Destiny's Kiss Read Free Page B

what he wishes, and ’twas I who suggested you as his bride, Lirienne. Tell the vicomte you will marry him.”
    Philippe watched Lirienne’s face, wondering if anything could be more absurd than this moment. As he had so often since the Bastille fell, he hoped this was a nightmare. Everything that was good and beautiful about France was being destroyed. Everything, including his family’s honor, but if this wench would cooperate, that would be resurrected. No price was too high.
    â€œI know I ask much of you, Lirienne,” he said. “Ask of me what you will in return.”
    Her eyes were luminous as her lips parted in astonishment. He wondered what men had tasted them. He pushed that thought aside. What did he care when this wench would be in his life only a short time?
    â€œIn return, mon seigneur ?” Lirienne whispered.
    She risked a glance at Madame. Her face was as taut as the vicomte’s . Mayhap he meant what he was saying. He needed her help. If so, he might be willing to pay highly for ruining her dreams.
    â€œAsk what you will,” he said.
    â€œMaman and Papa have worked on this estate all their lives. They are growing old, and I wish for them to be granted an easier life.”
    â€œYou ungrateful girl!” Madame cried. “You know the servants here are treated well.”
    Lirienne did not touch her aching cheek. “ Mon seigneur , I speak no insult to Madame Fortier or her husband.” When his jaw tightened at her unthinking mention of Monsieur Fortier, she hurried to add, “I ask that Maman and Papa be granted the last few years of their lives to be spent without work.”
    â€œYou wish only this?”
    â€œIt is what I ask in return for becoming your wife.”
    He sat and stared at her. She had no idea what he thought. She knew too well how insignificant she looked next to Madame’s magnificence.
    â€œIf you will do as I ask, for as long as I need a wife,” Vicomte de Villeneuve said, “I pledge to you that, upon our return from Paris, your parents shall be taken to my lands, where they will be given a comfortable cottage and an income to fulfill their needs.”
    â€œAnd if you do not return from Paris?” she whispered.
    â€œLirienne!” Madame gasped.
    The vicomte smiled. She guessed it was the first genuine smile he had worn since he arrived. “You are wise to ask, Lirienne, but remember, wisdom is not what I seek in a wife.”
    â€œI can assure you, mon seigneur , I have no education.”
    â€œAnd I can assure you, Lirienne, if I fail to leave Paris alive, Charmaine will be certain my pledge is carried out.” He reached up to take Madame’s hand. “You will do me this favor, won’t you, ma coeur ?”
    â€œHow can I say no to you?” She bent to kiss him.
    Lirienne wondered if her eyes were as wide as Madame’s when the vicomte stood before Madame’s lips could touch his. Did he believe Madame would do as he requested? How could he be so foolish?
    He held out his hand in a silent command. Lirienne dampened her lips, then raised her hand to his.
    â€œWill you become my wife, Lirienne?”
    â€œYes,” she whispered, and feared the greatest fool in the world was Lirienne Gautier.

Two
    â€œSee how utterly simple that was?” Madame slid her hand over Vicomte de Villeneuve’s arm and purred, “She is no different from others of her class, even though her price is higher.”
    The vicomte shook off her questing fingers. “There is no time to delay. Go and pack what you wish to bring, Lirienne.”
    â€œThere is nothing,” she answered, not daring to look in Madame’s direction.
    â€œNothing you wish to bring?”
    â€œNothing I own, mon seigneur .”
    â€œPhilippe,” he corrected as he reached for the door.
    Her eyes widened. Even in her sweetest dreams, he had been Vicomte de Villeneuve. “I cannot call you