Anton introduced Arielle while putting his arm around her waist.
Gaston smiled. “We’ve already met,” he stated calmly.
“Oh,” Anton commented, the tone of his voice that of surprise.
“We just met,” Arielle quickly inserted. “He asked me to dance.”
Anton watched her intently. “Did he tell you that he’s Sebastian’s best friend?”
“No, we didn’t talk very much.”
“Well, you’ll never see one without the other,” Anton said, laughing joyfully.
“Speaking of Sebastian, where is he?” Marcus asked.
“We were together a little earlier,” Gaston replied with an obvious smirk on his face. “But he’s a little occupied right now, if you know what I mean.” Marcus, Anton, and Gaston broke out into laughter. Arielle felt a pang of jealousy shoot right through her heart. She understood exactly what Gaston was trying to say. She succeeded in keeping her balled fists by her sides. She reminded herself again that this was happening way before she ever set eyes on Sebastian.
“We’re going to take a tour of the house, would you like to come with us?” Anton asked Gaston.
“No, thanks, I’ve seen it way too many times.” His gaze returned to Arielle. “I’m going to look for Sebastian. I’ll be back a little later. Arielle has promised me a couple more dances, am I right?” he asked, capturing her hand. Arielle caught her breath, her nerves on edge.
“Yes, I did promise,” she said, and bit her lower lip.
“All right then, I’ll be back to collect.” He stroked her hand gently and then walked off, but not before giving her a glance filled with amusement. His last words echoed in her ears. “I’ll be back to collect.” She had no idea why she felt guarded. The fact that he was an immortal shouldn’t be of great importance. He hadn’t given her any reason to feel cautious, but somehow she did. I wonder if Sebastian knew that his best friend was an immortal? she thought to herself. Inwardly cursing, she cleared her throat and looked up at Anton.
Anton pointed toward a luxurious staircase at the opposite side of the room leading to the upper floor. He took her hand and pulled her softly along next to him as they made their way around several guests. Gabrielle, Eva, and Marcus followed close behind. Just before they reached the stairs they heard a strong, deep voice calling for Marcus. Suddenly they halted and turning around, they watched a tall, striking man make his way toward them with large strides. He was elegantly dressed in a blue coat, black pants, and a crisp white shirt. When he stopped in front of them, the guys reached out to shake his hand cheerfully. Arielle paled and a wave of shock washed over her. She turned abruptly and gazed at Eva. Nobody noticed but Eva. Leaving Marcus' side she moved closer to Arielle.
“Hey, Brandon! When did you get back?” Marcus asked.
“I came home last evening. I wasn’t going to miss this ball,” he said blissfully. His attention fastened on the three girls, his gaze cruising over each in turn. He then glanced at Marcus and Anton inquisitively. Marcus stepped forward and made the introductions.
“Brandon, let me introduce you to the Young sisters, Gabrielle, Eva, and Arielle. And ladies, this is my best friend, Brandon Burgejion.”
“Bon soir,” Brandon said softly. He took each of their hands one at a time and bowed. Eva and Gabrielle were unable to resist a smile. Oddly enough Arielle managed to allow something like a smile to touch her lips.
“Good evening,” they replied almost in unison, making the guys chuckle.
“They are here on a holiday from Hampshire, England,” Marcus said.
“Oh, how wonderful!” he exclaimed. “I just returned from England.”
“Where did you go?” Eva asked, smiling lightly.
“I had some business to conclude in London.”
“Do you spend a lot of time in London?” Gabrielle chimed in.
“Not much. I arrange a trip once a year.” His gaze held Gabrielle’s and his lips curved.
While Gabrielle, Brandon, Marcus, and Anton became engaged in a lengthy discussion about England, Eva took the chance to lean closer to Arielle and nudged her softly in the arm.
“What’s wrong?”
“I know him, Eva,” she said breathlessly.
“Brandon? How?”
“He’s the head of the secret society that I attended with Olivia.”
“Are you serious?” Eva whispered, stunned.
