Triangle of Love - Beau's Quest

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

TRIANGLE OF LOVE BEAU’S QUEST © 2008 by Kate Hofman All rights reserved First Edition March 2008 DCL Publications 36 Monash Street Melton South Victoria Australia 3338 www.thedarkcastlelords.com ISBN 978-1-921347-50-4 No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information and storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental. PUBLISHED IN AUSTRALIA

© 2008 DCL Publications

2

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

The National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry for this publication is: Author: Title: Edition:

Hofman, Kate. Triangle of love [electronic resource] : Beau's quest / Kate Hofman. 1st ed.

Publisher:

Melton South, Vic. : DCL Publications, 2008.

ISBN:

9781921347504 (pdf)

Dewey Number:

813.6

© 2008 DCL Publications

3

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Many thanks to Jean Watkins, for her patience and courtesy in editing BEAU’S QUEST, the first book of the TRIANGLE OF LOVE. Thanks are also due to my fellow writers at The Dark Castle Lords, who threw themselves enthusiastically into the unenviable task of helping me find titles for the books. My gratitude to Pam Seres and Izzy, our most talented cover artist, for finding the right Castle Lords for the covers, and in particular to Stuart Bazga, who hit on the brilliant idea of having an umbrella name for the three books: TRIANGLE OF LOVE.

© 2008 DCL Publications

4

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Prologue Just getting acquainted

Across the Inland Waterway at Ocean Breeze, Florida, there is a place called Ocean Breeze West. It is an enclave of so-called cottages, but they are really too big for the name. In the 1930s, when land was very cheap in the area, eight friends got together and bought twenty acres of lush woodland. Here, they removed the smallest possible number of trees and built eight cottages, in accordance with their personal needs. Some built ranchers, some added a second floor for guest suites. At the southern end, they built a big pool with a patio and cabanas. The entire area is shaded by the tall, whispering Georgia pines. The friends designated their haven as a private club. The Articles of Association stipulate that cottages may be sold only to buyers who are approved by all the other owners. Mostly, however, the cottages are inherited. In the 1980s, the area was made into a secure, gated community. The largest cottage belongs to Miss Jane DeVilliers, sixty, plagued by osteo-arthritis these days. A frequent visitor is her nephew, Beauregard DeVilliers, called Beau, age forty-one. Eight years ago, after two years of marriage, his wife died suddenly in a traffic accident. In spite of many very attractive women’s attempts to change his widower status, he calmly continues to rebuff all their efforts. He lives in an aerie on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. This suits Beau, who likes his privacy. Beau writes serious, very successful historical novels for his uncle’s publishing house. Next to Jane’s cottage is a much smaller, ranch-style cottage belonging to Alicia MacLean Fitzsimmons. She is a thirty-two-year old widow, a writer of fiction. She has lived here for several years and has become a friend of Jane’s, whom she helps out whenever she can.

© 2008 DCL Publications

5

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

The other cottages are owned by kind and friendly neighbours, with the exception of the cottage owned by Axel Berglund, a fifty-year-old businessman from Atlanta, who is given to bringing with him ever-changing female companions, who are basically call-girls. Axel has a housekeeper, Bridget O’Rourke, who wears a perpetual frown on the week-ends. The last cottage is owned by Father Mark Shaughnessy, a priest in his mid-thirties, who has serious philosophical differences with his bishop, and is not at present active in the priesthood. He remains, of course, an ordained priest, and his neighbours continue to call him ‘Father Mark’.

© 2008 DCL Publications

6

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman Chapter 1

Jane DeVilliers looked with pleasure around her biggest guest-suite, a corner room with windows to the south and east. It was ready for Beau, her nephew. Blinds drawn halfway would keep the room from getting too warm for comfort. All the windows were partly open, allowing the pleasant Spring air to flow into the room. Beau preferred ‘real’ air, as he called it, to air-conditioning. She placed a carefully thought-out selection of books on his bedside table. Beau never could go to sleep without reading for a while first, a habit he shared with his aunt. She was glad she had bought a queen-size bed for this guest-suite. Beau was so tall, he’d need that comfort. She had refused the suggestions of the furniture store designer, who wanted to dress up the room with cozy chairs, lots of cushions. But she knew Beau preferred cool austerity. So there was the big bed, with a bedside table and table-lamp at each side. The bedclothes, over-curtains, two armchairs all in shades of green. The wood pale, the carpet and walls a light silvery sage. Three watercolours by a respected Florida artist showed expanses of sky, sea and beach in different configurations. She hoped they would inspire Beau to sleep well without nightmares. What’s that crunchy sound outside? Oh. Of course, Beau’s Jaguar. He’s here… Jane hastened down the stairs as quickly as her arthritic hip permitted, managing to open her front-door just as Beau began to walk up the path to her door. She gazed at him with delight. Beau – the son I never had… Immaculate, as always. His face has a refined, slightly aloof look, but it suits him. The aristocratic nose, the generous, but disciplined mouth. Six-foot-three of slim, athletic build, wide shoulders. So dark, his hair black, his eyes very dark-brown. The great tan he never seems to lose… “Aunt Jane,” said Beau, with every indication of delight. “It’s good to be here again.” He stepped inside, closing the door. A moment later he wrapped her in a loving embrace, kissing both her thin cheeks. “Hey... Have you got thinner, Aunt Jane?” “I don’t think so, Beau-honey. Oh, it’s so good to see you again. Come in, come in. Sit down here in your favourite chair.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

7

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

She took him into the big living-room, furnished with a long sofa, a wing-chair and two ordinary armchairs in pale yellow Italian leather, grouped around a coffee-table of pale wood. There was a fireplace, where she had two muted-teal wing-chairs with ottomans facing each other. Small drinks tables were placed conveniently. Bookcases to waist height covered two of the walls. There were, of course, heavy, ivory cloth blinds on all the windows, as well as ivory sheer curtains and pale yellow Thai silk over-curtains. The silky carpet was ivory. A delicate Benjamina ficus tree stood between two windows in the south wall, and there were flowers on the big coffee table and in front of the fire-place, which would not be needed again until winter. Beau sighed with pleasure. Aunt Jane’s living room was so soothing. “What will you have to drink, Beau?” she asked. “Wine? Coffee? Iced Tea?” “Perhaps some iced tea, if it’s no trouble, Aunt Jane, thanks,” said Beau, still not totally convinced that his Aunt wasn’t losing weight – which she could ill afford. Jane went to her kitchen, quickly returning to the living-room with two glasses of iced tea. She wondered if his habits had changed. He used to like wine… Oh, wait. He might be having one of his terrible headaches? “Beau honey – tell me… Are you having one of your headaches again?” she asked softly. He shook his head, but she noticed that the movement made him wince. She knew from her own experience this meant the headache was very bad. Privately, she resolved to ask Alicia to massage Beau’s headache away. “Beau, rest your head against the chair and try to relax a bit. The drive down can’t have been all that pleasant – on a Friday afternoon?” Deliberately, she kept her voice to a murmur. She got to her feet. “I’ve some things to do in the kitchen. Why don’t you take your jacket off, and see if you can nap a bit? It might help your headache.” With that, she tiptoed out of the living-room and into her kitchen. Half an hour later, there was a soft tap at her kitchen-door. Alicia MacLean Fitzsimmons opened it, smiling at her friend. “Alicia, you’re saving my life, as usual, bringing the things I need for my nephew’s dinner,” Jane barely whispered. Automatically, Alicia spoke equally quietly, wondering if Jane had a headache coming on.

© 2008 DCL Publications

8

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I’ve got everything on your list. And, knowing how much you like those huge prawns, they had some at the fishermen’s market, so what I’ve done for you is split a dozen – I know that’s too hard on your hands – I rubbed them with lemon-butter, no seasonings, because I thought you’d like to put your own on. The lemon-butter was just to make sure they didn’t dry out in this sudden heat. I thought that might be an easy dinner for you and your nephew when he arrives.” Quickly, Alicia went out to the trunk of her car and started lugging Jane’s groceries into the kitchen. “I was making a big salad and thought I’d do one for you as well. Here’s a small container of my raspberry vinaigrette, so you won’t have to work so hard, particularly tonight, when your nephew arrives.” “Actually, Alicia, Beau is here. Didn’t you see his Jaguar? Oh, no, of course not, you drove in on our little dirt-road at the back.” “Your nephew is here? Oh, Jane, I’m sorry to be so late, but shopping was a bit difficult today. The stores were simply crammed with tourists. Do you need any help putting your groceries away? No? Then I’m out of here right now. Have a wonderful time with your nephew…” Alicia turned to the kitchen-door, but Jane forestalled her. “Actually, Alicia, I’ve a favour to ask of you… Beau arrived with a splitting head-ache, and I was wondering if you’d be willing to do for him what you’ve so often done for me, massage the headache away?” A little hesitant at the thought of massaging the neck of a total stranger, who might not be too keen on this, Alicia hesitated. “Well, yes, of course, I’d be glad to help, if your nephew will permit me to touch him, you told me once he’s a very private person, so perhaps he wouldn’t… Anyway, where is your nephew?” “He’s right here,” said Beau from the entrance to the living-room. “May I introduce myself – I’m Beau DeVilliers, Aunt Jane’s nephew, about whom you’ve been hearing ad nauseam, it seems.” He stepped into the kitchen, walking over to Alicia, who held out her hand. “Delighted to meet you, Beau. I’m Alicia MacLean…I mean, I’m Alicia Fitzsimmons…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

9

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Well, which is it?” said Beau, his voice teasing, his eyes appreciating the beautiful woman before him. He felt sure she couldn’t be more than twenty-five, tops. Strange, a woman so young, being a friend of his aunt’s. He thought her gorgeous. Fabulous figure, luxuriant blonde hair, her face lovely, with those huge blue eyes…no, they were green. He liked her straight little nose, and her luscious mouth. He frowned. What’s the matter with me? I’ve never been into cradle-snatching, nor into putting the make on a friend of Aunt Jane’s. On the other hand, Aunt Jane has never before had such a stunning-looking friend, that’s for sure. Aloud, he asked,, “Did my aunt really ask you to massage my headache away?” “Yes, she did, I’ve done it many times for her. I wasn’t sure whether you… whether you’d… You see, I’ll have to touch your neck. But if you wouldn’t mind that, I’d be so very glad to try.” She sounded hesitant. “You’d be doing me a huge favour. Where do you want me?” “uh… Want you…?” “Is there any chair which makes it easy for you to do the massage, is what I meant, although I didn’t make that too clear.” He was amused to see her blush. “Oh. Yes, of course. uh… Where were you sitting in the living-room?” “In the chair opposite Aunt Jane’s. Would that do?” “Oh, the wing-chairs by the fireplace? Well, the backs are rather high. Perhaps one of the lower yellow chairs?” she suggested, sounding decidedly shy. My fault, I shouldn’t have embarrassed her with, ‘Where do you want me?’ That was really subtle, Beau. In the living-room, Alicia indicated a yellow chair, saying softly, “If you’d make yourself comfortable? Perhaps take your jacket off, your tie? And is that first, tight button of your shirt open? I’m afraid I’ll have to work a little below the line of your collar.” “Of course,” he said easily, shrugging off his jacket, dragging off his tie, and putting them on the sofa for the moment. “And my collar button is open.” He sat down in the yellow chair. “Like this?” he asked, and now Alicia heard the pain he felt in the tightness of his deep voice. “Yes, thank you, that’s fine. I hope I can help you,” she whispered. She moved to stand beside him, holding her hand, palm up, cupped just below his chin.

© 2008 DCL Publications

10

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“If you’d drop your chin in my hand, so that I take the weight of your head, and your neck is relaxed, please?” Surprised, he nevertheless dropped his chin into her hand. He was aware how cool her palm was, and how soft. “That’s exactly right.” She held her voice down deliberately, realizing loudness would add to his pain. When she felt him tense a little, she breathed, “Relax, relax…” against his neck. He felt her cool hand on his nape, as she tentatively slipped her long fingers slowly down his neck to somewhere well below his collar. She swept her thumb gently back and forth in a soothing half-circle. Once he was completely relaxed, she began the massage. For a while she did not say a word, just let her fingers – her magic fingers, he thought – do their work. After a while, he lifted his head from her palm, and before she could again coo, ’Relax, relax…’ he said, astonished, “It’s incredible, but the pain is much, much less than it was before. Thank you.” “If you’d please relax again, drop your chin into my palm, I’ll massage the remaining pain away.” Her voice was barely audible. “Would you really? I mean, it’s so much better, I can bear the remaining pain quite easily.” He was anxious that she should not tire herself out for him. “No need for you to put up with any pain, and yes, I’ll massage the rest away. Please? Your chin?” Obediently, he dropped his chin once more into her palm. She kept on with the neck massage, until she brought her mouth close to his ear. “How is it now?” He lifted his head, experimentally moving it from left to right, turning to her in delighted astonishment. “It’s gone. It’s completely gone,” he rejoiced. “How can I ever thank you? You and your magic fingers.” She smiled. “If you’ll bear with me a moment longer? All your nerve-ends are now standing at attention from the massage. Let me just soothe them down again – all right? Just a few more moments with your chin in my hand, please?” She began to caress his neck with gentle, soft strokes down, her thumb sweeping well under his collar in that deliciously soothing half-circular movement with which she began her massage.

© 2008 DCL Publications

11

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

She kept this up for a while, then she murmured softly, “I think that should do it for now, But please, while you’re here, if you should get another such headache, just come over to my cottage, or ask me to come here, and I’ll massage it away for you again.” “I feel absolutely wonderful. And if you’re sure it wouldn’t be a gross imposition, then I’d very much like to ask you to help me again, next time. Thank you so much.” With that, he took her right hand, which had done most of the massaging, slowly bringing it to his lips. She smiled at him. “Ah, yes, for a moment I had forgotten that you are, after all, French…” “Not so’s you’d notice,” he said easily. “Those of us who came east from Louisiana have assimilated fairly well. But, of course, when we go back for a family visit, we revert to our old ways.” “I hope you never lose them,” she smiled at him. “And now, I’ve got to get out of your and Jane’s hair, or I’ll be guilty of delaying your dinner unforgivably. Goodbye, Beau.” She nodded shyly to him, and made her way back to the kitchen. Quietly, Beau followed her to see her politely to the door. “Jane, I think Beau’s headache is gone for the moment. Forgive me for holding up your dinner so appallingly. Good night.” “Alicia? Please, why don’t you stay and have dinner with us?” Jane invited. “Jane, no way. This is your first evening with your neph—with Beau, I mean. You haven’t seen each other in months. Surely you want to spend some time just together?” Beau’s deep voice came from just behind her. “Alicia, Jane is my aunt, not my girlfriend. We’ll have lots of time to be together, because I’m here for a couple of weeks, didn’t Aunt Jane tell you? So, please won’t you stay to dinner?” Alicia looked from Beau to Jane, anxious not to overstay her welcome, not to spoil things for her friend, who loved her nephew. When she saw Jane nod encouragingly, she murmured. “If you’re sure?” feeling relieved only when she saw the delighted smile on Beau’s face. “But I insist on helping in the kitchen,” Alicia said. She suggested to Beau, “Why don’t you lie back in your wing-chair for a while, relax a little longer? Every bit of relaxation you can get will lessen the chance of another headache.” Beau nodded, disappearing into the living-room again.

© 2008 DCL Publications

12

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Alicia said to Jane, “Let me just slip out to my own kitchen, and I’ll bring out the cheesecake I made this morning. If Beau likes mango?” “Alicia, you’re spoiling me – and Beau – rotten. But knowing what your cheesecakes are like, I can’t rob Beau of the chance to taste one. So, thank you, I’ll accept with pleasure.” “Good.” Alicia slipped out of the back-door, returning quickly with a stunning-looking cheesecake. “Let’s pop this into your refrigerator until we need it, all right?” Half an hour later, everything was ready. Alicia had insisted on setting the table in Jane’s dining room, knowing how hard it was for her friend’s arthritic hands to dig into the silverdrawer for cutlery, or carry stemware to the table. “Thanks, Alicia. You’ve helped me such a lot with this dinner,” said Jane gratefully. In course of conversation, Jane told Beau that he was fairly safe from having to attend dinner parties. “I gave a big dinner last weekend, hoping this would be enough to tide me over without any such obligations while you’re here,” she said. Turning to Alicia, she added, “You know what I found so strange – rude, actually. Axel Berglund came by, the day before the dinner party. He had the gall to ask me if I’d seat you beside him.” “Jane, do you take requests for your dinner parties?” Alicia asked. “Well, not as a rule, but he was so pressing. Why?” “Because I hope you’ll please entertain a request from me, and never, never again seat me beside Axel.” “Alicia, honey? Why is that?” Alicia frowned briefly. “Well, the first thing he did was ask me if I was living with anyone. What a very odd thing to ask a total stranger. Anyway, I said, ‘No, I’m a widow.’ Big mistake. Because immediately I could see him declare open season on me. How long since I was widowed? Four years, I said. ‘Oh, well, my dollink girl, what you need is a good man.’ Dear God, that self-satisfied smirk on his face. He put his hand under the table-cloth and on my knee. I asked him politely but not all that quietly to take his hand off my knee now. I can’t tell you how furious I was. Finally he did take his hand away, reluctantly, and of course stroking upwards on my thigh. That pig…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

13

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Alicia’s eyes flashed at the memory of Axel’s impertinence. When she glanced casually at Beau, she noticed that his eyes had darkened with what appeared to be furious indignation. Aghast, Jane said, “That creep dared proposition you at my dinner-table?” “Yes, that creep certainly did. But, metaphorically, I hit him below the belt. I said to him, with a little sneer, ‘A good man? No, thanks. I’ll wait for a much better man.’ Oh, Jane, he was absolutely livid… Obviously he isn’t used to rejection.” “He made it obvious he’s very interested in you, Alicia,” said Jane. “No, I don’t think so,” said Alicia calmly. “He’s merely piqued. No woman apparently has ever said ‘No’ to him. High time someone did. What Axel can’t get over, of course, is that he can buy himself the company of all kinds of famous models, starlets, and so on, and here is an ordinary woman like me who dares refuse him.” Beau had remained silent until then. Now he stated emphatically, “Lise, you are not an ordinary woman, not by any means.” He glanced enquiringly at her, adding, “May I call you Lise?” “Why yes, I’d like that. I think it sounds soft and pretty, don’t you, Jane? Thank you, Beau.” When he saw her smile at him, the quiet rage he had felt over Axel’s importunate behaviour faded. He smiled back, changing the subject. “When we first met, you seemed unsure whether you were Alicia MacLean or Alicia Fitzsimmons? Why is that?” She shrugged. “Oh, Alicia MacLean is my maiden name, the name I write under. But socially, I am Alicia Fitzsimmons, of course. That’s my married name, or should I say my widowed name?” “I’d like to think of you as Alicia MacLean. I was sorry to hear that you’ve been widowed so very young. Believe me, I can empathize. Eight years ago, my wife died in a traffic accident – they assured me she didn’t suffer, it was instant.” Stricken, she stared at him. I was mistaken, her eyes are blue-green, he thought. What an unusual colour. And now they’re full of tears. Tears for my loss? For too many years of carefully separating sex from love. Dieu— What an empty waste my life has become. He became aware she was still gazing at him anxiously.

© 2008 DCL Publications

14

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Lise,” he said gently. “Eight years is a long time. Of course I feel the sadness still, but that crushing pain has been gone for some time. You?” She sighed in relief because his grief was no longer acute. “You’re quite right, after four years the sadness is there, but not that devastating anguish I felt at first. Anyway, let’s not think about these things any more?” He saw her glance, as if to check that he truly no longer felt that crushing pain. Bon Dieu – what’s this? Ah, no. I can’t cope with a love affair. I don’t want to. My life is the way I like it. Really? Meaningless affairs where, in exchange for exercising my sexual skills, I get some physical relief with a woman I don’t much care about? That’s the way I like my life? He became aware that his aunt was looking at him curiously. **** Alicia insisted on grinding the coffee-beans and making the coffee, to spare Jane’s hands. She brought the tray into the living-room. When she saw Jane’s hand move to the cafetière, she said quietly, “Let me do that for you, Jane.” She quickly poured three cups of coffee, gesturing to Beau, indicating the cream and sugar. He shook his head. “No, thank you. Just black.” “Same as Alicia and I,” said Jane. Turning to Alicia, “Next time, you don’t have to put all that stuff on the tray, Alicia.” Beau noticed that Lise – as he kept thinking of her – shyly shrugged an elegant shoulder, smiling at his aunt. Twenty minutes later, Alicia rose, saying, “High time I went home. I’ve put all the dishes – except these cups – into your dishwasher, Jane. I know you’re tired, and it won’t do Beau any harm having an early night and giving his head a little more rest. But remember, if there should be a recurrence, you let me know? Good night, Jane. Good night, Beau,” she said softly. “Let me walk you home, Lise,” Beau offered impulsively. “Thank you, Beau, but I’ve got my car here. I delivered Jane’s grocery-shopping earlier.” To his surprise, he sensed a coolness. He wondered if she could’ve picked up vibes from him earlier, when he was so taken aback at what he felt. Damn.

© 2008 DCL Publications

15

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Let me at least see you to your car,” he insisted, putting his hand under her elbow. He opened the kitchen door, letting her precede him outside. He moved to her car, opening the door, holding it for her. She gave him one of her quiet smiles. “Thank you, Beau. Good night,” she said softly. Once she was behind the wheel, he held out his hand to her, and when she put her fingers into his, he again brought them to his lips. “Good night, Lise. And thank you again for your magic fingers,” he murmured. “Shall I see you tomorrow?” Surprised, she gazed at him. When she saw his eyes change from dark brown to almost black, she said, “I don’t know, Beau. Surely you’re here to be with your aunt? And – please say if I was wrong? – I got the impression that you wouldn’t welcome seeing me again?” Oh, damn. She did pick up on those vibes. What can I do now? He decided to opt for the truth, or as much of the truth as he could safely afford. “No, Lise, that isn’t it, not at all. It’s merely that I’m so deeply involved in research for my present book, I haven’t a lot of time to devote to personal friendships. That was all I was thinking. That you deserve better than I’m able to give.” Slowly, she said, “Thank you for your honesty, Beau. I guess you won’t want to see me again. Except of course if your headache should return. Once again – good night, Beau.” He felt a strange sensation of loss, of profound distress overwhelm him, as she looked away from him. He lifted his hand in protest, saying, “No, Lise, please. I don’t—” But she started the engine and slowly drove the brief distance to her own cottage. Uneasily, he was aware that he had, somehow, mishandled his beginning relationship, whatever it was, with this exceptional woman, so different from anyone else he had ever met. He waited until he saw her open her garage door with some automatic gizmo, and drive into it. He went back into the kitchen, locking the door behind him, joining his aunt in her living-room. What will Aunt Jane think? he wondered. He need not have worried. Jane did not, by word or gesture, indicate that he had been rather a long time saying good night to someone who had her car parked at the back-door. Quietly, he said, “Aunt Jane, I like your friend. And I’m so grateful to her for massaging my headache away. But—”

© 2008 DCL Publications

16

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

His aunt said quickly, “Beau, honey, if you’re still grieving for your wife, believe me, no more will be said, either by me or by Lise. That’s a pretty name you invented for her. It’s just that, sometimes, I think perhaps you should try to stop grieving and find yourself a new life, a new love. Happiness instead of contentment. Passion instead of sexercise as I heard someone call it on a TV programme, the other day.” He smiled a little sadly. “I know, Aunt Jane. You want me to have more in my life than what I have at present. But you know me so well – you know I can’t give my heart easily. I don’t fall in love out of the blue. Never have and, after Felicity died, I was determined not to. It certainly saves a lot of wear and tear, don’t you agree? But I’m sorry if you think I treated your beautiful friend unkindly. That wasn’t my intention. I’ll apologize to her tomorrow, promise.” Jane smiled fondly at Beau. “Honey, what would you apologize for? For not having time to spend on a casual friendship? No, you concentrate on having a quiet and relaxing time here, so I don’t have to worry about you all the time.” He smiled back at his aunt. “I always relax here, you know that. But Aunt Jane? When you’re giving your next dinner-party, please don’t invite Axel? The thought of that pig putting his filthy hand on Lise’s thigh— Dear God, I thought I’d be sick at the thought.” Jane allowed herself a tiny smile inside her mouth. So he isn’t interested in Lise, but the thought of another man propositioning her has him in a rare tizz. Beau, who do you think you’re kidding? Yourself? I’ll find an excuse to get Lise over here again. But getting Lise over to Jane’s cottage proved more difficult than Jane had thought. When she called the next morning, ostensibly to thank Lise for her help in the kitchen the night before, she got only Lise’s answering machine. Of course, Jane left a message, but when she glanced over to Lise’s cottage, she did not see her car outside. She wondered if Lise had put her car in the garage to confuse Axel, who might be stalking her again. “Beau? I was wondering, would you like to go for a walk on the beach?” she asked, worried because Beau had been sitting so quietly in the living-room, ostensibly reading, but frequently staring into space. Jane was careful not to say a single word about Lise. “I think it’s a little late for walking the beach, Aunt Jane, don’t you? It’s got so hot. Anyway don’t you bother about walking with me. I know your hip is causing you a lot of pain, you never could fool me, however hard you tried. Hey, an idea— Could Lise massage that pain away?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

17

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Realizing full well that arthritic pains could not be whisked away by massage, Jane nevertheless pretended to ponder. “I’ve never thought about it, Beau. Next time I see Lise, I’ll ask.” Changing the subject, she added, “Tell me if you’re starving or medium-hungry, or what? For dinner, I mean.” Beau smiled. “Medium unhungry, I’d say, Aunt Jane. Actually, I was thinking of taking you out to dinner, in Ormond Beach perhaps, or do you prefer that fabulous place just outside St. Augustine? What was the chef’s name again? I remember – Luis Delgado, that’s it. Shall I telephone for a table?” “At Luis Delgado’s on a Saturday? Bite your tongue. They’re booked weeks in advance. But if you want to, I could try pleading with Rosa, his wife, for a table next week-end or the week-end after?” “Whatever you think, Aunt Jane. By the way, I was wondering, if you can get a table, perhaps we should invite Lise. She’s been so helpful to you, not to mention her massaging that murderous headache of mine away in just minutes?” “Why yes, that’s a good idea, Beau. I’ll call Rosa now, and ask for a table for three. I’ll leave a message on Lise’s answering machine.” “On her answering machine, Aunt Jane? Does she screen her calls? Oh, because of Axel.” For a moment, Jane was amused to see a muscle tic by Beau’s mouth and to notice how his eyes had darkened. Careful not to let anything show on her face, Jane went to the telephone and punched in the Delgado number. After a brief delay, Rosa came on the telephone. “Yes, Miss DeVilliers? Ramón told me you wanted to speak to me?” “Yes, it’s Jane DeVilliers, Rosa. I’ve a big, huge favour to ask of you. My nephew Beau is here for a brief holiday, and I’d so very much like to bring him to dinner at your restaurant. I don’t suppose you remember we came when he was here last? Well, ever since Beau has been singing Luis’s praises. Tell me, is there any chance of a table for the following week-end, or the week-end after? That’s all the time Beau has, I’m afraid.” “Dear Miss DeVilliers, with pleasure, of course. Next week-end. I will arrange. Eight o’clock? What is better for you, Saturday or Sunday? “ “That’s immaterial, dear Rosa. I’ll leave it to you to fit us in – a table for three?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

18

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Three? Holá… Are you matchmaking for your so guapo nephew? Come on, tell Rosa.” “What does ‘guapo’ mean, Rosa?” Jane asked, intrigued. “It means so handsome and very sexy,” said Rosa, giggling. “Well, yes, you’re right,” said Jane, hoping Beau wouldn’t catch on. “Ah. Your guapo nephew – so handsome, is right there?” “Yes, indeed. And thank you, Rosa. Which is it then, Saturday or Sunday?” “Perhaps Sunday would be a little quieter, more enjoyable for you and your two guests, no es verdad?” “Yes, very true. Thank you Rosa. Until Sunday week, then. Good bye.” Smiling, Jane turned to her nephew. “Rosa will give us a table for three for tomorrow week. I’d better leave a message for Lise on her answering machine right now, so she’ll have lots of time to keep Sunday week free.” Casually Beau said, “Well, Aunt Jane – Lise lives just across the road from you. Why don’t I stroll over there and invite her in person? And if she has objections, I could counter them rightaway.” “You expect her to have objections?” “No, not really – who can resist dining at Luis Delgado’s? But just in case—” “You’re probably right. Shall I call to see if she’s home?” “Don’t bother, Aunt Jane, it’s so close-by, it isn’t as if I’d waste an hour’s walk if I went on the off-chance of her being home.” “You’re right. See you later, then.” It was all Jane could do to hide the smile she felt building, because just before making the call to Rosa, she had glanced out of her kitchen window and noticed Lise’s car parked on the apron in front of her garage. **** Beau went out through the kitchen-door into the late afternoon breeze, soft as silk, and not as hot as it had been earlier. He took a deep breath of the scented air, noticing that Aunt Jane had had some fragrant shrubs planted by her kitchen-door. Wondering what he could say to make Lise forgive him for erecting that stupid barrier between them, he arrived at her cottage and knocked gently.

