Manneau showed no trace of emotion and might just as easily have been handing over an inanimate object. Alice had no qualms whatsoever about gushing and taking the child in its carrier from Manneau. She cooed and chirruped about her beauty and said how much she’d been looking forward to fussing over a new child. Blaise had never been so close to a baby before and she marveled at its fragility and miniature size. She was now this being’s mother. She had gone from child to mother in just a few weeks and silently prayed that she would be up to the challenge.
“I will leave you to get acquainted. I will return in a few days. I have another surprise for you.”
Blaise wasn’t sure if she should thank him for the gift of the child or if he should be thanking her instead. She nodded her head and gave a small smile. She supposed that there was no set etiquette in these circumstances.
Alice and Blaise took the child into the family room where there was a fire burning in the grate and the room was warm and snug. Dusk was just beginning to fall, and the room was welcoming. Alice put the carrier onto the sofa and removed the child. She kissed her gently on the top of the head before handing her over to Blaise who had taken a seat near to the fire in an armchair. She took hold of her as if she might break and looked at her in awe, open eyes round.
“I’ll go and get her some milk warmed up. Won’t be long,” said Alice, and disappeared out of the room, closing the door quietly.
“Hello, little one,” Blaise said softly as the baby looked into her eyes. “I’m your mommy.” The child grimaced slightly.
“I know, it’s a bit scary for me too. But we’ll be okay together. I’m going to love you more than anyone could. And I’m going to teach you so much. Right here, at home. You are going to prove Jacques Manneau wrong. You will show him that women are the superior sex and things will have to change. You will have a special future ahead of you. You’re a very special little girl and I shall call you Estella. You are Estella Winters. How do you like it? It has a ring about it, doesn’t it?”
The baby cooed back at its new mother, who raised the baby’s head to her face to smell the unique smell that babies have. “We are going to love each other so much Estella. We will make each other stronger. I will always be here for you. We will travel, and I will show you Paris and Rome and London. We will have so many adventures.”
The door opened, and Alice came back into the room carrying a bottle of milk. She held it out to Blaise and said, “Here you are Blaise. This is the start of your new life. I can see that you have already bonded. I know that you will love her as much as Agatha loved you.”
“Yes, it’s a shame she’s not here to see my little Estella now. But she’s dead, isn’t she?” Alice made no reply. “Although that’s not true is it Alice? Why did you lie to me?”
“What? What do you mean?” said Alice, slightly flustered.
“Monsieur Manneau told me the truth about memories being wiped clean and women being relocated. I know my mother is still alive somewhere. I want to find her Alice.”
“Don’t even think of that Blaise. It will only lead to sorrow. As far as we are concerned, Agatha is dead. Try and think of it as you thought of death before you became aware of who you are, of who we are. It is like a death. It is what happens to humans when they die, only they don’t get relocated on Earth in the same body halfway through their lives.”
“That’s easier said than done Alice. I feel as if I’m caught in some nightmare from which I can’t wake up. It is my worst nightmare. I am not this person that you and Manneau expect me to be now.”
“But surely you knew or suspected that you were very different to the people you knew, the people you went to school with? Did you not recognize the differences more than the similarities? And haven’t you had a good life so far? Don’t you want to give that life to your Estella now?”
“No! Only for it to be snatched away in just 18 years. I don’t understand you Alice. You’re a woman. Why do you accept it? Is it because you are fine, you don’t have to be uprooted and leave the ones you love?”
“I lose the ones I love every 36 years or so. Over and over again it happens. And it never hurts any less. It is not an easy option Blaise. But it’s all I have. We must all make the best of it.”
“Must we? Really?”
“What else can we do?”
“I don’t know Alice, I don’t know.” She put the bottle into the baby’s mouth, who accepted it eagerly. Alice remained watching her, worried that she was trying to think of some way to escape.
“There is no other way Blaise. It’s a shock. But you’ll get used to the idea in time. You’re grieving. It’s natural.” She turned and left the room and Blaise watched as the baby greedily sucked at the teat contentedly.
“You’re my priority now Estella. And we will find a way, I promise you.” Silently, she decided that she could no longer confide in Alice. She was too entrenched in the ways of the clan. She would learn everything she could from her, but Alice would never know her plans. She didn’t know them herself yet, but she would, given time.
Perhaps it was because Blaise desperately needed someone to love, but she not only loved the baby she had been gifted but totally adored her. She read to her and made up stories and sang to her. It filled her heart when the baby was old enough to gurgle and respond to her.
A few days after Estella arrived, Manneau returned, this time with a puppy. There was no doubt that the dog was a handsome beast, a German shepherd, who Manneau said he hoped Blaise would love and Estella grow up with. Blaise had always wanted a dog, but Agatha had always denied her, saying that they travelled too much, and it wouldn’t be fair.
“The dog has no name yet. What is your choice for this fellow?”
Blaise considered for a while and replied, “Cerberus. His name will be Cerberus.”
“Now, that is a name I have heard before. Was that not the dog who guarded the gates of hell?” he asked amused.
“Yes, it was. Although he was there to stop people getting out, not getting in.”
