Beyond paradise by Copyright Paperback Collection (Library of Congress) DLC, Elizabeth Doyle Read Free Book Online Page A

temperature was perfect, the sun gentle. She passed moist, black fields of sugar, speckled by one-room wooden huts. The peasants, covered in dirt as though it were soot, sometimes bowed as she passed. This always brought an awkward smile to her lips. She wanted to receive their kindness, and yet, she did not wish to appear deserving. She had never believed that she deserved anyone's bow. As much as possible, she tried

    Elizabeth Doyle
    to keep her gaze straight ahead. If she avoided their eyes, perhaps they would not feel the need to gesture. And really, their stillness would make her feel more at ease.
    The daughter of nobility. It was a joke. She had no money, no breeding, and had never been to Versailles. She wouldn't even know how to behave if she stepped foot in the palace. She would probably be expelled immediately, for it was well known that Louis IX was positively dictatorial when it came to manners of his urban nobility. But Sylvie's father was nothing but a country squire. In theory, he was just as important as the elegantly dressed lords and ladies of Versailles, but in reality, he could barely provide for his family. Hence, Sylvie's impending marriage.
    It was well known that Etienne was beneath her station. But no one could argue that this child of the bourgeoisie had the money Sylvie's family so desperately needed. It was not a matter of pride. They were having difficulty surviving. And Sylvie had been happy to help. After all, she'd never heard of a marriage which hadn't been arranged by parents. It is true she had always hoped they would choose someone wonderful, with whom she might fall in love. But she hadn't expected it. She had only hoped. And she knew well that Etienne was no happier about the match than she was. She really didn't blame him for seeking out other women. Goodness knew, she had been tempted herself. But it was the shame with which she could not live. If he were going to carry on affairs, that was fine. But couldn't he afford her the dignity of doing it quietly? Wasn't it enough of an injustice that while he would surely stray during their dull marriage, she would be forever bound to her loneliness? For surely, women were not afforded such understanding when it came to infidelity. From men, it was expected. From women, it was forbidden. Wasn't that bad enough?

    BEYOND PARADISE
    51
    Late at night, Sylvie's house grew quiet. Her parents always retired when there was no more light, and rose at the first sign of its reappearance. She and Chantal shared a wide bed in the third room of the house. It was a cozy but plain room which smelled of wood. There was a tiny window through which the girls could see the moon beaming through the trees. Sylvie always let Chantal have the side of the bed near the window, but kept her gaze toward the moon until she was too tired to stare. "Something happened to you today," said Chantal once the blankets had been lifted to their chins.
    "What makes you say that?" yawned Sylvie. "And don't pull the blanket so securely. You'll kick it off in the night, and then you'll be cold."
    Chantal adjusted the blanket, but persisted. "I could tell," she said, "you had a look in your eyes all night. Something happened."
    "Well, even if it did," said Sylvie gently, "I wouldn't be able to tell you."
    "I can keep a secret!" she promised. "Really, I can."
    "No, it wouldn't be fair. You're too young to keep a secret. I'd have no right to be angry with you for telling. You're too young to resist the temptation."
    "I could!" cried Chantal. "Please trust me."
    Sylvie cast her a sympathetic glance. It was plain to see that it would mean a great deal to her to be trusted. "Very well," said Sylvie, "but you have to promise."
    "I do! I promise."
    "All right, then. I..." She glanced irrationally at the door to make sure her parents weren't somehow standing in it. "I met a pirate at the jail."
    "A pirate!" asked Chantal, curiosity tickling her belly. "Was he frightening?"

    Elizabeth