Now he could see who they were—the Countess and her son, Francois. They were speaking in French, barely above a whisper. But Zack had ears like a hawk, and understood enough French to make out most of what they were saying.
“Everything is taken care of,” he heard Francois say. “Stop worrying.”
“We must succeed,” the Countess told him. “Nothing must go wrong. We’ve come this far. We must prove—” Her voice faded as she turned her head in the other direction, and Zack lost the words. Then she turned back again and faced Francois. “You’re sure Cammie won’t back out?” Zack heard her ask him.
“Positive!” Francois sneered. “She’s so crazy about me she can’t see straight!”
Zack stiffened at his obvious arrogance. Wait a minute! Did he hear Andre’s name mentioned? What did he have to do with this? Or is it some other Andre they’re talking about?
He strained to hear more, but just then the elder Count joined them, and they stopped talking. What are they plotting? Zack wondered. And what is it that they must prove?
“What are you two talking about?” Zack heard the Count ask them.
“Oh—” The Countess laughed. “Nothing that would interest you. Francois and I were just having a mother-son chat. By the way,” she asked her husband, “how do you like Cammie?”
“She’s beautiful,” he replied with enthusiasm. “I think she’ll be a great asset to the family. And I like her mother and father and their friends. They’re nice people.”
Francois looked smug. “I’m glad you approve, Father.”
Zack turned away from the window. No sense listening any further, he decided. They obviously aren’t going to say anything more in front of the Count. He still hadn’t figured out how to get a look at any records they might have, but after hearing their conversation, he was sure that there was an ulterior motive hidden behind Francois’ desire to marry Cammie.
There was no more sleep for him this morning, so he took his shower and dressed, deciding to take a walk under the shaded trees. After walking about a mile away from the Chateau, he sat on one of the benches to think. Communing with nature always helped to put him in tune with his intuition, and he hoped to come up with some answers soon.
For almost an hour he sat there, deep in thought. Yesterday when they first arrived he noticed a large book on a marble pedestal in the middle of the foyer. I’ll bet it’s a Bible, and it must have names and dates of births, marriages, and deaths listed in it. How can I get a look at it?
He made his way back to the Chateau just as they were sitting down to breakfast. It was a bit cooler this morning, so breakfast was served in the dining room in front of the fireplace.
“Where have you been?” Jay asked Zack as he joined them.
“I woke up early and thought I’d take a walk,” Zack said as he stretched his arms. “I must have fallen asleep while I was sitting on one of the benches.”
Breakfast was a feast fit for a King, not just a Count and his guests. What a repast! There were pancakes, bacon, sausages, eggs, potatoes, and steak for anyone who wanted it. And, of course, the usual croissants, and French bread with an assortment of jams and jellies. The cozy, soothing aroma of coffee filled the Chateau. And for anyone who preferred tea, that was available, too.
As soon as they finished eating, Count Francois I stood up. “I’ve invited some guests over tonight to meet Francois’ fiancé,” he announced, smiling at Cammie. “I hope you don’t mind. I think you’ll like them. It will be a dinner-dance. We’ll be dining in the ballroom.”
“That’s extremely thoughtful of you, Count Dubonnet,” Hildy said. “But don’t go to any trouble on our account.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” he assured her. “I love doing it. And please,” he smiled, “call me Fran. That’s what all my friends call me. We are, after all, going to be a family.”
“How nice!” Hildy exclaimed. “My friends all call me Hildy. And you know my husband is Jay, and our friends here are Zack, Jenny, and Peter. And, of course,” she laughed, “our daughter, Cammie! I think first names are a lot more friendly, don’t you?”
A glimpse of disapproval showed on Lilli’s face, which she quickly replaced with a smile. “Oh, yes,” she agreed. “Please call me—uh—Lilli. That makes us all one happy family, doesn’t it?” She turned to her husband and changed the subject. “What have you planned for today, Cherie? Anything interesting?”
“I’ve arranged for a nice ride through the countryside,” he replied. “I thought we might go to Mont Richard. I heard that a director from the States is filming a movie there. It should be fun to watch.”
Lilli grimaced. “Don’t you think that’s a bit middle class, Cherie?” There was an awkward silence. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry!” she apologized. “How clumsy of me. I meant nothing personal.”
“No problem,” Peter assured her, brushing her remark aside. “It might be interesting to watch how someone else does it,” he agreed.
* * *
Well, well! Hildy mused. Lilli is finally showing her true colors. What a snob she is!
Zack merely smiled. Jay and Peter remained stone faced, but Jenny’s lips curled as she struggled to keep from laughing.
* * *
When Cammie heard Mont Richard mentioned, her pulse picked up speed. That was the town where Jeremy said he was going! Maybe I’ll see him there, she thought, and her heart went on a marathon. Then she kicked herself. I’m going to marry Francois! Jeremy means nothing to me!
As soon as they finished breakfast, they all went out to the private limousine that the chauffeur had brought around to the courtyard, and were soon on their way to Mont Richard. All except Francois and his mother.
“It will be less crowded and more comfortable if we stay here,” Lilli explained.
Cammie was disappointed. “You’re not coming?” she asked Francois.
