Futile Flame Read Online Free PDF Page B

from the ride. Caesare glanced back at me, smiling and relaxed. I felt my nerves calm as I followed him deeper into the woods but inside my head was a nagging doubt that I couldn’t shake.
    The clearing was suddenly upon us. In the centre, just as he’d promised, lay a picnic cloth. It was spread out over the grass with huge cushions scattered on it. I felt reassured by the familiar faces of the servants from the house who stood by, ready to wait on us. The hamper was open and champagne was poured as we dismounted. The groom rushed forward to take the horses which he led to the stream and later tethered to the cart they’d used to bring the picnic. I immediately felt safe once more. I shook my head, smiling slightly at the thought of my suspecting Caesare of some evil design.
    ‘This looks beautiful,’ I said sitting down on the cloth. A servant rushed forward and held out a glass to me. I found that the wine was still chilled despite the heat of the day.
    ‘Yes. It does,’ Caesare replied taking a glass himself and sipping.
    I discovered I was hungry and the spread of cold meats, fruit and cheese with fresh bread made my mouth water. It felt so civilised. All provided by the family serving staff. It felt so normal.
    ‘So, you spoke to Father again last night?’ I asked.
    ‘Yes.’
    Caesare’s glass was refilled. He drank from it as the servant placed the bottle down beside him and backed away. Caesare looked around at the remaining servants. ‘Leave us.’
    The groom and servants dispersed, taking with them the horses and the cart that had brought the food. I began to stand, panic surging through my head and for a moment my vision blurred as fear lunged inside my heart at the thought of being alone with him. My skirt caught in the heels of my riding boots, tripping me until I tumbled back down onto the cloth beside my brother.
    ‘What are you doing?’ he asked calmly. ‘I sent them away so that they cannot hear our conversation.’
    I stared at Caesare. He seemed sincere but I still remembered too well our time alone in the library. Even so, I paused in my effort to rise and waited for him to explain further.
    ‘They are devoted to Father,’ he continued. ‘It would appear disloyal if he were to learn we were plotting against him, wouldn’t it?’
    His argument was so plausible, however and so I sat down again and let my brother refill my glass.
    ‘Really Luci, you are incredibly nervous these days.’
    I flushed. I was embarrassed by my lack of trust. I swigged the champagne trying to ease my nervous state. Putting down the now-empty glass I smoothed my jacket down and tried to appear composed. Did Caesare feel we could just forget our indiscretion in the library? Maybe he felt that by helping me avoid this unexpected marriage he could make amends.
    ‘I’m sorry.’
    Caesare filled my glass again. ‘Don’t be. I wouldn’t trust me either.’ He laughed then and it was infectious. I laughed also, but it was nervous energy.
    As the day wore on I found myself relaxing as we talked. Leaning against the cushions I nibbled cake from the basket and watched lazily as Caesare replenished my glass once more.
    ‘I think I can persuade him to change his plans,’ he said casually.
    ‘Really? How?’ I asked, sitting up.
    ‘It won’t be easy. But I do have some pull with Father, you know. He didn’t like me challenging him in front of Guila last night though, so I need to be more subtle. After all, I really would hate it if you married the Spaniard.’
    ‘Me too. I want to marry for love.’
    Caesare laughed. ‘All young girls imagine that, Luci. It’s very rarely a reality though. Most are married for wealth and political gain.’
    ‘I know,’ I replied. ‘I’m not as stupid as you might think.’
    ‘I know you’re not stupid. In fact I think you are highly intelligent. Maybe you could even be my intellectual equal, with guidance.’
    I blushed with pleasure. Caesare had never spoken to me like