Navarre

                                                                            Part 3

Chateau Malrome, Bordeaux

It was now the middle of January and the Chateau had become like a freezer itself. It was not only cold outside but inside even colder and damper. Terry did everything she could to keep warm but finally succumbed to a terrible cold that took her to her bed for several days. She had not thought too much about what Madam Clarin’s had said about Claude San-Emilion not having a son. The woman herself was an eccentric and no one would go through what Claude did for some practical joke. He did not even know her to play a game on her as Terry’s housekeeper said. The older woman kept telling her he was the ghost. She had felt Tien’s touch. His hand on her arm or when he helped her mount Chanteau after they stopped for a while on many of their rides together. There was no spirit she knew of that felt like a man. Terry became angered at Madam Clarin’s and told her to drop the subject and they spoke of it no more.

Etienne had met with Terry riding until the past week. It was a Friday when he waited for her expecting her to appear precisely at seven. He walked Goliath up to the bridge of Chateau Malrome and stood watching as the household became busy for the new day. The windows of her room had the drapes still drawn across them and he knew that something was wrong. Had she just overslept Etienne asked himself as he continued looking up not hearing a man approach.

“Did you need some help Monsieur?” asked the older man he knew to be the husband of the housekeeper.

“I usually meet Madam Dubois in the morning for a ride. She did not come out today. Is she alright?” Tien asked surprised by the man but very relieved he did not expect him to be a ghost.

“The lady has a nasty cold. Would you like to come in? Perhaps she would feel better with a visit” he replied and when the stranger nodded he took his reins guiding him up the bridge and in to the courtyard. “I’m Jean-Paul Clarins the groundskeeper and you are Claude’s son aren’t you?”

“Yes”, stated Etienne. “I am Etienne San-Emilion.” Tien dismounted his massive horse and now stood face to face with Jean-Paul who started to laugh.

“Don’t mind me young man. My wife thinks you’re a ghost but clearly you are not. We did not know Claude had a son and my wife has told Madam Dubois that fact”, stated the older man. “We had better steer clear of my wife when we enter.” He opened the door and walked in with Etienne following. “Come up with me.”

Etienne climbed the stairs behind the man up to the second level and then turned right going down the hallway towards Terry’s room. Jean-Paul knocked once on the door and Terry called out to enter, which he did to announce her visitor and gain permission for him to come in.

“You can see her”, he stated coming out of the door.

Etienne could see Terry sitting up in bed as he entered. She was more then pale she was deadly white against the black silk pajamas she wore. Terry brought the down comforter up around her shoulder watching her new friend come in looking powerful and seductive in his black riding outfit. He raised his left hand and racked his hair with his fingers and she could see he was nervous. Nervous from being in her room she thought as he came up standing at the end of her bed.

“I was worried when you did not come this morning” he finally said in the rich, deep voice she had become accustom to. He now held the banister leaning against it looking at her with the intensity only brown eyes could.

“I just have a cold” she choked out her answer and he could hear she had a difficult time breathing. “I’m glad to see you. This just came on yesterday afternoon.” Terry took a tissue out and blew her nose. “Maybe you should go. I don’t want you getting it.”

“I never get sick” Tien replied as he went over to a chair bringing it up to her side. He sat down and leaned back stretching out his long, lean legs. “You look beautiful in your illness. Just a bit pale.”

“Thanks” she replied. “I hate being sick. I feel so useless.”

“Is there anything I can get you?” Tien questioned and then got up opening the drapes. “You need light in here. Being in the dark is not healthy.”

“I know it’s early but I’d love a cognac. I think it will open my nose up so I can breath” she replied. “There’s a bottle in the living room. It’s downstairs and to the right. It’s in a cabinet by the large red sofa.”

Etienne hesitated at first but nodded and left going down to what was once the room he would entertain in. There was no one around as he made his way through the entrance and in to the large living area and over to the cabinet. He found a bottle of very old Remy Martin and poured its contents in to a lead crystal cognac glass and started back towards the stairs. Madam Clarins was at the door of the dining room watching him.