“That’s not how you feel is it? You have always been free to come and go as you please Blaise.”
“I have tried to live life as a human. But I was always different to others. I always knew I was different. Is there no-one else like myself that I can meet? Another young mother? Sometimes, I get very lonely.”
“But you have a baby to care for. And now a puppy. And of course, you have Alice. Is that not enough?” Manneau seemed slightly angry but Blaise ignored it and pressed on.
“No. No, it isn’t. Is there a reason I can meet others of the clan?”
“A reason? No, of course there isn’t. But why would you want to? That’s what I don’t understand.”
“I told you, I am lonely. Don’t you trust me Jacques?” and she looked at him coyly.
“Yes, I trust you. I’m sure in time you will be happy. Let me think about it. I will try and think of someone that you would enjoy meeting. But until then, take your duties seriously. I can see that you have already made a strong bond with Estelle.”
“Estella. Her name is Estella.”
“Oh yes, of course. Estella. And the dog is Cerberus.”
Blaise made no comment. She was affronted that he had already forgotten the name of her daughter.
“Is there anything you want? Or need?”
“No. I have everything I need thank you. Apart from company. Someone to share a meal with, a coffee, a joke, a kiss.”
His head swung around so that he could see her face. “A kiss?”
“Perhaps, in time. I am still a woman and not a nun.”
“You do know that I am attracted to you, don’t you Blaise? You are a very beautiful young woman.”
“Were you attracted to my mother too? And my grandmother?”
“I’m not sure how you want me to answer that.”
“With the truth perhaps.”
“Yes, I loved your mother. You know that your grandmother was married. She married at 1
6 but your mother was still gifted.”
“Yes, I know she was married. Could I get married too?”
“Is that what you want? Would you not prefer to spend your life with me?”
“Who can say Jacques? I don’t even know you.”
“We should perhaps rectify that situation. Let me take you out to dinner. I don’t suppose a man has even taken you out for dinner, has he?”
“No, you would be the first,” Blaise said demurely.
“Then in that case, I shall pick you at 7 tomorrow evening and we will have a meal at the Italian in town. Would you like that?”
“I’d like that very much indeed. Thank you. I shall be ready.”
He left, and Blaise smiled to herself feeling she had won a small victory.
Agatha had always spoiled Blaise when it came to clothes and she’d gathered them from all over the world. She preferred classy, no-fuss clothes that gave off a quiet elegance. She chose a forest green satin midi dress, which skimmed her body. Although it had a high neck the back dropped to reveal her perfectly toned and tanned skin. She put on gold high heeled sandals and emerald earrings, which had been a birthday present from Agatha. Red lipstick finished off the look and the result was a stunningly, beautiful reflection that met Blaise in the full-length mirror of her bedroom.
She’d never prepared to go out with a man and she found she liked feeling glamourous and feminine. Finally, she gave a light spray of Coco Chanel and picking up her purse made her way downstairs just as Jacques was being admitted by Alice. She couldn’t help but notice his appreciative stare as she stepped off the last two steps.
“You look delightful Blaise. Absolutely wonderful.”
Alice brought a faux fur wrap from the closet in the hall and wrapped it around Blaise’s shoulders. “You’ll need that, it’s cold out there.” Alice’s eyes were full of tears. “Have fun,” and she rubbed her back over the wrap.
“Thank you, Alice. Look after Estella and Cerberus. Where is he by the way? I thought he’d be out here keeping watch. Some guard dog we have there.”
“Oh, I’ve shut him in there for now. He was already acting like a giddy idiot. He would have been through the door faster than we could blink.”
“Oh dear, have I done the right thing?” asked Jacques sheepishly.
“Oh yes you have. He is adorable. Estella is going to love him.”
“I’m glad he makes you happy. Shall we go?” and he waved his hand expansively as he opened the door to let Blaise go first.
The food was excellent and impressive, even though both Blaise and Jacques had eaten in some of the world’s best restaurants. The ambience was intimate and romantic, and Blaise had to keep reminding herself of the real purpose of her friendship with Jacques, who was proving to be thoroughly charming. Over the evening, they found that they shared a sense of humor and Blaise found herself giggling uncontrollably despite herself.
Finishing the meal, they sat with a brandy, digesting the food and savoring each other. “I have had a wonderful time Blaise. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed myself so much. Thank you for agreeing to come with me.”
“I’ve had a marvelous time too Jacques. Thank you for asking me.”
“You sound surprised.”
She smiled. “I am. But pleasantly.”
“Does that mean you would repeat the experience?”
“I think I could be easily persuaded to.”
He held up his glass and clinked it against hers when Blaise raised hers.
“To the next time.”
She echoed his words and they smiled at each other like old friends.
She was determined to keep the relationship chaste for as long as she could. She wanted him to think that she was unattainable and a pure lady. When his car pulled up outside her door, she thanked him again and kissed him on the cheek before reaching for the door.
“Can I come in for a coffee?” he asked hopefully.
“I think not. I’m rather tired. Maybe next time.” She smiled sweetly at him in the dark and he nodded his acquiescence in acceptance.
