Chapter 46

Early that morning, Julie called Delaine.

“Well, hey, girl!” came the slow, sweet drawl. “Long time, no heah. Ah figured yo’ forgot all ’bout me.”

“Never.” Julie smiled. It was so good to hear her friend’s voice again. “I’ve been a little busy, that’s all.”

“Huh. Ah can guess. That red-head mindin’ hisself?”

“Luc’s being very sweet.” Better say it and get it over with. “Delaine…I’m pregnant.”

“Ohmagawd, Julie. What that Devil Boy say ’bout that?”

“He’s happy about the baby. He said he never expected to be a father.”

“Ah bet. He seems mo’ like the hit-and-run kind anyway.” It was obvious nothing Luc did would ever be right as far as Delaine was concerned. “Yo’ havin’ that same trouble yo’ had before, ain’tcha?”

“Can’t hide anything from you, can I?” Julie never could figure out how Delaine always managed to know when something was wrong. “I have a fine doctor, and he’s taking good care of me.”

“Follow his orders, Julie. Take care of yo’se’f, an’ that baby. Kid’s already got a strike ’gainst him, with that man for a daddy. How’s Merry?”

“She’s fine.” She was grateful for the change of subject. “Her Uncle Michel bought her a pony and she’s taking riding lessons. Luc’s grandfather’s crazy about her. I wish you could meet them.”

“If they like yo’, Julie, that’s good ’nough for me.”

She talked a little longer, telling Delaine about San Souci, and the horses, not mentioning Clarice and her cattiness. When their conversation ended, Julie felt much better than she had in a long, long time.

* * *

Julie lay in a lounge chair, eyes closed. Earlier in the afternoon, at Luc’s orders, Harrison had put the lounger on the veranda. Luc helped her into a robe, then personally carried her from the bed, placing her in the chair.

“You need some sunshine, and this’ll give you a change of scenery. I know you’re bored. One can read only so many books and watch so much TV. I don’t know how you tolerate those reality shows, anyway.”

Her smile told him she agreed.

“After all, you’re not in prison, ma petite. You’re just having a baby.”

“Tell me about it,” Julie murmured ruefully, adding, “Although Just having a baby doesn’t half-describe it.”

“I don’t see any reason why you can’t lie here and get some sun as long as you don’t try to walk around.”

In spite of her wanting him to stay with her, Luc refused. With a promise to come back in an hour and take her inside, he went back to the study. That was when Julie realized he never stayed on the veranda very long.

For a while, she lay there enjoying being outside, looking at the sky and the flowers now well into blooming, a mass of pinks, reds, and golds. She was entertained by a pair of cardinals who had made a nest in a little birdhouse hanging from a bracket near the roof, as well as other birds frequenting a birdbath in the garden.

From the kitchen came the smell of dinner being prepared. Once Mattie stepped from under the veranda entryway to call up to her, asking if she’d like some cookies or a glass of lemonade.

“Oh, thank you, Mattie, lemonade would be great.” Closing her eyes, she sighed.

Later, when she heard someone coming up the steps and stopping near the chaise, she said, “Just set it on the table, Mattie. I’ll drink it in a few minutes.”

“Oui, Madame.”

That definitely wasn’t Mattie’s voice.

Opening her eyes, Julie saw Michel holding a small tray with her glass on it. She sat up, taking the glass. “Sit down, Michel. Please.”

Since there were no other chairs on the veranda, he perched on the foot of the chaise, placing the tray on the tiles.

“How are you feeling, Julie?”

“Better. Just now, I’m more bored than anything else. That’s why Luc suggested I stay out here a while.” Raising the glass, she drained it. “Oh, that was good. I haven’t had lemonade in years.” Returning the glass to the tray, she looked up at him. “I was beginning to think you might be angry with me.”

“Why?”

“Because you haven’t been to see me.”

He flushed but looked pleased. “I’ve been busy with Al Shiraz. The next show’s in two months, and he’s still a little noise-shy. That’s the only thing keeping him from getting Judge’s Choice.” He bobbed his head in a mock-bow. “I apologize for neglecting my sister-in-law. Forgive me.”

She looked past him. “I understand Luc hasn’t been returning the favor.”

“Oh. You know.”

“Yes, I’m afraid Louise and Amy are a little too talkative.” She sighed. “They didn’t know I heard, of course.”

“It doesn’t mean anything, Julie.” Michel surprised himself by defending Luc. “Luc’s just trying to…” He hesitated, searching for the right word. “…uh…sublimate some excess energy.”

Like you do with Al Shiraz? Julie was shocked by the thought. She was glad she didn’t say it aloud.

“I trust Luc,” she answered.

The sun chose that moment to go behind a cloud.