“Why do you appear now ghost? To this woman after all these years?” she asked which made him jump a bit from surprise. Etienne turned to see her standing across the room with her arms crossed.

He came back further in to the room and he could see she was becoming afraid, which he wanted. Tien put the goblet down and put his hands on his hips walking closer towards her not saying anything. The look on the spirits face was frightening her and she backed up against the wall as he was now standing over her. He took her throat in his right hand and tightened his grip choking her. She could not breath as she felt his touch becoming even more frightened knowing he was able to be flesh.

“I have watched you old woman for many years. You’re pilfering when you thought no one was looking. Only I have been there in the shadows” he looked down at her face now void of any color. “You will keep my secret or one day you will have an accident. Or better yet I will see you leave this safe haven of yours. Let us see how well you fend out in the world. I will be as unmerciful as I have with many others that have lived in my chateau” he finished releasing her to catch her breath.

Madam Clarins ran from the room back to the kitchen while Tien picked the glass up and walked again for the stairs and to Terry’s room. He went through the door and closed it finding her a sleep leaning against the headboard then went up to her tucking in the warm covers around body. He gently leaned over and kissed her forehead and she moved ever so slightly at the touch of his lips.

“Sleep well ma petite” he whispered in her ear and then he left as he had come walking down the stairs and out the door to find Goliath patiently waiting for his morning ride.

Etienne came to visit Terry the next day and the next bringing her flowers on Sunday. Red roses Claude had purchased at a shop in Grinode. The old man joined Etienne that day for a visit to the young woman who looked much better as she now sat in the living room. Madam Clarin’s served coffee and biscuits as they sat talking acting nervous around the spirit that was pretending to be man.

“I honestly don’t know what to do anymore with that woman” Terry said disgusted with her housekeeper.

“She has been here a long time has she not?” asked Etienne seeing the woman in question within hearing distance from the corner of his eye.

“Yes. I guess she was here when my husband’s parents owned this place. She’s too eccentric and it’s getting on my nerves her little comments” the young woman replied softly so she would not be heard.

“There are many woman around the area that would be honored to work here at Chateau Malrome Terry” now Claude interjected. “My housekeeper has a sister that might be interested. Would you like me to set up an interview? Perhaps even better come over for dinner next Saturday and I will have her there to cook a meal for you. Try her out so to speak!”

“It couldn’t hurt. Is she married?” Terry questioned. “I have Jean-Paul and the two sons helping out also.”

“No. She’s a widow like yourself. But I believe there’s a brother that lives with her. I’ll find out more” Claude stated sipping his coffee.

“Don’t you want some coffee Tien?” Terry asked picking up the coffee service to pour him a cup.

“No. I have had too many coffees before we came over. Thank you though” he replied.

“Etienne and I do have an ulterior motive in having you join us on Saturday” Claude smiled. “We have just produced a new white Bordeaux and we would like your opinion.”

“Why would you want that?” she laughed. “I’m no expert!” She found both father and son pleasant company and very handsome company too.

“Yes. But you are from California and that is our target market!” Claude laughed in return. “Anyway, we should leave you now to rest. And next Saturday I will have someone come for you to bring you to San-Emilion. Would eight be alright with you?”

“That’s fine. I look forward to it”, replied Terry as both men stood. She got up and walked them to the front door and first Claude and the Tien took her hand and kissed it softly. “Can you come back for a visit tomorrow Tien?”

“Yes. I would enjoy that. I will see you then” he still held her hand, which, he kissed again then turned over kissing the palm now more intimately.

The young Californian had the most delightful week recuperating with her daily visits from the handsome and very elusive Tien. She found him each day more of an enigma. She herself read the newspapers keeping up with current events and each time she would ask the simplest of questions he would not be able to reply. Terry asked him if the vineyard was posted on the “Net” and he looked at her baffled by her question. She wondered if he was simple- minded which was all right as he had other attributes and skills she found more appealing. Terry had certainly had her fill of over educated loots maybe a simpler man would be better in her life.