“No. You go ahead.” He winked, teasing her. “Mother and I have a big surprise for the wedding, and we need time alone to plan it.” She looked disappointed, and he put his arm around her. “If you knew about it ahead of time it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?” he said.
* * *
They had gone only part way down the winding driveway leading away from the Chateau when Zack suddenly realized that this might be his only chance to look at that Bible. “If you don’t mind,” he told them, “I think I’ll go back and get some rest. I was up quite early this morning, and I could do with some extra shuteye.” He motioned to the chauffeur to stop and let him out.
“Are you all right?” Hildy asked him, concerned.
“I’m fine,” he assured her. “I have some clients back in California that I should check on. You’ll be back for lunch. See you then,” he said.
He turned and began his walk back to the Chateau.
CHAPTER XV
The ride to Mont Richard was leisurely, taking about an hour. The country roads were a little slower than the slick highways, but Fran told the chauffeur to take his time so the passengers could enjoy the scenery.
They soon reached Mont Richard. It looked much like any other small town. Tree-lined streets and quaint buildings graced the rural setting, and it almost seemed that they were back in Scarsdale, New York, except for the fact that the people spoke French instead of English.
The limousine stopped in the center of town where the passengers got out, ready to explore. Cammie headed straight for a gift shop nearby, trying to push aside her hopes of seeing Jeremy. I’ll buy a gift for Francois, she decided, trying to concentrate on him. As she started to enter the front door of the shop, Fran suddenly called to her. “Cammie!” he cried excitedly. “Come here!”
Cammie turned, not knowing what to expect, and walked briskly—a little too briskly, as it turned out. She bumped hard into Jeremy, who was standing just around the corner. His
arms wrapped around her, again keeping her from falling. How natural it felt to be in his arms again!
* * *
Hildy rushed over. “Jeremy!” she exclaimed. “How nice to see you!”
Cammie tried to hide her delight at seeing him, but Hildy wasn’t fooled. With a mother’s instinct, she knew what was on her daughter’s mind.
Why can’t she be honest with herself and admit her feelings for him? she wondered. What is it about Francois that has her so mesmerized? Could it be that her youth can’t let go of what he’s dangling in front of her—all those jewels and the glamour of becoming a Countess? If she really loved him it wouldn’t make any difference if he were a Count or not. She’d love him, anyway. She’s so young, she mused. I guess she’s not to blame. But how can I make her see this? She’s obviously attracted to this nice young man, and he’s so perfect for her.
* * *
Jeremy reluctantly released Cammie. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” she laughed. “Thanks again.”
It was then that she saw why Fran had called her. There on the side street was the filming he hoped to see. Maybe Lilli thought this was “middle class,” she mused, but the Count is really enjoying it. How nice he is! she thought. I’ll really enjoy being his daughter-in-law. He’s a really neat guy—not a snob like Lilli. And she decided then and there that she would never be snooty like her when she became a Countess.
“What are you doing here?” she asked Jeremy. “Are you in the film business?”
“No, I’m here on a much different matter.” He studied her for a moment. Then he smiled. “I haven’t told a soul about this. It’s strange. I feel as though I can trust you, and it’s so nice to be able to confide in someone.”
Cammie felt deeply honored. Careful! she warned, as she felt herself being pulled toward him like a magnet. You’re engaged to Francois.
“I’m here to speak to the producer of this picture,” Jeremy told her. “I was adopted when I was five years old. I can’t remember much about myself before then, but I think this producer may be able to help me.”
Cammie was curious. “You know him?”
“Oh, no,” Jeremy replied. “I saw a movie on my flight from New York to Paris, and—” he hesitated.
Cammie waited for him to continue. “And? What?”
“Well—let me start at the beginning,” he said. “I’ve been having dreams that keep repeating themselves—and flashes of memory. In one of these dreams, or flashes, I see a building made of stone. I’m sure it’s somewhere in France.”
Cammie was puzzled. “What do these dreams have to do with the movie?”
“The movie I saw—‘First Love’—” he answered, “showed in one of the scenes the building that I keep seeing in my dreams.”
Cammie was fascinated. Her sense of the drama was piqued.
“Now that I’ve actually seen it,” Jeremy continued, “I know it’s not just my imagination. It really exists. I think it’s a Chateau, but I have no idea what town it’s in. Perhaps if I went there it would jog my memory.”
Cammie listened with rapt attention.
“My adoptive parents didn’t tell me much about my background,” he went on, “but something they said led me to believe that I must have lived in France. I’ve never studied French, but I speak it fluently. Where did I learn it? There’s no other answer.”
“You remember the language since the time you were five?” she asked in amazement. “Isn’t that unusual?”
Jeremy’s eyes softened as he spoke fondly of the only parents he could remember. “When I was first adopted I couldn’t speak any English,” he told her. “The only way my adoptive parents could communicate with me was in French. They spoke it fluently. Eventually I learned to speak English. I had to when I went to school. Mom and Dad still spoke to me in French frequently. I think they wanted me to feel at home. They never explained it to me, so I’m guessing.” He looked wistful. “They’re dead now, so I can’t ask them. But I remember when I was maybe five years old—before I was adopted—talking to a man whose name I can’t recall. I’m sure we spoke in French.”