© 2008 DCL Publications

19

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Lise quickly opened the door, breathing, “Beau?” Alarmed at the thought of his headache coming back, she asked softly, “Is it your headache? Please come in.” She stood aside to allow him entry. She was wearing a long, flowing, strapless dress which, at first glance, seemed to be red, but he quickly realized it was black, thickly sown with stylized, bright-red poppies. Charming. To his relief, he noticed her locking the door behind him. He thought she was probably making sure that bastard Axel couldn’t creep up on her. He was surprised at the surge of fury welling up in him. “I’m glad to see you keep your door locked,” he said. “I’ve been thinking back to what you told us about that creep Axel. While I’m here, I’ll be very glad to come to your defence any time you need a little help in keeping him away from you.” “Thank you, Beau,” she said softly. Lise walked with him into her living room, gesturing to a grouping of a pale green polished cotton sofa and three darker green easy chairs around a rosewood coffee-table by one of the windows. He was surprised to see that she had darkish parquet flooring, covered only by a few beautiful area rugs. Here, as in his aunt’s living-room, there were waist-high bookcases, walnut, he noticed. In the corner opposite the green sofa and chairs, he saw a small fireplace in the Santa Fe style, the logs arranged vertically in a triangle. There was one wing chair in a muted chestnut tone by the fireplace, and some big cushions of soft yellow, turquoise and olivegreen, casually placed on top of each other opposite the chair. Looking around discreetly, he thought her taste in art exceptional. I’d love to have any one of her paintings on my own walls. “Please sit down, Beau.” She sank down on her sofa, and Beau sat down beside her, taking care not to sit too close to her. “Has your headache come back?” She sounded anxious. “It’s a miracle it hasn’t yet. I’ve been so worried for you, at the mercy of that creep’s predatory hands.” He glanced at her, concern in his eyes. “Lise, I’ve come to invite you for Sunday week, to come with Aunt Jane and me to Luis Delgado’s restaurant. Do you know it?” “Only by reputation,” Lise said ruefully. “Maybe Jane told you, I don’t date at all, and go out only rarely. But thank you, I’d love to come. Sunday week, you said? I’ll look forward to it.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

20

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Anxious to find a way of prolonging his time with her, he said quickly, “Lise, I was thinking, do you like walking the beach in the mornings? If you do, I’d be so very pleased to call for you, we could drive to the beach and walk there?” “If you’re sure that’s what you want, Beau?” Her soft voice was doubtful. “I’m sure, Lise. I…” He was interrupted by a loud rat-tat-tat on Lise’s front door. Startled, she glanced through one of the windows covered by muslin sheers, and went pale with what Beau thought was either shock or anger. “Oh, no… It’s Axel. Ever since Jane’s dinner party we talked about last night, he hasn’t given me a moment’s peace. As soon as he arrives from Atlanta, he starts stalking me. I’ve taken to hiding my car in the garage to make him think I’m away when I’m actually in my library, writing.” “You didn’t fool only the predatory Axel,” said Beau. “I, too, thought you must be away, otherwise I would’ve come over to invite you to have lunch with me somewhere.” A second, much louder rat-tat-tat was heard. It sounded as if the man was also kicking the lower part of the door. I’ve got to protect her from this bastard, Beau decided. He was surprised to find himself shaking with suppressed rage. “If he keeps escalating his knocking, your door will soon lie in splinters in your foyer,” Beau observed. Noticing that Lise had become even paler, he took her left hand in his, soothing it for a moment. “If you’d like, I’d be glad to get rid of Axel for you, once and for all.” “You can?” Lise sounded incredulous. “Easy as pie.” Beau went to Lise’s front-door, a so-called Dutch door, split into an upper and a lower part. He made sure the lower part was firmly bolted before opening the upper part. “Yes?” Beau said coldly. He saw a man, close to six feet in height, probably around fifty, his face coarsely handsome, but dissipation showing in the fleshy, loose mouth, the bulging, sagging skin under his eyes. His hair was blondish-grey, receding above the temples. Even the expensive tailoring of his suit could not hide his incipient paunch. “Who the hell are you?” Axel burst out, after rearranging his features hurriedly from ingratiating to infuriated. He was clearly taken aback at being faced with the tall, lean, contemptuous Beau.

© 2008 DCL Publications

21

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“My name is Beauregard DeVilliers. I am a very close friend of Lise’s, and she asked me to get rid of whoever was disturbing our privacy by trying to break her door down. You will leave now and not come back. Lise doesn’t want to see you, not now, not ever. And I will make very, very certain that you’ll never again get a chance to put your vulgar, fat hands anywhere near her knee, is that crystal-clear, Berglund?” “Aha. You know my name.” said Axel, with a leer of satisfaction. “She must’ve talked about me then.” “She has complained bitterly to me about you, yes, and your reputation as a predator precedes you, as the stink precedes the skunk.” “I have every right to invite Alicia to have dinner with me,” Axel blustered. “You can invite, but Lise won’t accept, of that I can assure you. And if you persist in bothering a lady who wants nothing to do with you, that will be regarded as harassment, stalking. There are laws against that, and I will not hesitate to use them to make sure you do not bother my lady ever again. Realize it well. Lise and I are together, which is all you’re entitled to know. Leave now, or I’ll call the police and ask them to remove you.” “Damn. Are you sleeping with her?” Axel bit out furiously. “I had heard that you’re an ill-mannered vulgarian. Not in a million years would I discuss Lise’s and my private life with anyone, least of all with someone like you. Now stand back, I’m going to close this door.” With that, Beau slammed the top part of the Dutch door closed, bolting it immediately. He turned to Lise and felt a surge of warmth flooding his senses when he saw her radiant face. Slowly, she began to frown. “Beau— Sure, you’ve made him go away, but at quite a price to yourself. Now you’ll have to pretend to spend time with me over the weekends, when Axel is here.” “Lise, we’re not going to pretend spending time together, we are going to spend time together. What time do you get up, this time of year? Six, seven?” “Yes, around then. But Beau, you said you…” “Sssh.” His voice was gentle. “Tomorrow I’ll come pick you up shortly after seven to walk the beach. If that’s too early, just tell me when would be better for you.” His dark eyes regarded her caressingly, she thought. But no, that isn’t possible, is it?

© 2008 DCL Publications

22

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Hastily she assured him, “Oh, no, seven will be fine. Plan to have some coffee with me, because I think Jane gets up later. So you just come here for coffee. Shall we walk in swimsuits?” “Anything you want, Lise.” Beau watched in surprise, escalating to alarm, as her face changed from its original happiness to an expression of near-terror. “Lise, honey, he said, taking one of her hands again between his. “What on earth’s the matter?” Lise sighed. “It just occurred to me that Axel will simply wait us out. He probably figures you’re here for a holiday, so he won’t come near me while you’re here. But the moment you’re back in Jacksonville, he’ll start up again. Oh, Beau—” To his dismay, he saw her tremble. “Lise – I hate to see you so terrorized by that creep. Tell you what – on Monday I’ll call Manuel Ramírez, who provides Manuel’s Maidens, Pool-Guys, and so on. I’ll ask him whether he also supplies security services. If not, he’ll know someone who does. Either way, I’ll lay on security for you. I’d like to see Axel break through that.” “Oh, Beau. Could you really do that?” Her face quickly lost its earlier pallor and he was touched to see a look of utter gratitude in her eyes. “Nothing simpler, Lise,” Beau said easily. “For that matter, I could come back to Aunt Jane’s for weekends. “In the meantime, would you like me to take you and Aunt Jane out to dinner? I recall that the Café de Paris, one of the Hilton’s restaurants, is quite good. Would you like that?” “Beau, I don’t know— You’ve come here for a quiet holiday with your aunt, and you made it clear to me that you really haven’t time for— Yet, now you’re locked into a lot of going out with me to keep me safe from Axel, for which I’m more grateful than I can say. But it seems so hard on you.” “Believe me, it will be a great pleasure taking you out. Do say you’ll come.” “If you’re sure?” “I’m sure,” said Beau. He felt he should take his leave now, no matter how much he enjoyed sitting with her in her living-room. But he wanted to wipe that doubtful look from her eyes.

© 2008 DCL Publications

23

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Bon Dieu, I must’ve offended her deeply, telling this sensitive woman that I’ve no time for personal friendships – and she reads between the lines that I’m only into casual flings. Way to go, Beau. He realized she was looking curiously at him. “What is it, Beau? Have you changed your mind?” “No, no. Of course not, Lise. It’s just that I wondered if Axel is actually spying on you. And if he sees me leave, he might come back. Lise, will you promise to lock all your doors? If he should come back, don’t answer the door, call me. I’ll come and make sure he stays away from you. “I’ll reserve a table at the Café de Paris for eight o’clock. Shall I come for you at seventhirty?” “You needn’t bother, Beau. I can come over to Jane’s cottage by myself.” “Let’s not chance it, Lise, please. I’ll call for you at seven-thirty, all right?” “All right…” Lise still sounded hesitant. Beau rose to his feet, moving to her front-door. Lise followed him. “Let me hear you lock and bolt your door, Lise?” “I will, Beau, promise. Until seven-thirty, then.” He nodded, striding down the walkway curving around her house to the stretch of dirtroad separating her cottage from his aunt’s. He was amused to notice he was in a hurry to get back, intent on making the reservation at the Café. He found his aunt in her kitchen, brewing tea – Earl Grey, by its bergamot fragrance. “Ah, Beau, there you are. Just in time to let me know what you want to eat with our cup of tea. Lise made some cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off for me. Or cinnamon toast?” “One small cucumber sandwich, thank you. While I was at Lise’s inviting her to Delgado’s, I thought perhaps we might take her with us tonight to the Café de Paris? “When he saw his aunt’s pleased smile, he went on, “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just quickly reserve a table there. Eight o’clock, I thought. I’ll go pick up Lise at seven-thirty.” “By all means,” his aunt said casually. She seemed engrossed in taking the sandwiches from her refrigerator.

© 2008 DCL Publications

24

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When Beau returned to the kitchen to carry the tea-tray into the living-room, he nodded to his aunt. “All done.” After they had drunk their first cup and eaten their sandwiches, Beau said, “While I was at Lise’s, someone banged loudly on her door. It was Axel. Lise seemed so terrified of him, I offered to deal with him, and I did. But he’s a predator, and he’ll try again, even more persistently, once I’m gone. I’ll see if Manuel can provide some security for her.” “That would be a relief to me, Beau. I must confess ever since she told us what Axel tried to do to her, I’ve been more than a little worried for Lise.” “What I can’t understand is how such a creep managed to get one of the cottages? I thought there were stringent rules about all the owners having to approve any new buyer.” “Indeed there are, and if Axel had offered to buy a cottage here, he’d never have got a foot in the door. But unfortunately, he inherited it from his father. He was the son of one of the original owners. A pleasant, polite man. Axel must take after his mother. Anyway, when a cottage is inherited, there’s nothing we can do.” Jane glanced unobtrusively at Beau, surprised to see him seriously upset at Axel’s persistent pursuit of Lise. She went on, “If Axel persists in stalking Lise, she’ll probably leave the cottage and move to that condo building on the beach, which has excellent security for its owners. She told me Jordan Browne, the painter, who was a friend of her husband’s, suggested she might enjoy the ambiance there. The building seems to be peopled almost exclusively by writers. But at the time she told Jordan that she loves living here. I wonder if she still does? I should be very sorry to lose my dear friend and neighbour. You can’t imagine how much she quietly does to help me out.” “Yes, I noticed that yesterday.” Wishing to change the subject, Beau decided to ask about Lise’s husband. “Aunt Jane – what did Lise’s husband do? Do you know?” “Why, yes. He was a painter. You’re interested in art, you’ve probably heard of Jason Fitzsimmons, who died so young when a small plane, piloted by one of his friends, crashed on takeoff? Most of the paintings Lise has on her walls are her husband’s, except a couple that are Jordan Browne’s. I recall he gave her that stunning portrait of her for Christmas, last year.” “I didn’t see any portrait of her, stunning or otherwise,” Beau remarked. “Oh, that’s right, she said portraits shouldn’t be displayed. She has it in her library.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

25

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Shouldn’t be displayed? Why? Is it a nude?” Beau asked, frowning. His aunt grinned. “No, you idiot. She thinks it’s a form of vanity, having a portrait of herself in her living-room. It’s a shame you most probably won’t ever see it. She doesn’t invite people into her library, as a rule.” Deliberately changing the subject, Jane asked, “How is your new book coming? I’ve been hesitant to ask, since you didn’t mention it at all.” “Oh, it’s coming, Aunt Jane. Just not as quickly as I’d like. After I had started writing the synopsis, it became clear I’d have to do a lot more research into family life in those days.” “The family life of which area, at which time, Beau?” “Oh. Didn’t I tell you? I’ve been researching life in Louisiana as it must’ve been for the Comte de Villiers who took his young wife and one-year-old son to live on the huge plantation he had bought on a river with the unlikely name of Atchafalaya.” “Beau… Have you decided to write our family history, in a way?” “Yes, Aunt Jane. Of course, it won’t be a totally private document, of interest mostly to our own family. I’m writing it in the same style as my other books; it’ll be a serious, historical novel.” “Beau, that’s wonderful… And listen, if it could be of any help to your research, I’ve inherited rather a lot of papers from those times – a small archive in fact – of letters, journals, bills from tradesmen and artisans, all sorts of things. While you’re here, we’ll go to the bank and get the stuff out of their biggest-size vault.” “Aunt Jane, that would be wonderful. How did you come to inherit those papers?” “Ah, you’re thinking it would’ve been more usual for your Dad or Uncle Philip to inherit them; after all, they are males. Well, don’t forget I’m sixty, Philip is only fifty-four. True, your Dad was older than I, but he wasn’t interested in the past, his concerns were the present, the future. And our parents were intent on scrupulous fairness between the siblings. At that time, their attitude was quite unusual, but admirable, I’ve always thought. Anyway, my dear Beau, you’ll be more than welcome to the archive. I was going to leave it to you, some day. You may as well have it now.” “Aunt Jane, oh, please. Don’t talk about you leaving me some day... I can’t bear to think about it.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

26

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Jane smiled fondly at her nephew, and held out the platter with cucumber sandwiches to him. Beau shook his head. “No, thanks, Aunt Jane. And it goes without saying that I’m most grateful for the documents. They’ll be of more help to me than months spent in Louisiana archives.” “Ah. Were you planning to go back to Louisiana for your research?” “I would’ve had to, Aunt Jane. Nowhere else could I find the details I need for my book. And now I don’t need to.” “We’ll go to the bank on Monday, that’ll give you time to take a preliminary look at the papers.” “Aunt Jane, you always understand exactly what I need.” Beau’s glance was affectionate. He carried the tea-tray back to the kitchen, rinsing the teapot and cups, wrapping up the remaining sandwiches and putting them into the refrigerator. “Beau, honey, you don’t have to work your fingers to the bone while you’re staying here. But I’m grateful to you. What time is it?” Jane peered at her elegant but small watch. “It’s five-thirty, Aunt Jane. Why don’t you rest, before dressing for dinner? I’ll call you at seven, all right?” “Actually, that’s a good idea, Beau. I’ll lie down for a while. See you at seven, then.” As Jane began her slow climb up the stairs, Beau watched her with deep concern. **** Promptly at seven, Beau tapped quietly at his aunt’s bedroom door. “Aunt Jane? It’s seven o’clock. Are you awake?” “Yes, Beau, thank you. I’ll have a shower and put on a dinner-dress.” He listened for a moment at the door, until rustling sounds convinced him that his aunt was up and about. He turned from her door, going to his own bedroom to have a shower and change. He was glad he’d brought his new dark suit. Twenty minutes later, he was seated in his favourite chair, watching his aunt descend the stairs. She looked elegant in a dinner-dress of sapphire silk, with three-quarter trumpet sleeves. He got to his feet, saying, “I was just thinking you look absolutely regal.” Clearly pleased with his remark, she said, “Thank you, Beau. And, if I may, I’ll return the compliment. You’ve that look of effortless elegance – every inch your aristocratic self.” She was amused to see her nephew blush.

© 2008 DCL Publications

27

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Please, Aunt Jane – you know that sort of remark always makes me feel self-conscious. Don’t you go making things worse,” he implored. “No more than the truth, Beau, honey,” his aunt smiled. “What time did you say you were going to pick up Lise?” “Seven-thirty, Aunt Jane. I think I might as well go over right now,” said Beau, striding to the kitchen-door. A few minutes later, he knocked gently at Lise’s door. “Lise? It’s Beau.” Immediately, both halves of the Dutch door swung open. “I knew it was you, Beau, you knock so politely,” said Lise. For a moment, Beau was too stunned to reply. Lise was a vision in a dress of a subtle aquamarine, an elegant column of a dress, probably silk, he thought. A fine gold choker held a single, square aquamarine. On her right hand, she wore a slightly smaller aquamarine, also square, in a similar simple setting. Finally, Beau found his voice. “Lise, you look absolutely stunning.” His delight in her was clear to read in his dark eyes. “Believe me, aquamarine is your colour. And the aquamarine jewels you’re wearing…” His deep voice trailed off. “I’m glad you approve my appearance,” Lise said, curtsying, her voice teasing. She waved her right hand. “This was my engagement ring. Jason knew I loved aquamarines above all other gems. Of course, I never wear it any more, except when I’m going out somewhere special.” “I doubt that the Café de Paris is special enough to deserve you.” His voice was caressing. After a moment, he went on, “Tell me, would you also wear the aquamarines if you were going out with someone special?” She shrugged a shoulder gracefully. “Are you flirting with me, Beau?” “Not yet,” said Beau. “When I’m flirting with you, you’ll know.” One corner of his sensitive mouth lifted in amusement. “And I should point out that I said I was too overworked with research for my new book to be able to give a close friendship the time and attention it deserved. I never said that I didn’t want us to be special friends, hmmm?” Lise slanted him a look from under her long eyelashes, but she remained silent.

© 2008 DCL Publications

28

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Anxious to make her think better of him, he went on, “And, thanks to Aunt Jane, I won’t have to do nearly as much research as I thought. I was unaware that she has the family’s journals, letters, our archive in fact. So I won’t have to go to Louisiana to do research. I can find what I want at my leisure in the family documents, without ever leaving my condo.” “You’re writing a book about Louisiana, Beau?” “Yes, a book about the time when our ancestor first settled there.” “Fascinating,” she murmured. “If you’re ready, Lise, shall we go?” Taking the key from her hand, Beau locked the door most carefully, returning the key. He offered her his arm. She smiled at him, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow. A few minutes later, they were at Jane’s kitchen-door. Beau turned apologetically to Lise. “I’m afraid you’ll have to sit in the back, the Jag is a two-door, and I doubt Aunt Jane could clamber over the passenger seat.” Lise was surprised. “Beau, I wouldn’t dream of letting an older lady sit in the back of any car I was riding in.” When they entered the living-room, Jane was seated in her usual chair. Lise exclaimed, “Jane, you look fabulous… Sapphire blue is your colour.” “Thank you, Lise. But you — you’re totally stunning. Those aquamarines match your eyes.” “Isn’t anyone going to say that I look even moderately good in my new dark suit?” said Beau, one slim, black eyebrow raised mockingly. Both women turned to him. His aunt walked around Beau, carefully inspecting, and Lise quickly joined her. “Oh, Beau,” said Jane, winking at Lise. “As I told you before, every effortless inch the elegant, graceful aristocrat.” “Aunt Jane, please? No more of this kidding,” Beau implored. “Who’s kidding?” said Lise. “Jane hit the proverbial nail right on the head with her description. Is your suit Armani?” When he nodded, she went on, “You do look very aristocratic, Beau.” “That’s not so surprising,” said Jane. “Our ancestor – Beau’s new book is about him – was the Comte de Villiers.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

29

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Lise stared at Jane, her lips parted in surprise. “Jane, Beau… Please forgive me, I didn’t know.” Beau frowned at his aunt. He turned to Lise, his manner apologetic. “All that’s a long time ago, Lise. It means nothing any longer.” “But it explains something that I sensed without knowing what it was – you and Jane are aristocrats, Beau. I’ll try to remember, in future.” “Lise, that’s just what I don’t want you to do.” Lise could see that Beau was seriously upset. She did not want to see him discomfited, so she touched his arm lightly. “I was just teasing, Beau. If you don’t want me to remember who you really are, then you’ll never hear me refer to your aristocratic background again, promise,” she said softly. “Thank you, Lise.” Clearly, Beau was only half-appeased. “Shall we go?” The drive to the Ocean Breeze Hilton did not take long. Beau guided his aunt and Lise to the Café de Paris, where he was welcomed most cordially by Lucien, the affable, unflappable Maître d’. “Ah. Monsieur de Villiers. Bonsoir Monsieur, Mesdames. Suivez-moi, s’il vous plaît,” said Lucien effusively. They followed him to their table, and he bowed courteously to Jane. “Madame…” Turning to Lise, he said, “Mademoiselle.” Lise was amused to be called ‘mademoiselle’ by Lucien, but she let it pass, smiling, “Bonsoir, Lucien.” With an imperative flick of his hand, Lucien ordered his most experienced waiter to their table, bowed again, saying, “Bon appétit, M’sieudames,” and moving away. After the waiter left with their drinks order, Beau said to Lise, “If you’ll permit me a personal observation, your French accent is admirable.” Shrugging a little shyly, Lise said, “I spent a year in Paris at the language school of the Institut de la langue française.” Beau was enchanted. “You did? Tell us about it?” “Not much to tell,” said Lise. “When I was eighteen, my mother was determined to marry me off to the son of a friend of hers. When I told my father that I didn’t want to get married to that man or to anyone else for that matter, he immediately thwarted my mother’s plans, to her rage. I was actually a bit scared of what she might do to me to make me pay for upsetting her plans. So, to get me away from my mother, my father said he thought a year in Paris studying French would be a good idea.

© 2008 DCL Publications

30

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“My mother disagreed, and did her best to sabotage my father’s plans, but she didn’t succeed.” Lise smiled uncertainly, wondering whether her story could really interest Beau and Jane, but Beau nodded encouragingly. “My father went with me to Paris. He had the address of a very nice hotel on the boulevard de la Madeleine, where he rented a room with private bath for me on the fourth floor. A few days after my father had gone back to Long Island, where we lived, the manager of the hotel came to visit me. He told me there had been a mistake, and this room was actually rented to someone else. He offered me a room on the seventh floor, really the attics. The elevator only went to the sixth. Then, there was this rather steep stair to a landing, where I saw five doors. Fortunately there was heating and air-conditioning, and each room had a tiny bathroom.” Lise smiled reminiscently, glancing again at Beau and Jane to make sure she wasn’t boring them with her story. But Jane looked interested, and Beau’s eyes showed he was captivated. Lise decided to press on. “Actually, when I met my neighbours, I quite liked the change. At first, the ladies in the other four rooms were a bit formal, but it didn’t take them more than a couple of days to become friendly. I couldn’t always follow them when they talked very fast in their argot, but I did recognize ‘vierge’ and ‘vertueuse’ – so I knew they were discussing me, because even to my inexperienced eighteen-year-old eyes, there was nothing virginal or virtuous about these ladies. On the contrary, they looked rather…uh… sophisticated.” Beau grinned, amused at the adventurous life that had been so suddenly thrust upon eighteen-year-old Lise. “Go on, please, Lise, this is fascinating.” Just then, the waiter brought their drinks, and a few moments were spent toasting each other. Lise continued, “Actually, once these ladies realized that I was totally inexperienced, and intent on remaining so, they were most protective of me. I recall one time a young man tried to chat me up, only to be met by the eldest of the four ladies, who told him quite roughly to leave me alone. I understood a lot more French than the ladies thought, so sometimes it was all I could do to keep a straight face. “Three of the ladies were… uh… freelance?” Lise saw Beau’s mouth twitch in amusement. She went on, “The fourth had her mec – that means—”

© 2008 DCL Publications

31

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Beau laughed outright, showing his very white teeth. “I know what it means, Lise, honey – I just can’t get over the fact that you know what a mec is. Do please continue.” Lise smiled hesitantly. “Well, I didn’t know rightaway what a mec was, but I raised my eyebrows to Virginie – there was a misnomer – and she said, ‘souteneur’ – which didn’t tell me a whole lot either. But I repeated the word a few times to be sure to remember it until I could go to my room and look it up in my dictionary. ‘Pimp.’ Ah. All was explained…” With a reminiscent smile, Lise continued, “It was such a nice life for me, going to the Institut in the morning, sometimes also the afternoon, doing my homework in my room. And the ladies were so kind to me, whenever they bought flowers for themselves, they brought me some too. And a couple of Ninette’s habitués brought me caramels or marrons glacés.” Lise halted, because she could see Beau was trying very hard not to laugh out loud. When he felt sure he had his voice under control, he asked, “And how did all this end? Because I’m sure it came to an end?” “Oh yes, of course it did. After I had been at the Institut for about nine months, my father came to Paris on business, and of course he came to see me. He went to room four-ten, to be greeted by a rather bad-tempered young man, who had never heard of me. So Daddy went to see the manager, and well, you can imagine the disaster that followed. “My father came up to the seventh floor, to find me playing cards with three of the four ladies. Ninette was busy with her old habitué; she was always complaining about how slow he was.” Beau, shaking his head, was trying so hard not to laugh, he had to wave the waiter away with a ‘Later‘ gesture. Lise continued, ”Anyway, it took Daddy a nanosecond to figure out what the ladies’ métier was, and he ordered me to pack my cases right now. I cried, the ladies cried, I tried to explain to my father that they had protected me from predatory men. In fact, Véronique, the eldest of the ladies, told my father in graphic detail just what could’ve happened to me if my friends, the ladies, hadn’t been there to protect me. Like the time Ninette’s mec tried to recruit me, and the ladies were so incensed, they threw him down the stairs, he broke his shin bone and several ribs. They dragged him to the elevator, and pressed ‘P’ for parterre, where someone found him and called an ambulance. He was hospitalized for ages. “But, of course, it was all to no avail. I was whisked home with the speed of light. But my almost-year in Paris was really wonderful.” Lise sighed, a nostalgic expression in her eyes.