Saturday came and she was back to normal except for being a bit tired. Terry dressed that evening in a black wool mohair knit dress and matching wrap around her shoulders that she would wear after taking her fur coat off. The outfit she had bought in Bordeaux when her aunt was visiting a new Dior boutique. That day she also purchased tickets to a concert, which was to be held at the end of January. She thought to ask Etienne to go with and would see how the evening played out first before she made so bold a move for a date.
It was almost eight when she went downstairs expecting Tien to pick her up. The bell rang at the door and she answered it to find a very blond man about fifty standing wearing a suit and overcoat.

“May I help you?” Terry asked at the now grinning man.

“I am Oscar. I have come for you to take you to San-Emilion” he stated with an accent she could not place. It was like German.

“I was expecting Monsieur San-Emilion’s son” Terry stated as she left the front going over to the very large brand new white Mercedes SL.

“I understand the young Monsieur does not drive. I will drive you though. I am Helga’s brother”, he stated helping her get in the back seat and closing the door.

Marie thought about Tien not driving. Why would someone not be able to drive these days she asked herself as Oscar got behind the wheel and drove off?

“Where are you from Oscar?” Terry asked curious to his accent.

“My family is from Vienna Madam. Inger my older sister has been Monsieur San-Emilion’s housekeeper for years and my sister Helga and I have just moved here” he replied looking at her briefly in the rear view mirror.

“I love Austrian food!” Terry was surprised and delighted. She had assumed Claude’s housekeeper was French but this was even better she thought.

“Helga is preparing a lighter fare tonight as she understands you are from California and to go along with the wine Monsieur has selected” he stated very much impressing Terry’s taste level.

They drove through the heavy snow that was on the ground. The roads were so narrow and rough there were many places no car had gone on. Oscar proved to be an expert at handling the slips and slides bringing them safely in to the courtyard of the vineyard. He honked the horn twice and Claude and Tien came out smiling to greet their guest. Claude still had his Christmas wreath that was larger than life on the door with a big red ribbon making the place look very festive. Terry had not seen the place in the snow and it looked like a Currier and Ives painting one would find on a Christmas card. Oscar helped her out and Etienne came over now taking her hand leading her in to the warm, fire lit home.

“We’re glad you could come Terry”, stated Claude who took her coat handing her wrap back to her that she now placed around her shoulders.

“Thank you for having me” she replied looking around and then at Tien who was wearing something different to her amazement. She unfortunately laughed out loud at that thought. “I’m sorry. I just haven’t seen you wear anything else. You look great Tien!”

He was wearing a pair of gray slacks and a yellow turtle- neck over the clothes making him appear fashionable, very slender and very tall. Etienne looked at her carefully appreciating her fine form in the knit dress of fussy wool he was not familiar with. He took her arm and escorted her in to the living room where she sat on the main sofa with Tien sitting opposite her. Claude came in shortly after from putting her coat away with the bottle of Krug Champagne to start the evening that he opened and poured two glasses.

“Why don’t you take Terry on a tour of the house son?” exclaimed Claude.

Etienne nodded and stood up with Terry joining him sipping her champagne as they made their way through the forty plus rooms. Terry saw Claude’s room and other guest rooms as they went down the hallway on the second floor.

“Which room is yours Tien?” she asked a natural question which made him nervous and evasive again. She placed her hand on his arm gently. “It’s ok if you don’t want to show me. You probably want to keep that private.” The look on his face was innocent and it spoke volumes.

Etienne had a feeling she thought him a fool. The questions she asked that he could not answer and now this. “No. It is just being redecorated. Let me show you the library. I think you will be impressed.”

He took her arm again now going back down the stairs and in to a very large room with wall- to- wall books. The library itself contained a fine collection of book and manuscripts from the very old to the very modern and it went up so high a ladder was even provided for the climb. There was an old globe standing at the center and to the sides were several leather chairs and lamps. The fireplace was lit, as were all the others in the home.

