“I allowed you to dance with me. There is a difference and we both know I have ulterior motives for doing it.”
“Are you nervous I will go back on our deal if you were to deny me?”
“That has crossed my mind,” Ellena whispered as she adjusted the skirt of her dress.
“And what if I asked you for a kiss? Would you allow it for the sake of your precious story?”
Ellena merrily laughed as she headed for the door. “A kiss? From an ugly woman like me? I don’t believe either of us would allow it.”
He brushed past her as they left the room.
“Where are we going now?” she asked.
“You will see.”
“Are you going to show me your room?” Ellena asked.
“You have no idea what you’re asking, do you?” He didn’t bother to look at her while he spoke. “I doubt anything but your ignorance is speaking right now. Is it common for women to want to go to a man’s room for a strictly innocent reason?”
“Mine is an innocent reason,” she defensively said.
“I know it is,” he said. “You are far from talented at playing the seductive temptress to realize the underlying meaning of those words. Do you often ask to see men’s rooms?”
“Of course not!” There it was again, that aggravating tickle in the back of her throat.
“Then I am the first?” he stopped, causing her to halt as well. “So I am special?” He was looking at her now, only Ellena was nearly too mortified to answer.
“I was just curious,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to imply anything.”
“Sadly,” he suddenly cried, “even the ugly woman has rejected me.”
“Do you always enjoy terrorizing me?” she asked, sweeping past him in a mixture of relief and irritation when she realized he was simply taunting her again.
“It’s the most fun I’ve had in ages,” he replied. “Gregor is not nearly as entertaining to tease.”
He took the lead once again as they wandered through the corridors. She wanted to ask about his family, but feared the topic would be an undesirable one and the last thing she wanted to do was destroy his pleasant mood.
“What brings you to France?” He suddenly asked, taking Ellena surprise. It was the first time he had ever expressed any real interest in her. “You are obviously not a native.”
“I am a writer here to do research.”
“You travel alone?”
“I do.”
“Now, that is uncommon.”
“I suppose so,” Ellena watched the back of his head as they walked. Had his hair always been that hue of brown?
“And where are you from?”
“I am from the states.”
“Where?”
“America.”
“The New World? How interesting.”
“Well yes, but it’s been a while since anyone has called it that,” she said.
“Excusez-moi,” Gregor unexpectedly appeared. “Le déjeuner est prêt.”
“Ah, wonderful. I was beginning to grow famished,” Lord Wolfe smiled and Ellena felt her heart flutter. She didn’t think it was possible, didn’t think he was capable of such a smile, the kind of smile that held no dark secrets or selfish motives, one that was not condescending or patronizing. It was a beautifully sincere expression and Ellena couldn’t help but stare. He looked unbearably handsome when his eyes gleamed and he let loose a boyish grin. “Are you ready to eat?” he asked.
“Just allow me to run by my room first.”
“Are you not feeling well?”
“I’m fine,” she quickly answered. “Just give me a few minutes.”
She ran into the wall behind her when she tried to flee. “I’ll be right there,” she hastily said before turning the corner. He didn’t follow and Ellena was glad of it.
He was acting strange again, not unlike the other night in the gardens. He would never have danced with her a few days ago or asked about her personal affairs. He had all too often made it clear that he was not one to engage in idle pleasantries or acceptable manners just to appease another. So why was he acting so congenial now?
Was it a game to make her fall for him? Maybe he realized that his original course of action was not working and so he modified his plan? Ellena couldn’t tell. He had looked so genuine, but then again she knew how the arrogant man could manipulate any situation to his advantage. Which was the real John Wolf, she thought. After all, wolves were often known to hide in sheep’s clothing.
Lunch was a quiet affair. Ellena sat deep in thought staring at the chunks of meat floating in her soup and Gregor awkwardly cleared his throat to ease the uncomfortable silence.
“Is everything to your liking?” he asked as Ellena poked at her meal.
“It’s delicious as always. I suppose I’m still full from breakfast.”
Ellena wouldn’t admit it herself, but she was worried. It was not like her to not have an appetite. There it was again, that irritating tickle in her throat. A harsh cough overtook her as she strained to breathe. Darting for the door she raced into the hall since she couldn’t bear to have him see her in such a state.
“For you.”
She jumped as Gregor appeared from around the corner with a warm glass of water.
“I don’t understand. I was feeling fine yesterday,” she groaned, taking the cup.
“That’s how it usually works, my dear. Why don’t you go and rest in your room. I’m sure even Lord Wolfe will understand.”
“Actually, I would prefer it.” He was suddenly behind them. “I ask that you confine yourself to your quarters until your ailment passes. I do not wish to fall ill.”
“What about dinner? You were going to tell me the story.”
“Go to your room,” he ordered. She poised herself for a fight, but never had the chance. Another fit of coughs erupted and by the time she could see through her blurry vision caused by the straining jerks, Lord Wolfe was gone.
“As rude as he acts, master is right. Let me help you to your room where you can rest. I’m sure it’s nothing too serious, but just in case I have a special remedy that’s been passed down through my family for generations. It’ll certainly cure anything.”
