Amour: Historical Romance (Passion and Glory Book 1) by Samantha Kaye Read Free Book Online Page B

agreed to join both our fortunes and our families together in formal alliance!”
    Madame de Salvagnac let out an audible cry of joy before clasping her hands together in jubilation. It was the announcement she had hoped for! A wave of elation lit her face with triumph. She turned to look at Julienne. How will she react? Does she even comprehend her fate has just been decided? The baronne had dressed her daughter herself, with one purpose in mind, to catch the eye of the Comte de Marbéville and to hold it. Julienne wore a silk-satin robe à la française of pale green, embroidered with yellow flowers, a striped green and yellow underskirt, and a matching stomacher. At the base of her graceful neck was a satin choker which featured a large emerald brooch surrounded by pearls. Her shapely young bosom was displayed as prominently as the baronne’s own, with equally mesmeric effect. Madame de Salvagnac beamed her encouragement at her daughter, proud to have produced such an enchanting and radiant specimen of French womanhood. I understand what men desire. I knew once the comte laid eyes on you himself, he couldn’t resist you!
    Aware of the instant scrutiny of everyone, Julienne maintained an outward appearance of obedience and submission, a beatific half-smile frozen on a countenance both beautiful and serene. All her life, the ability to conceal her true feelings beneath an outward show of contentment had been one of her most admired qualities. But Julienne Claire Sophie Rocheforte de Salvagnac—rich, sweet, beautiful, tranquil of temperament and spirit—was possessed of a surfeit of desirable traits. With straw colored hair, fair hazel eyes, and a full pair of “young friends” of her own, she had never lacked for prospects or attention. But the baronne had always been determined to make the best possible alliance she could for her daughter, which was why Julienne still remained unmarried at the ripe old age of nineteen.
    “My dear child, what wonderful news! Let me be the first to congratulate both you and the Comte de Marbéville, on your betrothal,” Madame de Salvagnac offered with exuberance, casting a proud glance at her future son-in-law.
    Julienne allowed herself a genuine smile. She could see what the alliance meant to her mother and father and was proud to have done so well for the family. She offered her hand to her future husband, her face lit with the radiance of one coming to realize she has just been very advantageously allied. The comte accepted the offering happily, pressing his lips to the back of Julienne’s palm.
    “Monsieur de Marbéville, since we are now to be married, I should be pleased if you would bestow upon me your kiss, which I hope to be the first of many favors you will see fit to grant me as your obedient wife and steadfast friend.”
    The Comte de Marbéville was more than pleased with the ready submission of his future bride. He had three other given names to follow the first—Christophe, Alexandre and Honoré, but preferred to be called Francis, which had been the name of his maternal grandfather. He was tall and thin, with the upright posture and pleasing manners expected of a man whose blood was so old and blue his nobility preceded the advent of kings. A perpetual smile adorned his face, displaying an upper row of fine white teeth. The comte seemed always on the verge of breaking out in a laugh, but seldom allowed his emotions or his speech to carry him to extremes. His dress was impeccable. Black shoes, silver buckles and red heels, white silk stockings, satin breeches of charcoal velvet, white silk waistcoat to which a gold watch fob was attached, and a charcoal velvet jacket heavily embroidered with silver thread. On his coat were silver buttons, and embellishments of double muslin lace at collar and sleeve. In contrast to the baron’s flamboyant suit, the comte’s attire was subdued and worn with the casual indifference of the very well-bred. It was also only slightly