© 2008 DCL Publications

32

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When Beau had calmed down sufficiently to tell the waiter their dinner choices, and Jane had stopped giggling helplessly, he said, “Well, that explains why you pronounce my name as ‘Bô’. Until now, only my family has ever done that. Other people invariably say ‘Bow’. Have you ever been back to Paris?” She shook her head. “No. My husband had intended that we should go there for our honeymoon, but then he got the offer of a solo exhibition at a top-flight gallery in Phoenix, and to be successful, the paintings had to be of Arizona – particularly the desert, and some cityscapes, Sedona, Santa Fe – yes, I realize that’s in New Mexico, but people love paintings of Santa Fe. So we went to Arizona instead of Paris. Oh, I did love Arizona, particularly Sedona. But it wasn’t Paris—” Beau gazed at Lise, the expression in his dark eyes hard to fathom. “That was a most enchanting story – your adventures in Paris. Don’t you think so, Aunt Jane?” “Indeed I do.” Beau frowned. He thought for a few moments before saying, “Lise, Aunt Jane said you’ve a BA in English Lit. You said you’d been married nearly three years when your husband died, four years ago? Did you go to university concurrently with being married?” Surprised, Lise said, “No. When I came back from Paris, I went to Daddy’s alma mater, Cambridge, and when I had my degree, I went back to Long Island with Daddy. My mother had died suddenly, a year earlier, and Daddy moved to a flat in London, to be near me while I finished my studies. I had always been writing, keeping journals, and so on. “One day, Daddy read one of my journals – in fact about my life in Paris – and he spoke to a friend of his, an editor with your family’s publishing house, in fact. He said I showed some talent, and I should try writing a book. When I was twenty-five, the editor said he’d recommend that the publisher accept the book I had written. “He helped me so very much with rewrites, oh, you wouldn’t believe how much work I had to do on that first book. “A few months later, I met and married Jason. And when I was twenty-eight, Jason died in that plane accident. Why on earth would you think I went to university after I was married?” “Because, Lise, I thought you might be twenty-five, tops, probably younger.” Beau sighed, “You’re thirty-two? I can’t believe it. You, Aunt Jane?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

33

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Jane looked judiciously at her friend. “I think there’s a little too much sadness in Lise’s eyes for a twenty-five-year-old, but I agree with you, Lise looks a lot younger than she is.” Lise, blushing painfully, held her eyes downcast, giving Beau an unobstructed view of her long, dark lashes. “Forgive me, Lise,” Beau sighed at last. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you as I so obviously have. When I invited you to dinner, I felt like a cradle-snatcher. You see, I’m fortyone. Please say you forgive me?” “There’s nothing to forgive, Beau.” Lise’s voice was very soft.

© 2008 DCL Publications

34

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Chapter 2

The next morning, shortly after seven, Beau knocked gently at Lise’s door, calling out quietly, “Lise, it’s Beau.” The air was still cool, there was a light breeze, and he looked forward enormously to walking the beach with Lise. She answered her door quickly and, with a quiet “Good morning,” bade him enter. She saw he had tucked his green towel around his waist. He’s probably wearing a bikini and feels it would be impolite to sit in my living-room practically naked. To his delight, he saw she was wearing a turquoise one-piece swimsuit, with a turquoiseand-green voile sarong tied at her hips. When she became aware of Beau’s scrutiny, she raised an elegant brow. “Well? Do you approve?” “Lise, you look fabulous. I’m glad to see that you’re wearing a one-piece. And I like you being blonde all over.” “Blonde all over?” she echoed, puzzled. She gestured to the tray on the coffee-table, where a cafetière and two cups stood waiting. Quickly, she poured coffee, handing him his cup. He drank gratefully. “Mmhmm, this is good. About being blonde all over, I meant you’ve only a slight glow of tan. I hate to see fair-skinned people with a heavy tan on the exposed parts of their bodies. When they take their clothes off, they look ludicrous with their deep-brown arms and legs, upper chest and back, and the rest very pale, like a white swimsuit.” “It sounds as if you’re speaking from experience,” Lise grinned. Beau nodded, looking slightly self-conscious. “Yes, a year or so ago I went out with a woman – oh, not as fair as you, but fairly fair, and I must confess, I found that dark tan contrasting with the pale body most disconcerting.” “Perhaps you should’ve encouraged her not to disrobe.” Lise tried not to smirk too openly. “Believe me, I wanted to.” said Beau feelingly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

35

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Good thing you’re a man, Beau…you can tan all over. And if you’ll allow me to make a personal observation, such a great tan.” She held up the cafetière, silently offering a refill. “No, thanks, Lise. That one cup was exactly what I needed.” “Do you want some cool water to drink? I always hate the after-taste of coffee.” “Why yes, what a good idea.” Lise took two small bottles of spring water from the refrigerator, handing one to Beau. As they drank, they unobtrusively glanced at each other. He thought, She’s the loveliest, gentlest woman I’ve ever seen. And she’s thirty-two. When I told her I’m forty-one, she just took it in her stride. Beau, listen to yourself. What on earth are you thinking? What does age matter between friends? Of course friendship is all I want. She thought, He gives a whole new meaning to ‘tall, dark and handsome’. But he wants only a casual friendship, let me not forget that, because I could fall so easily in love with him, and that way lies desolate anguish, if he began a love affair and then left me. She became aware of his hand, stretched out toward her. “Lise, you were miles away. Tell me, where were you?” She shrugged, hoping he wouldn’t be able to read her thoughts. “Oh, for a moment I was somewhere I don’t ever want to go again.” “And where was that?” he persevered. “If it’s something you can tell me, Lise?” She considered telling him what she was thinking. What did she have to lose? With another penetrating glance, he led her to the Jaguar and settled her in the passenger seat. Moments later, they were on their way. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” His voice was quiet. She took a deep breath. “Of course you weren’t prying, Beau. It’s just that you’ll probably think it silly of me, but for a moment I thought of the crushing grief I felt when Jason died, and I thought I’d do almost anything to avoid ever feeling such pain again. And that’s my main reason for never going out on dates, things like that. Because I can’t let myself feel again – it’s the only way I can keep myself safe from having my heart broken ever again.” “Are you telling me that you regret coming out with me to walk the beach? Because, if in time we were to fall in love, you wouldn’t want to take that risk?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

36

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Well, um… no, because you said you only wanted friendship. So I thought there was no risk in going for walks with you.” “Good,” was all Beau said. He had to concentrate on his driving, because even at that early hour vacationers, unfamiliar with the area, were driving with a fine disregard for the rules of the road. When they arrived at the first access road to the beach, Beau parked, helped Lise from the car, and put up the roof. For a moment, they stood, enjoying the sights, sounds, smells of the ocean and the beach. A veritable seagull-ballet was being performed for them, clearly in expectation of offerings of bread. Lise looked contrite. “Beau, I should’ve brought some bread to throw up to them.” “We can do that tomorrow,” he said easily. She thought, Tomorrow is Monday. Axel will be gone. Yet Beau wants to walk with me? He was enchanted to see her surprised but happy smile, and wondered what he could do to keep her happy. As if by tacit agreement, they started walking in the surf, the water coming only slightly above their ankles. When she misstepped, he hastily put out his arm and caught her around the waist. Once she had righted herself, he reluctantly let her go, but took her hand in his, caressing her fingers with his thumb. After half an hour, they reached the Inlet, where the first shrimpers were just returning to the little harbor. “Later on, I’ll go get some shrimp, and I’ll also get some for Jane.” “When we’ve finished our walk, I’ll drive you over there and we can get all the shrimp we want, Lise.” “Beau, how stupid of me. I never realized I might be able to buy some shrimp this early, I haven’t got my purse with me.” She sounded so disappointed that he began to laugh. “But I have my wallet locked safely in the trunk.” “That’s brilliant of you.” Her smile was radiant. When they got back to the Jaguar, Beau rescued his wallet from the trunk. Unhitching the roof, he pressed the button to make it fold away again. He drove to the Inlet, taking his towel from his neck, wrapping it around his waist. They were delighted to have their choice of prawns.

© 2008 DCL Publications

37

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau, I’d like to invite you and Jane to dinner at my place this evening. Would that be all right?” She was unprepared for the expression of utter delight on his handsome, usually somewhat aloof face. “Lise, I’d love it, and I’m sure Aunt Jane would too. Tell me, what are you planning to make?” “I was thinking, perhaps a seafood dish? Big scallops, the prawns, and if they have any Pacific salmon at the supermarket, I’ll get some of that. I could make an interesting sauce, aromatic rice? Tell me, do you like asparagus? With Hollandaise?” She glanced questioningly at him. Beau smiled at her enthusiasm. “When I tasted your mango cheesecake last Friday, I realized you’re a superb cook, but what you’re rattling off here is a gourmet’s paradise. And yes, I love asparagus and so does Aunt Jane. Buy whatever you like, I’m sure it will be delicious. And it’ll be good for Aunt Jane, having an easy evening as your guest.” “I hope it will also be a little bit good for you?” she teased. He smiled, and for a moment she thought she saw a caress in his dark eyes. No, she had to be mistaken. “I’d better drive you to the supermarket,” he suggested, driving away from the Inlet. He changed the subject abruptly. “I noticed that Aunt Jane’s hip seems a lot worse than it was when I last saw her – which, I’m ashamed to admit, was at Christmas. I’ve got to change that and plan coming down every weekend, to keep an eye on her. If she were to go downhill suddenly, I’d never forgive myself. I’ve been thinking about a hip-replacement. What do you think?” Beau asked. He slowed down to park by the supermarket. Lise nodded. “Sooner or later, it’ll have to come to that. And, seeing the pain she’s in now, I think sooner would be better than later. Were you thinking of discussing it with her and Bill Reese – her doctor?” Beau stopped the car, helping Lise out of the passenger seat. “Yes, I’ve met Dr. Reese, about a year ago. I’ll ask Aunt Jane to make an appointment and I’ll go with her.” “I’m glad of that, Beau. I’ve been wondering how to broach the hip replacement subject, but when all’s said and done, I’m no relation, just a friend…” Her voice trailed away. Beau slowed his pace, turning toward her, his dark eyes enigmatic. “You could never be ‘just’ a friend, Lise.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

38

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

All he heard in response was a sigh. **** When Lise finished her purchases, Beau quickly drove her home. He helped her bring everything in. “Lise, is there anything else you need for tonight’s dinner I could lend a hand with?” “Not a thing, thanks, Beau. Just bring yourself and Jane, any time after six, say? We’ll eat around seven-thirty. I was just thinking, it won’t be all that exciting for you, you know exactly what I’m going to cook.” “I assure you having dinner here will be exciting enough for me, Lise. And I don’t know at all what you’re planning for dessert.” “Well, I was going to ask you to give me some ideas. What do you like?” “Judging by that incredible cheesecake, whatever you make will be fabulous.” “Flattery will get you practically anywhere. Come on now, give me some ideas as to what you’d like. I already know what Jane likes, so?” “Well, all right, I guess you win. Tell me, is fruit mousse hard to make?” “Not at all, Beau. Mousse it is. What fruit do you really like?” “Please, may I leave that decision with you?” He smiled, taking his leave, walking back to his Jaguar to drive the brief distance to his aunt’s cottage. **** That afternoon, Jaline MacIntyre did the rounds among most of the cottagers. She went around inviting all their neighbours in residence, except Alicia, whom Jaline considered too much competition. Having seen Beau arrive, she pestered her sister Fiona into giving a formal afternoon tea on Wednesday. Jaline, a vivacious brunette, wore her dark-brown hair in a chinlength bob, and used a lot of bright make-up. Her figure was perhaps a little top-heavy, and when she was not in her nurse’s uniform, she wore necklines that displayed a great deal of her cleavage to advantage, or so she thought. Today she was wearing a very low-cut red dress, its skirt barely reaching halfway down her fairly ample thighs. She was going to invite Beau and Jane to their tea party. She arrived at Jane’s cottage just before five. When she was invited in, and sat down with her hostess, she explained the reason for her visit.

© 2008 DCL Publications

39

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“It was a difficult choice, we’d love to have Jon and Corey, but if we had our tea-party on the week-end, we’d have to have Axel and one of his doxies, so we decided on Wednesday.” “It’s a pity you feel you have to cut Jon and Corey in order to protect us from the odious presence of Axel, that repulsive predator,” said Jane, her tone glacial. “Predator?” Jaline asked. At that moment, Beau entered, and Jane watched with grim amusement as Jaline straightened up, licked her lips and gave Beau her brightest, most avid smile. “Beau,” Jane said, “You remember Jaline MacIntyre?” Beau went over to Jaline, and when she bent forward in her chair to offer her hand, Beau carefully looked into her eyes, thereby missing her impressive cleavage, which was reaching spillover conditions. “Hello, Jaline. Yes, I met you and your sister Fiona when I was here at Christmas.” “That’s right, Beau,” Jaline’s voice was smarmy. “Fancy you remembering that.” “No great feat of memory necessary. It’s only just over four months ago,” said Beau calmly. “And I agree with what Aunt Jane just said. I think it’s high time we all refuse to receive Axel, rather than give parties when he isn’t here. He’s a predator, who has grievously offended Lise.” “Lise? Lise who?” Jaline asked, frowning. “Lise is the name Beau invented for my friend Alicia MacLean,” said Jane calmly. “Alicia. Oh, her. I didn’t know you knew her, Beau.” Disappointment spiked Jaline’s voice. “I most certainly do.” Beau’s voice was cool. “Jaline, surely you know that Lise is a very dear friend of mine. Of course she and Beau see a lot of each other. As for Axel being persona non grata in my house, he has been stalking and harassing Lise ever since, at his express request, I seated them next to each other at my dinner party. You were there, Jaline, you’ll remember how Axel dared put his hand on poor Lise’s knee, and she had to ask him to remove it instantly.” “Oh, that. Yeah, well, I must say I thought it very grandstanding of her, asking him in everyone’s hearing to take his hand off her knee. If that sort of thing happened to me, I’d handle it more quietly,” said Jaline, sounding superior and smug.

© 2008 DCL Publications

40

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Thereby, of course, aiding and abetting the predator in his activities,” said Beau coldly. “Such men need to be exposed for the unacceptable liberties they take. I think Lise was quite right in making everyone realize what Axel was trying to do to her.” “Exactly, Beau,” said Jane. She turned toward Jaline. “That’s why I will no longer receive Axel in any circumstances.” “Well, I think Alicia tends to be too quick to think men take liberties. For a few moments, after she told Axel to take his hand off her knee, the atmosphere was quite tense,” said Jaline. “I don’t agree with you, Jaline.” Beau’s voice was glacial. “That was an appalling liberty Axel took with Lise, such a shy, modest woman. I was at her cottage on Saturday, when Axel damn nearly broke her door down with his insistent knocking. I soon told Axel to leave Lise alone, or I’d protect her by having him charged with harassment and stalking.” “Well, well, Sir Galahad,” said Jaline, spite distorting her voice. “For heaven’s sake, Beau, Alicia is a widow. She must’ve been around the block a few times, so don’t you think that perhaps she exaggerates her fears of Axel to keep you interested? After all, what can the poor guy do? Ask her out? She might be missing out on a good time. He’s said to be very generous when he likes a woman.” “If you consider the possibility of attempted rape a fair exchange for having ‘a good time’, then Axel would fill the bill.” Beau’s voice was icy with disdain. “And your assessment of Lise is quite wrong. She has not been around the block a few times, as you put it.” He had remained standing, and now turned to Jane, who said, “Jaline, I’m sorry, but we’re not free on Wednesday afternoon.” “Oh, no,” said Jaline, clearly very disappointed. She turned to Beau. “Can’t you cancel whatever you’re doing, and come to Fiona and me, Beau?” “No, Jaline, that won’t be possible,” said Beau calmly. “But thank you and Fiona for the invitation. Perhaps another time.” He moved toward Jaline, clearly expecting her to get up and leave. After some moments, reluctantly, Jaline did.

© 2008 DCL Publications

41

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When Beau returned from seeing her to the door, he was shaking with indignation. Jane poured him a glass of the excellent claret she had brought out for them. “I decided what we needed was a glass of my best claret. It was probably inhospitable of me not to offer Jaline any wine, but I didn’t want to give her an excuse for lingering any longer than she absolutely had to,” said Jane. She was pleased to see that Beau, after taking an appreciative sip of the wine, had begun to calm down. “I was very glad you didn’t, Aunt Jane. I find Jaline rather on the spiteful side. Fiona is much nicer.” “Well, Jaline is getting a little desperate for husband-material, she’s thirty-six or seven. Fiona, who is thirty-nine, is different, quite content to be single. And of course, Beau, you have to realize that you’re everybody’s amant rêvé.” “Aunt Jane, come on. Everybody’s dream-lover? Please, don’t even kid about such a thing,” Beau said plaintively, colour staining his sculpted cheekbones. “Anyway, I obviously am not everybody’s dream-lover.” “You’re not? Perhaps you’re mistaken about that.” Beau considered his aunt’s remark. She was the only person with whom he found it easy to talk, even about his private thoughts. He shook his head. “No. My own fault. Evidently Lise picked up on my reluctance to get involved in more than brief uh…situations. And a woman so sensitive wouldn’t want anything to do with such a man. I’ve succeeded in convincing her that I thought I’d have to go to Louisana for research. And at least she’s now willing for us to be friends.” “Well, perhaps if you didn’t try to nail down the exact degree of commitment, in time you and she might discover that you’ve stronger feelings for each other than you now think likely. You both know from experience what a widow or widower suffers. I’m sure you realize how afraid Lise must be of ever feeling such crushing pain again. “If you and she got deeply involved, and then you broke it off, she’d be devastated a second time. That’s a risk she’s probably unwilling to take. And Beau, aren’t you equally unwilling to be in a committed relationship, because you’re reluctant to be responsible again for someone else’s life, her happiness dependent on you?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

42

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I thought I was, Aunt Jane, but things seem to be changing – perhaps too fast. There was all that research I faced, in Louisiana. Now, I don’t have to do that, thanks to your generosity in giving me the family’s archive. You see, when I first met Lise, and liked her so much, I was at the same time careful to set out the parameters. No involvement, because I sensed she wouldn’t want a little affair, a brief fling. And I couldn’t see my way to a deeper attachment. Impasse.” Beau slumped back in his seat. Jane tried lifting Beau out of his evident depression. “Listen to me, Beau, honey. Perhaps feelings are best left alone. Let them grow or wither, as circumstances evolve. Don’t make the mistake of ruling this or that out, only to find that’s exactly what you do want. And you’re right, of course. If you warned Lise off, as it were, then you hurt her. Telling her you didn’t exactly mean it the way it sounded isn’t going to do much good. Let time show her that you didn’t mean it.” Beau glanced at his aunt, one side of his sculpted mouth curling into a little smile. “Aunt Jane, you know me so well. You’re right, I was trying to fix with words the pain I realized I had inflicted on her. “By the way, Lise said to come any time after six. It’s five past now. Do you think that, perhaps, we should make a move? And do you think this linen suit is good enough for dinner at Lise’s?” Jane smiled to herself. Dear Beau. He needs to be with her, but he doesn’t know it… Well, let him have the fun of a little infatuation… Nothing much will come of it, if his past behaviour is anything to go by, whatever he thinks now… “You look great, Beau,” Jane said. “As you see, I’m dressed in one of my long skirts with a thin sweater – hardly formal wear. And you’re right, let’s go.” “You’re sure you don’t mind walking over, Aunt Jane? We can drive.” “The walk will do me good.” Jane walked out of her kitchen door. Beau locked the door carefully, hurrying after his aunt, who took his arm. When they reached Lise’s door, Beau knocked quietly, saying, “Lise, it’s Beau, and Aunt Jane.” The door opened and Lise smiled happily at her guests. “Jane, dear, you look lovely. Please come in. And Beau… “

© 2008 DCL Publications

43

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I don’t look lovely?” Beau said, taking Lise’s proffered hand and pressing his mouth to it. “Of course you do, Beau.” Lise’s smile was radiant. “That natural linen suit looks wonderful. And the blue shirt intensifies the black of your hair and eyes.” “My eyes are dark-brown,” Beau pointed out. “Not always,” said Lise. Beau’s glance showed surprise. Jane grinned quietly. Lise shepherded her guests into her living room, and as he walked behind her, Beau had another opportunity to admire the soft, luxuriant blonde hair, the slender back, her delicate shoulder-blades outlined as she moved her arms to settle Jane in the most comfortable of her chairs. Lise’s dress was a subtle shade of turquoise, and when she turned around to invite Beau to sit down wherever he wished, he saw that the colour lit a fire in her eyes. He decided to sit on the sofa, close to his aunt’s chair, and was secretly pleased when Lise quietly sat down beside him. “May I give you a glass of wine, Jane? Beau?” she asked. “Beau and I were drinking claret earlier, and I brought a bottle for you,” Jane said. She carefully produced a bottle of her best claret, which she had kept cradled under her cashmere wrap. “Aunt Jane, you should’ve let me carry that,” Beau reproached, concerned for the everpresent pains in her hands. He rose, asking Lise, “Will you let me open this for you?” “Thank you, Beau. Would you come into my kitchen for a moment, then? I need to go there anyway, to pick up a platter of nibbles.” When Beau saw the platter, he whistled soundlessly. “If you call these ‘nibbles’, I wonder what on earth you serve when you call them hors d’œuvres variés.” He had a caressing glance for Lise, who smiled back, showing her pretty white teeth. “Ah, Beau, you’re always so nice to me,” she said softly. Not nearly as nice as I want to be to you. He removed the cork, slowly and carefully pouring three glasses of the wine. “Not nearly nice enough,” he sighed. He was pleased to notice Lise’s faint blush.

© 2008 DCL Publications

44

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When they were seated again, drinking the wine, Beau asked, “Did Jaline succeed in getting you to go to their tea-party on Wednesday?” “Tea-party?” Lise echoed. Jane decided to explain. “Beau-honey, you may be quite sure that Jaline wouldn’t dream of inviting Lise, whom she views with great envy, because Lise isn’t interested in attracting men, but she does, all the same.” Jane was amused to see the sudden flare in Beau’s dark eyes. Calmly, she continued, “Jaline goes out of her way to display her wares – did you catch the expanse of breasts she was exhibiting for your benefit, Beau?” Jane was amused to see Beau shake his head, his mouth twisting fastidiously. She went on, “But men aren’t interested.” “No, Aunt Jane, I carefully did not look down when I shook her hand,” Beau grinned. Turning to Lise, he said, “Aunt Jane told her that we had a previous engagement on Wednesday.” Jane smiled a little grimly. “Yes, and Jaline whined if we couldn’t get out of the engagement and come to her tea-party. So she could declare open season on Beau, hunt him as relentlessly as Axel hunts you, Lise. No way.” “Which leaves the problem of inventing the previous engagement you claimed,” said Beau. “Tell me, Aunt Jane, Lise, do you like Greek food? There’s an excellent, authentic Greek restaurant in the Akropolis complex on Lake Apopka, in Winter Park. We could go there for a latish lunch? And take our time driving back? That would mean we would definitely not be available for Jaline’s frolics at four-thirty.” Jane smiled. “Beau-honey, what a wonderful idea. I haven’t had serious Greek food in ages. Well, Lise? Does the idea appeal?” Lise shrugged. “Jane, Beau, of course it does, but you don’t have to take me along. I wasn’t invited to the tea-party, so I don’t have to be away.” “Lise, I know I don’t have to invite you, but I want to invite you to come with us. Please, say you’ll come?” Beau insisted. “But you’re here to be with your aunt, you must want to spend some time alone with her?” Lise was hesitant to accept. “Lise, I told you the very first time we met, Aunt Jane is my aunt, not my girlfriend. We have quite a lot of time together, don’t we, Aunt Jane?” “Indeed we do,” Jane confirmed hastily. “Please, Lise, come with us?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

45

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Well, if you’re sure….” Lise was still hesitant. “I’m sure, Lise,” Beau’s voice was decisive. **** Beau’s time at his Aunt’s cottage quickly took shape very pleasantly. In the early morning, he drank coffee with Lise and walked the beach with her. Tacitly, they agreed Lise would invite Jane and Beau to dinner every other evening. When it was Jane’s turn to cook, Beau frequently took his aunt and Lise to an interesting restaurant. Sunday’s dinner party at Delgado’s was, predictably, a highlight, Rosa fussing happily over her guests, Luis coming out of his kitchen to say Hello. The dinner Luis had devised for them was supreme by any standards, but in Beau’s opinion the pleasure he found in Lise’s company eclipsed even Luis’s exceptional culinary talents. **** One afternoon, during the second week of his holiday, Beau drove his aunt over to Dr. Reese, to discuss the replacement of her left hip. Jane explained, “I’m reluctant to commit to a lengthy stay in hospital and at the rehab centre.” Bill Reese explained, “I can’t let a patient who lives alone go home sooner. You need care and attention, my dear Jane, and I’m determined to see you get it.” Beau immediately offered, “Would you have a different opinion if I came to live at the cottage to look after my aunt and drive her to medical check-ups, the rehab classes?” Bill was surprised. “Well, yes, that would make a big difference.” “Then that’s what I’ll do, Bill,” Beau assured him. “And I was thinking of ordering a stair-lift for my aunt’s stairway so she won’t need to climb stairs with her new hip.” “In that case I’ll arrange for a part-time nurse to come in daily to dress the incision, help the patient shower and so on.” Having thus cleared the way for Jane to have a minimal hospital and rehab stay, the hipreplacement was agreed to. Bill made arrangements for Beau and Jane to meet the orthopaedic surgeon. The next morning, just after seven, Beau knocked quietly at Lise’s door. She hurried to open to him with a murmured “Good morning, Beau.” As she gazed up at him, she became aware of his barely hidden excitement.

