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me, do you understand? He can provide so much that I so desperately want. He is a decent and charming old fellow. I am well pleased with this arrangement, and it will please me greatly if you don’t keep walking around as if you had signed over my eternal life to the devil.” She swung around, glaring at Mireau, who looked as if he had been about to speak. “Do you both understand? There will be no more pity, no more discussion, no more guilt. It is done, and that is that. I am happy.”
    Justin straightened.
    He made his way out of the room. This time, she heard the word he swore beneath his breath quite clearly.
    â€œBullshit!”
    Once again, she swung on Mireau. “Not a word from you!”
    His mouth had already opened. He snapped it shut. “I was just about to say . . . Congratulations!”
    Maggie turned and fled up the stairs.
    * * *
    Three days later, Jamie reached the coast of France. Disembarking at Caan, he made short work of renting a horse, and riding the two hours inland to Arianna’s school.
    As any proper young lady in her position, she was being given an education in all the arts that would perfect her position as a young woman of great quality. She was taught how to walk, how to pour tea, how to converse in French without the least trace of an accent, how to sing, and how to play the piano.
    Since she was definitely a free-spirited soul, and her father’s beloved and much-spoiled child, she was also humored greatly, and therefore studied Latin, geometry, history, and the sciences as well. Jamie mused that her education was hardly a waste, for Arianna was a bright child, with an inquisitive mind, and a great intelligence. She also had a stubborn streak within her that stretched for acres.
    He had sent ahead to say that he was coming; informing Arianna of the upcoming wedding had been his first priority after the legal machinations had been set in place. Talking Charles out of taking the taxing journey himself had not been easy, but in the end, Jamie had managed it. He was anxious to speak with his cousin himself and quickly—he didn’t want her to hear about her father’s intentions from another source.
    Arianna met him in the drawing room of the elegant old palace where the girls were housed. She hugged him warmly as Sister Sara brought them together, her delight at seeing him childish, despite the fact that she was hardly a little girl anymore.
    She was tall, with an elegant, sylph-like figure. Dark eyed, dark haired, with soft white skin so delicate in texture and appearance, she was almost ethereal. He was somewhat shocked to realize that his cousin was growing into an incredible beauty herself. Charles had best take care in his own house, Jamie thought.
    Then he realized, he’d be the one calling men out in this lady’s defense. Charles was beyond such a possibility.
    When Sister Sara left them alone to talk, Arianna backed away. “You’ve come to tell me about my father’s wedding.”
    He hesitated, shaking his head, then sighed. “Yes, I have. It’s quite amazing how quickly gossip can travel the English Channel.”
    â€œMy father could not come himself?”
    â€œI talked him out of it.”
    She stared at him, her eyes widening. “Why would you do that to me, Jamie?”
    â€œI fear for his health all the time, Arianna.”
    â€œWhy? She’ll probably just poison him and he’ll die anyway.”
    â€œArianna. What a terrible thing to say.”
    She was speaking so belligerently to hide her hurt, he knew.
    â€œTerrible!” she retorted with a sniff.
    â€œArianna, I swear, your father wanted to be here, and I was barely able to talk him out of coming. Naturally, you’ll see him before the wedding. I’ll return for you myself in plenty of time. The bride has said that she wishes to keep it simple, but I imagine there will be a place for you in the ceremony.”
    â€œDon’t