“My God! This is spectacular!” exclaimed the young woman. “I could spend days and weeks in here!” She sipped her drink and then followed Tien over to one shelf where he took a very old book.

“This is the original manuscript from the time of Charlamagne. It is the tale of his battle of Ronceveaux with his enemy Roland” he stated showing her the delicate pages written in old French. “This is my favorite here in this library. I am a man from another age so it seems. I marvel in what once was not what is now.” He stood close to her now smelling her fragrance, which inflamed him and he knew what she was thinking as her face looked up in to his.

“I just thought” she started to say getting caught in his eyes.
“You thought I was a fool” he finished her sentence putting the book to the side still looking in to her blue eyes and coming close to her lips that parted now waiting for him. “No fool could do this.” His lips touched hers as he reached his arms around holding her tight against him. Her arms now reached for him and her mouth now sought his in return. Their tongues met at last and their passion grew until there was the sound of breaking glass. The glass from Terry’s hand that fell when her senses forgot it existed.

“Did you kiss me to prove you were no fool or because you wanted to?” she asked as they broke away slightly still almost in a kiss. Her arms were still as they were around his strong body.

“Both ma petite. I cannot be a fool and make you feel as you do now. And I have wanted to taste you since long ago” he said against her caressing lips now coming for another kiss.

Terry became nervous and broke away now as she felt her body respond to Tien. He held on to her tightly. “This is too soon for me” she whispered and he understood kissing her on the forehead. He loosened his grip and looked back in to her eyes with purpose as he spoke.

“You want me. And when the time comes I will make love to you as no other has or will” he stated very sultry. “Then you will want more I promise.”

“There you two are!” Claude stated as he entered the library after waiting outside the door for the appropriate moment. Things had gone very quickly he thought. Perhaps too quickly. “Helga wants to serve dinner now!”

“I dropped your lovely glass” Terry said now shaking out of excitement and fear as she bent over to pick up the pieces.

“Leave it ma petite” Tien said softly taking her arm and standing her up. “Let us dine now. Come.”

Etienne led her out and back down the hallway with Claude guiding them reaching the dining room. Claude went to the head of the table and stood waiting as Etienne helped Terry sit to the older man’s side then went around sitting opposite. The place settings were fine white Limouge porcelain with a black and red design, crystal goblets and very old elegant sterling silver. The table was covered with fine Belgium lace topped with red roses and white candles sparkling, as the lights were low. An older blond woman walked out dressed in a simple gray wool suit. She was pudgy and short, with a very friendly look on her face as she approached the table.

“I am Helga” she stated. “I hope you will enjoy what I have made for you tonight.”

Terry smiled as she liked the woman right off. “I’m Terry Dubois. What are you serving Helga?”
“I will start you off with a cucumber soup that I will serve hot. It is usual to prepare it cold for summer but I think you will enjoy this. Then I will serve a salad with hot bacon and mustard dressing. For the entrée I have pouched rabbit, which is very light to taste with au jus. Then for desert my famous Vienna finger cookies which I have soaked with Chamborg and layered with whipped crème” she told all this with a very wide smile of pride in her culinary talent. “I will serve the soup now. Please excuse me.”

Terry looked at her in disbelief and wonderment. “I have to have this woman”, she laughed as Claude poured the white Bordeaux in to her glass. “When do you think she could start? And her brother too!” She was very excited at the prospect of two such charming people helping her at Chateau Malrome.

“I will inquire after the meal Terry”, replied Claude happy she was enjoying herself. “How do you like our new wine?”

Terry took a few sips tasting the delicate dry bouquet of the cool white wine. “It’s wonderful. You just started to produce this?” she questioned.

“Yes”, stated Tien. “It is from the grapes we harvested last fall. It is a new combination of white and a pale red Bordeaux grape that I came up with. My father is trying to increase the vineyards market especially in the States and in California.”