© 2008 DCL Publications

46

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau?” she asked softly. “Aunt Jane has agreed to the surgery, with a minimal hospital and rehab stay,” he said, sounding jubilant. “To make that possible, I’ve promised to come live at the cottage, look after her, drive her to medical and exercise appointments. Bill Reese will arrange for a daily nurse to help Aunt Jane shower, dress the incision, well, you know.” “Beau, that’s wonderful… If you and she would like, I could come in every day to make breakfast, lunch and dinner? Anything else I can do to help, you know you merely have to ask.” “I know that, Lise. And thank you so much for your offer of taking care of the meals. That’ll be a big relief to Aunt Jane, and to me. Is that my coffee? Thanks.” He quickly began to sip. After a few moments, he went on, “Perhaps, once we’ve established a comfortable routine for Aunt Jane, we might be able to resume our beach-walks? Would you like that, Lise?” She busied herself with her coffee-cup. “Oh yes, I’d like that, Beau.” Ten minutes later, they were on their way to the beach. Lise had her customary bag of bread-crusts for the sea-gulls, and they enjoyed the birds’ graceful antics, trying to snatch the bread before another gull could lay claim to it. When the bag was empty, they walked to the Inlet in companionable silence, turning around to walk back to the car. Beau had been glancing at Lise from time to time, but although he seemed to be on the point of speaking, he kept his silence. At last, he said hesitantly, “Lise, I’ve been thinking. You’re so good to Aunt Jane, in spite of the considerable difference in your ages. I couldn’t help noticing how you manage to do a lot of things for her which she’d find painful, either because walking is so difficult now, or because of the pain in her hands. And I’ve been wondering…it seems such a one-sided friendship. I can’t see that there’s anything in it for you?” Lise stood stock-still. Her face, which a moment ago had shown a faint, happy smile, went deathly pale and suddenly became rigid and expressionless. She seemed to gasp for air, finally managing to whisper, “What’s in it...for me? In…it…for…me? Oh, Beau, how could you? I thought we were friends – and all the time you thought I was taking advantage somehow of Jane. How you must despise me.” With a sob she turned away from him, running blindly down the deserted beach, in the wrong direction.

© 2008 DCL Publications

47

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

In a heartbeat, he went after her, quickly overtaking her. He caught her by the shoulders, saying, his voice impassioned, “Lise honey. That wasn’t what I meant. You know that wasn’t what I meant. I was wondering about your generous nature, not – what you thought. Lise, you’ve got to believe me… How could I possibly despise you when, each and every day, I’ve fallen more deeply in love with you?” The moment he spoke the words, he gasped. “Ah, non. I didn’t mean to burden you with that, I was determined never to tell you how I felt. I do realize I’m feeling this alone. If you’re willing, we’ll forget what I said. Lise?” Distraught by the sight of her tears sliding down her pale cheeks, he took her in his arms, his mouth against her hair, whispering endearments, soothing words of love in the language of his ancestors. He tried to kiss her tears away, finally giving up and, to her surprise, handing her a packet of Kleenex that had been tucked into a zipped pocket in his towel. Slowly, she dried her tears, delicately blowing her nose. At last, she lifted her eyes to his, which had darkened to black velvet. Softly, she said, “No, you don’t.” “I don’t what, Lise?” he asked, puzzled. Lifting her hand to his lean cheek, she whispered, “Feel this alone. Beau— I’ve fallen in love with you, too. For all the good it’ll do me. You and I may feel the same thing, but we don’t want the same things. “The first evening we met, you told me you have limited time for friendships, so I guess all you want are brief, uncommitted flings. And I want love.” Lise shrugged hopelessly, finally adding, “Do you really think we can try to forget this and remain friends, as you said? Oh, Beau, somehow it’s so much worse, knowing that you’ve fallen in love with me.” She hid her face against his throat, sighing. Profoundly moved, he tried to get his voice under control. When at last he thought he could speak past the lump in his throat, his deep voice was shaking. “You’ve fallen in love with me, too? Lise, ma bien-aimée – my dearly beloved. Believe me, I want the same things you do – I swear I never wanted a brief affair with you, never. You must know that. True, I fought against these feelings, because I couldn’t believe it was possible to feel so much, so suddenly. But I knew what I felt for you was love. And I want to be with you forever and a day, tell me you know that, mon seul amour” – my one and only love.

© 2008 DCL Publications

48

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

He slowly turned her around, his arm around her, saying gently, “Let me take you back to the car. We’ll drive home, and we’ll talk about this, because I’m sure you’ll agree there’s a lot for us to talk about.” She nodded, suddenly saying intensely, “Jane does a lot for me, too. She’s been proofreading for me. One day, we started discussing what I was working on, and she had some interesting suggestions. So, contrary to what you believed, it’s a two-way street for Jane and me. And we’re friends. I’ve never, never worked out whether a friend is doing as much for me as I’m doing for her – that isn’t what friendship is about.” Upset, contrite, Beau began to apologize again, but Lise waved this away. “I know now that you didn’t mean it the way it sounded, as if I were nice to Jane for some sort of personal gain. I know you couldn’t have meant that.” Deeply ashamed, Beau hugged her more closely to him, because at first — protective of his aunt — he had wondered what advantage there was for Lise; however quickly he had taken himself to task for his unfounded suspicions. When they arrived at Lise’s cottage, she got her key from the tiny zip-pocket at the legedge of her swimsuit. She gave it to Beau, who opened the door, closing and locking it behind them. “I’ll make you breakfast,” Lise offered, feeling unaccountably shy. “I doubt I could eat a bite.” Beau’s voice was still unsteady. “Just some coffee would be fine. But I’d like to hurry home, shower and change. This string-bikini is none too comfortable—” Suddenly realizing what he meant, Lise blushed deeply, faltering, “I…uh…I think I’ll sshower too, and then I’ll m-make coffee for us.” Beau lifted her face to him with a long finger under her chin, kissing her mouth lightly. “Lise, mon amour” – my love, he whispered, hurrying away. Lise raced through a shower and quickly put on the poppy-strewn strapless gown Beau liked. She went to the kitchen to grind the beans for a fresh pot of coffee. While she was doing this, Beau entered via the back-door, dressed now in chinos and an unbuttoned chambray shirt, worn untucked. He took the few steps still separating them, wrapping her in a loving embrace.

© 2008 DCL Publications

49

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau?” she whispered, her heart in turmoil because he wrapped her so lovingly in his arms. “Go sit down, I won’t be a moment.” She wondered how he could have changed so completely in a few weeks. When she came into the living-room with the refilled cafetière, a plate of oatmeal cookies in her other hand, Beau half-rose, patting the sofa space beside him. Pouring two fresh cups of coffee, she seated herself beside Beau, slanting a glance at him, unsure of what to do next. After he had taken a few sips, Beau put his coffee-cup back on the table, and turned to Lise. “Lise….Lise, my love,” Beau sighed, sliding his arm around her slender back, slowly drawing her closer to him. He took her hand in his, pressing its palm to his mouth. “I love you with all my heart, and I want us to be together forever and a day. Is that commitment enough for you?” “But is it too much commitment for you, Beau?” she asked, her heart still in confusion because this was exactly what Beau had indicated he did not want – one woman, forever. He shook his head. “No, of course not. All the days I spent with you, it became clearer and clearer to me that my private life was empty. Work and occasionally a brief fling. I knew then that I no longer wanted that. What I want is you, for all time. Tell me, do you want me?” His eyes a caressing black velvet, he waited for her response. Lise gave him a blissful smile. “Beau – of course I do, so very much… I haven’t been afraid of commitment, only of committing myself to someone who didn’t want what I wanted. You see, I couldn’t love you more than I do now, but if you took me to your bed and then you left me after a while, it would destroy me. I’d feel again that devastating anguish I felt four years ago. I don’t ever want to feel that again.” “And you won’t, my love. Not at my hands, I promise you that.” Beau’s impassioned voice was shaking with emotions he had not felt in a very long time. If, indeed, I ever felt them. He went on, “You were just talking about me taking you to my bed— My love, that’s not an option right now, is it? I couldn’t take you to bed in Aunt Jane’s cottage. So the only suggestion I can make is that we wait until I go back to Jacksonville, and you come with me for however long you feel you can be away from here. As far as I’m concerned, I want you to be with me forever. “But Beau— If you wanted, we could be together here…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

50

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“But I expect you’ll want to watch over Aunt Jane? And then there’s your book. How’s that going? Getting ready for the Editor?” And, as Lise shook her head, “Not yet? Well, then we only have to consider Aunt Jane. Lise? Will you come with me to Jacksonville?” “Of course I will, Beau. I could ask Father Mark to watch over Jane for a few days. At present it probably couldn’t be for more than a few days. If Fiona lived on her own, I’d ask her, she’s an excellent nurse, she’s kind, fond of Jane. But with Jaline right there—can you imagine how she’d try to insinuate herself into Jane’s household, ready for you, next time you come to stay with Jane? No.” She took a deep breath. Pale with emotion, his deep voice husky, he asked, “You’d be willing to share your bed with me?” “Of course I would, Beau.” Ecstatic, he wrapped her more tightly in his embrace, bent his dark head to her, slowly brushing his mouth over hers. He felt her lips part for him, and sighed, holding her even more tightly. He deepened the kiss, his tongue seeking hers in a velvet caress and doing a little mating dance before delving more deeply to find her taste, her sweetness. “Lise, my love, you taste so good,” he moaned. With an effort he controlled his voice. “But before I ask you to give yourself to me, there’s something I want to ask first. Lise, will you marry me?” Lise wrapped her arms around his neck, sinking into him, melting his heart at the same time. “Beau…are you sure? You want me to marry you?” “Of course I’m sure, my love. I need….” They were disturbed by a cheerful rat-tat-tat on Lise’s door, and a vaguely familiar voice calling, “Beau, you can’t hide in there. Your car is outside.” Annoyed, Beau turned to Lise. “My uncle,” he said, frowning. Lise shrugged resignedly and went to the door to receive the visitor. She opened the top half of her door, and saw Philip DeVilliers, who apparently did not recognize her, although he had seen her at several authors’ parties given by Swanage & DeVilliers. “Get my nephew,” he said peremptorily. “It’s important.” Offended, Lise turned to Beau, who was already out of his seat. “Uncle Philip. This is not a good time to interrupt…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

51

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Philip looked contemptuously at Lise, and said,

“Mon cher neveu, évidemment je ne

te dérange pas. Ta p’tite amie porte encore sa robe. Alors, viens avec moi, c’est important.” Incensed, Beau said, his voice biting, “No, Uncle. And, for your information, Lise speaks better French than you do. How dare you imply that she is some floozy? That you interrupted nothing because she’s still wearing her dress. Uncle, how could you? And you interrupted something of vital importance to me. I was about to propose marriage to this lady.” Lise moved closer to Beau, throwing Philip a contemptuous glance. “Beau, this person has the manners of a baboon and the subtlety of a freight-train in heat. Please send him on his way quickly.” Turning to Philip, she added, “It was rude and arrogant of you to think you could insult me in my own house with impunity, as long as you spoke French. Since you didn’t even show the basic good manners to introduce yourself, I will tell you who I am. My name is Alicia MacLean, and I used to write for your publishing house. But not any more. Be assured of that.” She turned away with a look of utter disdain. “Mon Dieu.” said Philip, aghast. “Of course you are Alicia MacLean, I recognize you now from our authors’ parties. The New York Times best sellers list had your last three books for ages. My dear Ms. MacLean, I apologize sincerely for my earlier rudeness which was not intentional—” Lise halted briefly, turning back to the intruder. “Your perfunctory apology comes too late. I will not accept it. And I most certainly will leave your publishing house. Beau, please remove your uncle from my door.” Lise turned on her heel and disappeared from view. Aghast at what he had done, Philip could only stare open-mouthed at his nephew, who said, “Uncle Philip, how could you? Lise is a dear friend of Aunt Jane’s, and you talked to her and about her as if she were some slut. I’ve never known you to be a rude boor, but you certainly were, just now, the way you talked to Lise.” “Beau, my dear boy. I do apologize most sincerely, but you surely realize how totally I’ve always disapproved of your lifestyle, since you became a widower, however discreetly you conducted your affairs. Those brief interludes with loose women. If they had any morals, they wouldn’t be willing to tumble into your bed so eagerly, much less for brief periods. You know how often I’ve railed against that. And when I saw Ms. MacLean, without recognizing her, I thought—”

© 2008 DCL Publications

52

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“And because you disapprove of me, you felt you could insult her with impunity. Think again, Uncle.” Beau took a deep breath, before going on. “One other thing – I don’t seduce with false promises, as you yourself have been guilty of many times, promising some starry-eyed secretary the moon, just to get her into your bed. And the next morning, she is demoted and transferred to a branch office. What’s moral and honourable about that? “My affairs have actually been few and far between, and only with women who knew exactly what I was willing to offer. I’ve always been fastidious – something that cannot be said of you, Uncle.” Philip looked most uncomfortable for several moments, then he frowned, deciding to see if he could, at least, save the business part of this disaster. “My dear Beau, please convey to Ms. MacLean how very honoured and delighted we are to have her as one of our writers, and how deeply sorry I am for the most unfortunate misunderstanding—” “I assure you Lise misundertood nothing. Now, what was so damned important that you had to practically break Lise’s door down to get to me?” “Ah. I had forgotten in the fracas that resulted from my mistake. Yes. I wanted you and Jane to come to lunch with me at the Hilton, where I’m staying for a few days. I have meetings with several of my authors, who all live in that beachside condominium building.” “Lunch at the Hilton was your ‘important’ message, for which you felt you could interrupt me in the most important discussion of my life: proposing marriage to Lise? No, thank you, Uncle, I don’t want to have lunch with you. “And be very, very careful with Aunt Jane. She is in agonizing pain from her arthritis and can’t walk much any more. So be sure to draw up at the door of the Hilton and have someone park your car. And walk slowly, very slowly, with her. “I’m going in now, Uncle, to see whether I can persuade Lise to listen to my proposal of marriage. I’m afraid chances are she won’t want to marry me now, as it would mean she would become a DeVilliers. You’ve tarnished that name for her forever. “And when you tell Aunt Jane about your amusing error of mistaking her dear friend for a slut, try to stay within the realm of verisimilitude? Because when I next see Aunt Jane I will tell her exactly what you did. Goodbye, Uncle.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

53

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau, my dear boy, one more moment, if I may? Could you please try to persuade Ms. MacLean not to leave my firm? She’s such a good writer, and…” Beau interrupted him. “Good bye, Uncle.” With that, Beau closed the top half of the door, bolting it securely before going in search of Lise. **** He found her in her bathroom, holding a cold cloth to her eyes. Evidently she had been crying. A terrible rage against his uncle filled Beau’s heart. “Lise, amour de mon cœur” – love of my heart. Beau took her in his arms, relieved to meet no resistance. He went on, “How I detest my uncle for doing this to you.” He took her in his arms, slowly fondling the silky blonde mass of her hair, slipping his hand down her back, softly caressing her skin. To his delighted surprise, she melted into him, whispering his name. He tightened his embrace. “My love, come sit with me on your sofa again? Let me finish what I was going to say, and propose properly to you… Tell me, does the idea appeal at all?” “Beau…of course… I… Yes, Beau, the idea appeals so very much.” Exultant, he held her more closely still, until he realized he was making it difficult for her to breathe. Contrite, he loosened his hold. “Forgive me for holding you too tightly. You see, I was so afraid you wouldn’t want to marry me after what Philip said.” Lise smiled radiantly at Beau, who slowly walked with her through her bedroom, back to the living room, where he seated them on her sofa, his arms around her. “How could you think that, Beau? I just never want to have anything to do with Philip again. I hope you understand how I feel?” “Of course I do. Mind you, it means we’ll have to have a very quiet, very small wedding, with just Aunt Jane and… any particular friends of yours?” She thought for a moment. “Apart from my Father? I’ve a cousin, Luke. But with Jane and Daddy there, it would make the wedding a little bit formal, and we’d have to have your DeVilliers relatives, wouldn’t we? And right now, the idea of Philip being present at our wedding fills me with loathing.” Lise shivered fastidiously, brightening up at an idea she had.

© 2008 DCL Publications

54

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau? Perhaps we could just live together for a while, and later, when I’m not so incensed at Philip’s behaviour any more, we could have a small wedding with your relatives and my Father and my cousin?” “But I want you to marry me very, very soon,” Beau implored. “And I will, if that’s what you want,” she whispered. “That’s what I want, my love. And now, come here— I want to kiss you some more. Seems to me you owe me a lot of kisses.” Beau turned her so that she came to lie against his heart, her long, elegant legs stretching along the sofa. After some time, he sighed, “Lise, honey, I love the taste of you.” “And you taste so very good to me,” she whispered back. He thought if they kept kissing, their feelings would escalate to the point where he would inescapably carry her to bed. Yet he sensed she was still too upset to share those deep intimacies with him. And he’d have to get an engagement ring for her. His voice was muffled, because his mouth was caressing hers. “Lise, my love? To seal your promise of marrying me, I want to give you an engagement ring. But until I can take care of that, will you wear my signet ring on your engagement finger?” He was amused at the confusion in her eyes, her quiet nod. He took his signet ring from the little finger of his left hand, slipping it onto the third finger of her left hand. He brought her fingers to his mouth, kissing them. “I feel the strangest compulsion to say, “With this ring I thee wed…” Beau’s deep voice was huskier than usual. She gazed at his ring. “Is this your coat of arms?” she asked. “Yes, and as soon as we’re married, it’ll be your coat of arms too, Lise. And I’ll have a smaller version of my signet ring made for you.” He pulled her into his arms and began to kiss her mouth again. The telephone burred. Beau glanced at Lise and loosened his embrace, in case she wanted to take the call, but she shook her head. “Let the answering machine take it,” she said, reaching for Beau again. A moment later, he heard a haughty older woman’s voice.

© 2008 DCL Publications

55

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Alicia... Pick up the telephone. I do not wish to talk to a box. I need to discuss with you a requiem mass for the fourth anniversary of my son’s untimely death. And that of my granddaughter, who would be alive and well if you had not indulged in such histrionics that you gave birth too soon and she was stillborn. Alicia. I order you to pick up the telephone...” Her face pale, Lise gazed helplessly at Beau. “As if you couldn’t guess – Jason’s mother. She lives in Mendocino, northern California coast, and invariably nags and nags for me to come out there and attend whatever ceremonies she has planned for Jason’s birthday, the day of his death, but not, of course, our wedding anniversary. She hated me with a passion. Of course I never go, but at certain times there are these endless, peremptory calls. “I think this time I’ll call her back and say that I am engaged to be married to you, and …” “Leave it to me, Lise,” said Beau, picking up the telephone, where the woman’s infuriated voice was still squawking, issuing orders to Lise. He picked up the receiver. “Hello. Mrs. Fitzsimmons? I am Beauregard DeVilliers, Lise’s fiancé. In the circumstances, I suggest that you accept the fact that Lise won’t be coming out to any ceremonies you plan for her late husband. In a very short while, she will be my wife.” “This is impossible... Alicia is Jason’s widow. She can’t marry anyone else... I forbid it, do you hear? I absolutely forbid it…” “Mrs. Fitzsimmons, you are not in a position to forbid Lise and me anything. I hope you realize that, and realize it well. I am sorry your son died so young. But Lise is alive, and has a right to a life other than as your son’s widow. Please do not telephone her again, because she will not return your calls. Goodbye, Mrs. Fitzsimmons. I’m going to hang up now.” Beau replaced the receiver, smiling at Lise, who smiled back gratefully. “Thank you, Beau. You can’t imagine what a nuisance it is, being constantly harassed to attend the various ceremonies with which she intends to keep Jason alive for her. Poor woman, she has nothing else, of course. He was her only son, her only child, I should say. A year after Jason and I were married, her husband left her. Which she doesn’t acknowledge. She tells people she’s a widow.” Lise was interrupted by the telephone burring again. “That’s her, calling again.” she said, with a grin for Beau. Indeed it was.

© 2008 DCL Publications

56

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Alicia? Alicia! Answer the telephone this instant. Who is that young man taking the liberty of answering your telephone? Pretending he’s engaged to you. That’s an impossibility... You’re Jason’s widow. Alicia?” Lise reached over and hit the ‘mute’ button. “Jason’s mother would gladly, singlehandedly, have revived the custom of suttee…” She glanced at Beau to see if he knew what she meant. “You mean in India? Where the sorrowing widow throws herself on her husband’s funeral pyre? Often not voluntarily, but thrown there by her mother-in-law? Yes, I can well imagine that this overpowering harpy wanted you on her son’s funeral pyre. No matter. She’s out of your life now.” “Yes, thanks to you. You handled that beautifully,” she murmured. “Tell me Lise, what did that woman mean about your histrionics and a premature birth? I didn’t know you were about to give birth when—” “I was five, maybe five and a half months pregnant. Anyway, the baby wasn’t viable. Can you imagine how deeply shocked I was to see that plane crash before my eyes? You see, I had driven Jason to the little airport where Chuck parked his plane. I was standing there watching them take off, and suddenly the plane seemed to buckle and fall out of the sky, becoming a ball of fire when it hit the ground. “That bloody woman conveniently forgets that and pretends that I was comfortably at home, staging a major ‘upset’ scene to make myself interesting, thus robbing her of her granddaughter. You can’t imagine how distraught I was when I realized I’d lost my baby by miscarriage. I only knew she was my daughter afterwards. Oh, Beau….she was so tiny… perfect, but tiny. Of course, she never had a chance.” Aghast, Beau tightened his embrace, drifting soft little kisses on her hair, her face, deepening his kiss when he reached her luscious mouth. “I’m so very sorry to hear how much worse this was for you,losing not only your husband, but your daughter, too.”

He rocked her gently in his arms, whispering soft words of

love to her. When he thought she felt soothed, he went on, “Tell me, Lise, would you like me to take you somewhere for lunch? I thought it might calm you? You must’ve been so upset by Uncle Philip, and your former mother-in-law. Lise, I don’t want you to make lunch for us here, I think we need to leave here for a while, until you feel a whole lot better than you do now, my love.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

57

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

She gazed at her handsome man, musing he wasn’t only gorgeous and a brilliant intellectual, he was also kind, and sensitive to her feelings and moods. “Yes, I think that would be very nice, Beau. Have you any place in mind?” “Not really. I realize you haven’t gone out a lot, but perhaps you have a favourite restaurant?” “Well, there’s one restaurant I like very much – it’s the Casa Rosada, not far from here, it’s an authentic Mexican restaurant, run by a family. The father is the chef, the mother the cashier, and their children help in the kitchen or serve as waitresses. Does that sound attractive to you?” “It does indeed. Will you need to phone for a reservation?” “Perhaps it would be as well,” she nodded, picking up the telephone. **** Both Lise and Beau enjoyed their lunch enormously, dawdling over coffee, until Beau judged Lise was sufficiently calmed and soothed to go home again. He called their young waitress, settled the bill and left her a generous tip, saying, “Our compliments to the chef.” “Mi padre,” the little waitress confided shyly. Beau and Lise gave her a friendly nod. Beau put his hand at Lise’s small waist to guide her to his Jaguar. When he had settled her in the passenger seat, he bent his dark head, and when she looked up at him he kissed her mouth lightly. “Will you take this on account?” he asked. “On account of what?” she teased. “On account of my love for you,” he replied simply, running lightly to the driver’s side. When they arrived at Lise’s cottage, there was a huge florist’s box leaning against the shady side of her doorway. “Uncle Philip,” said Beau, without even looking at the card. He was quite right. The little envelope held Philip’s private card, on which he had written in his elegant script, Mille fois pardon – followed by his initials. Inside were four dozen pale yellow roses. Defeated, Lise glanced at Beau, who said, “It could’ve been worse. At least he didn’t send a thousand roses. Believe me, he’d be capable of it.” “I’ll write a brief note of thanks, shall I?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

58

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Thereby accepting his apology, and tacitly agreeing to stay with Swanage & DeVilliers?” Beau queried. “What other choice have I?” Lise asked. “Particularly since I don’t want him to pester Jane with some convoluted scheme of his to get me to continue writing for his firm. Which actually is the best publishing house I know. And he’ll soon be a relative of mine. There’s one in-law I’ll probably continue to regard as an outlaw for some time to come.” She shrugged, and shook her head as if wishing to forget all about Beau’s uncle. Beau gazed at her, concern darkening his eyes. He was deeply angry with his uncle for forcing this apology on Lise. Quietly, he suggested, “Later on, when you’re a little more rested, we’ll drive over to the Hilton and leave your note for Philip. Or we could, of course, let him sweat for a while and only deliver the note tomorrow?” “No.” Lise’s voice was firm. “I’d just as soon get it all over with. Will you excuse me a moment while I put these admittedly gorgeous flowers in water? Hey, an idea— Why don’t I split this awesome quantity with Jane? She has that pale yellow furniture – these roses will look gorgeous with it.” Beau smiled. “As long as you don’t want me to go deliver them now. I have other plans for our afternoon.” “That sounds interesting, Beau. Of course I don’t want you to go delivering flowers now.” She spent only moments in the kitchen, filling a bucket with four inches of water and putting all the roses in it. She smiled at Beau. “I’ll look after them later.” “Much later,” he agreed, emotion colouring his deep voice, taking her in his arms again. “Shall we have a shower?” “Together, you mean?” she asked, and he smiled when he heard the surprise in her soft voice. Apparently, that’ll be a memorable First for her. “Yes, together.” He hugged her to him. “We can wash each other’s backs. And our fronts, come to think of it.” He was enchanted to see her blush. “Come,” he whispered, lifting her in his arms, carrying her to her bathroom. He quickly unbuttoned his chambray shirt, letting it drift to the floor. She bent to pick it up, going back into the bedroom, draping it over a chair. “It’s the only shirt you have here,” she explained.