Ellena grimaced, but not wanting to hurt the old man’s feelings quickly replaced it with a beaming smile. Home tonics were always an interesting concoction and she worried that if the sickness didn’t finish her off, whatever dear Gregor brewed for her would.
“What kind of remedy?” she dared to ask.
“Oh, don’t you worry. I’ll take care of it.”
Boredom was to be her companion that evening. After returning to her room, Ellena lightly dozed for about an hour so, but now she was wide awake and looking for a way to occupy her restless mind. For a little while she watched the birds from her window, along with a pair of squirrels go about building a nest and gather food.
The most exciting spectacle was the sight of a lone gray wolf skulking around right below her window. Now, from the safety of the house she could finally appreciate its wild, untamed beauty, unlike before where she had been too distracted on not getting eaten. But now as she watched the graceful movements of its muscles, the gleam of its thick coat, and the intense look radiating from its yellow eyes, Ellena couldn’t help but be captivated. She had seen this creature before. Those burning eyes were forever engraved into her memory.
In the height of her unbearable monotony the beast slinked away into the forest, leaving Ellena alone with only one option left to ease the dullness—talking to the many faces on the walls.
“What are you not telling me? I know you are hiding something,” she accusingly whispered.
Whatever it was, the portraits weren’t talking.
It wasn’t long before she fell asleep curled up in one of the chairs by the crackling fire that Gregor had kindled. Angelic music drifted in and out of her dreams, sweet cords that vibrated throughout her mind. The notes enveloped everything, sad notes that made her sad e
ven in her dreams. There was no mistaking the distinct sound, the resonance of a finely tuned piano.
Music was not her only visitor as she slumbered. She was sitting at a table in a sunny library talking to someone, no laughing, as the sound of clinking cups echoed. It was a woman. Ellena could see splashes of her partner’s bright blue dress as streaks of bright light filled her vision and in between them sat a sweet smelling bouquet of red tulips. It felt so real—the smells, the sounds, the warm sunrays.
Suddenly, she snapped awake, almost falling from the chair in a surprised jolt. Someone was pounding at the door and growing more impatient by the second. Throwing open the door, Ellena had expected to see Gregor, but was greeted by a very different and expected guest.
“Good evening.” The jolly woman in a bright blue dress swept past Ellena and entered the room. “I brought you some herbs that will help with your cough.”
Ellena was delightfully intrigued. “I’m sorry to stare,” she stuttered as the older woman caught her astonished expression. “I have just never seen anyone but Gregor and Lord Wolfe here.”
“Oh, I just returned this afternoon,” she beamed. “Been gone on a long trip.”
“Well, I’m—”
“Gregor told me all about you. Here drink this.”
“Is this his family’s secret concoction?” Ellena asked, hesitantly taking the cup.
“It’ll have you up and about in no time.”
Ellena sniffed the drink. “It doesn’t smell that awful,” she whispered.
The woman picked up the tray and set off to take her leave, but before reaching the door she paused. “You must be someone very special. I haven’t heard Lord Wolfe play that piano in years.”
Chapter Nine
Whatever she drank seemed to do the trick. Only a few minutes after downing the green liquid, her throat relaxed and the throbbing pain quickly drifted away, but now she had new unexpected complication to tackle.
Someone special?
Ellena found it hard to believe that she was someone special, especially to Lord Wolfe, but it was a seemingly innocent comment that bothered her to no end. The mere possibility that it could be true sent her heart oddly fluttering. Of course she had despised the man for some time. He had been rude, insufferable, and just plain cruel, but something about him had changed. She had seen glimpses of it, a pure thoughtful soul who, for some reason, was perhaps hiding a tender heart?
Gregor finally came along with the arrival of dinner time, bringing with him another cup of his green remedy.
“I’m feeling much better,” she reported “Maybe I could join Lord Wolfe for dinner? I’m horribly lonely cooped up in this room.”
“I’m afraid Lord Wolfe has canceled dinner.”
“Canceled it?”
“He said he was not hungry and saw no point in preparing a grand meal. Are you feeling hungry?”
“A little,” she admitted. “I think my appetite is back.”
“I will have Lady Louisa bring you something.”
“That is the woman who came by earlier?”
“Oui, she has worked here for many years, an old spinster who never married.”
“Where has she been this whole time?” Ellena asked.
“All that matters is that she has returned. Louisa will be your lady in waiting while you are here. If you need anything just let her know.”
“Something about her is strangely familiar,” Ellena whispered. “I feel as if we’ve met before.”
“Where in the world would you have met her?”
“Where, indeed,” Ellena answered with a furrowed brow. “But I know we’ve met before, I just know it.”
Sadly, Ellena saw no more of her wolf, at least not that day. After Gregor left she poised herself by the window hoping to see the majestic creature once again, but as darkness enveloped everything her wolf still remained out of sight, but he was close by. Ellena could feel it. She also couldn’t shake the feeling that she had met Mademoiselle Louisa before now. It was a memory that was remaining well hidden and it was driving her insane.