“Okay, fair enough. Sleep tight my love.”
“I will thank you.”
She let herself into the house and Alice was still waiting for her. “Would you like a coffee or tea? Anything else?”
“No thank you Alice. Has Estella been okay?”
“Like an angel. Did you have a good time?”
Blaise wondered what Alice was feeling. Was she jealous? Angry? Concerned?
“Yes thanks. It was nice. I’m going to bed now. So tired. Night.”
“Oh, all right, night then,” Alice said, disappointed.
As Blaise climbed into bed after popping into the nursery to look at Estella adoringly, she wanted to analyze the evening, but sleep overtook her before she knew. And she slept soundly and peacefully.
Chapter Five – Making Plans
Blaise was surprised to wake feeling happy and was a little annoyed with herself for feeling like that so quickly after she had lost Agatha. But the emotion had been subconscious and reflexive. She couldn’t lose sight of what she was trying to achieve. But what did she want exactly? She remembered Agatha’s letter. She had warned her that Jacques was evil but to her he had been Mr. Charming personified. He had totally charmed her, and she had felt herself warming to him and softening her heart towards him. She mustn’t forget that it had been Jacques Manneau who had taken her mother away and would take her away too in 18 years. Unless she found a way to stop him. And that is what she must never forget.
When she got downstairs, Alice was already there with Estella who snoozed contentedly in her crib, already fed and dressed for the day.
“You’ve dressed her Alice? Thank you so much. I must say I did need the extra sleep. I’m not used to drinking wine although I did enjoy it very much.”
“You’re a young woman now Blaise. You should be having fun.”
“It’s just my choice of dinner date you don’t approve of then?”
“It’s not my business. But no, seems you’re asking, I think you’re playing with fire.”
“But why would he spare you and not me? Why are you different?”
“Because I had a son. A son he loved very much and that bought be grace.”
“Then I shall make him love Estella too. And me too.”
“Blaise. You should stop your dangerous game right now. You don’t know what you’re getting into.”
“I think I do Alice. You’re either with me or not. Which is it to be? It can’t be both.”
“Don’t make me choose Blaise. I love you more than life. You’re cruel to ask me to make a choice.”
“Then I shan’t ask you again. Is there any coffee please?”
Alice got up and went towards the kitchen and Blaise could hear her clattering the cups and cafetière. She cursed the position she was in, but it was her life now and she had to deal with it as best she could. And she was prepared to fight. When Alice returned with the coffee, no more was said about the situation and after breakfast Blaise got Estella ready for a walk in the park, their first outing together.
The day was sunny and fresh, and Blaise made sure Estella was wrapped up warm. At the last minute, she decided to take Cerberus too and attached his leash. He would need lots of training for recall and other commands but for now he needed exercise and toileting at least. The local park was one of Blaise’s favorite places to be around town, an oasis, with had a small lake where ducks and swans swam. When she watched the swans floating on the water, she felt tranquil and had often come here to do her thinking. She hoped that they would help her today too.
She decided to push Estella around the lake and Cerberus seemed to be particularly well-behaved, so the outing looked promising and as if it was going to be an enjoyable outing. Estella fell asleep almost as soon as they left the house and Blaise took found a bench and sat down, taking out her latest book to read in the sun. Cerberus settled down beside her and obediently snoozed t
oo. She could feel her bones relaxing as she became engrossed in the text of her book and began to live within its pages. The place was so peaceful. But then from nowhere a ball flew over her head and Cerberus jumped up like a firecracker. He moved so swiftly and urgently that his leash slipped effortlessly from Blaise’s limp wrist and he was away chasing after the children who had kicked the ball.
“Cerberus! Cerberus!” shouted Blaise frantically. But he paid no attention and was much happier to chase the children. Why had she brought the wretched dog? She had no chance of getting him back. She would lose him now on the second day. Jacques would think she had done it on purpose even though she had already grown incredibly fond of the stupid fur ball.
She raised her hands to her head and shook it, hoping for an answer to suddenly drop into it. But nothing came.
“Don’t worry. I’ll get him for you,” she looked up and a young, blond man was grinning at her. “Cerberus!” he called out enthusiastically, “Here boy! Treat!” and he held out his hand. Remarkably, Cerberus looked at him, gave the children who were now walking away a last look, and trotted up towards the stranger who was patting his legs to encourage the mutt. It took him 10 seconds flat to reach him and he showed his unbound affection by jumping up and almost somersaulting for the stranger.
“Well, you traitor Cerberus,” but Blaise hurried to fix his leash to the collar. “Thank you so much. I think I might have lost him if you hadn’t been here. You seem to be very good with dogs.”
“I should be, I’m a dog trainer.”
“Oh really. This is a stroke of good luck. Perhaps you could train Cerberus for me?”
“I’d be happy to. Here’s my card. Give me a call and we’ll make arrangements for me to come and see you. We’ll soon have this little fella trained. He’s great.”
“I’ve never had a dog before. He was a gift and I’m not sure I’m cut out to own a dog.”
Witchy Secrets Page 3