The Sheik's Son(48)
But as the day progressed, everyone appeared at the appointed time in the foyer after midday to walk together. Two footmen had been instructed to carry the baskets to the spot and everyone walked in pairs: Germaine and Sophie, Madame Necker and Eugenie, Sebastian and Etienne, Marmontel and La Harpe, the duke and Leila. Buffon was suffering from a cold and was in bed recuperating.
Madame Necker had several large rugs placed along the riverbanks for everyone to recline on and enjoy themselves. Food was in abundance, with cold chicken, cold beef, a variety of cheeses and fruit, bread and wine.
She had considered bringing cards and setting up games but thought better of it. It would be a relaxed afternoon with no planned events.
Eugenie overate and immediately settled into a corner with pillows for a nap. Marmontel and La Harpe were arguing over a new play they had seen while the duke was entertaining Leila with stories of his friends in England.
Madame Necker and Germaine were talking together in low voices when Sebastian came to sit near Sophie.
She was just biting into a strawberry as she turned to him.
“You slept well?” He asked after her health, not realizing the question came across as seductive.
She looked away from him for a moment. “Yes. Thank you.”
She replaced the strawberry stem on her plate.
“Sophie.”
“Yes?”
Sebastian wanted to apologize for the previous evening. He seemed to lose his head whenever he was near her. But if he was honest with himself, he wanted to seduce her even here with all these people. He would not apologize. He was only sorry they had been interrupted.
“Would you like to take a stroll through the wood?” he asked quietly.
Sophie smiled faintly. “No, thank you.”
She looked perfectly situated along the river in a white gaulle gown with a mint green sash. Her hair was pinned back and she looked like a new rosebud, blossoming and lovely.
“Afraid of being alone with me?” he whispered lowly.
She met his eyes. “Yes.”
“Would you care for a stroll?” Germaine asked Sophie as she joined the couple. Sophie agreed and Sebastian watched the two women walk away from the picnic.
***
“You don’t need to avoid me,” Leila told Etienne in a low voice.
“I’m not.” He sipped the wine, looking at the river.
“You are and have been all morning.”
“I’ve been preoccupied,” he said, dismissing her.
“Come to my room tonight.” Her blue eyes met his. The invitation was undeniable. She would finish what they had started the night before.
“No.” He moved away from the group walking along the river.
“What’s wrong, sister?” Sebastian asked quietly in Arabic.
“Nothing,” she replied.
“Has something happened with Etienne?” He had seen their exchange.
“No. Not at all. He’s the perfect gentleman,” she returned.
Sebastian relaxed. “He is a good man.”
Leila agreed entirely.
***
“I know why you warned me off Sebastian, Sophie.” Germaine said as they walked slowly under the green trees.
“Why is that?”
“Because you want him for yourself,” she replied bluntly.
“No, Germaine. Sebastian is very handsome and that may be fine for some women. But one day I will marry and he’s not the marrying kind. And I’m not the mistress kind.”
“I’ve seen how he looks at you,” Germaine replied.
“I can’t help that.”
“He wants you.”
“I don’t want to hurt you, Germaine,” Sophie said honestly.
Germaine smiled. “I’m not hurt. I’m jealous,” she admitted.
“Don’t be. Some wonderful man will come along for you. He will.”
“Will he be handsome like Sebastian?”
“More so.” Sophie smiled.
But the smile faded when she realized that if Germaine had seen Sebastian look at her in a certain way, others had as well, perhaps even her grandmother. She must be careful and stay away from him. Only two more days in the country and then she would return to Paris.
***
Little by little the group dispersed back to the house. Soon, the only people that remained were Sebastian, Sophie, Germaine and Leila. Etienne had never returned from his walk but had instead taken a different route back to the chateau.
Leila and Germaine chatted about music and plays while Sebastian lay on his back near Sophie, who was sitting up beside him.
“When do you return to Paris?” he asked.
“Two days. I thought Grand-mère might ask to go back sooner after the fiasco with the duke, but no. She seems fine.”
“It was a misunderstanding.”
Sophie smiled. “Yes. I recall your own misunderstanding. You and the duke have such horrible manners for Englishmen.”