The sun was setting when a loud thump sounded. At first, she did not move, but simply watched the shadows dart along the bottom of her door. Whatever it was it was not Gregor. She wasn’t sure if it was even human. Creeping closer she carefully grasped the handle. Her plan had been to simply crack the door open and peek outside, but the moment the lock unclicked and she turned the knob she was knocked to the ground, covered in a wave of furry feet and wet snouts. She squealed in delight as cold, wet noses met her skin, sniffing along her face and hair. They were two hunting dogs.
They smelt of pine needles and wet earth. It was a delightful scent and Ellena laughed as one wound itself around her legs while the other made a daring leap onto the bed. It was all fun and jolly until one began tearing at the pillows. Feathers exploded as Ellena grabbed the pillow to try and pry it away, but the sound of fabric ripping sent her sprawling onto the floor. A jumble of French words broke through Ellena’s cries and both dogs suddenly ceased their torment. A gentle hand appeared, offering her help. It was Monsieur Wolfe.
“I apologize for my brutes, but they can easily get excited.”
It did not escape her attention that he helped her to stand.
“I actually love dogs,” she replied. “What are their names?”
“Roma and Rimi.”
“How adorable,” she laughed. “I’m afraid they’ve destroyed your pillows.”
“I suppose I deserve it for destroying your— what did you call it? Cellphone?” he awkwardly said the word in the most amusing fashion that made her smile. “I will have it replaced. For now please accept this.” He handed her a book.
“What is this?” she asked.
“You wanted to learn piano, did you not? Allow me to teach you.”
“Really?” her grin grew wider.
“If you are feeling well enough would you like to start now?”
“I would!”
“Then shall we be off?”
“Oh wait, Louisa is bringing me dinner.”
“Then our lesson will commence right after.”
As if on cue, Louisa appeared and she seemed quite tickled to find Lord Wolfe there. A bright twinkle shone in her eyes.
“For you, mademoiselle.” She placed the tray of food down and left, but not before giving them a look, a look that for some reason made Ellena blush before she quickly set to work on her meal. She sat down by the fireplace and sipped on her wine as Lord Wolfe stood guard by the door.
“You may sit down, if you like.”
“It is not appropriate for a man to be in a young woman’s sleeping chamber,” he said. “Unless it is her husband.”
The dogs were intently watching her by the door also, hoping to get any crumbs that fell from her plate. She looked at Monsieur Wolfe, noticing that he too seemed to be stiff and rigid, but she was fairly sure it was not because he wanted some of her food. Was he nervous?
“How come I’ve never seen your dogs before?”
“They are kept in a different part of the house since they tend to make trouble.”
She called them over, sweeping down to kiss one on the head. They were identical, both tall, lean scraggly haired things bred to endure cold weather. “You can let them run freely. They won’t bother me,” she softly said.
“If that is what you wish.”
Roma and Rimi skipped after them as they walked toward the music room, taking their place by Monsieur Wolfe’s feet as the lord sat at the piano. Ellena joined him and he opened the lid. Despite his temper, he was a good teacher. Beginning from the basic middle C and teaching her the fundamental scales. Ellena was hesitant at first, but he was patient and encouraging as she fumbled through her first lesson.
It was strange being so close to him, but the small wooden bench offered little other option and if Ellena was completely honest with herself, it was not an unpleasant sensation. Her stomach twisted into knots as his lovely scent filled
her nose, a mixture of pine and soap.
His fingers gracefully moved across the ivory keys as he carefully explained each one. Even his hands, looked different she noticed. They were rougher now. What was once smooth, milky skin was now callous and covered in light scars. She wanted to ask about his subtle changes, not only concerning his appearance but also his attitude, only she could not find the right words.
“You have a lot of raw talent,” he said, jolting Ellena from her thoughts.
“And you are a liar,” she smiled. “That was awful and we both know it.”
“You will get better. If I recall correctly my first music lesson did not go very well either.”
“How old were you?”
“I was four when mother began my lessons. I hated them then,” he chuckled. “But I am very grateful for those lessons now.”
The way he said those last words caused her to tremble. His molten, blue eyes were watching her, waiting for a reply, but she found her tongue unable, or unwilling, to respond. His eyes had once been a harsh, cold sapphire, devoid of any emotion, but now…
His breath was warm as it brushed against her cheek and then he was moving closer. His lips were nearly touching hers when she suddenly found herself staring at the hem of her skirt.
“Are you hurt?” Lord Wolfe abruptly asked.
She had fallen from the bench onto the cold ground, the skirt of her dress coming up and over her head. He helped her up and both were visibly embarrassed. If she didn’t know better, Ellena would have sworn his face had turned slightly red. She, too, felt the blood rush to her cheeks. It was so awkward and horribly funny that she couldn’t stop it, the burst of laughter that began caused her partner to begin chuckling along with her.
“Thank you, Lord Wolfe.”
“John,” he softly replied. “Call me John.”
“John,” she hesitantly said. “Since my lesson is over, maybe you could tell me of my prince?”
“Your prince?”
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