© 2008 DCL Publications

59

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Thank you, honey,” he said gently, undoing the clasp at the top of his chinos, unzipping and removing them with his silk bikini in one swift movement. He was amused to note her long lashes were downcast, while she concentrated on wriggling out of the long dress with the poppies. She threw this into her hamper, slowly hooking her thumbs under the sides of her black tanga, that sexy Brazilian bikini. When she finally removed this and put it into the hamper, she looked into his eyes. “Beau?” she barely breathed. “Come here, my love,” he sighed, lifting her against him. He was elated to see desire flare in her eyes when she discovered he was massively aroused. To his delight, he felt her cling to him passionately. “Beau…” she whispered again. Holding her tautly to him, he stepped with her into the shower stall. He had judged the water temperature nicely. He lifted her by placing his hands under her small, round buttocks. “Wrap your legs around my waist,” he sighed against her mouth. When he saw she did not understand, he moved one of her legs around him. Now she knew what he wanted. Hastily, she wrapped her other leg around him. He leaned her against the shower’s tiled wall, water cascading down his back. At that moment, she felt his penis gently nudging her vagina. Beau, watching her, was amused to see her eyes open wide, darkening to deepest turquoise when she understood what he was planning for them. Taking her weight on one arm, he gently touched the pearly clitoris, slipping his fingers a little farther, nodding to himself. She was decidedly moist for him. “Oh, Beau.” She sounded breathless. She reached down, gasping at the sheer size of him when she finally held him, so hard, so heavy, silk over steel. “Please?” she sighed. Beau decided to do as she asked, thrusting into her, slow and deep, stretching and filling her entirely. It was all he could do to wait a brief moment, making sure he hadn’t hurt her. He felt her adjusting to the size of him, stretching to take him, clenching around him as he began to thrust into her again and again. Ah, what she makes me feel…

© 2008 DCL Publications

60

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

He found a rhythm for them which her body caught quickly. Slowly, rocking ever deeper into her, he felt her intimate muscles urging him on. Just when he began to feel some concern about his control, he sensed the beginnings of her orgasm, and he thrust with even greater abandon, until she began to tighten and relax rhythmically around him. He felt that tell-tale prickle at the base of his spine and drove into her, thrusting deeper still, one more time. He felt himself spilling into her, flooding her with the heat of his seed, ecstatic to feel surpassing rapture engulf his entire being. Rapture, something he had never felt before. At last the seemingly endless surges stopped, but he felt her clenching around him, enticing him with her little aftershocks. He smiled against her mouth. He had given her everything he had to give. Everything. He began withdrawing from her, enchanted to hear her protest, “Beau, please stay. It feels so good to have you there, please, Beau?” He smiled. “My love, the shower isn’t the best place for staying in you, but I’ll be glad to arrange it as soon as we’re dried off. We’ll finish this in bed.” “Finish? You mean there’s more?” He could only be pleased at her delighted amazement. “Mmhmm,” was all she heard. When he finally shut off the water and wrapped her in a towel, knotting another around his waist, he said, “Now let’s go find our bed.” “Anything you want, Beau darling.” “Anything, my love?” “Yes, Beau, my fabulous lover… anything,” she said.

© 2008 DCL Publications

61

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Chapter 3

The following Monday, Beau had to return to Jacksonville and Lise was going with him. She informed Father Mark, “My guest suite is all ready for you to move into, but please don’t tell Jane? She’ll undoubtedly protest that she doesn’t need watching. And, Father Mark, I’ve been cooking up a storm the past few days. The freezer packages labelled, ‘Father Mark’ are for you to heat for your lunch. The bigger packages are for your dinners with Jane. And please, drink all the wine you want.” Beau had expected trouble in getting his aunt to accept daily visits from Father Mark, but to his surprise she said, “I’ll look forward to Father Mark’s company.” The evening before their departure, Lise gave Father Mark the keys to her car. “Give you a chance to drive in comfort to the supermarket, other stores. I’m always a little worried for you riding your Vespa, with great panache I will admit. But with tourists arriving in droves, clogging the usually fairly empty roads, I’d feel better if you were driving my car.” Lise added shyly, “Uh…Father Mark… Here’s a wallet with some money to pay for anything you may need during my absence. Please, Father Mark? If you weren’t looking after Jane, you wouldn’t have any of these expenses. Please?” Father Mark smiled. “Bless your good heart, Lise, and thank you.” **** The next morning, Beau parked his Jaguar at Lise’s door, knocking gently. “Lise – it’s Beau.” Father Mark opened the door and stood aside for Beau to enter. “Good morning, Beau. There’s Lise’s luggage.” He indicated a small suitcase and a toiletries tote standing by the door. “Thanks, Father,” said Beau, carrying the luggage to the trunk of his car. He went back to check on Lise. “I think she’s still in the bedroom,” said Father Mark. Beau nodded and went to Lise’s bedroom door, knocking softly. “Lise… it’s me, Beau. Are you ready or do you need help with anything?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

62

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“No, I’m ready,” she said, opening her bedroom door. She lifted her face to Beau’s, touching his mouth with hers. “Good morning,” she whispered. Before Beau could deepen the kiss, she walked past him toward Father Mark. “Bye, Father, and thanks again for helping with Jane.” “Bye, Father,” Beau added. He helped Lise into the passenger seat. Moments later, they were on their way. “It’s only about sixty miles, so I thought we might as well take the slower A1A, rather than go over to the Interstate and blast away,” said Beau. “We can stay on the coast road for a while, and then slant inland to where we want to be.” “Yes, the coast road is much nicer,” Lise agreed. She glanced at Beau, so handsome, a half-smile curling his chiseled mouth. Soon I’ll be in his condo, sleep in his bed. Oh, no. That never occurred to me — How many other women have slept there? When Beau glanced over at her, he saw her frown. “What, my love?” he asked. “Well… Beau, I was just thinking – could you and I perhaps sleep in one of your guestrooms? I can’t bear the thought of sleeping in the same bed as your other women…” she said painfully. She saw the strong, sensitive hands tighten on the steering wheel, but he remained silent. He slowed the car and drove into one of the parking areas giving access to the beach. Clearly upset, he turned to her, his eyes dark and troubled. “I’ve never before let a woman sleep in my bed, or visit my condo, for that matter. When I was in one of those brief flings – which didn’t happen nearly as often as you seem to think – I went to her place. You are the first, the only woman I’ve ever invited to come stay with me in my home.” “Beau, I’m so sorry, but how could I know that?” Lise whispered, deeply contrite. “You might have guessed it. You know how much I value my privacy. I thought you’d have realized I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone moving in on me, least of all for a brief period?” “Yes, I’m sorry, I should’ve known that.” Her voice was remorseful. “Beau, please forgive me? I didn’t mean to upset you, and I see that I’ve done just that. Please, Beau?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

63

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

A faint smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Nothing to forgive.” He started the engine, checked for traffic and smoothly steered his car from the parking area back onto the road. Half an hour later, they entered the outskirts of Jacksonville, and after a while Beau indicated the wide St. Johns River, pointing to a narrow office building of perhaps a dozen floors that had just come into view. When Lise looked a little more closely, she realized that the top floors were residential, with a southeast facing terrace on the lower floor. “Beau, is that where you live?” she asked, more than a little awed. He nodded. “Yes, that’s it, just off the San José Boulevard.” After a brief time he turned into a side-street which led to the underground parking garage. He explained, “The ten office floors below are occupied by an insurance company. Their offices close at four-thirty, and by five just about everybody’s gone, but on the main floor there’s a security desk, manned 24/7. Among other things, they check access to the elevators, including my own private elevator. So we’re well protected in my aerie.” “It’s wonderful, Beau. How on earth did you find this place?” “I didn’t. My father did. I thought I told you? This is a somewhat older office building, not your standard basic glass tower of the twenty-first century. When this small tower was being built, my father approached the architect and the developer, and suggested they might make the top two floors into a private condo, with its own elevator, a terrace on the lower of the two floors. He said that he would buy them outright, with most of the money up-front. They liked the sound of that, and agreement was quickly reached. “Of course, when my father lived here, the space was designed quite differently, with separate rooms everywhere. It felt like living in an egg carton. I prefer the feeling of space, so I had the whole place redesigned by the original architect, who understood immediately what I wanted. “At the time of my father’s death, I was living in a Manhattan co-op, which I quickly and gratefully gave up. After all, thanks to computers, a writer can live anywhere and be in instant touch with his publisher, his editor. And I liked the idea of being closer to Aunt Jane.” Beau took their luggage out of the trunk, and moved to the elevator. “This elevator only goes to the main floor. Same with the emergency stairs. Even if someone sneaked into the garage, he couldn’t get farther than the first floor.” Lise nodded silently, more than a little awed.

© 2008 DCL Publications

64

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When they arrived on the main floor, a uniformed security man came over to Beau and took over the heavier suitcase with a friendly “Good to see you back, Sir. Afternoon, Ma’am.” He carried the case to the private elevator. Another security man rose behind his desk, greeting Beau politely, watching him and Lise enter the elevator. The indicator only showed PH1 and PH2. Beau pressed PH1, the top penthouse, where he lived, and they were whisked upwards. The elevator stopped in a small foyer, with a heavy oak front-door to the right. When they reached the door, Beau pressed the access code number into a special lock. The door swung open, and Lise could not suppress a sigh of delight. “Beau… this is wonderful…” He smiled, pleased with her reaction, putting down their luggage once they were in the small entrance hall, which gave onto a huge, loftlike room, elegantly but austerely appointed. There was a huge living room straight ahead, with a fireplace in one corner, flanked by two wing-chairs and ottomans of buttersoft caramel-coloured Italian leather. A little farther from the fireplace, there was a coffee-table of an unusual wood, surrounded by comfortable chairs in the same leather, and a sofa of textured, ribbed silk in a slightly darker caramel. When Beau saw Lise look at the table, he said,

“Jacaranda.”

Lise nodded. “It’s beautiful,” she smiled, going over to look more closely. The small drinks tables beside the wing chairs were of the same wood. Looking to the right of the fireplace-area, there was a six-foot-long, waist-high planter of dark wood, with semi-tropical plants, forming a natural separation between the first living-room area and one created in front of a huge window, facing north-west, with a view of the river. Lise saw a grouping of two love-seats in an almost copper-toned Italian leather, with three comfortable-looking armchairs, two in muted teal, the third in chestnut velvet. The coffee table and drinks tables here were rosewood. There was another six-foot-long planter past the huge window. From there, the wall was entirely covered by bookshelves. Lise saw that the books looked well read. The bookshelves stretched past the next corner. Where they ended, a couple of big, tooled-leather screens gave intimacy to the area with its seating arrangement of comfortable dark-brown velvet chairs and small tables with table-lamps. The desk was positioned across the corner in such a way that the person seated there looked into the room.

© 2008 DCL Publications

65

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“That’s my library,” said Beau. “I decided to have the computer and my writer’s study at the other side of the fireplace you saw when we entered, as I didn’t want to break up the bookish leather-and-wood atmosphere I tried to create here.” “You designed all this yourself?” Lise asked, impressed. Beau nodded. “Yes, I did. I’m a minimalist at heart, and too many of today’s interior designers seem intent on cramming every room full of cushions, shelves with knick-knacks, until – to me, at least – there’s too much stuff. “The bedrooms each have a bathroom, and are interconnected. Only for the bedroom suites have I allowed walls to be put up. I like a feeling of privacy when I’m in bed, or showering, don’t you?” “Yes, definitely. May I see?” “Of course. And, by the way, I have no guest-suites here, I don’t like having people staying with me. But I thought, in order to make it possible for Aunt Jane to stay with me here after her hip surgery, I’ll have half the floor below us, PH2, designed for her use. She shouldn’t have to go back to her cottage with the stairs. I suggested a stair-lift, but she won’t hear of it. Of course I’ll discuss this with Bill Reese, but I think we can have her brought here by ambulance, so she can lie down in comfort. And I’m sure there are rehab facilities here, similar to those in Ocean Breeze.” Impressed with Beau’s reasoning, Lise could only nod. Beau strode past what appeared to be a formal dining-room, separated from the professional-looking kitchen area by another six-foot-long planter and an elegant screen. Past the kitchen, he indicated a wide hallway with built-in shelving and closets on both sides, running the length of what was probably the wall of a bedroom suite. Once they had passed this, they came to two sets of double doors in a long wall. Beau opened the first set of doors, and gestured to Lise to walk in. “This is my bedroom,” said Beau, indicating a room with elegant, low chests of drawers, bedhead, bedside tables of that same unusual wood Lise had seen in the living-room. “Yes, Jacaranda,” said Beau in response to Lise’s glance. The bedlinen, duvet, Thai silk chairs were all in soothing tones of medium to dark olive green. “Beau… What a beautiful colour… so often people ruin olive-green by letting it come a shade too close to yellow, rather than grey. Oh, I’m so glad you did this so absolutely right.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

66

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“You’ve got a painter’s eye for colours, my love, haven’t you,” said Beau, taking her with him to the bathroom door, which he threw open invitingly. “Oh, a sunken bathtub… How sybaritic. And all the fixtures in that soft green, the floor of dark-green tiles. And greenish raku tiles in this huge shower-stall. I’m so glad there are louvred doors on the lavatory, which is hidden behind that trellis with – is that ivy?” “Marble Queen pothos, honey,” said Beau. “I’m so glad you like the way I’ve used the space. Of course, the great height of these loft-like floors made it possible to create the sunken bathtub. I simply had a lower, stronger ceiling made in the floor below. This other door,” he indicated a door next-to the bathroom, “is my walk-in closet. Now, going through this door here,” he indicated a door in the opposite wall, “we come to the so far unfinished room. I thought of this as my wife’s bedroom.” He slanted a long glance at Lise, who gazed, lips parted, at a room equal in size to Beau’s. Its pale sage velvety carpet matched that of Beau’s room, as did the walls of pale sage latex paint. The baseboard and the doors were in ivory satin paint, again to match Beau’s room, as was the grand sweep of curtains at the window in ivory Thai silk. But there was no furniture in it at all. “I thought you might want to decide what furniture you’d like,” Beau suggested. “Beau, I think your room is so gorgeous, I’d hate to change the continuity of all the greens. Perhaps if we did this room in a similar wood, but not jacaranda? That must be horrendously expensive. But I wouldn’t want another bedroom. I want to sleep with you. Could we make this into a private sitting-room, perhaps to have our coffee first thing in the morning, by the window? If you wish, we could have a sofa-bed in here, in case we have to sleep apart for some reason? Would that clash with your ideas for doing the room of ‘your wife’?” He smiled at her. “No, my love, it’s different from what I had planned, but if you prefer it this way—” “Beau?” Lise touched his arm. “Please tell me, would you prefer that I sleep apart from you in a room of my own, then?” He smiled, taking her in his arms. “No, my love, of course not. I want you to sleep in my bed, in my arms. I thought I had made that abundantly clear?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

67

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I’m very glad to hear it. But if you need to be alone, sometimes, would it bother you if I were in the same bed with you?” “That could never happen,” he said, hugging her more tightly to him. He regarded her quietly. She looked up into his eyes, which slowly changed from darkbrown to almost black. By now, she knew this meant he wanted to make love to her, and not that he was angry with her, as she had at first supposed. She sighed happily, clinging to him. He smiled against her mouth. “Tell me, do you want to shower with me?” “Yes, Beau, I would,” she said, sinking into him. She felt more than heard his sharp intake of breath. “Come here. Let me remove all these clothes you’re wearing,” he smiled, beginning by unzipping her dress, moving the shoulder-straps down her arms and letting the soft fabric pool at her feet. He raised a slim, black brow at her delicate strapless half-bra, letting it fall to the floor after undoing the clasp. “And now your tanga – I like this pale green lace.” “But Beau – I’m almost completely naked, and you still have all your clothes on,” Lise protested, wriggling away from Beau’s hands on her tanga. With a charming smile for him, she took his jacket off, beginning to unbutton his shirt, realizing she could not pull it up without first loosening his belt and the clasp at the top of his trousers. He undid his belt and the clasp, with an explicit glance at her. She tugged his shirt up, undoing its last few buttons, stripping it off his wide shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. “But I’d better rescue my dress and put it over a chair,” she said. “I haven’t brought all that many clothes.” “I’ll do that.” Beau bent quickly to pick up her dress, stretching it out on a chair. “Beau, you come back here. I haven’t nearly finished undressing you,” she pleaded. Enchanted, Beau quickly returned to her, wrapping her in his embrace. “I can’t unzip you when we’re this close,” she protested gently, giving herself up to what this exceptional man made her feel simply by putting his arms around her. She finally succeeded in getting one hand between their bodies, and with some effort managed to grasp the tab of his zipper, moving it down. She felt the heavy, hard length of him under her fingers. Awed by the sheer size of him, she sighed, “Ah, Beau,” and surrendered to the sensual feast he was about to give her.

© 2008 DCL Publications

68

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Well, at least now we’re even – we’re both down to our underpants,” he murmured against her mouth, and she felt him hook his thumbs into the sides of her tanga, slowly moving it down. She helped him by quickly kicking it aside. She gazed into his dark eyes as she hooked her thumbs under the sides of his bikini, which had been too small to hold Beau for some time. She stripped the soft black silk down his thighs, and he hastened to remove it. They stood facing each other, naked and very aroused. “How about that shower?” Beau asked softly. Lise stared at him in confusion, finally whispering, “I totally forgot about the shower. That’s the effect you have on me. I forget everything, except you.” Pleased, he held her more closely to him, sweeping her up in his arms and carrying her to his bathroom. They were in the shower for an even longer time than when they had first showered together in Lise’s cottage. To her surprise, they spent some time washing each other as well. And when Beau wrapped her in a bathsheet, tucking a towel around his own waist, she leaned into him with a deep sigh of sated desire. “Was that good, mon amour?” he enquired softly. He wasn’t prepared for her moan of reckless abandon as she threw herself into his arms. “Ah, Beau. ‘Good’ doesn’t begin to describe what you made me feel, what you always make me feel. ‘Sublime’ would be a better description… And for you?” “Definitely sublime, my darling. Definitely,” he whispered back against her mouth. He looked more closely at her. “You seem a little tired to me. Perhaps we should have a nap?” “Anything you want, Beau.” “Anything?” he pressed, as had become his custom. “Anything at all, you know that.” “Yes, I do know that, Lise.” **** Early the next morning, Beau took her with him to his bank’s vault. He had brought a shopping bag from a famous department store, and into it he emptied the big drawer that held his mother’s and his grandmother’s jewelry.

© 2008 DCL Publications

69

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“We’ll see if there’s something here that you’d like to wear as my engagement ring,” he explained. “If you see nothing you really like, we’ll go to the jewelry store of a friend of mine, and I’ll buy you the ring of your choice.” “Oh, no, Beau… I wouldn’t want you to buy me a ring – I’d like you to choose one for me from these.” He smiled. Just as he had thought. When they arrived home again, Beau took her with him to his bedroom, and emptied the shopping bag on the green silk duvet. They both sat down beside the velvet and suede pouches and boxes of various shapes. He quickly found the numerous ring-boxes, placing them in such a way that Lise could see the rings. “Well?” he asked. To his surprise, she hardly glanced at the jewelry. “They’re all beautiful, Beau. Please choose the ring you want me to wear for you?” “I’ll be glad to do that.” Beau rummaged for a while, if that word is appropriate for searching among fabulous jewels. “Ah. Here we are.” He had found the ring he wanted and took it out of its box. “Lise, will you wear this for me?” He showed her a rectangular aquamarine of considerable size, surrounded by impressive diamonds. Lise gasped at the beauty of the ring. “Beau… are you sure? This ring is fabulous..” “Of course I’m sure. In fact, you can wear all this stuff any time you wish, don’t you realize that?” “Beau, I don’t wear jewelry much – although I’ll be delighted to wear your engagement ring. How can I ever thank you for this beautiful ring?” He grinned at her. “I’ll think about it and let you know.” He waited for a moment, quickly becoming serious. Taking her left hand into his, he gently removed his own signet ring, slipipng it back on the little finger of his left hand. Taking her hand into his again, he slipped the fabulous ring onto her third finger. “There’s something I’m longing to say – will you indulge me?” he asked. When she nodded, he added, “My love, with this ring I thee wed. I want this to be a private wedding ceremony just for the two of us. Do you want that, too?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

70

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Of course I do, Beau,” she whispered. “Because I do feel that we’re privately married, although it’ll probably take a while before we can have the official ceremony. Your relatives and my father will need some notice to be able to attend, and I was thinking, we should take into account that Jane’s surgery will take place probably within a month. Well, it may be another month at least before she’s capable of attending. And I don’t want her to miss our wedding. You?” “You’re quite right. I do wish things could be hurried up, though. I want you to be my wife.” “Dearest Beau, I am your wife as of now. I feel that deeply. Isn’t that more important than a piece of paper that acknowledges we’re registered somewhere as being husband and wife?” She stretched out her left hand to his face, slowly caressing his sculpted cheekbone. “I do love you so,” she said softly, leaning toward him and pressing her open mouth to his. “Come here,” he said, his voice shaking, pulling her closer to him. “Ouch... Beau, all this jewelry is very sharp against my skin. Please could we get that off the duvet first?” “Of course,” he said easily. “Later, I’ll place it all in my own vault here. Save us going to the bank every time I want you to wear a diamond necklace or whatever.” “You’ve a vault here?” she asked, surprised. He nodded. “Yes, I had one built a while ago. It’s disguised as an air-conditioner grille. I’ll show you later, but for now we’ll just swipe this lot into the shopping bag so that you’re not hurt by the sharp edges.” As he spoke, he put the side of his hand behind the jewels, sweeping them quickly into the shopping bag. “There. All gone,” he said, moving the bag away. “Now, please come here, my darling wife.” He felt her sink into him again. “Ah, Beau,” she whispered against his mouth. **** Much later, Beau awoke and glanced at his watch, surprised to see that it was one-thirty. He was glad his housekeeper was still on vacation; he didn’t want her coming in, when he was away. He frowned, remembering that she would be back tomorrow, Thursday, at noon. He shrugged. If she didn’t like the addition of Lise to his household, she could take a hike, instantly. A glance at Lise showed him that she was waking up from her doze.

© 2008 DCL Publications

71

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Lise, you must be starving? It’s past one-thirty. Let me take you somewhere pleasant for lunch?” “It’s you who must be starving, Beau. You refused a cooked breakfast this morning. And what we’ve been doing for the last little while must surely exhaust you a lot more than me?” Confused, she lowered her long lashes and said no more. He was amused and enchanted. “I think we’re about on a par, where exhaustion from lovemaking is concerned, if that’s what you had in mind. But I agree, I’m fairly hungry now. Do you want to go to a restaurant in one of the top hotels?” He saw her little frown, and added, “or would you prefer Dominguín? It’s a Spanish restaurant, owned by Miguel Dominguín, a great friend of mine.” “I think I’d like Dominguin please,” she said, and he smiled, seduced as always by her soft voice, and her invariably opting for what sounded like a less expensive choice. She didn’t realize he was rich. One day, he’d tell her. “Dominguin it is,” he said, showing his very white teeth in a brilliant smile. “Will you wear that aquamarine sundress I rescued from the floor yesterday?” He was amused to see her blush at the memory of why her dress had ended up on the floor, and what had followed its rescue. “Of course,” she said quickly, going to his walk-in closet, where he had hung up the few things she had brought with her. **** They had a delicious lunch, and Miguel came to their table when Beau waved to him once they were at the coffee stage. “Ah, Señor Beau,” Miguel said with a big smile, as Beau half-rose. “I’m glad you called me over. If you hadn’t, I might’ve had to break my own ironclad rule, never to join a patron. I was unbearably curious about this beautiful lady.” He bowed to Lise in a very Mediterranean way. “One more ‘señor’ out of you, and you’ll never find out who my beautiful fiancée is,” said Beau, waving Miguel to a chair. Miguel, however, remained standing, waiting to be introduced. “Lise, this is Miguel Dominguín, the owner of this restaurant, who cooked with his own hands the food you’ve been raving about. Miguel, this is my fiancée, Alicia MacLean, the writer you like so much. But she answers to ‘Lise’.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

72

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Señorita MacLean, I admire your books very much, and am deeply honoured that you and Beau have chosen my restaurant for what I suspect is a celebratory lunch. You’ve just got engaged, no?” “We’ve just got engaged, yes.” Beau took Lise’s left hand and displayed her engagement ring to Miguel’s gaze. “A stunningly beautiful ring for your stunningly beautiful fiancée,” said Miguel. He lifted Lise’s hand and brought it briefly to his lips, returning her hand politely to her lap. “The usual Spanish wish is for ‘dinero y amor’, but in your case I’m sure you’d prefer it the other way around, amor y dinero’. Am I not right?” he asked, sounding serious. “You’re absolutely right, Miguel, love comes before money, and you can stop flirting with my very new fiancée right this minute,” said Beau, secretly amused at Miguel’s reaction to Lise’s beauty. Miguel asked, “Beau, will you and your beautiful Lise come out to dinner with me on Monday? You know I close my restaurant on Mondays, as do most of the smaller restaurants, where the chef is the restaurant.” “Wish we could, Miguel,” said Beau, “but Lise is with me only for a very few days. I’ll have to take her back home on Friday evening, and of course I’ll stay the week-end with her. But if I’m back here on Monday in good time, you and I could go out to dinner?” “By all means.” said Miguel. “And how is your aunt?” “Waiting for a hip-replacement, I’m afraid. Lise is her next door neighbour, and she’s been helping her quite a bit. But Aunt Jane’s going to need a fair amount of nursing and care in general for quite a while…” “But Beau, what are you going to do when you and your beautiful Lise are married? Believe me, a successful marriage means that the husband and wife live together and sleep in the same bed.” Lise blushed, and Miguel made a very European gesture with his left hand, indicating an apology. She smiled at him, looking at Beau, to see what he would say to his friend’s observation.