“Yes, I’m dead serious. I remember him talking about the fact that he was sure we had met before, and now I understand.” She pressed her lips together anxiously.
“How about that…” Eva’s voice trailed. “I guess we are going to his next class. It will be a lot of fun,” she said softly, easing Arielle’s anxiety.
“How strange is that?” Arielle mumbled, a little more relaxed. Eva snorted quietly.
“What?” Arielle asked.
“Arielle, how is this any stranger than our lives all together? Look where we are. We’re in Calais in the sixteenth century. Look at you, Gabby, and Paul, you are going to be married to immortals. Look at Ian and me, did you ever expect for us to achieve immortality?” She snorted again.
“You’re right, you’re right,” Arielle whispered. “I don’t know what in bloody hell I was thinking. This is just another normal occurrence in the weird world we live in.” They both snorted quietly and turned to join Gabrielle’s conversation. Anton’s voice captured their attention.
“Brandon, we are taking the ladies on a tour of the house, would you like to come with us?”
“Yes, I would love to come with you,” he replied, and soon they were climbing the steps that would led to the library, sitting rooms, and bedchambers.
They walked down a great hall filled with sculptures from the French Renaissance period. Tapestries were draped over the walls with coats of arms and figurative emblems. The floor was made out of tiles sampled with fleur de lis and swords. Above the doors of each room were marble medallions. Arielle became lost in the beauty of the decorations, her eyes drinking in each detail. She soon forgot her anxiety, her mind completely filled with joy at seeing Sebastian's childhood home. What an amazing sight!
Chapter 24
THE ROOMS WERE LARGE with coffered ceilings displaying various coats of arms, exactly as Arielle would have pictured sixteenth-century rooms before witnessing them herself. The walls were covered in Flemish tapestries depicting scenes from the life of the Gaulle family just like the ones Arielle had seen in the ballroom. The armchairs in each room were covered with cordovan leather, and incredible paintings took their breath away. The four-poster beds were amazing. The headboards were engraved with intricate designs and the furniture reflected the wealth of the family. The velvet curtains sagged across enormous stained-glass windows in each room. Arielle looked at Gabrielle and Eva, their astonishment plain on their faces. She moved to the windows and gazed at the moon. The picturesque scenery and the sight of the clear dark sky filled with millions of stars was exactly the same as in the twenty-first century. The brilliance of the moonlight gave her a soft view of the grounds that extended as far as her eye could see.
“Is that a lake out there?” she asked in a low voice.
“Yes, it rests in the middle of the property. It’s quite beautiful during the day,” Marcus replied.
“Oh, I think it’s quite beautiful right now.” She smiled. “Look at the water… A clear mirror that reflects the moon’s mystic light and the stars, as if they are remnants of times gone by.”
“Mmm,” she heard Anton’s voice right next to her ear and she shivered the familiarity of his voice causing her to think of Sebastian.
“Very well said, you sound like a poet,” Anton said. His arm wrapped around her waist. She felt his body extremely close, the warmth on his breath brushing against her cheek. She felt her heart race and took a deep breath, reminding herself that the warm body next to her was that of Anton and not Sebastian. She moved slowly away and he walked after her as they all entered a spaciou
s lobby, followed by a pretty sitting room that led to the most amazing picture gallery. Arielle saw the portrait of Sebastian’s mother hanging next to one of his father. They were the exact portraits that she has seen in the Gaulle manor in St. Jean de Luz.
“Your mother is a very striking woman,” she said.
“Yes, that she is,” Marcus said with a proud tone. Many other family portraits hung on the walls. Arielle was dying to see them all, and Anton was happy to disclose the details about each and every one of them.
More than anything though, Arielle wished to see one particular face. She walked on and when she finally stood before Sebastian’s portrait the pleasure of the moment stole her breath away. Her heart raced at the sight of his striking face. So abrupt was his appearance that it was impossible to avoid his sight. His emerald eyes pierced through hers as if ready to jump out of the canvas. She took a few deep breaths, holding back the tears that were generating tremendous pressure in the backs of her eyes.