“Do you remember anything about this man—what he looked like—how you happened to be together? Maybe he was your real father,” Cammie suggested.
Jeremy shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. I called him by some other name, but I can’t remember what it was. I sort of remember another man who gave him orders. It’s all so vague.”
Cammie was enchanted. “Sounds just like a storybook!” she exclaimed.
“I’ve been hoping the producer could tell me where they filmed it,” Jeremy explained.
“You haven’t asked him yet?”
“No,” Jeremy said. “He’s been so busy I haven’t had a chance to speak to him.”
“Maybe my dad can help you. Dad,” she called to Jay, “would you come over here for a minute?”
Jay had been watching the filming, but came to them immediately.
Cammie quickly explained to him what Jeremy had told her. “Dad, do you know this producer? Maybe you could speak to him,” she suggested.
“I’m familiar with the name,” he told her. “Paul Rudman. He does fine work. I was about to go over and introduce myself. Why don’t you two come along? You can ask him about the Chateau. I think Peter would like to meet him, too,” he said, as he motioned for him to join them.
The producer recognized Cammie immediately. “Cameron Stuart!” he exclaimed. “I’ve seen you many times in your mother’s wonderful musicals! And Jay Stuart!” He smiled as he held out his hand. Then he saw Peter. “Well, I know who you are! What a magnificent job you’ve done filming the musicals!” He paused and looked around. “Where’s Hildy? Is she here with you?”
“She’s over there talking with Peter’s wife, Jenny, and Count Francois Dubonnet, Cammie’s future father-in-law,” Jay told him. He beckoned to them to come over.
Paul Rudman told the crew and the actors to take a fifteen minute break. He greeted Hildy and Jenny warmly, and extended his hand to the Count. “What a pleasant surprise!” he exclaimed. “I talked to you on the phone when you gave me permission to do some filming on one of your properties. It’s so nice to meet you and thank you in person!” He turned to Jeremy. “I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure.”
“This is Jeremy Douglass,” Cammie told him. “He has a very important question to ask you.”
Paul smiled encouragingly. “Yes,” he said. “How can I help you?”
Jeremy hesitated. “This may sound a little odd,” he said, apologetically, “but I saw your movie, ‘First Love,’ while I was on the plane coming to France, and I need to know the location of the Chateau that was in one of the scenes.”
Paul thought for a minute. “Oh! You mean the wedding scene. That was the Chateau we were just talking about—the Chateau de Boulanger in the town of Chaumont on the River Loire.”
Fran, who had been listening intently, held out his hand to Jeremy. “I’m Count Francois I,” he said. “And you’re—?”
“Jeremy Douglass,” Jeremy answered, returning the Count’s handshake.
“I own the Chateau you are asking about,” Fran explained. “That is where my family and I spend our winters. It’s not far from here. Only an hour’s drive.”
Paul Rudman reached for a map. “Here,” he said, pointing to it, “you take this route going north till you come to a fork in the road. Turn left and go about twenty miles. You’ll see the Chateau across the river. Go over the bridge, and you’ll have no trouble from there. Good luck!”
Jeremy shook his hand warmly. “I can’t thank you enough. You don’t know how much this means to me!”
“You’re connected with this Chateau?” Paul asked him.
“I don’t know,” Jeremy replied, “but I inten
d to find out.” He looked at his watch. “I’d better get going. If I find the place before it gets dark I may have time to look around. I hope you don’t mind my going there, Sir,” he said, turning to the Count. “I just want to see it.”
“I don’t mind at all, son,” he assured him. “This is the summer season and I’m sure you’ll find someone there who can help you. Just tell whoever is there that I said to show you anything you want to see.”
“Thank you, Sir. I really appreciate it.” He started to go when the Count stopped him.
“You know,” he said, as a sudden thought came to him, “you could get there by going in the opposite direction. The roads join either way. Perhaps you’d like to follow us and I’ll show you the other route. That way you could stop off at our Chateau in Amboise and have some lunch with us.”
Jeremy was deeply touched. “Why—thank you, Sir,” he replied. “I’d like that very much.”
“Good!” the Count exclaimed. “Then it’s all settled.”
Impulsively, Cammie turned to Jeremy. “Why don’t I ride with you?” she suggested. “Maybe you’d like some company.”
His eyes lit up with pleasure at her suggestion. “I’d love the company,” he assured her.
As Cammie got into Jeremy’s rented car and sat down beside him, she could feel her heart beat a little faster, though she tried to ignore it.
Jeremy followed close behind the limousine. Traffic was light on the quaint, country roads, so this wasn’t too difficult to do. They soon turned and started down the winding driveway that led to the Chateau in Amboise, where they were expected for lunch.
CHAPTER XVI
At the Chateau in Amboise, Zack was having trouble keeping his presence a secret from Francois and his mother. He knew if they even suspected he was here they wouldn’t speak freely, and for Cammie’s sake he felt impelled to find out what the special surprise was that they were planning for her. He had a terrible feeling about it.
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