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Philbert’s children and perhaps even have a child of her very own. She’d given up on romantic notions of love a long time ago. Security and a peaceful existence were all she hoped for. Was she going to lose everything because of something she’d done five years ago? Because of a chance meeting with the man who had the ability to collapse the foundations of her world.
    What if she went to le Beau ? What if she explained why she’d done what she’d done? Would he understand?
    What if you offered yourself to him and enjoyed him as Odette suggested?
    Catherine tamped down the fluttering that erupted in her stomach. Too risky. She’d already attempted something daring five years ago and look how disastrously that had turned out. This was a matter of life and death. Hers. She had no reason to trust le Beau and confide in him.
    She’d have to maintain her innocence against his claim, put on a believable performance that would convince him he was wrong about her, and then leave Suzanne’s château as quickly as she could. Staying in her rooms the entire time and feigning an illness was out of the question. He’d know she was hiding from him. It would only confirm in his mind that he was right about her. God only knows what he’d do then .
    No, she had to carry on until her betrothed arrived at the end of the week. She’d show le Beau that he didn’t rattle her in any way.
    Easier said than done, Catherine . Look at your shocking behavior in the hallway .
    Another thunderclap resonated in the angry skies.
    Trapped at the château with the most sinfully seductive man of the realm. How, by all that’s holy, will you resist his overwhelming allure?

    Arresting his steps in the corridor, Adrien crossed his arms with a sigh the moment he heard Charlotte call out his name behind him.
    He was in a hurry. There was an auburn-haired beauty he had every intention of intercepting before she made it to supper. He’d barely had time to bathe and change his clothing after his uncles had left his rooms.
    Charlotte stopped before him. “You’ve had a good look at Catherine. Can I count on your help, Adrien? She’s reasonably attractive, although I am prettier.” Though her last remark was a statement, it was said with self-doubt.
    How he wished Charlotte wasn’t so much like their mother.
    “ Ma chérie , forget Philbert de Baillet. If you have to work this hard to hold on to him, then he isn’t worthy of you. You are very pretty. You can easily have someone else.” He wasn’t about to tell Charlotte of his plans for Catherine and have her enthusiastic over a lost cause. Catherine had little to do with Baillet’s indifference. Baillet had lost interest in Charlotte. Plain and simple. There was nothing she could do to recapture it. It was best Charlotte ended the affair before he did. She’d save face. Her pride. Moreover, her heart. His godfathers were in agreement with Adrien.
    Baillet would only bring Charlotte heartbreak.
    Charlotte’s eyes filled with tears and her bottom lip began to tremble. “ Pleeeease , Adrien.” Tears slipped down her face. “You’ll do it, won’t you?”
    How he hated it when she cried. He despised it as much as he’d despised his mother’s tears. He shouldn’t be softened by them. But instead of being firm, “I’ll see” tumbled from his mouth.
    Her face lit up. “You’ll do it!” She threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek.
    He frowned, pulling her arms from around his neck. “That’s not what I said.”
    She still beamed. “You love me, Adrien, though I know it’s difficult for you to say. I know you’ll do this for me.” She squealed in jubilation and clapped her small hands. “No woman can resist le Beau . You must hurry. Supper will begin soon. Catherine de Villecourt will be there.” With that, she rushed away.
    “Charlotte, wait.” But she didn’t stop or turn around. “I’m not promising anything.” She’d disappeared around the corner before he’d