fondness between them undisguised.
    “You must come with me, Célie, you simply must. I cannot imagine being without you and your splendid good sense.”
    The maid eyed her charge. “Where will you go?”
    Esmeraude shook a finger at her. “Nay, nay, nay. You must pledge to accompany me in good faith before I will tell you.”
    “Then you must pledge to at least look upon the men who arrive to compete for your hand before you flee.”
    “But why?”
    Célie’s expression turned arch. “’Twas you who said your heart would recognize the man for you.”
    “I did look,” Esmeraude reminded her maid. “And the man for me was not there.”
    “They have not all gathered as yet, and surely the one less intent upon winning a bride would not arrive first, like an anxious pup?”
    Esmeraude nibbled her lip as she considered that.
    Célie folded her arms across her chest, clearly prepared to argue her own side. “And ’twould be rude to depart so abruptly and condemn those men who did arrive to no reward. ’Twould make Duncan look to be a poor host, which surely is not your intent. Your parents might not forgive such a dishonor readily, even from you.”
    “But I cannot stay!”
    “Even if the man you seek might arrive yet? Or might even be here but as yet unnoted by you. Can you truly see to the heart of a man so readily as that?” Célie leaned closer. “Indeed, the man of whom you dream might already be in this hall. Would you risk losing him when he is so close?”
    “Do not make me choose betwixt adventure and love! I would have both.”
    “Aye, I know.” The maid leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “What if you left a clue, that a stalwart man might pursue you?”
    Esmeraude’s dismay vanished at the suggestion. “A riddle!” She laughed, well pleased with this scheme. “I shall leave a devious riddle as a test, for only the man destined for me would both solve it and act upon its import. ’Tis a perfect compromise, Célie.”
    But the maid shook her head. “Nay, you should leave a simple riddle.”
    “Why?”
    “Of what merit is a chase without competitors? And men are at their most valiant when they are threatened by the performance of others. If you wish to be pursued, you must leave a simple riddle.” Célie nodded confidently. “Indeed, you might find that your more familiar suitors show unexpected qualities when faced with such a challenge. ’Twould be a fine test of a man’s mettle, or of his determination to win you. I do not believe in your quest for this great love, nor do I approve of your desire to live as a maiden in a song, but it makes good sense to know the truth of a man’s character before pledging to him forever.”
    Esmeraude tapped her lip with her fingertip and nodded. “’Tis a fine scheme. I shall do it.”
    “Then I shall pledge to accompany you and to protect you from harm as best I am able. I have little doubt that you will do whatsoever you will, with or without me.” The older woman smiled. “And I have a strange thought that your chances of emerging unscathed from your adventure are somewhat better with me in your company.”
    “Thank you, Célie!” Esmeraude leapt from the bed and hugged her maid with enthusiasm.
    “Know that I am persuaded to this course solely to ensure your happiness.” Célie’s words were spoken with gruff affection, and she touched her charge’s cheek.
    “Oh, and I will be happy, I know it well.” Esmeraude fell back upon the mattress and leaned against the pillows. “The King of the Isles will no doubt