© 2008 DCL Publications

73

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Point well taken, Miguel. What I’m going to do is split the second floor of my condo into two separate units. One side will become Lise’s library and office. The other side will be furnished for Aunt Jane. When she comes out of hospital with that artificial hip, I understand that she should do her rehab exercises, but that doesn’t include walking up and down a long flight of stairs in her cottage. So we’ll have her live with us for as long as is necessary. Although we are, of course, looking forward to going back to Lise’s cottage for week-ends, once Aunt Jane is well enough to tackle the stairs in her place again.” “Ah. You are planning to get married soon? Will you let me do the reception for you as my wedding gift?” “Miguel, that is so very nice of you, and I’ll accept on the proviso that you’ll be my best man and leave it to your sous-chef to do the work. Of course, it’ll take a little while to get the DeVilliers clan all geared up, and there is Lise’s father to consider. And we’d like Aunt Jane to be there.” “Whenever you say, Beau. It’ll be a great pleasure for me to be your best man and do the reception for you. At your condo?” Miguel asked. “Well, yes, I thought so. It’ll be a small wedding, in any case. Lise’s father, her cousin, my relatives, a few friends.” He slanted a glance at Lise. “Getting tired, my darling?” he asked solicitously. Miguel threw him a mocking glance. “Let me not detain you a minute longer,” he said. “Be sure to have a lengthy siesta, this afternoon. Wish I could join you, but I’ve got to cook ahead for the evening’s dinners.” “No way will you join us, Miguel. We’re not into group sex.” Beau grinned at his friend. “¿Qué?” said Miguel. “You know me a long time, mi amigo, and there are certain activities that I, like you, prefer to keep strictly private. Hasta luego.” “Hasta luego, Miguel. And thank you for the superb lunch. Lise was in raptures over it. And Monday, you and I’ll go out to dinner. Shorten the waiting time until I can be with Lise again.” “I live to serve,” Miguel mocked, but the glance he threw his friend was eloquent of their friendship for each other. Beau got to his feet and, with Miguel’s help, moved the table out a bit so Lise could rise from her banquette seat more easily. ****

© 2008 DCL Publications

74

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

To Lise, the days at Beau’s condo passed in a flash. Beau’s housekeeper, Mrs. Macdonald, came back on duty at noon on Thursday, and sniffed, frowning, at Lise for sharing Beau’s bed, but dared not show her disapproval to her employer. Beau thought quickly and gave her Friday off. “I’ll be back some time on Monday, you’d better plan on coming in again Tuesday. I’m dining out on Monday night, anyway.” On Friday, Lise reluctantly repacked her suitcase, although not with care. After all, everything was now merely ‘laundry’. When they were about to depart, Beau pulled her back into his bedroom for a moment, kissing her passionately. “Lise, my one and only love.” His deep voice was shaking. “I can’t wait to have you live here with me forever. Please, will you ask your father to be available to come to our wedding as soon as we can arrange it? I’ll speak to Aunt Jane when we’re back there, and see if her surgeon has come up with a date yet. If he hasn’t, I’m going to explain to Bill Reese that we want to get married with Aunt Jane present, and will he light a fire under the surgeon, please — or delay him until after our wedding.” “Beau, you forget that I’m your wife already. Have been ever since you put your aquamarine on my finger,” she whispered against his mouth. “If we stay here another moment, we’ll end up in bed, you know that as well as I,” he sighed. “Please let’s go, while I can still manage to stop?” “Of course, Beau. Tell me, you said to Miguel that you’d stay the week-end at the cottage? The question is, whose cottage? Of course we’ll tell Jane that we’re engaged to be married, but if you stay with me, as I so very much want you to, would she disapprove, d’you think?” “No, she won’t, because I won’t let her. Aunt Jane has her values, but I’m sure she’d understand that we, two adults who love each other, want to sleep in each other’s arms. And if she disapproves, so be it. But perhaps we could make a point of having breakfast at Aunt Jane’s place?” “Of course.” Slowly and reluctantly, he loosened his embrace, and Lise took a step back from leaning into him. Beau picked up their luggage, locking his front-door and punching his private code into the little electronic box which was the elevator call-button.

© 2008 DCL Publications

75

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau, I hate leaving,” she whispered. “And I hate to see you leave, my love,” he whispered back. **** When they were approaching Ocean Breeze, Lise asked Beau, “Could we stop at the market for a moment? I’d like to get a few things to make dinner for us, and for Jane and Father Mark.” “Of course, my darling. What are you planning to make?” “I thought Beef Wellington. Father Mark deserves a solid meal. Most of the frozen stuff I had packed up for his and Jane’s suppers was chicken, seafood, keeping it light for Jane. Unless, of course, you have something against Beef W? “I love it. But Lise, isn’t that a lot of work for you?” “Of course not. Moreover, I’ve been lazing about all the time I was at your place. Particularly once your housekeeper came back. She wouldn’t let me near her kitchen. Of course, that was mostly because she disapproved of me for sleeping in your bed. Once we’re officially as well as privately married, I’ll explain to her that I love cooking for you, and I want to do our dinners.” “Are you serious, Lise? Did Mrs. Macdonald show she disapproved of you?” “In her quiet, sniffy, frowning way, yes. Don’t give it another thought, I sure didn’t.” “My love, it isn’t her place to approve or disapprove of anyone or anything concerning my private life. I’ll have a word with her about that.” “Please don’t bother on my account. Ah, here we are at the market. I won’t be a moment.” “No, no, no. I’m coming in with you.” “Sure you won’t be bored? I’ll be as quick as I can.” “Nice try. You’ve already provided Father Mark with lunches for five days, and suppers for him and Aunt Jane. And now you want to buy a whole beef tenderloin? No way. That is my prerogative.” Lise shrugged elegantly, giving him a little smile as she walked ahead of him into the supermarket. Her purchases were quickly completed, and Beau settled her again in the passenger seat, whispering, “I love you,” as he shut her door.

© 2008 DCL Publications

76

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When Beau stopped outside Lise’s back-door, she said, “I’ll just take in the grocery bags so I can get started on dinner. You can do the luggage later. I was thinking, you might want to go over to Jane’s, see how she is.” “Yes, I’d like to do that. If Father Mark is with her, shall I invite both of them to come to dinner with us—with you, I mean?” “I like the sound of ‘with us’. And once you’ve got into the habit of living here with me, it’ll be our place. See if you can find out how Jane feels about that? We don’t want to upset her.” “Indeed we don’t, but if she insists I stay with her, we’ll be upset. So I intend to explain things to her as a fait accompli.” “Right, Beau. See you later.” Lise quickly picked up the grocery bags, fishing her key out of her purse to open the back door. It was quickly opened for her by Father Mark. “Father, good to see you. Beau’s just gone across to Jane’s to invite her to dinner here, and we hope you’ll stay as well.” “My dear Lise, I’m still in awe of the lunches you provided for me, and the dinners for Jane and me. I’d love to stay to dinner here, thank you.” “I hope my guest bed was comfortable, Father? Of course, I’ve never slept in it,” said Lise. “Very comfortable, my dear, thank you. But I haven’t unmade the bed yet, let me…” “No way, Father. I’ll do that tomorrow. You just relax here with some wine, or I think I’ve got the makin’s — as they say — for a slushy Margarita. Unless you want to wait for Beau to make you one?” “No, thank you, my dear. I’d love a little wine. May I pour you some, too?” “Thank you, Father. And I’ll open that fairly decent burgundy I have on my little winerack. We’re having Beef Wellington tonight.” “My very favourite.” Father Mark delightedly busied himself pouring the wine. “Tell me, Father, how did you find Jane?” Lise asked worriedly. “I’m afraid she’s in quite a lot of pain, although she tries not to let people know it.” Lise nodded unhappily. “That’s what I was afraid of. So we should really try to get that hip replacement done quickly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

77

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Tell you our big secret, Father. Beau and I are engaged to be married. We’d love to have an early wedding, but we want Jane to be there, and so we may have to postpone things until her hip has healed and she can actually enjoy our wedding.” Father Mark rose and went across to Lise. He took both her hands in his and said, pleasure showing clearly on his thin, austerely handsome face, “Lise, my dear, I’m simply delighted. You’ve both been alone for a long time, and I’m so glad you’ve found each other. I will pray for your happiness.” “Thank you, Father, for your prayers. And now, I’d better start cooking. Will you excuse me?” “By all means,” said Father Mark, picking up the book he had been reading. At about six o’clock, Beau and Jane came in through the back-door into the kitchen. Lise was just assembling the Beef Wellington, which she hastily abandoned to hug Jane gently. “Jane, good to see you again. How do you feel? Or is that a stupid question?” “I’m about the same, thank you, Lise.” Jane had a smile for her friend. “Beau tells me that you and he are engaged to be married. What a surprise. Every happiness, honey.” Jane embraced Lise, who kissed her. Lise turned to Beau. “Would you take Jane to the living-room, and give her and yourself some wine? Father Mark is already there. Apparently, Beef W. is his favourite too. I‘ll have to make it more often.” Beau nodded, shepherding Jane slowly to the living-room. Father Mark rose and, after helping Beau settle Jane, he offered his delighted congratulations. The three settled down to some serious talk about the book Father Mark was reading, although it became apparent after a while that Beau’s thoughts were straying to Lise in the kitchen. “Why don’t you go see whether you can help Lise,” Father Mark suggested, with a smile for Beau. When Beau appeared in the kitchen, Lise looked up, happy to see him. “Is there anything I can do for you, Lise?” “You could give me a kiss?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

78

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“It’ll have to be a little kiss; otherwise I’ll forget all about dinner and the dinner guests. Oh, Lise…” Beau sighed deeply as he wrapped her in his embrace for a moment. Too brief a moment, Lise thought. “Did you tell Jane that you’re going to stay here with me?” Lise asked. “Yes, I did, and she understands.” He decided not to tell Lise of his aunt’s disapproval, not only of his moving in with Lise, but of their decision to get married. Aunt Jane urged caution and a slower approach. He went on, “I told you, didn’t I?” “So you did, Beau.” **** Dinner was delightful and delicious. The Beef Wellington was praised to the skies, and Lise made a point of wrapping several thick slices for Father Mark to take with him for lunch and dinner the next day. He stayed for coffee, but took his leave soon after finishing his one cup. “You’ll have to discuss a lot of family stuff, without a doubt. Lise, again my thanks for allowing me to stay here, and for the delightful meals you made for Jane and me. Goodnight.” With that, Father Mark slipped out of the kitchen door and went to his own cottage. He was glad the dreadful Axel hadn’t yet put in an appearance. It was such a wonderful night, the air as soft as silk. Father Mark decided to sit on his screened porch for a while. He smiled at dear Lise giving him a couple of half bottles of burgundy to drink with the Beef W. He sat happily on his porch, with one glass of Lise’s wine, enjoying the silence and the dark, until it was abruptly shattered by the arrival of a car at Axel’s cottage. That’s torn it. More screaming and yelling to shatter the peace. He decided to sit very quietly, hoping Axel wouldn’t notice him. “Go ahead, Myra. Go on in,” Axel blustered in his usual noisy way. A shy feminine voice said, “Thank you, Mr. Berglund.” “Nonsense, nonsense, my girl. We aren’t in the office now. You call me Axel, you hear?” “Of course, if you wish it, Mr. Ber… uh, Axel, I mean,” the voice said hesitantly. At that moment, both must have entered the cottage, because Mark heard the front-door slam, and minutes later, lights blazed in what he knew was Axel’s living-room. Pleased that the noise had been of such short duration, Father Mark stretched luxuriously, taking another sip of the excellent wine.

© 2008 DCL Publications

79

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Half an hour later, the silence of the night was once again shattered, by the same feminine voice, this time sounding terrified, crying, “No, no, Mr. Berglund... I don’t want to... No, no...” Suddenly Mark heard Axel’s front-door open, and in the light from the doorway he saw a terrified young woman with torn clothing running away. Quickly, Mark rose. “Over here. Don’t be afraid, I’ll protect you from Axel.” For a moment the young woman seemed disoriented, then she spotted Father Mark holding his porch-door open for her. She dashed up the little path to the porch and ducked under Father Mark’s arm. He quickly locked the porch-door and took the terrified young woman with him into his house. “Sssh,” he whispered. “Let’s not put the light on for a moment, perhaps Axel will think I’m not home and run farther afield. Why didn’t he chase you rightaway?” Tears choking her voice, the young woman said in an undertone, “Because he was nude... Without any clothes. So he had to stop to put some on. What happened was — he said I was to make myself comfortable in his living room, and I sat down. He said he was going to make himself more comfortable, and when he came back, he jumped me. I was terrified when I saw that he had no clothes on at all, and when he began to tear at my clothes, I managed to break free and ran away.” “Good,” said Mark quietly. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Father Mark Shaughnessy. Yes, a priest. I want to assure you that I’ll protect you from that—” He was interrupted by loud banging on his porch door. “Father Mark? Father Mark?” Axel hollered. More banging. “My houshe-guest has dishappeared. Have you sheen her? I brought her here to do a lotta work, and now she’s gone…” Holding a forefinger to his lips, Father Mark indicated the young woman should be very, very quiet. Slowly, he walked out of his living room onto the porch. “Wh-a-at?” Axel—? What do you want?” Axel slurred, “Nuthin’. You were ashleep? Then ya can’t ‘ve sheen my house-guest, my seckertary really, She’s run off. Well, lemmetellya, her job’s toast, that’s fer shurr. Shorry to bother ya. G’night.” Grumbling to himself, Axel left Mark’s doorstep and disappeared into the night, apparently in search of his elusive house-guest.

© 2008 DCL Publications

80

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When Mark returned to his living room, he smiled at the young woman, who said, “Father Mark? Thank you so very much for helping me. I really thought he had a lot of work to dictate to me. I didn’t realize that he wanted… I’m… I’m a… uh…” Mark smiled. He indicated a chair for her to sit down. “Myra?” he asked. She nodded. “Yes, Myra Blackwood, Father.” Mark sat down across from her and continued calmly, “You’re a virtuous young woman and intend to remain so until you meet the man of your dreams, which most certainly wouldn’t be that dissolute, predatory, debauched Axel. “Tell me, do you want me to call the police and lodge a complaint against him? Attempted rape is a very serious charge.” “Father, wouldn’t they think that I was naïve to believe he wanted me to do secretarial work? He’ll bluster that he told me what he wanted, and I merely got cold feet. That’s what happened to my predecessor, such a nice girl. He assaulted her in his private office, and when she ran screaming out of there, her clothes a mess, he simply said that she ran away to get a financial settlement out of him. The Atlanta police believed him, and she’s still so spooked, she’s gone back to live with her parents in Macon. She’s too terrified to try for another job.” “All the other inhabitants of this little colony are familiar with Axel’s predatory ways. You’re welcome to stay here tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll call all the neighbours and we’ll decide what is to be done about Axel. And I assure you, when the Ocean Breeze police hear details about Axel’s debauchery, it won’t do him any good if he tells lies about his intentions toward you. Come. Let me show you my little guest room. It isn’t luxurious, but it’s safe. Would you like something to eat? Drink?” “No, thank you, Father. I had some coffee on the plane coming down. That was when I began to be a bit worried. Mr. Berglund kept on trying to force drinks on me. Then he gave up and I was relieved, but apparently he merely postponed his attack until I was helpless, in his house.” Mark rose and gestured to Myra. She hurriedly followed him. He opened the door to his guest-suite.

© 2008 DCL Publications

81

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Here you are, Myra. I can lend you a pair of my pajamas for tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll ask a friend to lend you a dress. Yours is too torn to be worn. But we will preserve it so that we can show the police what kind of man Axel Berglund is, if that should be the communal decision.” Mark disappeared for a moment into the room next to Myra’s and came out with a pair of blue cotton pajamas. “I hope these will do for tonight. There are towels in your bathroom, and I think there’s a spare toothbrush in the medicine cabinet. If not, by all means sing out, and I’ll check if I have a spare in my own bathroom. You sleep well. You’re safe here. Good night, Myra.” Mark made the sign of the cross. He turned to his own bedroom. **** The next morning, Father Mark called Jane DeVilliers and told her about Myra and the fate she had narrowly escaped at Axel’s hands. As he had expected, Jane was appalled. “Father, why don’t we call a meeting of all the cottagers this morning, say eleven o’clock, here? I’ll have coffee and cookies ready. That poor young woman… And her dress is all torn? If she’s Lise’s size, I’m sure Lise would be glad to lend her fresh clothing. But save the torn dress. We want to confront Axel or the police with that.” Ten minutes later, Beau arrived at Father Mark’s cottage with a shopping bag containing one of Lise’s dresses and some fresh underthings for Myra, who was still wearing Father Mark’s pajamas. “Lise and I will come pick you and Myra up by car, Father. We don’t want her walking in the grounds with Axel still on the prowl.” Promptly at eleven, Beau drove up to Jane’s front-door, and helped Lise, Myra and Father Mark out of his car. They quickly entered the cottage, and introductions were made. When everyone was seated with a cup of coffee, Father Mark briefly explained the purpose of the gathering. Everyone was incensed at Axel’s latest transgression. Beau, remembering vividly how Axel had tried to bulldoze his way into Lise’s cottage, said, “I think we, the men, should go together to Axel’s cottage and tell him that his reprehensible behaviour will no longer be tolerated. We’ll demand Myra’s suitcase, and then we’ll give him a choice:

© 2008 DCL Publications

82

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“We call in the police, and enlighten them about all Axel’s previous sexual offences, and insist that the police charge him with attempted rape in the case of Myra. We can list all his other attempts at forcing himself on the women in our community. “His only other option is to return to Atlanta and put the cottage up for sale. It may not be so easy for him to find a buyer acceptable to us, since the person will have to be of decent character, and I doubt whether Axel knows anyone like that. He’d better use a realtor. Anyway, that’s the choice we give him. May I hear your thoughts on this?” “Excellent, my dear Beau,” said Father Mark. “I couldn’t agree more.” “Same here,” said Jon Devoe. Corey Eastman, his friend, went one better. “Myra – if I may call you that?” he asked, his tone calm and friendly. “Oh yes, of course,” said Myra shyly. “Well, I was thinking, Father Mark just reported that Axel said your job is toast. Axel has some kind of financial company, right?” “Why yes, Sir,” said Myra, wondering where this was leading. “Please don’t call me Sir, my name is Corey Eastman,” said Corey. He continued, “Well, then, Myra, if you can relocate to Jacksonville, I will give you a position as a secretary with my firm. I’m a stockbroker, and you must be used to working with financial terms, right?” “Yes, Sir…uh Mr. Eastman. You would? Give me a job? I’d be so very grateful,” said Myra, who had some trouble keeping back her tears. “Way to go, Corey.” “Great idea, Corey.” “I’m glad you thought of that, Corey.” Approbation was voluble and enthusiastic. “Good, then that problem’s solved,” said Corey. “We’ll sort out the nitty-gritty later, Myra. For the moment, all that matters is that you have a new career with Corey Eastman and Associates. In our office you’ll be quite safe from any attempt at stalking or harassing that Axel might try.” “Corey’s quite right,” said Fiona MacIntyre. “We don’t want to give Axel the chance of stalking her. He’s been doing enough of that around here, right, Lise?” “Not since Beau and I got engaged.” said Lise with a smile for Fiona.

© 2008 DCL Publications

83

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“You’re engaged to Beau?” said Fiona, clearly delighted. “Oh, Lise, I’m so pleased for you…” Then, glancing at Lise’s left hand, Fiona exclaimed, “Dear God… uh, I beg your pardon, Father. If that isn’t the most gorgeous engagement ring I’ve ever seen…” She moved a little closer so that she could get a better look at the fabulous aquamarine surrounded by diamonds. Jaline was trying hard to keep her face from showing her bitter envy of Lise, and her rage at having been unable to attract Beau herself. Fiona said, “Jaline, isn’t this the most gorgeous ring?” Jaline mumbled, “Yeh, great.” She turned away from her sister and Lise, and went over to Paul Daniels, who had been known to admire her cleavage, and who now viewed Jaline’s display of a great deal of bosom with some interest. “Father Mark, do you happen to know if Axel is at home at the moment? We might as well get on with this unpleasant job,” said Beau. “I didn’t hear Axel stir this morning, and I agree,” said Father Mark. Fiona suggested, “If you should need a nurse present, in case Axel becomes violent… I also know karate.” “You do, Fiona? That might be of help to us,” said Father Mark. “I think you’re all overreacting.” Jaline sounded disgruntled. They all turned to look at Jaline, with varying degrees of astonished contempt. “Overreacting?” said Father Mark. It was clear that he wanted to say a great deal more, but he controlled himself, adding only, “I’m afraid you’re quite wrong, Jaline. Learn from your sister.” **** Half an hour later, a veritable procession walked over to Axel’s cottage. Father Mark in the lead, flanked by Paul Daniels and Fiona, was followed by Beau, Jon Devoe and Corey Eastman. Jane, Lise and Myra gazed after the men and sighed. “I hope they’ll succeed in ridding us of Axel. Going to the police will work, but it’ll be a slow process. If we can convince Axel to avoid police and court by selling his cottage, so much the better,” said Jane.

© 2008 DCL Publications

84

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Myra asked shyly, “Miss DeVilliers, I was wondering if you’d permit me to call my parents? They were so concerned when I told them that I had to work for Mr. Berglund this week-end. My father in particular didn’t like it at all. And how right he was, unfortunately.” “My dear, of course. I’ll take you to my library, so you can have some privacy for your call. Tell me, will you have to fly back to Atlanta to pack up your possessions, or would it be possible for you to go to Jacksonville, find a small apartment, and then have your parents pack up your stuff and send it to you?” “When I find a place to live in Jacksonville, I’m sure Dad would drive over with my stuff. He and Mom would want to see where I live. I really don’t much feel like flying back to Atlanta right now. The mere thought of perhaps bumping into Mr. Berglund…” Myra shivered. “You come with me, Myra, I’ll get you settled in my library. By the way, if you will forgive my curiosity, how old are you?” “I’m twenty-three, Miss DeVilliers. Old enough to be on my own, but while I was working in Atlanta, where my family lives, I never considered getting a place of my own. I loved living with my folks.” “Well, I hope you won’t be too homesick when you’re quite a distance away. But I think you’ll be so busy learning your new job, finding your way in a new city, you’ll barely have time to miss anyone. Ah, here we are. You just sit down at my desk, Myra, and call your family. And incidentally, I can vouch for Jon and Corey, they are decent, kind, honest men.” “That lady with the very low neckline, Janine?” Myra began. “Jaline.” “Thank you. She said it would be a rotten job because the two men are gay. But I had the suspicion that she was really envious. Same as she was envious of Lise, who so kindly lent me her clothes, and who is engaged to that very handsome man. I suspect Jaline would’ve liked him for herself. As if such a man would give a woman like that a second glance.” Jane permitted herself a little smile. “For a twenty-three-year old, Myra, you show a great deal of good common sense. Just you keep that up. Well, I’ll leave you to your phone call.” Jane returned to her living-room, where she discovered that Lise had already tidied everything away. **** It was nearly an hour later when the men and Fiona returned, all smiles.

© 2008 DCL Publications

85

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Axel has taken the road of least resistance, he’s going home this afternoon,” said Father Mark. “And Jon, brilliant lawyer that he is, made Axel agree to a decent severance pay for Myra. Oh, listen to the way Axel’s racing his engine. He must be taking off right now. Good riddance.” Just then, Axel drove his rent-a-car, far too fast, past Jane’s cottage, churning up clouds of dust because he was unable to control the car at a turn in the road. He stirred up a lot of the sandy soil, damaging some shrubs, turning into the highway and, judging by the squealing brakes and loudly blaring horns of other cars, he hadn’t bothered making sure it was safe for him to make the turn. Jane said to Corey in an undertone, “I was wondering whether you had any ideas about what to do for Myra until she can go with you and Jon to Jacksonville?” “My dear Jane, you’re absolutely right, the poor girl has nowhere to stay, of course. Well, by all means, she can have our guest suite. On Monday, we’ll take her with us to Jax, and my P.A. can help find her a small apartment. Excuse me, please, Jane? I’ll just go and tell Myra.” Jane nodded and smiled at Corey. All’s well that ends well. **** The rest of the week-end was most enjoyable. With Axel gone, there was a great deal of visiting back and forth, doors were no longer locked, and Paul Daniels gave an impromptu party on Saturday night to celebrate Axel’s demise. To Lise’s secret relief, Jane apparently accepted that Beau would now be sleeping over at Lise’s. It was a wonderful week-end for the lovers. Beau stayed until after lunch on the Monday, when he prepared to drive, reluctantly, back to Jacksonville. “I’ll have dinner tonight with Miguel, the only bright spot in the week to come. I’ll call you every night, my love. When we’re both in bed? Around eleven?” “Eleven sounds fine.” Lise threw herself one more time into her lover’s arms. “Beau, I’ll miss you so much.” “No more than I’ll miss you, mon amour,” said Beau, his voice husky with sated desire.