“You should do well with this one” she remarked sipping more of the lovely wine while Helga came out with two bowls of soup, one for Claude and the other for herself. She looked over to Etienne. “You’re not eating?”

“I have some stomach troubles that are upsetting me. Enjoy your meal and don’t worry about me”, he stated as Claude had instructed him to.

The entire evening was a gastronomical experience for Terry never having tasted food they way Helga prepared it. She sounded like she was from another planet she “oh’d and ah’d” at each course she thought. Claude and Etienne were both French and she knew they had an inbred sophistication about cuisine as all did from that country. But her experience from Newport Beach was an occasional French meal with pizza and Mexican food in between. She had never had rabbit and the white meat was juicy and tender. But when the desert was served she was in heaven tasting the light and airy mixture of cookies and crème laced with raspberry liquor. Etienne delighted in watching her as he sat back leaning his head against the heavy wood chair smiling. Claude left a short while bringing another bottle of champagne that he thought Terry would enjoy continuing the effervescence of the evening.

“I’m sorry I just can’t tell you what an experience this is for me”, she stated now sipping the champagne. “I need to talk to the Clarins as soon as I can. I suppose it would be fair to give them some notice but I don’t want to loose Helga and Oscar.”

“I wouldn’t bother with the Clarins Terry”, stated Claude. “It is well known they steal from the Chateau. I didn’t want to say anything but under the circumstances.” He shrugged his shoulders.

Terry now looked over to Etienne who nodded his acknowledgment of that fact. “I don’t have any proof though. I just can’t accuse them of stealing. I don’t want them around if that’s true though” she responded. “I’ll have to think about it.” Helga came in to clear the desert dishes and bring in cheese. “Helga, I’d like you and Oscar to come work for me. When could you both start?”

“We can start on Monday if you like Madam Dubois. Thank you. We would be honored to work for you at the Chateau” she replied almost in tears.

“Why don’t we go in to the kitchen and talk about salary?” Terry inquired as she stood up following Helga out of the room.

“It’s going well Etienne”, stated Claude looking at the ghost smiling and reminding himself of that fact. “But I think you should go slower now.”

“I agree Claude. The wait will be worth it my old friend”, he laughed as Terry came back happy as ever from striking a deal with the lovely woman.

“It’s almost midnight and I should be going” Terry stated still standing with both men have stood when she approached the table.

“Oscar will drive you back and my son will go with to see you safely inside” replied Claude as he now took Terry’s arm while Tien went to get their coats. “I am glad you came tonight.”

They reached the foyer and Etienne came with her fur coat, which he helped with and then a heavy gray coat he wore. Oscar was waiting in the living room and when he saw them got up and left to get the car starting it to get it warm. It was near zero Terry thought as they went out in to the night and she could see her breath but not Tien’s for some reason. She dismissed it as he assisted her in to the back seat sitting next to her. They drove off for the ten- kilometer journey to her home at least until the spring as she had told Helga. She turned to look at Etienne who looked like a model too exquisite to touch. But they did touch and the memory made her blush.

“I have tickets to a concert in Bordeaux next Saturday night. Would you like to go with me Tien?” she asked shyly waiting for him to turn his face and reply. He did not for the briefest of moments causing her to regret her invitation. Then he finally looked at her and took her hand kissing her palm again.

“I cannot come with ma petite. I am leaving Friday for Paris for business” he replied softly wanting desperately to go with but knowing it was beyond his world. The boundaries his spirit world imposed on him.
“I understand. Maybe another time” she replied in almost a whispered with Etienne realizing she was upset having taken a large step in asking him. They arrived at Chateau Malrome and Terry noticed the Clarins car was gone. “Something isn’t right. Their car is gone and they never go out on Saturday night.”

Oscar pulled up and both men got out. “Perhaps you should stay here Terry while we check. Give me your key”, exclaimed Tien, which she took out and handed to him.

