by Conn, Phoebe
tanned skin, but the pair appeared to be unaware of how dashing they looked in formal attire.
Etienne's elegant black suit matched theirs, as did his dark stockings and silver buckled shoes, but he waited until the ceremony was about to begin before he entered. Rather than take one of the few remaining chairs, he moved to the back of the parlor, then prayed he would have no reason to wish he were closer to the door. When the other guests sent inquisitive glances his way, he nodded and smiled as though he had as much right to be there as they. He recognized Falcon's friends from the militia, and felt more comfortable.
The musicians began a new tune and Dominique entered carrying a bouquet of white roses trailing long satin streamers. She moved to the right of the priest, while Christian and Falcon were on the cleric's left. She turned toward the room and looked directly at Etienne. Her expression was one of such loving joy that he did not care who followed her gaze.
Belle came in on her father's arm and the ceremony continued amid complimentary murmurs from the guests. Etienne counted the seconds as the priest read the ceremony and hoped it would not last longer than Falcon's endurance. He listened carefully to the exchange of vows and slipped his hand into his pocket to make certain he still had Dominique's ring. When the couple was at last pronounced husband and wife, he relaxed against the wall, but was still apprehensive about what the evening might bring.
As soon as the guests began to congratulate Falcon and Belle, Dominique slipped away and joined Etienne. She leaned close to whisper, "You look magnificent, monsieur. I hope you're here to see me."
Etienne had been rather surprised himself when he had donned the handsome apparel Falcon had provided. After having worn buckskins, it was a chore to have to wear so many layers of fabric, but he had to admit the effect was
well worth the effort. "Do you think I will be mistaken for a gentleman?" he asked.
"Most definitely, but it will be no mistake." Dominique could have simply looked at him for hours, but all too soon her father appeared at her side.
"Do not presume upon my generosity another minute, Monsieur LeBlanc. You've attended Falcon's wedding, and now I must ask you to leave."
Among the guests, there were several men who had signed the Declaration of Independence, and Dominique could not help but believe her father had unwittingly raised her to defy all forms of oppressive authority. She did not want to engage him in a debate on liberty now, however, and looped her arm through Etienne's so those standing nearby would think the three of them were chatting amiably, but there was no mistaking the forcefiilness of her tone. "We wish to speak with you later, Father, but now you should attend to your guests."
Not used to receiving orders from his daughters, Byron took immediate exception to Dominique's request. "That is precisely what I am doing, sweetheart. I am arranging to have one less," he hissed through clenched teeth.
"This is a wonderful party," Etienne announced loudly enough for everyone to hear. "You must be very proud of your daughter and new son-in-law."
One of Falcon's friends from the militia echoed that sentiment, and those who had already been served wine began proposing toasts to the bride and groom. Etienne stood quietly, daring Byron to throw him out, and while he could see the anger in Byron's eyes, he finally walked away rather than act on it. "I am sorry to have put your father in a hostile mood," Etienne swore under his breath.
"I sincerely doubt that, but come with me. Let's have some wine so we can offer a few toasts of our own."
Etienne followed Dominique's lead, but he made certain he knew where Byron was the whole time since Falcon was
too busy to watch his back and he did not want any new scars. He had never been to such an elaborate party, but with Dominique smiling proudly by his side, he found it easy to respond to introductions graciously, and when Byron did not confront him again, he took it as a good sign.
Byron, however, was not enjoying the evening nearly as much as his guests. He drew Arielle aside and asked her advice. "Dominique knows I won't make a scene at Belle's wedding, but seeing her wrap herself around Etienne in such a disgusting fashion is making me ill."
"She is merely holding his arm," Arielle pointed out, "but you are right. She knows we do not approve of him, and that her behavior will surely upset us."
"Then why is she doing it?"
Arielle leaned close and whispered, "I can think of only one reason, and that is love."
Byron winced. "Christ! I would sooner have Sean O'Keefe here in his uniform!"
"Yes. Dominique has acquired somewhat unusual tastes in men, but everyone in Grand Pre said the same of me and in not nearly such polite terms. Could you not regard Etienne as one of my people, rather than as Gaetan's son?"
Appalled that she had taken Dominique's side against him, Byron brushed his wife's hands from his arm and walked away without offering a reply, and Arielle knew Dominique was not the only one who had gone too far that night. She would not allow her dismay to show in her expression and passed among their guests wearing a delighted smile, but now she had far more on her mind than keeping them entertained. She received effusive compliments on the food, and the musicians played such lovely music the dancing lasted far into the night, but the whole while she knew the party was merely a prelude to what could easily become the worst fight she and her beloved husband had ever had.