She gulped trying to conceal her emotions, and she asked in a totally composed voice. “Who is this?”
“That’s our little brother, Sebastian the playboy,” she heard Marcus say, voice full of laughter. Both brothers laughed aloud, and she knew that had to be an inside joke. Her first reaction was that of displeasure, and then a strong jolt of jealousy again spread across her body like fire. Eva moved close to her and pressed her hand softly, reminding her that they were at a different era. Arielle snapped out of her wretchedness quickly.
“He’s beautiful,” she said impulsively.
“Yes, that he is,” Anton said with a voice still filled with amusement. She peeled her eyes away from his portrait to look at Anton, barely managing to not snap at him. She kept her voice soft and calm.
“I think that you and Marcus are extremely good looking as well, it must be a family thing.” She was grasping for anything to cover her statement about how beautiful Sebastian was. Marcus and Anton laughed joyfully at her remark.
“Let me show you a portrait of our younger years,” Anton said with a chuckle. He walked a few feet down the corridor and he stopped in front of a huge portrait exhibiting three handsome young boys in their teenage years. The portrait was captivating. All three boys were unquestionably striking. She chuckled, thinking that the subjects looked more like imaginary people than real human beings. Anton moved closer to her and watched her carefully as he reached up and touched her cheek tenderly.
“What are you thinking?”
“Nothing really.” Anton’s closeness was creating an awkward situation. Where is Sebastian? she thought, and pressed her lips together.
“Your home is absolutely amazing.” Gabrielle’s voice broke through her reverie.
“You are very kind,” Marcus replied.
“The architecture is stunning, and it is exquisitely decorated,” Eva added. Marcus and Anton didn’t try to hide a smile of approval at her words.
“Our mother is responsible for the beauty of this house. She’s the art lover, the amazing decorator, the resilient thread that keeps this family together.” Anton’s voice was filled with affection and warmth when he spoke of his mother. His words were a soft whisper that set off an avalanche of emotions for both Anton and Marcus. Arielle turned to face the opposite wall and she gasped out loud. She immediately caught herself and coughed a couple of times clearing her throat as they all turned and looked at her. Marcus gave her an assessing look.
“Are you feeling okay?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m just fine, thank you for asking,” she sputtered. She was staring at a large painting hanging on the wall. It was a portrait of Sebastian, the man that stole her heart and soul and turned her very existence completely upside down. He was standing in front of a huge fireplace with one arm resting on the mantle and a smile lifted the corners of his sensuous lips. The painting looked so real it startled her. She half expected the canvas to come to life. Arielle shivered at the thought. A wishful smile painted her face as she moved closer to examine the details.
“That’s Sebastian,” Anton said, and came to stand next to her.
“He is very handsome.”
“Yes, that he is,” Anton chuckled.
She drew back and moved to the next painting, trying to hide her emotions. They moved towards the last four principal bedchambers. Arielle and her friends marveled at the elegant decor. They could not help but be fascinated by them. The tapestries hanging in the four bedchambers reflected times passed for this incredible family and made them look extremely powerful.
“Are these your bedchambers?” Arielle asked.
“Yes, the one at the end belongs to our parents and the rest belong to Marcus, Sebastian, and I.”
“They are absolutely incredible,” she added in clear admiration.
“Thank you.”
Arielle was captivated knowing that she had seen Sebastian’s home. They came to the end of the house tour. She had met his family and danced with his brother. That was absolutely beyond belief and certainly an incredible birthday present. The only thing missing was Sebastian’s presence. She was sure that he would complete the magical trip. She laughed silently at the thought.
After a moment of companionable silence, they started to walk back toward the ballroom. Marcus and Brandon walked on either side of Gabrielle and Eva. They seemed happy as they made Gabrielle and Eva laugh with their jokes. Anton, on the other hand, seemed an elegant but serious gentleman. He walked close to Arielle and made small talk, trying to hold her attention. She guessed that she drifted off a few times thinking of Sebastian, and that it hadn't escaped Anton’s awareness.