He unlocked the door and they went in finding the place dark and very quiet. Both men went in to the living room after they turned on the lights to the foyer. Oscar turned more lights on as Etienne made his way through the dining room and then the kitchen. The drawers to the silver were open and its contents gone. As were the large sterling serving pieces, the tea set and also the coffee service. The servant’s quarters were emptied of all clothes and other personal items. They went through each room as Terry grew concerned and got out starting to explore the chateau herself. She now saw she had been victimized by the family she had been treated fairly and allowed to live in her home. A home they had lived in for years before she did. Terry went back to the foyer waiting for Etienne and Oscar who finally came from the upstairs.

“It only appears they took the silver Terry” Tien stated. “Nothing in the bedrooms seems to have been gone through.”

“I guess I won’t be kicking them out after all” she chuckled but she was still nervous about being there. “Do you think they’ll come back?”

“Probably not. I do not think you should spend the night here until Monday when Helga and Oscar can move in. Go and pack a bag and I will take you home with me” Etienne exclaimed.

Terry went up to her room and checked the drawer where she kept her jewelry and seeing it still there took it out placing it on the dresser top. She got a smaller bag and started to put clothes in enough for a couple days, then her jewels and her toiletries. The she picked up her laptop and headed down to the waiting men.

“Should we phone the police?” asked Oscar as he took her luggage.

“No. I just want to forget about them. Let them have the silver!” she replied as they left. “They’ll get what’s coming to them eventually. What comes around goes around.”

“That is very true”, replied Tien thinking that he was not going to allow them such an easy escape.

Claude was very surprised when Navarre and Terry walked in his home again. After explanations he took Terry up one of the guest rooms and saw her safely in for the night. His ghost friend he took to his own room.

“You will need to stay and pretend a little longer. Here are some pajamas and a robe of mine” Claude said handing the young man the nightwear. “Tomorrow you can wear this sweater.” He placed it on the others having taken it from a drawer.

Claude took Navarre to a room at the far end of the hallway that he unlocked and opened. It was the only room Etienne did not show Terry. The older man walked in and turned the small lamp on to the side and looked around now with fond memories. It was old and dated as were the other rooms and there was still the smell of pipe tobacco. The walls were dark green and the floor dark wood with fine Persian rugs of red placed about and the furniture was dark wood upholstered in shades of green and red fabric. It was a man’s room Etienne could see as he stood behind Claude.

“What room is this Claude?” he finally asked bringing his friend back to the present.

“This was my Father’s room Navarre” he replied as he walked to the center turning to look at his friend. “He did not spend the nights with my Mother and towards the end of his life he spent most of his time surrounded by these wall. I can still smell his favorite pipe.”

“I watched your parents but not close enough I am afraid”, the young man stated putting the clothes down on the bed. “You do not mind me being here?”

Claude laughed. “No not at all. I have very good memories of my times with my Father here. We had many fine talk as you and I have had. I will say good night now.” The older man left leaving his spirit friend in a place he obviously revered.

Navarre changed into the nightwear and laid on the bed afraid to disappear knowing Terry was in a room under the same roof. He was more comfortable staying in his current form and happy that he had discovered a way to remove the black ensemble he thought he was destined to wear all his spirit life.

Terry changed in to her pajamas, washed her face and brushed her teeth then got in under the heavy brocade covers on the poster bed. She grabbed her laptop as she was too overtired to sleep and turned it on. Out of curiosity she looked up the vineyard on the net finally finding a very high tech site, which began with a flash of color then the San-Emilion label that was on every bottle. She moved the cursor around as it flashed on to various sections of the site now going back to the one called “History.” Terry read about the vineyard from Medieval times up to the present and then she got in to the family history and started to read. There were paragraphs on all the San-Emilion family members all except Etienne. The site had been established several years ago and it seemed to have been updated but she could not understand why Claude’s son was not listed. She was getting tired so her last thought before closing her eyes was to make the inquiry the next day. Sleep came on now quickly and morning as fast.

