A Daughter's Destiny by Jo Ann Ferguson Read Free Book Online

into the parlor, sparing Brienne from having to answer. “Lucile is resting,” Grand-mère said as she sat. “Brienne, ma petite , I think we should delay opening the salon one more night.”
    â€œBut, Grand-mère—”
    Shaking her head, she smiled with fatigue. “I know you have toiled so hard to have everything ready, but what are you going to serve?”
    â€œI thought I would serve cold platters tonight.”
    â€œNo, ma petite . Tonight you will serve only your maman and me and Monsieur Somerset, if he feels inclined to join us for dinner.”
    Brienne glanced helplessly from her grandmother’s smile to Evan’s astonishment. Was Grand-mère so exhausted that she could not see the foolishness of allowing Evan to remain in this apartment even a moment longer?
    â€œAfter the dinner I had here two nights ago,” Evan said, “I look forward to another chance to sample Brienne’s cuisine.”
    Grand-mère’s smile broadened. “She is an excellent cook. Even her cold platters are exceptional.”
    â€œThen, I gladly accept as long as there is enough …” He flashed a grin in Brienne’s direction.
    Brienne vowed not to give him the satisfaction of forcing her to lose her temper before Grand-mère. Or was it only her temper she feared losing when he was close? So easily she had thrown aside all caution when he fascinated her with his touch. He was even more dangerous than she had guessed.
    Quietly she said, “You will find Grand-mère has no intention of allowing you to starve.”
    â€œWhy doesn’t Monsieur Somerset pick up his money,” Grand-mère asked as if nothing were amiss, “while you, ma petite , get us some tea and biscuits?”
    â€œGrand-mère, I—”
    â€œGo, child.” She regarded Evan steadily. “By the time you come back, Monsieur Somerset will have explained to me why he is being so careless with his money.”
    Irritation pricked Brienne. “I can tell you what—”
    â€œGo, ma petite . That cool wind has cut into my bones. I need tea as well as some answers.”
    Evan sat on the settee. “Tea sounds good to me also.” Cocking his head, he flashed her a smile. “Honey, if you have it, instead of sugar.”
    Brienne opened the door and left before she could embarrass Grand-mère by speaking her mind. How dare Evan try to seduce her, then order her about as if she were a child! And Grand-mère! She was conspiring with him to shut Brienne out of the conversation. She thought of slamming the door, but did not want to upset Maman.
    She coughed and rubbed her nose with the back of her hand as she started down the stairs. The smoke from the chimney pots must be heavier than usual. She put her hands over her mouth. A spasm of coughing paralyzed her. Dear God, she sounded as consumptive as Maman. Tears filled her eyes. She looked up. The stairwell was distorted by wisps of smoke.
    She raced to the door at the foot of the stairs. Shoving it open, she cried out in horror. Billows of black smoke erupted through it.
    Fire!
    The kitchen was on fire!

Chapter Four
    â€œNo!” Brienne cried.
    She ran into the kitchen. Smoke struck her like a blow. Reaching for the water bucket by the door, she moaned when she realized it was empty. Someone had tipped it over. She grasped her apron from the table and slapped at the flames. The fire leaped up onto it. She threw it away and ran back up the stairs.
    Bursting into the parlor, she slammed the door and stared at Grand-mère’s and Evan’s startled faces. She struggled to speak past the smoke clogging her throat and could only cough.
    â€œBrienne, ma petite , what is the matter?” cried her grandmother.
    â€œThe k-k-k-kitchen …” She pressed her hand over her stomach as she coughed more. “The kitchen is on fire!”
    Evan leaped to his feet as spirals of smoke spread ghostly