They reached the bottom of the staircase in the ballroom. Marcus asked her to dance and they started to walk off toward the center of the dance floor when she heard Gabrielle refusing Anton’s invitation to do the same. She complained of a sore foot. Arielle was wondering how she had hurt her foot since she didn’t hear her complain earlier. Marcus arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. She looked up and met his amused gaze. She smiled. It was just so unbelievable that she was here with Sebastian’s brothers. The music was remarkable too. It reminded her of old films featuring pieces by Strauss, Brahms, Schonberg, Mozart, and so many others. She closed her eyes and attempted to conjure Sebastian’s beautiful face. She smiled with pleasure knowing that she would be going back to him when this adventure was over.
Marcus was an incredible dancer. He twirled her around the dance floor and kindly remarked how well she danced. She opened her eyes and saw Eva dancing with Anton a few feet away. Their eyes met and they smiled at each other. She was so thankful to Eva for her incredible gift.
“Will you be staying in France long?” Marcus’s question invaded her train of thought.
“Um, we will be here for a couple more days. We’re going to do some serious shopping,” she replied, giving him a warm smile.
“I know that Anton and I would love to see you again. I can tell Anton is pretty taken with you,” he said. She saw a suggestive smile turn the corners of his lips upward. She felt a jolt. Anton's interest was unpredicted and certainly unsolicited.
“I’m flattered,” she said as she lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “I’m sure that we’ll be quite busy, and it might be a little difficult to return any time soon, but I’ll discuss your request with my sisters.”
“That’ll be wonderful. I sure would like for you to meet Sebastian. He should be coming around sooner or later, and he’ll be delighted to meet three beautiful girls from England.” He chuckled, never taking his eyes off her. She sucked in a tight breath and felt her body react to the sound of Sebastian’s name.
“Again, thank you for the invitation.” The music stopped and they moved to where Gabrielle, Brandon, and Eva stood. Anton and Marcus excused themselves, but not before saying that they were going to be back shortly.
“Brandon, you are in charge,” Marcus called, looking over his shoulder. Brandon had a broad smile on his face. He glanced between t
he three girls and laughed.
“I’ll do my very best,” he replied, thoroughly amused. He refocused on the three beautiful faces, anxious to make their acquaintance. The time they spent with Brandon was a pure delight. He was stunningly handsome, funny, fascinating, and sensational. He kept them laughing with his jokes and his funny stories. Two guys approached and took Eva and Gabrielle to the dance floor. Brandon’s gaze rested on Arielle.
“May I have this dance?” he asked quietly. She smiled widely and gave him her hand. Brandon walked to the middle of the dance floor and pulled Arielle in his arms. His eyes never left her face.
“You are very beautiful.” Arielle looked up and met his gaze. She smiled.
“Thank you,” she whispered. His gaze was intent, and she couldn’t resist the inquisitiveness from darkening her look. He raised an eyebrow and smiled.
“What?” he asked, amused.
Mentally confused, Arielle was struggling to keep a straight face as she pointed out, “You are staring. Is there something wrong?”
“Oh, no. I’m sorry, Arielle.” Brandon flashed her a soft smile, and shook his head, suppressing a chuckle.
“Well, what is it?” she pressed on. Brandon drew a breath and said smoothly, “There is something very fascinating about your eyes.”
“Whatever do you mean?” She winced, puzzled by his statement. His eyes narrowed as if he was surprised that she even asked the question.
“They are very intriguing, unforgettable, and implausibly unusual.” He chuckled again. “Does that answer your question?”
“Um, yes, I suppose.” She shrugged her shoulders. All she wanted was to set her eyes on Sebastian. Everything else was becoming repetitive.
The music was over and everyone moved away from the dance floor.
“Would you ladies like some refreshments?” Brandon asked politely.
“No, thank you, Brandon,” Arielle said.
“If you will excuse me for a minute, I will go get a drink for myself and be right back. Don’t let anything happen to you while I’m gone or Marcus will have my head,” he said, and laughed softly.
Arielle Immortal Journey (The Immortal Rapture Series Book 5) Page 23