© 2008 DCL Publications

86

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Chapter 4

On Monday night, promptly at eleven, Beau called Lise for what he called ‘a little pillowtalk’. “Lise, mon amour, are you in bed?” “Yes, I am, and it’s very lonely here without you,” she complained gently. “Tell me, what are you wearing, if anything?” “Beau, of course I’m wearing a nightgown, I’m here all by myself.” “Well, I’m not wearing anything except my watch, and a big smile at the memory of being with you, my love.” Beau’s voice was seductive. “How I wish for Friday, or perhaps late Thursday? Beau… Would it be possible… you coming back here late Thursday? I was thinking, since you’re planning to leave in the daytime on Friday, you wouldn’t get any writing done anyway, and perhaps…” Her soft voice trailed away. “Temptress,” he said fondly. He heard her sigh over the wire. Spontaneously, he decided, “I’ll see what I can do. I hate being away from you as much as you hate being away from me, you know that.” “Mmm, I do, Beau, but it feels so good when you tell me—” The lovers spent another half hour, whispering endearments and private words of love to each other, wishing they could be together all the time. At last, Beau persuaded Lise to hang up, promising he would call again the next night. **** On Thursday, Lise brought dinner over to Jane, so they could eat together, sparing Jane the fatigue of cooking. She was in the kitchen, checking on the casserole in the oven, when she heard a sound as if something solid fell down Jane’s flight of stairs. Deeply worried, Lise hurried into the living-room and to her dismay saw Jane lying at the foot of the stairs, her face pale and etched with severe pain. “Jane, what happened?” Lise was afraid Jane had broken something. “I fell down the last few treads of the stairs, nothing to worry about,” said Jane calmly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

87

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Nothing to worry about? Jane, you may have broken something, have a concussion. Can you move your arms, legs?” Jane showed that she could. All the same, Lise decided, “I’m calling Bill Reese.” “No, honey, don’t do that. It’s just half-past six, no doubt he’ll soon be sitting down to dinner for once. Just call an ambulance. Once I’m at the hospital, if it is necessary, the Emergency people will call Bill back. But at least he’ll have had a peaceful dinner with his family.” “All right, Jane. Would you like me to lift you up and help you lie down on your sofa?” “I doubt that you can, Lise.” “I just might. If you’ll give me your arms, I’ll grab your elbows and you grab mine. Then I’ll slowly lift you up, bracing my feet against the riser of the lowest stair-tread. Once you’re standing, I’ll put my arms around your waist, and you lean on me, and I’ll sort of drag you over to the sofa. Does that sound like a plan?” “If you think it’ll work…” Jane was doubtful. But when she did exactly what Lise asked her to do, she found that Lise was as good as her word. She got Jane up and, supporting her firmly, she managed to get Jane to the sofa. “There. Now isn’t that better than lying on the floor?” “Yes, it is, thank you, Lise.” “Do you want something to drink against the shock, Jane?” “No, my dear, thank you. I’m fine.” Jane was utterly calm. “I’ll call for an ambulance right now,” Lise said. The ambulance was there within ten minutes, and Lise told Jane she would follow in her own car. Her great concern was to let Beau know what had happened. By seven-thirty, the Emergency people decided to call Bill Reese back for a brief consultation. Later, Bill came into Jane’s hospital room, where Lise was sitting beside the bed, soothing Jane’s hand in her own. “We’ve decided to alert the orthopaedic surgeon,” Bill said. “Now that we have you here, and we need to keep you under observation for a bit, we all agree we might as well go ahead with the hip replacement. How do you feel about that, Miss DeVilliers?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

88

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“In a way, I’ll be glad to get it over with. Looks like Beau and Lise’s wedding will have to be postponed for a while. In fact, could you give me a ballpark figure as to how long it’ll be before I can hope to stand on my own two feet long enough to see them get married?” “If all goes well, and you do as you’re told at rehab, six weeks to two months, tops,” said Bill. “I see,” said Jane drowsily. Bill glanced at Lise and raised an eyebrow to the door. She caught his meaning, and said softly, “Jane, my dear, I think I should leave you in the hands of your doctor, and let you get some sleep. I’ll call Beau and let him know. Don’t you worry about a thing.” Lise bent over her friend and kissed her thin cheek. “Sleep well.” Turning to Bill Reese, she added, “Thanks for everything. Good night.” Lise quickly left the hospital and retrieved her car from the parking. When she got home, a glance at her watch told her it was half-past eight. Amazing, how much had happened in a few hours. Sinking down in her favourite chair, she pressed the first speed-dial button, Beau’s number in Jacksonville. She heard one burr, then the phone was picked up and a woman’s voice said impatiently, “Yes? What?” Totally taken aback, Lise said, “Uh… Is Beau DeVilliers there? I need to speak to him urgently.” The woman’s voice said, “That won’t be possible. Beau’s in his bedroom, and I’m about to join him there. But I’ll give him a message, if you make it quick.” Almost sick with misgivings, and wondering how she could word the message in such a way that this woman would give Beau the message, she said, “I’m Mrs. Jason Fitzsimmons. I’m the neighbour of Beau’s Aunt Jane DeVilliers here in Ocean Breeze. She fell down some steps. I was there, so I called an ambulance. The doctors have decided to do the hip replacement tomorrow or the day after. Would you please tell Beau that? His aunt’s hip replacement will be done tomorrow or day after. She asked me particularly to let him know that. Thank you.” “Okay, no sweat. Gotta go, can’t keep that gorgeous Beau waiting,” said the woman, disconnecting abruptly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

89

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Lise crawled out of her chair and slowly went to the kitchen. She filled a glass with cold spring water and drank thirstily. Refilling the glass, she took it with her to the living room, curling up disconsolately in one corner of her sofa. “Beau— Beau,” she moaned. “Who is that woman? A woman who feels free to answer your telephone? Even I wouldn’t dream of doing that. And you were in the bedroom, where she was about to join you?” Her face deathly pale, her entire body shaking with what seemed to be a profound chill, she felt tears begin to flow slowly down her face. She found a Kleenex in her pocket, and attempted to stem the slowly increasing flood of tears. “Beau—” She could not have said how long she sat there, curled up into a ball almost, wiping her tears away. Slowly and with difficulty, she rose, going to the kitchen for more Kleenex. Dampening a wad, she held it to her eyes. After succeeding in calming herself a little, she slowly moved back to her sofa, still crying quietly. Suddenly, she heard a powerful engine coming closer, then it was cut, and a moment later she heard a key in the lock of the kitchen-door. Beau stormed in. “Lise— Where are you? Lise?” Rapid footsteps sounded on her parquet floor, then he was in the living-room and saw Lise curled up, crying. “Lise, what the Hell did you mean leaving a message for me from Mrs Jason Fitzsimmons? What did you mean by that? Did you mean to tell me you’d rather be his widow than my wife? Is that it? I’m gone from here for a few days, and you’re tired of waiting for me? How could you do that to me. You’ve wounded me to the heart, leaving a message from Mrs Jason Fitzsimmons.” Beau, evidently deeply distraught, strode up and down her living room. Barely able to speak through the huge lump in her throat, she finallly managed to say, “Beau— you came.” Impatiently, he said, “Of course I came. You think I’d let you get away with that – Mrs Jason Fitzsimmons. You tell me what you meant by that, and you tell me now.” She swallowed several times, surprised that Beau hadn’t seemed to notice how desperately upset, distraught she was. But then, he was very upset too, obviously. With a supreme effort, she calmed herself sufficiently to stammer, “B-Beau, I was at Jane’s, bringing our dinner over, when I heard this noise, and she had fallen down the last four or five steps of her stairway. I managed to get her up and put her on the sofa. I called the ambulance—”

© 2008 DCL Publications

90

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Yes, I know all that,” he snapped. “That was the message left for me by Mrs Jason Fitzsimmons. I want to know what you meant by that.” Confused by his anger, still barely able to control her shaking voice, she tried again. “I speed-dialed your number, and immediately a woman answered. I thought…I had…the wrong number. I asked if you were there? The woman said you were…in the bedroom and she was about to join you there, but if it was…urgent and I made it quick, she would give you a message.” She heard Beau say, under his breath, “Damn her.” Not sure whether he meant her or that woman, Lise pressed on with her story. “I didn’t know who that woman was, or why she was there. You told me you had never had any of your women visit your condo… You went to them. But here was this woman, who calmly told me you were in your bedroom and she was about to join you… “Beau, I don’t know how I managed to think at all, I was so upset and so shocked, but I realized if I said to this woman I was your fiancée, she’d never give you the message. And Jane had asked me so urgently to be sure to let you know. “So then I thought, if I could make her believe I was a married woman, your aunt’s neighbour, perhaps she’d give you the message. That was all.” Out of breath from crying and trying to talk in spite of her continuing sobs, almost sick with apprehension, she rested her head against the sofa’s back, gasping for air, sagging against the cushions. “You couldn’t have said, Mrs Lise MacLean?” he asked coldly. “No, Beau. That sounds like a widow or a divorcee. I needed a married woman’s name, and the way to ensure that people realize you’re married and living with your husband is to say that you’re Mrs John Doe. That was all. And now, Beau… Could you please tell me what that woman was doing there? Since that telephone call, I’ve felt sick with apprehension, wondering…” Suddenly, Lise could not say another word. She sank down full-length into the sofa, waiting for Beau to make things right again. When he didn’t stir, she whispered, “Beau…?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

91

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Well, you’re not the only one who was upset,” said Beau bitterly. “Can you imagine, the first words out of Angélique’s mouth were that she had a message for me from Mrs Jason Fitzsimmons, a neighbour of my aunt’s. Can you imagine how I felt when I heard the name you used?” “I’m sorry if you were upset, Beau. It seemed the only way to make sure she would give you the message.” When Beau still made no move to explain about the woman, make things right again, Lise felt a flame of incensed fury leap through her still trembling body. Her voice shaky, but unyielding, she said, “And now you will please tell me what that woman — Angélique, did you say? — was doing in your condo, waiting to join you in the bedroom.” When Beau looked at her in astonishment, she lifted her head, turning away from him. “No. Not another word about how upset you were, until you tell me what I want to know. Which has been eating away at me since that phone-call at eight-thirty. Now, Beau.” He shrugged disdainfully. “I’m sure you misunderstood her. She’s Angélique Vaillancourt, an interior designer, who had heard through the grapevine that I was looking for someone to do my wife’s bedroom, the downstairs library for you and the apartment for Aunt Jane. “You must’ve misunderstood what she said. I was having a business discussion with her. She can’t have meant to give the impression that I was in the bedroom and she was about to join me there. Oh…” “Yes, ‘Oh’. That was exactly what she did say, and I did not for a moment misunderstand her. She wanted to create the impression that she was joining you in your bedroom to sleep with you. And you didn’t seem to care that I was profoundly distressed about what I heard, you kept hammering away at my use of my old name.” “Well, I would’ve telephoned you tonight at eleven anyway.” Beau was still very upset.

© 2008 DCL Publications

92

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“If I’d had to wait until eleven to find out who that woman was, I might not have been coherent.” Lise’s voice was shaking. “Beau, you still don’t seem to realize how very deeply distraught I was at hearing a woman answer your telephone on the first ring, when you told me you never allowed women in your own condo, you went to theirs? While I was with you in your condo, the telephone rang quite a few times. It never occurred to me to answer it. Why won’t you admit that that woman’s remark was very strange? And dreadfully upsetting to me? Why won’t you realize that woman grabbed the phone to make sure anyone calling for you would be put on notice she was your lover-in-residence. “And one other thing, Beau. I will not allow that Vaillancourt woman to design my bedroom, library. And if you tell Jane what that slut tried to do, I’m sure she won’t want that woman designing her apartment either. “I am adamant about this, Beau. You’re here for the week-end, I suppose, to be able to visit Aunt Jane in hospital? Perhaps you can find time to see Jon Devoe and Corey Eastman. They have a friend in Jacksonville who is an exceptional interior designer. Yes, a man. I’d like you to use him for my rooms. Because I would never set foot in a room you had allowed that predatory bitch Vaillancourt to design for me. Never, do you hear – never. Is that quite clear now, Beau?” Taken aback at the change in Lise from deeply upset and hurt to coldly furious and demanding, Beau said, “Of course, whatever you want. Anyway, with Aunt Jane now getting the hip surgery, I guess everything is on hold for a while?” “Yes, our wedding is. It’ll be six weeks to two months before Jane would be well enough to attend. Always provided that you still want me to marry you, of course. The way you came in here, berating me for a subterfuge, ignoring how upset I was, I’ve begun to wonder whether you’ve had second thoughts.” Lise tucked her legs under her and huddled in the corner of the sofa, still profoundly distressed. At last, Beau sat down beside her. “Lise? How can you say that? Of course I haven’t had second thoughts.” “I’m relieved to hear it – since eight-thirty I’ve been wondering if perhaps that slut had replaced me, since she was joining you in your bedroom.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

93

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Lise, no. Tell me you know better than that? Tell me…” Impassioned, Beau reached over and took Lise by the shoulders. At last, he realized that she was ice-cold and still shaking. He hastily pulled her toward him, wrapping her in his arms. “Lise, I’m so very sorry, I was so upset about hearing your old name, I never realized how deeply it must’ve wounded you to hear a woman answering my phone, and in that particular way. Lise, I love you. Tell me you know that. And please, please tell me you love me. Lise, mon amour?” “I guess I do know you love me. And of course I love you, Beau.” “I’m glad to hear it. And I am so sorry about what the Vaillancourt woman tried to do.” He closed his eyes, frowning, but Lise did not notice. With an effort, Beau went on, “You’re right, of course, there was absolutely no excuse for her answering my phone, to say I was in the bedroom and she was joining me there. I was in your empty room, and that’s where she was joining me, and not going through my bedroom either. And now I know what she tried to do, I’ll call her tomorrow. I’ll tell her I’m aware of her innuendo about joining me in my bedroom, and of course I’ll never allow her do any work for me. Will that do, my love?” Beau hugged her more closely to him and pressed his mouth to her temple. “Beau, as long as you fire that woman, I don’t care about anything else.” “Of course I’ll fire her, Lise. Meanwhile, will you arrange to speak to Jon and Corey about their friend the designer? In case I’m going to be most of the day at the hospital?” “Of course I will, Beau.” He turned Lise in his arms so that she came to lie against his heart, a position he had discovered a while ago and found disturbingly enticing. He lifted her tear-stained face to him, and began to kiss her, softly, seductively, gently at first, merely brushing his mouth over hers. Inevitably, he deepened the kiss when he felt her lips part for him, unable to hold himself back from letting his velvet tongue mate with hers, caressing the inside of her mouth, delving more deeply to find her taste, her sweetness. Wanting more, he began to kiss her more passionately still, quickly realizing that she needed him to be in bed with her. “It’s getting late, my love. Perhaps we should think about going to bed?” Beau asked quietly. Damn. Why did I say ‘going to bed’ – she’ll think that I can’t wait to make love to her… and she’d be right about that, in spite of my murderous headache.

© 2008 DCL Publications

94

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

But Lise said, concern for him tinting her voice, “Of course, Beau, you must be exhausted from the long drive, so much more tiring at night. And the emotional stress. By all means, let’s get some sleep.” He frowned, realizing she wanted sleep, not lovemaking. Well, maybe that was a good idea. Perhaps he could wake her after a few hours… By that time his migraine would be a bit better, too. His pride wouldn’t permit him to ask her to massage it away. Aloud, he said, “Yes, let’s get some sleep,” getting to his feet with her in his arms. “You must be completely exhausted, Lise. Let me carry you to bed. I’ll undress you and make you comfortable against your pillows. And when I join you, I’ll let you fall asleep in my arms. Sound good?” She nodded, a faint smile at last touching her mouth. “Sounds wonderful, Beau.” **** Lise woke in the night, instantly aware that Beau wasn’t asleep. She wondered if he was still so upset that he hadn’t been to sleep at all. She decided to let him know she was awake, too. “Beau, my darling? Can’t you sleep? If you’d like to put the light on, read for a while, it won’t disturb me.” “I’m sorry, was I restless as well as sleepless? And that woke you? Forgive me, I didn’t mean to do that. And I don’t think reading would help. I was rather thinking of something that would disturb you— You see, I can’t sleep for wanting to be with you, my love.”

Might as

well tell it like it is. He was unprepared for the soft kisses to his throat and her whispered, “I’ve told you many times before, Beau… anything you want.” And, in the act of love, the small, remaining doubts that had continued to niggle at them disappeared. Later, she turned to Beau, lavishing soft kisses on his upper chest, which happened to be where her mouth touched his skin, the way he held her embraced against him. “Think you can sleep now?” she murmured. His soft, regular breathing was her only answer. She smiled. Astonishing, how Beau can fall asleep so quickly, afterwards. She sank into him a little more, which was her way of preparing for sleep. Beau, you fabulous lover… And fell asleep, too.

© 2008 DCL Publications

95

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman ****

She awoke to the aroma of coffee and saw Beau approaching the bed with a tray holding two mugs of coffee. A bath towel was tucked around his narrow waist, and her mouth went dry. “Good morning, my love,” he said, his voice sounding so happy, his dark eyes sparked by golden lights. He put the tray on her bedside table, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He handed her a mug and took his own. “Good morning, darling Beau,” she said. “Did you sleep well?” “Oh, yes, my love, I surely did.” “Well, you know what they say about the sleep of the just, and the sleep of the just after,” she teased. “I must say, I prefer the sleep of the just after,” he said, beginning to sip his coffee. “Tell me what your plans are?” she asked, nodding approvingly, because the coffee was very good. “I thought I’d go see Aunt Jane as soon as I’ve had a shower. If they decide to cart her off this morning for the hip surgery, I’d like to be able to talk to her, before—” “Beau, they wouldn’t do that. Bill Reese would phone to let us know. I gave him my cell-phone number. If you’d entertain a slight change in your plans, I thought perhaps I should get up very quickly and make a big breakfast for you while you’re having your shower? After that, by all means you go ahead to see Jane. I’ll follow later in my own car so that we’ll both be mobile. If I go with you, and you want me to do something back at the cottage, I couldn’t drive your Jaguar. I can only drive an automatic. By the way, what’s the time?” “It’s early, just after seven,” he said. “But my love, were you serious? You can’t drive a stick-shift? Let me teach you. Easiest thing in the world. I want you to be able to drive my car, should the occasion arise.” “Thank you, Beau. But that doesn’t change the fact that I can’t drive your Jaguar now. In any case, are you sure you’ve had enough sleep? It was midnight before we went to bed.” “Correction, we didn’t go to bed, we went to sleep,” he said, a smile lifting one corner of his to-die-for mouth. “But we woke up in the middle of the night, and were awake for quite a while,” she pointed out. “Were we? I didn’t check my watch,” he said.

© 2008 DCL Publications

96

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Neither did I, as you very well know.” She threw him a teasing glance. “It just seemed that we were awake for quite some time. But then, once is never enough for you, is it? Anyway, I agree we might as well get up now and start our day.” “And I won’t be at Aunt Jane’s bedside the whole time. If you feel tired, I could be persuaded to have a nap with you,” he said serenely. “That’s something to look forward to, because exhaustion is sure to overtake me,” she teased. She put her empty mug on the tray and went on, “If you’ll get to your feet, darling, I’ll get out of bed and make you that breakfast I promised.” “I can get something at the hospital cafeteria,” he said indifferently. “I hope you like big bowls of oatmeal, then,” she said. “I was going to make you freshly pressed orange juice, scrambled eggs with those sausages you like, and whole-grain toast with my mango preserves. But it’s just as you like.” “You’ve persuaded me. I’ll stay and have breakfast with you before going to Aunt Jane.” She smiled. “You’re so easy.” “If you mean I can be had for a meal you cooked, you’re right,” he teased back. She smiled again. Things were back to normal. **** About an hour later, Beau drove to the small but excellent Ocean Breeze hospital, in search of his aunt. At the Reception/Infornation desk, Beau explained, “I’ve driven from Jacksonville to see my aunt before she goes into surgery.” The person at the desk no longer frowned, she began to smile and gave Beau detailed instructions how to reach the nurses’ desk responsible for his aunt. “May I help you?” said a friendly, middle-aged nurse who was alone at the desk at that moment. “I’m Beauregard DeVilliers, nephew of Miss Jane DeVilliers. I live in Jacksonville and have just driven down to see her before she has this hip surgery that I understand is planned for her?” “Yes, Sir, it’s planned, but not as quickly as all that. Dr. Reese wanted to be sure that your aunt did not have a concussion from the fall, for one thing. He is with her at present. When he comes back to my desk, you can ask him what the plans are.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

97

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

A few minutes later, Bill Reese came out of Jane’s room. When he saw Beau, he went straight to him. “Good morning. That must’ve been a shock for you, getting Lise’s message,” said Bill sympathetically. “Yes, it was, rather. I’d very much like to see my aunt, even if only for a few minutes, just so that she knows I’m here, and I’ll remain here until she’s had the surgery, and is recuperating well.” “Of course,” said Bill easily. “I’ll take you to her myself. Meanwhile, we’ve arranged that, since she’s here now, all the pre-op tests will be done. If all goes well, as I expect, then the orthopaedic surgeon will do the hip-replacement on Monday. At present, your aunt is a little drowsy, because of something I prescribed for her. She’s so active, she began to agitate in favour of going home and coming back on Monday to have the hip-surgery done. It doesn’t quite work that way. There are some tests that have to be done beforehand, particularly for someone no longer young, I’m sure you realize that.” “Of course, and I know Aunt Jane well enough to understand you won’t have an easy task keeping her here and in bed.” “Come with me, then,” said Bill, leading the way to Jane’s room. He knocked perfunctorily at the door, stuck his head around it, saying, “Got a surprise for you.” “You’re going to discharge me?” Beau heard his aunt’s dry voice. Bill opened the door wide and let Beau enter. “Beau… Oh, my dear Beau. I’m so glad you came. You must’ve driven half the night to get here?” Beau had never seen his aunt so emotional. He sat down gingerly on the edge of Jane’s bed, embracing her fondly. “Aunt Jane, it isn’t that far from Jacksonville to here. I arrived late last night, and Lise told me everything she knew. It was too late to visit you, no hospital would agree to visitors arriving at eleven in the evening. But here I am. I wanted to be sure I could have a little chat with you before you were hauled off to have the surgery, but your doctor tells me that there are a number of pre-op tests to be done, and the surgery will take place on Monday. I won’t go back to Jacksonville now until you’ve had the surgery and are well on your way to a complete recovery.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

98

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“But Beau, your new book? All your research?” Beau shrugged indifferently. “Not as important as being here for you, Aunt Jane, you know that. And there’s something else, which I had intended discussing with you some time later, because your surgery seemed to be a fairly long way off still. But now…” He smiled at his aunt’s worried frown. “Aunt Jane, I’m having the floor below my own condo redone. It will be split into a library-office for Lise, and an apartment for you, with access to the terrace. When you’re well enough to travel to Jacksonville, I’ll get an ambulance to take you so you can stretch out comfortably, which I understand is important for your new hip. You shouldn’t sit for too long at right angles, I was told. Anyway, once we get all the caveats, I’ll make sure you obey them all. Bill Reese can organize your rehab therapy just as easily in Jacksonville as here. And you won’t have to climb stairs during your convalescence. Remember, I’ve got a private elevator.” He was unprepared for the sudden relief visible on his aunt’s face, the tears in her eyes. “Beau. You mean you want me to live with you when Bill Reese lets me go home?” “Yes, but you’ll have your own apartment, Aunt Jane. I know you prize your privacy and solitude. Of course, Lise will be living with me, and I thought we’d all eat together until you feel up to moving back to the cottage, which may well take some time. Then in about six weeks to two months, you’ll be well enough to attend our wedding, which I thought we might as well have in Jacksonville. My friend Miguel Dominguín, a fave of yours if I recall correctly?” He was amused at Jane’s hasty nod, adding, “Anyway, Miguel will be my best man and he wants to do the reception as a wedding gift. I’ve accepted with delighted thanks.” “My dear Beau, I’m so sorry that this hip thing is playing havoc with your and Lise’s wedding plans, but on the other hand it’ll give you some more time to get to know each other, make sure this is what you want?” “We don’t need any more time, Aunt Jane. You know that Lise and I have considered ourselves privately married from the moment I put my ring on her finger. What we’re now waiting for is merely a formality, which doesn’t mean as much to us as our private commitment to each other. I’m sure you understand how we feel. But it’ll be nice having the family, and Lise’s father, to celebrate with us.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

99

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Yes, of course I understand, Beau. But…are you sure this is what you want? Lise moving in with you before the wedding? She could live with me in the apartment one floor below yours, and you would have some more time to make sure…” Beau interrupted, his voice a little cool. “No, thanks, Aunt Jane. Lise and I are sure, and I definitely want Lise moving in with me. That’s all arranged. Have you any particular wishes about the interiors I’ll have designed for you?” “That doesn’t matter to me, dearest Beau. As long as the designer realizes that I’m not comfortable with lots of stuff around me.” “The designer is a friend of Jon and Corey’s, I understood Lise to say.” “Oh, you mean Jack Davies? He’s wonderful. He did Jon and Corey’s cottage. You’ve been there, haven’t you?” “Yes, I have. And you’re right, it’s beautifully designed. So you’re happy to leave things in his hands then?” “Yes, of course, Beau, my dear…” Jane’s voice trailed off, and Beau became concerned that he might be overtiring her. “Aunt Jane, I think perhaps a little nap would do you good. I’ll get a telephone installed for you, so you can call me any time you wish – you’ve got my cell-phone number?” Jane nodded. “Yes, Beau my dear, I have. And perhaps you’re right, I’m so tired suddenly.” “Small wonder, after all you’ve been through the last little while. Sleep well, Aunt Jane. Sweet dreams. And no worries of any kind, all right? I’m here and I’ll stay with you until you’re allowed to be transported to my condo.” Beau got off the bed, bent his tall length over his aunt and kissed her. He tiptoed from the room. He stopped at the nurses’ desk. “I wonder if you’d please arrange a telephone for my aunt, so that she can call me whenever she wishes. And could I ask you to please let me know if there is the slightest change in her condition? This is my cell-phone number.” He took a calling card from an inner pocket, writing a number on it. “Thank you very much.” “We’ll be glad to do that for you, Mr. DeVilliers.” said the middle-aged nurse, who was now in the company of a much younger nurse, whose eyes went wide when she saw Beau.

© 2008 DCL Publications

100

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

As he stood waiting for the elevator, he heard the young nurse’s slightly too-loud whisper, “Amelia? That man is too gorgeous for words…” The older nurse made no attempt to lower her voice, as she said, “And he’s engaged to be married to that lovely woman who was with Miss DeVilliers after she was brought in, last night. You better remember that.” Beau was relieved when the elevator pinged and he could enter the ‘down’ car. **** When Beau got back to Lise’s cottage, she had just finished her housekeeping chores. She greeted him with an enchanted smile that went straight to his heart. “Jane?” she asked, a little frown of concern between her silky brows. “She was fine, Lise. A little sleepy, thanks to something Bill had prescribed for her, just as well, or she’d be agitating to go home again.” Lise nodded appreciatively. After they had settled on her sofa, his arm around her, she said, “Beau, rather than wait until Jon and Corey arrive later today, I called Corey at his office about Jack Davies. Corey said he’d invite Jack to come with him and Jon when they drive down this afternoon, and perhaps you could find the time to visit them over the weekend and discuss things with Jack. “I suggested they all come to dinner here, on Saturday. They can come over at six-thirty, we’ll eat at eight o’clock. That should give you time to keep Jane company until seven-thirty or so. I thought perhaps Jack might like to see Jane’s cottage, to get an idea of what she likes?” “It all sounds like a lot of work for you, Lise, but if you’re sure you don’t mind, I’m grateful.” Beau hugged her tightly to him, drifting soft kisses on her throat, her face. “Think nothing of it, Beau. I love cooking, and cooking for the guys is going to be fun for me, because they’re such experts themselves. Could you bear to eat Beef W. again so soon?” “I love Beef W. as you call it, and it will be an excellent choice with all those men at dinner. Tell me, what are you serving for dessert?” “You choose… Fresh fruit, or mousse, or cheesecake?” “Yes,” he said, slanting a glance at her from under the long curve of his lashes, to see what she would do now. “Mmm, I guess I could do what you want – I’ll make a cheesecake, and put a big layer of mousse on it, and then dot that with fresh fruit, and put some more fresh fruit around the bottom of the cheesecake. Yes, that’ll work.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

101

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“You can? I was only joking, but if you can… Is there any hope of mango cheesecake?” “If that’s what turns you on, sure.” She snuggled closer to him. “No, my love, you turn me on. Mango cheesecake I merely like.” He began to kiss her again, ending at her mouth. There was a lengthy pause in their conversation while Beau deepened the kiss. At last, he murmured, “Is it too early for a nap, Lise?” At that moment, there was a hesitant knock at Lise’s door. With a moue of regret, she freed herself from Beau’s embrace, going to the door. She saw a petite, beautiful woman in a low-cut blue sundress, with flaxen-blonde hair and huge blue eyes that looked disappointed. Lise said, “Good morning,” and waited politely for the woman to state her business. “Good morning. My name is Tiia Liivaste. The realtor handling the sale of Axel Berglund’s cottage directed me to Miss Jane DeVilliers, but there’s no one home there.” “Miss DeVilliers is awaiting surgery,” said Lise. “Do I understand that you want to buy Axel’s cottage? Why don’t you come in, and we can discuss the matter.” The woman entered, brightening up visibly when she spotted Beau, who had got to his feet politely. Lise now realized the woman’s initial disappointment had been because she had answered the door. Just what’s needed here, another man trap. As if Jaline isn’t enough. “Good morning, I’m Beauregard DeVilliers.” He gestured to the chairs. “Will you sit down?” Tiia eyed the sofa, but thought better of it, choosing a chair close to Beau. “Good morning to you,” said Tiia, looking up at Beau with a seductive smile, holding out a small, beautiful hand with very long, pearly peach nails. Beau casually shook it, as she went on, “My name is Tiia Liivaste. It’s an Estonian name. I’m a poet, and the thought of living in a quiet cottage is too tempting for words. I need solitude for my writing.” Sitting down again, Beau thought it was strange this writer didn’t recognize his or Lise’s name. But perhaps poets only knew about other poets. It seemed to him that she was more than a little predatory, and he decided to make it clear he was living here with Lise, his fiancée. Unaware of Beau’s thoughts, Tiia reached out to him, one small, pretty hand on his arm. She glanced up at him through a forest of mascara’ed lashes, her lips pouting invitingly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

102

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Lise decided to explain the situation to Tiia. She sat down beside Beau, saying, “I’m surprised the realtor sent you here. He should be the intermediary. The prospective buyer does not call on the other owners until we invite him or her to meet us. In any case, no doubt the realtor has explained to you that Ocean Breeze West is a private club. All the other owners must approve the sale. Usually Jane DeVilliers, our most senior member, and owner of the largest cottage, would call a meeting of all the owners, and you’d be invited to attend. After they had chatted with you for a while, you’d withdraw, and they’d discuss your application to buy. In due course, you’d be advised of their decision. With Jane hospitalized, this won’t be possible.” Here, Tiia interrupted most prettily but determinedly. She tried to get her hands on Beau, who had politely but firmly removed her hand from his arm. Ignoring Lise completely, Tiia lisped to Beau, “But you have the same name as Jane DeVilliers? Can’t you call this meeting, and perhaps plead for me a little? I would so very much like to live here. I’m quiet and will keep my property well maintained, I promise you. Please, Beau?” Lise watched Tiia zero in on Beau. Evidently the woman was confident of her charms and her ability to bend any man to her will. Lise thought she might find that impossible with Beau. He could handle a woman like that with one hand tied behind his back. Beau said calmly, “That won’t be possible, Tiia. You see, I’m merely Jane’s nephew, the cottage is hers, not mine. In any case, I don’t live there, I live here with Lise, my fiancée. But I agree that we’ll have to find another way of handling your request to buy Axel’s cottage, because it may be some time before my Aunt is in residence again.” He turned to Lise. “My love, what do you think? Can you call a meeting of the other owners here at your cottage?” “Of course, Beau. In fact, I was thinking, we could start the ball rolling tomorrow at dinner, there’ll be Jon and Corey. And why don’t we invite Father Mark as well, you know how he loves Beef W.” Beau smiled at Lise, showing his very white teeth. “I was wondering how long it would be before you suggested we might invite Father Mark.” Lise grinned at him. “That leaves Paul Daniels, Fiona MacIntyre, and that young couple we never see? Anyway, I can ask for their votes on the Sunday. And if you’ll ask Jane for hers, then we’re all set. Where are you staying, Ms. Liivaste?” Reluctantly, Tiia wrenched her attention away from Beau.

