Brocade Series 02 - Giselle by Jackie Ivie Read Free Book Online Page B

her heart gave stunned and horrified. And thrilled. And then she was facing a carpet stretched out for them. Giselle placed her hand on Navarre’s outstretched arm as Louisa had instructed. Her hand trembled, while the arm beneath her fingers hardened somehow.
    Oh my ! Louisa hadn’t said a word about any of this!
    “Madame ?” the woman said. “I’m Esmee Denton. The Blue Salon has been prepared for your arrival. Will you follow me?”
    Their sister had a different surname? Giselle pondered it during the walk to the salon, keeping her mind blanked to the arm beneath her fingers. It was impossible! But somehow she must try. Each finger thrilled to every nuance. The fabric of his jacket felt sensual…and the arm beneath! Merde! She’d known Navarre was strong. Now she was getting another sample of just how strong. And it was heavenly.
    No . It was wrong.
    She must control her thoughts . Esmee was safe. His sister had a different surname. She was in apparent control of the estate. And she was extremely tall. Even Giselle’s papa would have to look up at the woman . Giselle was dwarfed .
    “We have champagne, tea , and several pastries that Chef Aaron has prepared for your arrival,” Esmee added.
    Giselle stood at the door , considering a white-and-blue striped settee and two chairs before stepping forward and settling into a chair. There was a mirror opposite her, taking up a large portion of the wall. She glanced at it, gratified that her hair was still presentable, although a few wisps of white hair had escaped and trailed down one cheek. It was attractive, but it looked contrived, even to her.
    “Champagne, please.”
    Giselle couldn’t force another bite of food past her lips, but a bit of champagne might help…if it didn’t add to the effervescent sensation overtaking her entire body. She felt strange. Other-worldly. As if her skin was the only thing keeping her from floating away. It was incredible. Wondrous. Enervating. And Navarre was at the root of it.
    She forced herself not to look at him.
    “This vintage comes from Savignen, circa 1736. We felt it was appropriate, Madame.”
    Esmee ’s voice was warm and welcoming. It appeared she was doing everything she could to be charming. Giselle inclined her head, waiting for the other woman to sit. She was beginning to remind Giselle of Isabelle.
    “Why is that?”
    Giselle lifted the glass to her lips and immediately felt the tension in the room. Despite her every effort, she exchanged glances with Navarre, and instantly she knew. Of course! That was the year of the marriage and their acquisition of Savignen Valley.
    “ Please. You must call me Giselle, Madame Denton.”
    The woman sighed in relief . “ Tres bien. Call me Esmee. I’ll accept no other name from you…Giselle.”
    Giselle watched her through the side of her wineglass . Esmee didn’t favor Navarre much. Her hair was so blonde it looked powdered . Her eyes looked light blue, but Giselle couldn’t be sure. Esmee caught her studying her, and Giselle had to look away.
    Navarre sat in the other chair, and she glanced at hi m for the barest instant. She couldn’t stand to look any longer.
    She continued perusing the room . It was safer.
    The salon had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves beside the fireplace that contained several slim volumes. The fireplace was of black marble — very effective against the blue-flecked fabric lining the walls. There were two long windows stretching upward to split the room. Giselle guessed that even if Navarre stood beside them, the windows might be taller. The drapes on either side were a darker blue than the rest of the room, and puddled onto the floor.
    It was warm, inviting , and feminine. The table behind Navarre was beautifully carved, and flowers graced the top. The arrangement was very artistic. Several miniatures hung on the walls, but Giselle couldn’t tell the subject matter from where she sat.
    And then she did it . She couldn’t prevent the pull of