Terry woke early and dressed now as she most often did in her leather pants and sweater. She opened the drapes of her room looking at the snowfall in a fury across the bare branches of the vineyard that stretched as far as she could see. There was a beauty to the naked land covered with white a simplicity she was finding in this first real winter of hers. She got the mohair wrap she wore the night before and placed it around her favorite red sweater and walked out of the room down the hallway. Terry was curious which room held Tien as she turned the wrong way going the end to the door he could not open. Her hand reached out to the brass knob and she turned it. It was now unlocked and Terry could not help herself as she opened the door slowly peeking around to look in. Etienne was laying on top of the bed in a pair of dark gray pajamas with his eyes closed in sleep. He opened them quickly and sat up when he finally heard her breath.

“What are you doing here!” he shouted not because he was angered but because he was shocked and also glad he had taken Claude’s advice and stayed.

“I’m so sorry Tien. I just got lost. I don’t know why I tried the door”, she stated nervously now closing it and walking quickly down the hall.

Terry made her way down stairs and found the kitchen where she fumbled about getting coffee brewing. She thought Tien looked so peaceful when she saw him in the room and now he entered the kitchen wearing his gray slacks and a heavy black sweater. He approached her as she stood in front of the counter. She leaned back as he came close to her placing his hands to each side on the counter.

“Why did you run ma petite?” he said as she looked at the intensity in his face and hearing it in his voice. “You were looking for me. Where I lay at night. Where you want to lay with me.”

Terry could feel the hot flash as he came closer. Everything he said was right they both knew it but it was too much for her. “I can’t handle this”, she said quietly pushing his steady strength away. “Please let me go.” He dropped his hands allowing her to escape and watched her as she left the kitchen.

Navarre could see she was petrified but his need and his desire was becoming too much for him as he had lay thinking of her that past night. Take it slow Claude said but now his emotions overcame him as it had often done with his own wife during his life. Terry was like his beautiful Isabeau but the difference was that Terry was very much alive and very much in the present. He kept his distance that day only to see her walking by a room where he sat or when she strolled the grounds playing in the snow and making a snowman. Navarre could see her shy glances at him and her cheeks turn red but not from the cold when he caught her eye.

“You are falling for this woman”, stated Claude who came up behind him as he looked out the window at Terry.

“Yes I am afraid it is too late” he laughed slightly. “I have fallen.”

“What are you going to do Navarre? I like this American woman and I don’t want to see her hurt” Claude exclaimed touching the Etienne’s shoulder as he was still turned looking out the window.

“I do not know” Navarre replied as Terry strolled off further down the path her back now to him. He could not see her face now so he turned to look at Claude. “I only know my old friend that I need her.”

The day came and left and now Terry sat in her room restless from the adrenaline that flowed through her. A day that she spent avoiding Tien but desperately wanting to see him. A day tense with anticipation of what was to happen. What would happen if she allowed it? Terry looked at the clock, which said two in the morning and got up from the bed putting her robe securely on. She left her room to go to the library for a book to read to get her mind off Tien. The house was silent as she went down the stairs turning only a small lamp on for light when she reached the library. She went to the globe and looked at it spinning it around then stopping it carefully with her hands, as it was large. The shelf Tien had gone to her caught her eye and she crossed over looking up at the titles. Each was rare and she wished she could speak and read the language as she finally took one that said “Navarre” in gold leaf. Terry went over to one of the leather reading chairs and sat down turning the lamp on. She carefully opened the book, which had not been open for years. It had been carefully kept clean and dusted but she could hear the binding crack and the pages crinkle when she turned them. The words were in old French and quite lovely in their detail and colors used. There were small drawings of the area during those beginning years and then she turned the page and saw the face. It was the face of the man who had kissed her. The face of the man that now stood in front of her.

Etienne saw the book and came in front of her kneeling placing his hands again to each her sides gripping on to the leather of the chair. He looked at her face and her eyes, as her face was white as snow.

“You are Etienne d’Navarre”, she said held by his gaze.

“Qui ma petite” he whispered and then disappeared in to the night.

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                                                              Navarre - Chapter 4