Because Falcon was not well enough to travel, he and Belle were remaining there for the night, but while he knew
the guests would at least expect them to bid everyone good night and go upstairs, he did not want Etienne to have to contend with Byron on his own. He had spent the greater part of the evening seated, but taking Belle by the hand, he walked across the room to stand with £tienne and Dominique. "Let's have the second wedding while everyone is still here," he suggested.
"That's a lovely idea," Dominique agreed, "but it may not be easy to arrange." She looked up at Etienne and was delighted to find the confidence he had displayed all evening still reflected in his smile. She waved to Jean, and when he responded she asked him to summon their parents. Inspired by her gesture, Falcon caught Christian's eye and he and Liana joined them.
Byron and Arielle approached from different sides of the room, but stood together. Byron was even less cordial than he had been earlier. "If you have anything to say other than good night, Monsieur LeBlanc, I've no wish to hear it."
"That is a pity," Etienne responded, "for I have a fascinating subject to discuss. Dominique has agreed to become my bride, and with your permission, we would also like to get married tonight."
Stunned by the Frenchman's announcement, Byron turned to Arielle. "Did you know about this?"
Although hurt by his accusing tone, Arielle raised her chin proudly. "No. I had absolutely no idea Dominique was even interested in Etienne."
Intending to yank Dominique away, Byron reached out to grab her arm, but Etienne stepped in front of her to block the move. "I would like your answer, sir," he challenged.
"Do I have to say it again?" Byron sneered. He kept his voice low, and what the guests observed was merely a gathering of the family in a quiet conversation. "Get out of my house and don't ever come back."
Falcon braced his weight against the back of a chair, but
spoke firmly. "If you have a quarrel with fetienne, then you have one with me."
Christian moved forward to support his brother. "If you have a quarrel with either Etienne or Falcon, then you have one with me as well."
Too perceptive a man to be fooled by hushed voices coming from the scene in the corner, Hunter approached in time to hear the last exchange. He saw how tightly Dominique was clinging to Etienne's hand and understood everything in an instant. "My sons know what is right, and so do I. I will take Dominique's side."
Dominique had always sensed Hunter did not really approve of her, but she saw a new, loving acceptance in his eyes that night. "Thank you, Uncle. I want to wed £tienne, and because Father has refused to give his consen
t, we'll have to go."
Byron laughed out loud at that threat. "And just how far do you think you'll get?"
"They need go no farther than my parents' home," Liana offered. "In fact, let's take the priest and invite everyone who wishes to join us for the ceremony to follow us there."
Dominique had not thought past having to march out the front door, but was delighted by Liana's suggestion. "What do you think?" she asked Etienne.
"I think it is a fine idea."
Byron felt someone at his elbow and found Johanna and David had joined them. He had once advised her not to risk her heart on a young man who would soon go on his way but she had fallen in love with David anyway, and he had stayed to become her husband. Alanna had appeared to take Hunter's hand, and he recalled what a shy creature she had been before the brave had entered her life.
Feeling badly outnumbered, Byron slipped his arm around his own dear wife's waist and remembered how insulted his parents had been by his choice. He had never regretted marrying Arielle, and knew she would be a delight
to the end of his days. His anger dissolved by the warmth of the love surrounding him, he sighed softly. "Is this what you truly want, sweetheart?"
Dominique spoke to Etienne rather than her father. "With all my heart."
Byron attempted to accept her choice with grace. "Then there's no reason to traipse off to the Scotts'. You two will be married right here where you belong, but I swear if you ever give my daughter a second of grief, Etienne, I'll see you're on board the next vessel sailing for France."
Etienne extended his hand. "You have my word. I will give Dominique the very best of lives. It is what she has already given me."
Reluctantly, Byron shook Etienne's hand, and in the next instant Dominique threw her arms around her father's neck to hug him, and her joy made everything right. When she released Byron, he turned to Jean. "Beau will probably bring home a princess from the south seas, but will you please try to find a bride from among our friends?"
"I'm only sixteen! I don't need a wife."
Jean's protest was drowned out by his family's laughter. English, Seneca, French, they had been drawn from different cultures and different lands but together they had created something beautiful and new. Dominique and Etienne's wedding was celebrated with the same joy as Belle and Falcon's, and while the guests may have been astonished by the impromptu ceremony, no one doubted the radiant love in the couple's eyes or their chances for a blissful future.
NOTE TO READERS
I hope that you have enjoyed sharing Belle and Dominique's passionate adventures with Falcon and Etienne. Love is always a powerful force, and especially so in perilous times. America has a fascinating history, and it has been a joy to bring it to life through characters who display the diverse influences of the English, Seneca, and French. Thank you for again celebrating love's ageless thrill with me. I welcome your comments. Please write to me c/o Zebra Books. Include a legal-size self-addressed stamped envelope for an autographed bookmark and newsletter. Or you can E-mail me at: [email protected].
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