Wild legacy (44 page)

"Then why is she doing it?"

Arielle leaned close and whispered, "I can think of only one reason, and that is love."

Byron winced. "Christ! I would sooner have Sean O'Keefe here in his uniform!"

"Yes. Dominique has acquired somewhat unusual tastes in men, but everyone in Grand Pre said the same of me and in not nearly such polite terms. Could you not regard Etienne as one of my people, rather than as Gaetan's son?"

Appalled that she had taken Dominique's side against him, Byron brushed his wife's hands from his arm and walked away without offering a reply, and Arielle knew Dominique was not the only one who had gone too far that night. She would not allow her dismay to show in her expression and passed among their guests wearing a delighted smile, but now she had far more on her mind than keeping them entertained. She received effusive compliments on the food, and the musicians played such lovely music the dancing lasted far into the night, but the whole while she knew the party was merely a prelude to what could easily become the worst fight she and her beloved husband had ever had.

Because Falcon was not well enough to travel, he and Belle were remaining there for the night, but while he knew

the guests would at least expect them to bid everyone good night and go upstairs, he did not want Etienne to have to contend with Byron on his own. He had spent the greater part of the evening seated, but taking Belle by the hand, he walked across the room to stand with £tienne and Dominique. "Let's have the second wedding while everyone is still here," he suggested.

"That's a lovely idea," Dominique agreed, "but it may not be easy to arrange." She looked up at Etienne and was delighted to find the confidence he had displayed all evening still reflected in his smile. She waved to Jean, and when he responded she asked him to summon their parents. Inspired by her gesture, Falcon caught Christian's eye and he and Liana joined them.

Byron and Arielle approached from different sides of the room, but stood together. Byron was even less cordial than he had been earlier. "If you have anything to say other than good night, Monsieur LeBlanc, I've no wish to hear it."

"That is a pity," Etienne responded, "for I have a fascinating subject to discuss. Dominique has agreed to become my bride, and with your permission, we would also like to get married tonight."

Stunned by the Frenchman's announcement, Byron turned to Arielle. "Did you know about this?"

Although hurt by his accusing tone, Arielle raised her chin proudly. "No. I had absolutely no idea Dominique was even interested in Etienne."

Intending to yank Dominique away, Byron reached out to grab her arm, but Etienne stepped in front of her to block the move. "I would like your answer, sir," he challenged.

"Do I have to say it again?" Byron sneered. He kept his voice low, and what the guests observed was merely a gathering of the family in a quiet conversation. "Get out of my house and don't ever come back."

Falcon braced his weight against the back of a chair, but

spoke firmly. "If you have a quarrel with fetienne, then you have one with me."

Christian moved forward to support his brother. "If you have a quarrel with either Etienne or Falcon, then you have one with me as well."

Too perceptive a man to be fooled by hushed voices coming from the scene in the corner, Hunter approached in time to hear the last exchange. He saw how tightly Dominique was clinging to Etienne's hand and understood everything in an instant. "My sons know what is right, and so do I. I will take Dominique's side."

Dominique had always sensed Hunter did not really approve of her, but she saw a new, loving acceptance in his eyes that night. "Thank you, Uncle. I want to wed £tienne, and because Father has refused to give his consent, we'll have to go."

Byron laughed out loud at that threat. "And just how far do you think you'll get?"

"They need go no farther than my parents' home," Liana offered. "In fact, let's take the priest and invite everyone who wishes to join us for the ceremony to follow us there."

Dominique had not thought past having to march out the front door, but was delighted by Liana's suggestion. "What do you think?" she asked Etienne.

"I think it is a fine idea."

Byron felt someone at his elbow and found Johanna and David had joined them. He had once advised her not to risk her heart on a young man who would soon go on his way but she had fallen in love with David anyway, and he had stayed to become her husband. Alanna had appeared to take Hunter's hand, and he recalled what a shy creature she had been before the brave had entered her life.

Feeling badly outnumbered, Byron slipped his arm around his own dear wife's waist and remembered how insulted his parents had been by his choice. He had never regretted marrying Arielle, and knew she would be a delight

to the end of his days. His anger dissolved by the warmth of the love surrounding him, he sighed softly. "Is this what you truly want, sweetheart?"

Dominique spoke to Etienne rather than her father. "With all my heart."

Byron attempted to accept her choice with grace. "Then there's no reason to traipse off to the Scotts'. You two will be married right here where you belong, but I swear if you ever give my daughter a second of grief, Etienne, I'll see you're on board the next vessel sailing for France."

Etienne extended his hand. "You have my word. I will give Dominique the very best of lives. It is what she has already given me."

Reluctantly, Byron shook Etienne's hand, and in the next instant Dominique threw her arms around her father's neck to hug him, and her joy made everything right. When she released Byron, he turned to Jean. "Beau will probably bring home a princess from the south seas, but will you please try to find a bride from among our friends?"

"I'm only sixteen! I don't need a wife."

Jean's protest was drowned out by his family's laughter. English, Seneca, French, they had been drawn from different cultures and different lands but together they had created something beautiful and new. Dominique and Etienne's wedding was celebrated with the same joy as Belle and Falcon's, and while the guests may have been astonished by the impromptu ceremony, no one doubted the radiant love in the couple's eyes or their chances for a blissful future.

NOTE TO READERS

I hope that you have enjoyed sharing Belle and Dominique's passionate adventures with Falcon and Etienne. Love is always a powerful force, and especially so in perilous times. America has a fascinating history, and it has been a joy to bring it to life through characters who display the diverse influences of the English, Seneca, and French. Thank you for again celebrating love's ageless thrill with me. I welcome your comments. Please write to me c/o Zebra Books. Include a legal-size self-addressed stamped envelope for an autographed bookmark and newsletter. Or you can E-mail me at: [email protected].

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