Upon Your Return のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

A Grave MisunderstandingUpon Your Return - Episode 22Chapter NineFara wasn’t decent when Eric burst into her temporary cabin the next morning and shook her awake. “Mademoiselle!”Her eyes snapped open and focused on him. “Eric?”“You must come. It's Maitre!”She sucked in a breath. Something had happened to Grant. “Is he—”“No, no. Come see for yourself, though.”She nodded. “I must change.”“Now, Mademoiselle. It is a thing to see!” He bounded out of the room then, seemingly oblivious to her state of dishabille.Fara, perplexed, threw back the bedclothes and reached for her dressing sacque. Fastening it at the front, between her breasts, she stepped into her slippers and started down the hall while running her fingers roughly through her tangled curls. When she reached Grant's cabin, she stopped short, shocked, in the doorway.Grant sat up in bed, grumbling about the way his men were milling around him. He also complained about the physician, who was redressing his wound. When Gr

The Masked BallUpon Your Return - Episode 24On the evening of the ball, she stood in front of the mirror as she prepared to leave. She wore an emerald gown with a matching glittery, feathered mask, which covered part of her eyes and nose. Her flame-colored locks were piled atop her head in a coronet with the other half falling like a cascade down her back. She wore emerald slippers and toted a like-colored bag. Donning a black shawl against the cool of night, she went to join Rosalie and Helene downstairs.Rosalie would be acting as their chaperone tonight. She was dressed more conservatively than the girls, wearing a simple gown of blue. Helene had chosen a pink gown and matching mask for a striking contrast against her incredibly dark hair. Fara and Helene giggled with excitement as they left the house and ascended into the Bellamont carriage directed by Pierre. She and her friend chatted in near whispers on the way to the ball like cohorts plotting a crime.When they arrived at th

The Night of the OperaUpon Your Return - Episode 26***Fara experienced something unique as she clung to Grant's arm. The opera house was breathtakingly beautiful in its decadence, but she was only aware of him. She felt a kind of electric sensation as her body was close to his. She didn’t think of society or what would be said tomorrow about the ordeal. She only thought of being with him in public, of finally, in some way announcing how she felt about him. Grant did not look at all bad either; if anything, in his black waistcoat and trousers with gold rope accents, he looked better than the other gentlemen.As they left the opera house in the carriage after the event, Fara couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful the opera was, how the costumes were beautiful, how friendly everyone had been to them. Grant listened and agreed. When they returned to the house, he escorted her to her room. It was so late, and all the servants had already gone to bed. Even Rosalie, who sometimes waited

A Curious LoverUpon Your Return - Episode 28Chapter ElevenGrant was handling business affairs in town the next day when he heard a man speak of Andrew Spencer. He waited until the merchant walked away before he approached his valet, who had been nearby. “Where is he headed, Eric?”“Capitaine, your informant tells me Monsieur Spencer is leaving France.”“Oui?” He gripped Eric's shirtsleeves. “Tell me where!”“Louisiana, Capitaine. He's going home. Since you've returned, he has accepted there is no longer a need for his services.”He had already dismissed the man, but he wasn't sure he would give up so easily. He hadn’t liked the look in Spencer’s eyes. Perhaps it had only been unrequited after all?Grant let go of his manservant. “I am sorry, Eric. I was out of line perhaps.”The man grinned slyly. “It is sometimes amazing what a man will do for the love of a woman.”“Oui,” he agreed softly and turned away. “My horse, Eric?”“René will be brought shortly.”“Merci.” He had only to wai

The IntruderUpon Your Return - Episode 30The voice was masculine yet unfamiliar. Inhaling sharply, panic spread in tingles down her back. She rose on her elbows, aware just how vulnerable she was in only her nightgown. “Who are you? Reveal yourself or I will scream for help.”“Relax, Mademoiselle. It is I, Nicholas Bordeaux.” He stepped forward into the moonlight which spilled through the window.Fara recognized him as the man she'd seen in the club. A new kind of heat built inside her; a refreshing rage. Her fiancé? The man who had nearly killed Grant and was somehow still tied to her in writing had truly crossed the line this time.“Get out,” she ordered thickly.“Please, Mademoiselle…” He sighed. “I realize the circumstances of our first meeting were less than acceptable, but—”“What are you doing here? Get out!” She flung her feet over the side of the bed and rushed toward him. “Out, I said!”He caught her wrists as she fell against him, her fists balled. “Mademoiselle…” He sho