The Vampire's Angel by Damian Serbu Read Free Book Online

here?” she asked imperiously.
    “Yes. Jérémie as well.”
    Catherine’s eyes narrowed. “Come with me.” She pulled him into the library and ushered him to a seat, then leaned against the desk piled with letters and papers.
    “Can you believe him? You must help me.”
    Xavier dreaded involvement in this fight but hated to see Catherine so distressed. Michel and Jérémie could fend for themselves, but Catherine needed him despite her obstinate independence.
    “I know he upset you, and you have every right to feel angry. But listen to him. Give him a chance.”
    “I won’t tolerate a monarch in this house. France prepares to throw out the king and yet I suffer one here. It’s not fair. I won’t abide by his every wish.”
    “But you told me that you want to marry someday. At least listen to what he has to say.”
    “I do want to marry. I want love, but I want to choose my partner.”
    Someone knocked on the door. “Catherine? Xavier?” Jérémie timidly entered, obviously distressed. “Michel has left.”
    “Good.” Catherine said.
    Jérémie came in hesitantly, smiled at Xavier, but never looked at Catherine.
    “Jérémie, I missed you today,” Catherine said. She sighed. “At least you don’t have a brother telling you what to do. Can you believe him?”
    Xavier cleared his throat. “I’m sure that Jérémie doesn’t want to hear about our personal problems.”
    “I don’t mind.” Jérémie offered a smile. “I understand Catherine’s concern. It must be difficult.”
    Catherine pushed herself away from the desk and rushed to Jérémie and kissed him on the cheek. “Why can’t you be my eldest brother? You’re the most charming man. You understand me perfectly. I can’t tie myself to someone who dictates my life, where I go, what I do. Especially a brother who runs around in the army fighting people while I lead my own life in Paris. He probably picked some authoritarian general who would want to push me around, forcing me to become pregnant and hide inside for days on end.”
    “I’m sure that the gentleman meant well,” Jérémie said.
    “Well, if someone wants to marry me, he had better tell me about it. I’ll choose someone in my own time, but not a coward who runs to my brother. Can you imagine?”
    “Perhaps the gentleman was concerned with decorum,” Xavier said. “I’m sure he meant the best.”
    Jérémie flashed Xavier a surprised glance. To Catherine, he said, “I have to leave. I apologize, but I’m expected elsewhere.” He bowed and left.
    “Jérémie acted strangely, didn’t he?” Catherine asked. “He came yesterday to see me, on the pretense of business, but simply chatted for a while, like the typical jovial Jérémie. He seems absolutely morose today.”
    “Just be patient,” Xavier hinted.
    “You’re strange. Now don’t think that I’m chasing you away, but aren’t you here a little late today? You usually bolt away to see your new friend.”
    Xavier blushed. Catherine perceived too much.
Xavier: The Would-Be Bishop

     
     

    24 May 1789 Evening
     
    XAVIER HASTENED THROUGH the streets, only quickly greeting the people with whom he usually stopped to converse. Michel’s return, the news about Jérémie, and Catherine’s reaction kept him at the house longer than he had anticipated.
    “You seem distressed.”
    Xavier jumped when he heard Thomas’s voice. “You scared me.”
    “I see that, but your brow is creased with worry. Should I go?”
    “No. Please, stay.” Xavier wanted nothing more than to lose himself with Thomas. Without prompting, he launched into the entire tale, surprising himself with the ease of conversation as Thomas listened politely. Instead of continuing toward the church, they walked around Paris, Xavier overhearing a few people angrily discussing the Estates General, but most quietly went about their business. It was completely dark by the time Xavier stopped talking.
    “It sounds as if you feel too much responsibility