He was suddenly very angry at Sebastian and the little slut, Sophie. She had most likely used her feminine wiles to plead with him and her husband had crept into his lodgings like a criminal and stolen the papers. Even though he himself had stolen the pamphlet writings, the card had been his. He cursed their class and the ease of the world around them.
He never admitted it to Sophie, but he had not ever cared about her revolutionary writings. Indeed, he had only used her to gain access to the more important papers held by her father. Even though he had called her a traitor to king and country, he couldn’t have cared less. For Alain was waiting for the revolution to start, and he actually welcomed it.
Once the revolution began, people like Sebastian and Sophie would be unable to buy their way out of situations, or buy people. Their class would be destroyed and the working class would rise.
He waited with relish for the revolution to begin. Once it did, he would be commissioner and Monsieur and Madame Fairfax would be at his mercy.
***
The wedding of Etienne and Leila was a week away and Sophie was happy to help partake in the final preparations.
Leila and her mother were at the dressmaker’s having final alterations made on the gown and Sophie had been invited as well. The cream-colored satin gown had a square bodice and lace along the elbow-length sleeves. Intricate beading decorated the bodice and skirt and Leila looked exquisite in it.
Sophie was a little jealous, but knew that she had made a bargain with Sebastian and effectively cheated herself out of the wedding she had always dreamed of. Besides, now she was happy and she knew he loved her as she loved him.
Katharine shook her head at the seamstress and Leila smiled at Sophie.
“My mother is so particular,” she murmured, rolling her eyes.
“I want the best for my daughter is all,” Katharine explained.
Katharine had demanded a certain amount of delicate beading on the bodice but the seamstress was trying to skimp. Katharine would not back down and the seamstress relented.
“How is married life, Sophie? Well?” Katharine asked, curious but not wanting to pry too much.
“It is good, madame. Sebastian is a kind man. You should be proud of him.”
“I am. He is his father’s son—a respectable man who knows his duty,” Katharine said while carefully watching the seamstress.
Leila sat on a chair on the raised pedestal wearing her wedding gown. “Ow!” she yelped.
“Remain still, Leila,” Katharine admonished her.
Sophie watched the scene and then asked quietly, “What is it like in Arabia?”
“Hot!” exclaimed both women.
Katharine laughed. “It is hard to describe to those who have never been. It is hot, but also magnificent and wild, as well as ordered. We live a privileged life at the palace.”
Sophie looked intently at her mother-in-law, who was still so lovely with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her daughter looked very similar, with blue eyes but dark brown hair. Katharine was a true English rose while her daughter was exotic and striking.
“I suppose I will be a grandmother again soon.” Katharine looked at both of the younger women.
Leila looked away while Sophie blushed lightly.
“I should like you to come to Arabia. There are very few Englishwomen about and I think no Frenchwomen at all,” Katharine mused.
“Was that hard to get used to?” Sophie asked.
“Indeed it was. From the moment I landed in Arabia, I was trying to get home to England. Then it all went wrong,” Katharine said.
“Wrong?” Sophie asked.
“Yes. I fell in love. And Arab men hold on to those they want.”
Sophie smiled shyly. “I suppose they do.”
Leila cried out again and Katharine narrowed her eyes at her.
“You have other children?” Sophie asked Katharine.
“Two daughters. Margaret lives in England with her family and Isabelle is here in France. She is to take the vow soon.”
“The vow?” Sophie frowned.
“Yes. She is in a religious house.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I never saw that coming, but then neither did I think my daughter would marry a Frenchman and my son a beautiful Frenchwoman. France has much to answer for,” she said and smiled.
“You and monsieur are very kind to host the upcoming ball for us,” she said.
“Nonsense, my dear. We are welcoming you into our family in front of Parisian society,” Katharine replied.
“I am looking forward to it. We both are,” Sophie said.
Leila yelped again and this time both Katharine and Sophie laughed.
“Silly child. Sit still,” her mother said.
***
Sophie lay naked on her stomach in the large bed. Sebastian drew a finger along the base of her neck, moving slowly down her alabaster back and ending on her buttocks. He placed one hand on a delicious globe and kissed the other as Sophie giggled.