Michel looked up. “I’d better take you inside.” He looked relieved to change the subject. “It looks like we’re in for a shower.”

Standing, he bent and scooped her off the lounge and carried her through the open French door into the bedroom. After helping her out of her robe, he settled her in the bed. As he was arranging the pillows behind her and pulling up the covers, the door opened and Luc came in.

“Well, this is a surprise.”

Michel stepped away from the bed. Luc smiled smugly.

“Michel was nice enough to bring me inside,” Julie explained. “It looks as if it’s going to rain.”

“How very considerate of you, mon frère.” The smile turned cold. “And tucking her in, too. You seem so at home in my bedroom.”

“Luc! How dare—” Julie’s exclamation was cut off by Michel’s hand on her arm.

“Don’t, Julie. You mustn’t get upset.” He took a step toward Luc, thought better of it and looked back at her. “I’ll say good afternoon now.”

“Good afternoon, Michel. Thank you.”

He went out through the veranda door, his footsteps echoing on the tiles.

“Why did you say that?” Julie jerked around, facing Luc. “How could you even suggest such a thing? He was only trying to be helpful.”

“Let him help his own wife, then,” Luc retorted, going to the door and pushing it shut. He drew the drapes across it. “If he’d do that, I wouldn’t have to…”

“…have to what?” she demanded, a sudden quaver in her voice.

“Nothing.” Luc hadn’t intended to say that. “Just…he’s been neglecting Clarice lately, so I’ve taken her to General Lee’s a couple of times.”

More than a couple. Half a dozen times in the past month.

“General Lee’s?” Julie frowned. “Is that the bar on the other side of town?”

He nodded, wondering if she already knew. Something about the way she said that…

“I see.”

“Now it’s my turn to ask what you mean.” He’d expected some sharp remark or cutting sarcasm, and was extra-defensive because she responded so quietly.

“I don’t mean anything.” She took a deep breath. “I guess both you and Clarice are feeling a little left out, what with me being cooped up like this, and Michel spending all his time with Al Shiraz.” She studied her hands before looking up at him. “Luc, I’m sorry I’m so sick. After the baby’s born, I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

That made him feel like the biggest heel in Orleans Parish. Sitting on the side of the bed, he took her hands in his.

“Don’t apologize, Julie. I’m the one who should be doing that.”

“Maybe we could go away, just the two of us…” She stopped, shaking her head. “I guess that wouldn’t be a good idea, not if we’re going to get a divorce. I mean, how would it look? A second honeymoon and then we go our separate ways? That might be a little suspicious, mightn’t it?”

Luc sighed. “Yes, it would. Very sensible of you to see that, ma belle.”

He learned forward and kissed her, feeling her respond as she put her arms around his neck, returning the kiss. His arms tightened around her.

“Oh, Julie…” He slid one hand to her breast, thumb sliding over the nipple. It felt so warm through the gown’s thin fabric.

“Don’t.”

She pushed him away, half-heartedly, he thought. He hoped.

“We shouldn’t.”

“You’re right. As usual.” He released her, stood up, and walked out.

In the hall, he stopped at the top of the stairs, fist quietly beating against the smooth surface of the mahogany newel post. He was seething…furious at himself for mentioning Clarice…angry at Julie for being so understanding and so desirable, and making him want her so badly. If only, just once, they could…

* * *

Deciding tonight to stay out of Julie’s presence until he calmed down, Luc had dinner with the rest of the family, but he barely noticed what was served. Jean-Luc was concerned about that, but accepted his explanation that he was worried about Julie. Changing the subject with the statement that he was also thinking about the Montreal project, Luc distracted his grandfather.

After Jean-Luc left them and they were alone, Clarice asked, “What’s the matter with you, Luc? You’re as jumpy as a tomcat during mating season.”

There was so much venom in her voice he wanted to reach across the table and slap her. Instead, he glared at Michel, growling, “Can’t you control your wife’s tongue?”

Michel simply smiled at him, looking so superior he wanted to deck him, too. “You’ve never wanted it controlled before, mon frère. Didn’t you once call it quite talented? Or am I mistaken?”

“Merde, vous petit…” Luc jumped to his feet, reaching for Michel.

Clarice found herself between them, pushing each away from the other. For once, she looked frightened and not at all like a woman wanting two men fighting over her, especially since she’d maneuvered them into doing exactly that.

“Did I misquote you?” Still smiling, Michel sauntered toward the dining room door, saying as he stepped into the hall. “Je suis désolé.”

Clarice stared after him.

“I’ve got to get out of here. If I stay around here much longer, I’m going to…” Luc left the rest of the sentence unsaid.

Clarice looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to say it. So, he did.

“Let’s go, Clarice.”

Three minutes later, they were in the ’Vette, heading for General Lee’s.