© 2008 DCL Publications

103

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Staying? Oh… I thought I’d stay at Axel’s cottage,” said Tiia with a melting look at Beau. “Not until you’ve been approved as the buyer,” said Lise calmly. “Do we have to be that finicky, Beau?” Tiia asked, her voice seductive. “Not up to me, Tiia – and if Lise says you can’t stay at Axel’s cottage until you’ve been approved as the buyer, then that’s how it is,” said Beau casually. “Remember, all this is nothing to do with me. I’m merely the nephew of one of the owners, and the fiancé of this particular owner.” He smiled at Lise and held out his hand to her. She slipped her fingers into his. “Well, then I guess I’ll be at the Hilton in Ocean Breeze,” said Tiia, annoyed that her little ploy of getting settled in Axel’s cottage had been thwarted by Lise. Tiia turned again to Beau, asking prettily, “Could you please give me a lift to the Hilton? I came by cab and—” she made a helpless gesture, getting up from her chair and kneeling on the sofa on Beau’s other side from where Lise was sitting, placing a hand on his shoulder. Beau got to his feet, pulling Lise up with him, hugging her to him. Tiia’s hand fell back. “No, Lise and I are too busy to give you a lift,” said Beau. “And I don’t know of anyone, offhand.” “If you could drop me anywhere in Ocean Breeze? Surely I could walk to the Hilton from there?” said Tiia, intent on somehow getting Beau to give her a lift. “No, Tiia,” said Lise. “If you’re looking for a lift, you’ll have to find someone else. Beau and I are too busy with our own concerns. Of course, if you wish, I can call you a cab.” “A cab. When there are two cars parked outside your house,” said Tiia crossly. “They are called ‘cottages’, Tiia,” said Lise calmly. “If you start making a nuisance of yourself, demanding lifts, your chances of being allowed to buy Axel’s cottage are that much smaller.” “Well. I thought you might be a little more neighbourly,” said Tiia, tossing her flaxen mane. “But you’re probably too possessive of this gorgeous man, who practically oozes all that tempting sexiness.” “You are free to think whatever you like, Tiia. As long as you don’t think you can force us into giving you a lift. And now, either I will phone a cab for you, or I must ask you to leave. All right?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

104

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“No, that’s not all right. What’s all right about it? I come here hoping to buy a cottage, and you practically throw me out.” “I’ve asked you politely to leave, but you seem to have bulletproof skin. You are so intent on what you want, you don’t seem to care how much you inconvenience others. See that cottage there, with the climbing jasmine vine around the door? Ask them if one of them will give you a lift. Neither Beau nor I will. Goodbye, Tiia. We’ll let you know what the other owners think about you buying Axel’s cottage. The Hilton, you said? I’ll leave a message for you with Reception as soon as I’ve spoken to all the owners.” “And influenced them against me,” said Tiia, now very upset. “I don’t care what you say, I’m gonna stay at Axel’s.” “If you do, we’ll have to call the police to remove you as a trespasser. I am not joking about this, Tiia. You’re a very pretty woman and probably used to smarming your way into getting whatever you want from men. Buying a cottage in our private club is a serious matter, and you can’t bulldoze your way into permission to buy. Right now, your best bet would be to go quietly to the Hilton and wait there. Contrary to your suspicions, I would never stoop to influencing other owners. Goodbye, Tiia.” Lise took Tiia gently by the arm and propelled her out of the front-door, which she closed before Tiia had quite realized what was happening. Beau, glancing through the window, saw Tiia throw a furious glance at Lise’s front-door, and walking with small, dainty steps to Fiona MacIntyre’s cottage. “Best of luck with Jaline,” said Lise mockingly. She knelt beside Beau, much as Tiia had done earlier, but Lise leaned closer, sinking into him. Beau hastily folded her into his embrace, licking and kissing the corner of her mouth, which escalated to a deep, drugging kiss. When he lifted his head after some time, he said, “My love, that altercation must have exhausted you. How about a nap?” “Beau, anything you want… I was only wondering when you were planning to go back to Jane?” “I’ve had a telephone installed for her, so she can call me when she’s awake. She was very drowsy when I left her, so it may be a while. Well, my love?” “Darling Beau, I’d love to have a nap with you,” Lise whispered.

© 2008 DCL Publications

105

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman Chapter 5

Several hours later, Beau and Lise awoke from their nap, showered together to their utter delight, and were brought back to the here and now by Beau’s cell-phone playing its little tune. Tucking a towel around his waist, he spoke his name. “Beau? It’s Aunt Jane. I’m feeling a lot better after my sleep. They’re going to do a few tests now, but I was wondering… if you felt like coming by for a little visit in about an hour or so?” “Any time you say, Aunt Jane. I was thinking of bringing Lise.” “Oh, yes. Of course, bring Lise. I still can’t get over how she cantilevered me off the floor, then supported me to the sofa, so I’d be comfortable.” “We’ll be there, Aunt Jane. Tell me, would you like me to bring the books from your bedside table?” “Oh, my very dear Beau. Only you would think of that. Yes, I’d be very glad if you’d bring those. Thank you. I’ll see you then in a couple of hours?” “You will, Aunt Jane. Now you behave in the meantime, you hear?” Beau heard his aunt grin, as she disconnected. He stuck his head around the bathroom door, and saw that Lise had managed to put on a tanga and was preparing to don a soft green sundress. “Lise? Aunt Jane would like to see us in a couple of hours’ time. Will you remind me to go to her cottage to pick up her bedside books?” “I will, Beau. Meanwhile, there’s something else I should remind you of. You still have to telephone the Vaillancourt woman to tell her you won’t allow her to work for you.” “I’ll do that right now,” he said. Although she was curious to know just how Beau would word his dismissal of the predator, she decided to go to the kitchen to start a very late lunch for them, and let Beau handle the woman in his own way.

© 2008 DCL Publications

106

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

She had just warmed some homemade vegetable soup, toasted some multi-grain bread and made individual plates with bacon-wrapped scallops resting on a bed of fresh baby spinach, when Beau came into the kitchen, stood behind her and put his arms around her waist, nuzzling her nape. “It took me a while, because she was on location somewhere,” he said calmly. “So I asked to speak to the president of the company. I told him what she had said to you, my fiancée. I told him it was out of the question that this woman should be allowed to design so much as a soapdish for your use. “Of course he tried to keep me as a client, promising that Vaillancourt would be fired. Well, she’s a good designer, so I doubt he’d do that, he’d just keep her well out of sight where I was concerned. So I said No, I had no wish to interfere in any way with the people he employed. I merely wished to lodge a formal complaint about the woman’s unprofessional behaviour, which was the reason why his firm had just lost a design commission. “As I say, I doubt he’d fire her, but he’ll tear into her, that’s for sure. Well, she’s got it coming, upsetting you the way she did.” Lise sighed contentedly. “Thank you, my darling Beau. I feel so much better now that she’s permanently out of our hair. Which reminds me, Tiia the poet. Do you think she’ll rapidly become a major nuisance where the unattached males are concerned? Always whining for lifts here and there? Perhaps we could make it a condition of her application being favourably considered that she must have her own car. Cadging rides from other owners is frowned upon?” “Of course you can make such a condition, and she would agree to abide by it, and when she’s bought the cottage, she says, ‘Oops, I forgot to tell you, I have a car but I can’t drive.’ See what I mean?” Lise grinned. “Yes, I see what you mean. Will you come into the dining room and have a very, very late lunch?” “Great idea, thank you. I was beginning to feel a trifle starving.” He helped her carry the food to the dining room, sitting down beside her. “Deelish, Lise,” he said appreciatively after the first spoonful. She smiled at him. “You’re so easy to cook for, you like everything I make.” Her eyes were caressing.

© 2008 DCL Publications

107

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Ah, now I’m so easy to cook for. I guess that’s an improvement on my being ‘so easy’ as you mentioned earlier.” She gazed into his dark-brown eyes, which rapidly became velvety black. “Ah, Lise,” he murmured. “Beau… Please let’s finish eating first?” “You mean, let’s finish eating, period. We won’t have time for anything else, we’ve got to go visit Aunt Jane.” “Of course. Will you get her books or shall I?” “No, no, honey, I’ll do it.” Beau helped Lise carry the dishes back to the dishwasher. “Back in a flash.” She began to stack everything in the dishwasher. Straightening up, she glanced through the wide kitchen-window to Jane’s back-door, where Beau was sure to reappear any moment now. To her dismay, she saw Beau standing by the back-door, pinned there by a frantically gesticulating Tiia, who seemed to be intent on holding Beau’s attention, to say the least. Annoyed, Lise watched for a little while, then she went to her own kitchen door and said, “Tiia. You are not to try a spot of personal lobbying for the purchase of Axel’s cottage. Applicants should not be on our grounds at all. You will now leave and not come back here. On Sunday, I will telephone you at the Hilton to let you know what the decision of the club members is.” “Dear heavens, you are one very insecure woman,” said Tiia contemptuously. “All I did was chat with Beau for a moment, and you throw a jealous fit.” “I am merely reacquainting you with the rules governing the behaviour of applicants for the purchase of cottages. They make their offer, through a realtor, they do not hang about the club’s land trying to waylay people to sway them to approve the purchase. Is that finally clear, Tiia? Then leave our grounds now.” Tiia clung prettily to Beau’s arm, pleading softly, “Beau-honey? Are you going to let her talk to me like that?” Beau shook his arm free and said, “Talk to you like what, Tiia? Lise is merely telling you that your behaviour is inappropriate for someone trying to buy a cottage. Now stop your Ivy Klingbein performance and leave. Good-bye, Tiia.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

108

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“But Beau-honey, I need a lift to the Hilton.” Tiia wailed persuasively. “Ah, it’s déjà-vu time, is it, Tiia? We went through this tedious routine this morning. Let me reiterate: We are not willing to give you a lift. Is that finally clear?” “If she wasn’t standing there, glaring at us, you’d love to give me a lift, I know that, Beau-honey.” Tiia pouted. She clung to Beau’s arm, plastering herself against him. Beau shook her off dismissively. “You couldn’t be more mistaken, Tiia, and frankly you’re beginning to annoy me. Leave now, and leave quietly. Good-bye.” Tiia seemed to realize at last that Beau really meant what he said, and she slowly sauntered away, after another furious look in Lise’s direction. When Lise had put Jane’s bedside books into a shopping bag, they went to Beau’s Jaguar. He quickly took the wheel. As he slowed at the entrance to Ocean Breeze West, to merge into the traffic on the main road, Tiia came running toward his car, her arm raised as if she were calling a taxi. “Beau? Beau-honey? I can’t find a taxi. Please give me a lift,” she begged. Just then, there was a lull in the traffic, and Beau swung into the main road without a second glance at the exasperated Tiia. “If we agree to let her buy the cottage, she’s going to be a major pest, that’s for sure,” Lise observed. “Of course, once she realizes that you’re really not up for grabs, she’ll concentrate for a while on Corey and Jon, so handsome. It’ll take her a while to figure they’re gay. Well, there’s always Paul Daniels. Of course, Jaline acts as if he were her private property, but I don’t think that cuts any ice with Paul. He adores beauty, and Jaline is a little coarse for his taste, I’d think.” “Oh, yes, coarse would be the right word. Funny how the two sisters are so very different. Fiona is a nice woman, very witty, and Jaline’s an irritation, forever displaying her watermelon-breasts. And she’ll be even more enraged if Tiia gets to buy Axel’s cottage and starts throwing herself at the available men. I don’t mind telling you, I’m looking forward to Jane, you and me moving to Jacksonville for a while. Let Tiia do her worst in our absence.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

109

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Beau was familiar with several radar-traps on this road, so he was careful about observing the speed-limit. He was soon overtaken by an ostentatious, bright red convertible of uncertain make, driven one-handed by a rather florid man, who clearly had his other hand on his companion’s knee or thigh. With a grin of amusement, Beau recognized Tiia as the passenger. “Take a look,” he said to Lise, nodding his head in the direction of the rapidly passing red car. “Yes, that man’s just about wax in her hands, I’d think.” Lise softly placed her hand on Beau’s thigh. It took him a nanosecond to take one hand off the wheel and cover her fingers with his. **** When they arrived at the hospital, Beau parked in the shade of a stand of Georgia pine. They walked to the entrance, found the elevators and were on Jane’s floor a few minutes later. Beau smiled at the pleasant, middle-aged nurse, whose name-tag read, ‘Amelia Atkins, R.N.’ He asked, “Okay to go visit my aunt, nurse?” “Sure, Mr. DeVilliers. She’ll be glad to see you.” Nurse Atkins beamed at him. Beau took Lise’s hand and walked with her to his aunt’s room. Jane was happy to see them, and they spent nearly two hours with her – or, rather, Beau did. After about half an hour, Lise excused herself. “Jane, I have to go back, I’ll have to start cooking dinner.” She smiled to see Jane’s carefully hidden delight at having Beau to herself for a while. This time, Nurse Atkins noticed Lise when she came out of the room. “You’re leaving, Ma’am?” she asked. Lise shook her head. “No, just giving my friend some time alone with her nephew,” she said. “But she thinks I’ve gone home to start dinner. So she won’t have to feel guilty about keeping Beau with her for however long she wishes.” The nurse nodded. “That’s generous of you,” she said quietly. Lise smiled and shrugged. She sat down on one of the visitors’ chairs, picking up a magazine from the table to begin her wait for Beau. When he finally came out of Jane’s room, he hurried over to where Lise was sitting, whispering, “I love you,” and sweeping her with him into an elevator. ****

© 2008 DCL Publications

110

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Early on Saturday morning, Lise slid quietly out of bed, giving Beau, still deeply asleep, her pillow to hug. Shrugging into a muu-muu, she glanced at his face, relaxed in sleep, the luxurious dark lashes curving over his high, sculpted cheekbones. At the last moment before leaving the bedroom, she picked up Beau’s jacket, taking it with her to the kitchen. His cellphone was in its pocket, and she did not want him to be awakened by an inconsiderately early call. Half an hour later, Lise decided to take a little break from making appetizers. She leaned against the counter, drinking the coffee she had just made. As she stood there, sipping, she had good reason to be grateful for the intuition that had made her scoop up Beau’s jacket. His cellphone played its little tune. She glanced at her watch – barely eight o’clock. Who on earth? Quickly taking Beau’s phone from his jacket pocket, she said an indistinct, “Yes?” She heard the voice of the Vaillancourt woman. “Beau? Why did you let that jealous bitch force you to complain to the President of the company about my behaviour? All I said to her was that you were in your bedroom, and I was joining you there… I didn’t mean anything by it – well, maybe a little, because I thought I had seen a little flicker of desire in your eyes, and I intended to let you have your way. Beau, I was right, wasn’t I? You wanted me. I know you did. “And now, I’ve been demoted, I can’t work on my own any more, only under the supervision of a senior, male designer. I may not telephone the clients, only he is authorized to do that. “Beau, honey, please call my boss back and tell him you didn’t mean it, that the bitch made you do it? You know I’ve got great ideas for your bedroom, darling – and they all include me.” At last, it seemed to occur to Angélique Vaillancourt that Beau was unusually silent, and her voice petered out. “Beau…?” With icy contempt, Lise said, “Ms. Vaillancourt? This is Lise MacLean. I am the fiancée of Mr. Beauregard DeVilliers…” She was interrupted by a furious, “No. You’re not. You’re that Jason Persimmon bitch.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

111

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“My married name, Ms. Vaillancourt, was Mrs. Jason Fitzsimmons. I’m a widow. Now, about your demand that my fiancé save your professional life with a pack of lies. He is still asleep, otherwise I would have asked him to take this call. I will give him your message, which was what exactly? That you want him to call back your President and tell him he was forced to make the complaint by his bitch of a fiancée, was that it? My fiancé made the complaint on his own, once he knew the extent to which you had gone, pretending you had a personal relationship with him, when all he asked was that you design a certain space for him. Strictly business.” Lise was amused to hear a series of gasps, the beginning of a protest, but she rode right over that. “I wouldn’t want a predator such as you are to design an ashtray for our sitting-room. I am going to disconnect now. Goodbye, Ms. Vaillancourt.” Lise quickly disconnected, then realized that she couldn’t send all calls to the phone’s voice-mail, because if the hospital called… She resigned herself to cutting off a number of further, furious calls from Vaillancourt but, somewhat to her surprise, the woman did not call back. Of course, she had said Beau was still asleep. The woman would probably give Beau some time to wake up, take his cell phone back. Half an hour later, Beau strolled into the kitchen, a bath-towel around his waist. “Good morning, mon amour.” He went over to Lise, hugging her to him. “Good morning, chéri,” Lise responded. She hastily wiped her hands, and put her arms around Beau’s waist, hugging him back. Smiling, Beau picked up one of the appetizers, putting it into his mouth. “Lise, this is good, very good,” he mumbled appreciatively, reaching for another. If he continues his foraging among my appetizers, he’ll eat up an hour’s work in five minutes… She shrugged. She’d just make some more. She watched Beau munching for a moment. “Beau, when I left the bedroom, I took your jacket with me, to make sure you weren’t woken up by an inconsiderately early call. And how right I was. At eight o’clock, you had a call from — guess? That Vaillancourt person.” Quickly, Lise gave Beau an almost verbatim report – she had a writer’s memory for detail. She was unprepared for the appalled fury she saw in Beau’s eyes. “Leave this with me,” Beau said quietly. “I thought I’d have a shower.” She could see a thought strike him. “I’m just wondering, did you have your shower already?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

112

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Lise shook her head. “No, I didn’t want to risk disturbing you with the rush of water.” “Ah, Lise, come share mine?” Beau held out his hand to her. Lise smiled, taking his hand. “I thought you’d never ask.” **** At six o’clock, Jon and Corey, with their guest, Jack Davies, walked over to Lise’s. Father Mark, whose cottage was farther away than theirs, caught up with them. When Lise opened her door to the four men, she gave them a delighted smile. As they stepped inside, Corey said, “Lise, may I introduce our friend Jack Davies? Jack, this is Lise MacLean, the fiancée of Beau DeVilliers.” Lise held out her hand to Jack, murmuring, “Welcome.” “I’m delighted to meet you, Ms. MacLean. Corey and Jon have told me what you and your fiancé wish me to do for you, and I assure you it will be a pleasure.” Lise gestured to her guests to follow her into the living-room, and quickly sat down, realizing these men would not seat themselves before her. “Father Mark? Would you do the drinks for me, please? Beau is on his way back from Aunt Jane at the hospital. They’ll do a hip replacement for her on Monday.” Father Mark rose obligingly and inspected the drinks tray. He raised a brow to the others. “There’s red or white wine, and I can see the makings of slushy Margaritas?” “White wine, please,” the three said, almost in unison. “Wine it is,” said Father Mark and began to pour. “Lise? Same for you?” Lise nodded her thanks, turning to Jack Davies. “As soon as Beau returns, he’d like to take you over to Jane’s cottage, to give you an idea of what she likes. But by no means do we want you to repeat her cottage furniture in the new apartment. You know where he lives?” Jack nodded. “Yes, I do. I would like to see Miss DeVilliers’s cottage, to get an idea of what style of furnishings she’s comfortable with. And I’m very glad you don’t want me to copy slavishly what she has here. So boring for me, and probably for her, too.” Lise nodded her agreement, adding, “And Beau wants you to design a private sittingroom next to his bedroom, so that we can have our coffee there… maybe a sofa-bed, in case one of us is ill and the other needs to sleep apart? That will be entirely up to you, what you design there.

© 2008 DCL Publications

113

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Finally, what Beau wants you to design is a library and writing room for me. I can show you what I have here, but only from the point of view of what’s essential. The kind of desk that’ll hold my computer, but also the research I need for the chapter I’m working on, things like that. Does all this sound feasible to you, Jack?” “Eminently so, Lise. I’ll enjoy working with you and Beau.” They sat together comfortably for about half an hour, nibbling Lise’s delicate appetizers, drinking cool white wine. When Beau arrived, Jack was introduced to him, and Father Mark quickly provided Beau with a glass of wine. Lise hastily refilled the appetizer-platter and put it close to Beau’s hand. Talk became general for a while. When Beau had assuaged his first thirst, and tried a few more of Lise’s appetizers, he suggested to Jack, “Would you like me to show you Aunt Jane’s cottage, to give you an idea of what she’s comfortable with?” “Yes, I would, very much,” said Jack. The two men disappeared, carrying their wine. When they returned, some fifteen minutes later, Jack looked pleased. “Your aunt is the kind of person I love designing for. Clean, spare lines, no clutter. Indeed, Lise’s cottage is furnished in very much the same manner.” “Yes, we all are minimalists,” said Beau. “I’m glad you enjoy designing that kind of style. Has Lise told you about the private sitting room we want you to design next to the bedroom?” “Yes, she has.” “On Monday, I’ll telephone the security office and give them permission to admit you to my condo so you can start work on the designing. Particularly my Aunt Jane’s suite is of importance, as I don’t know how soon she’ll be allowed to leave the hospital and come to me.” “Of course, I’ll be glad to start on her suite. I understand there are no structural alterations to be made? “ “No, none.” “Then I can promise you that all will be done in time for your aunt’s arrival.” Lise appeared again in the living-room, smiling. “Gentlemen. Dinner is served.” She preceded the men into her dining-room, a room of generous proportions, with a large round table and comfortable upholstered arm-chairs surrounding it. The first course was already in place.

© 2008 DCL Publications

114

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Lise made a throwaway gesture with one hand and said, “Please, everybody sit wherever you want.” She positioned herself by the chair closest to the kitchen. Father Mark and Corey took their places to each side of her, leaving Beau with Jack and Jon. Corey held Lise’s chair for her, and the others seated themselves. Lise said to the table at large, “This morning I was visited by Tiia Liivaste, who wants to buy Axel’s cottage…” She was interrupted by Father Mark, who asked, “Thea? Are you referring to a petite, very pretty lady, who tried to break unobtrusively into Axel’s cottage a little while ago?” “Tiia, Father,” said Lise. “And she tried to break into Axel’s cottage? I’ve explained to her that, until she is approved as a buyer, she must not be seen on our grounds. But I think she figures she’s a law unto herself. For the record, she’s a poet, and she’s heavily into handsome men – you should’ve seen her trying to get close to Beau. One very irritating thing about her is that she’s constantly whining for lifts, rides, and so on. I’ve told her if she starts making a nuisance of herself, she won’t be tolerated as an owner for long, and she’ll have to sell her cottage again, just as Axel had to. But she’s supremely confident of her charm and beauty, and thinks she can get around any man. I can hardly wait for her to start on Corey and Jon. I guess that you, Father Mark, as a man of the cloth, are fairly safe from her?” “But only ‘fairly safe’,” said Beau. “She’d probably think it would be quite a feather in her cap if she succeeded in seducing a priest.” “Oh dear…” Father Mark sounded appalled. “Please try to curb this woman. Please?” “Well, I’m not at all sure that we want such a woman in one of the cottages,” said Jon. He was prevented from saying more by a polite little knock at Lise’s door. “I’ll go,” said Beau. He opened the door to Tiia. “I might’ve known it,” Beau muttered under his breath. Aloud, he said, “Miss Liivaste? What on earth are you doing here again? Lise made it clear, earlier, that you were not to show your face on the Club’s property until we gave you the decision of the other cottage-owners.” “Yes, Beau-honey, I know that. But you also know how adamantly opposed to me she is – clearly she doesn’t want a much more beautiful woman than herself as an owner of one of the cottages.” “That’s a matter of opinion, Tiia. I, for one, do not share your high opinion of yourself. I infinitely prefer Lise’s looks to yours.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

115

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Well, of course you’ve got to say that, she’s sitting right there, looking daggers at you.” “If Lise is ‘looking daggers’ then I suggest she is looking at you, yet again trespassing on the Club’s property, and trying to bend the existing rules to your advantage. Get it through your head at last that your antics do not help your case. And your deplorable habit of whining for lifts and rides has to be considered. No one wants a neighbour who makes a nuisance of herself. Please step back now, and leave the Club’s property.” In a nanosecond, Tiia had insinuated herself through the narrow door-opening, ducking under Beau’s arm. Once inside the cottage, she started clinging madly to Beau. “Beau, honey. Please help me... Only you can help me counteract Lise’s badmouthing me to the other owners. Please Beau, darling?” Beau forced Tiia’s clutching hands from his shirt, making her step back. “Miss Liivaste. I will say this just one more time. Lise has not badmouthed you, nor will she. The only person making a very bad impression for you is yourself. You will now leave, do you understand what that means? Leave here and not come back. Wait for our decision, tomorrow, at the Hilton. We will leave word with Reception.” “But Beau-honey, I need a lift to the Hilton. I can’t get there on my own. Please – there are all these handsome men here – surely Lise isn’t so insecure that she needs to have all these men around her to feel she can face me?” “No, Miss Liivaste. These handsome men are here as dinner guests. A dinner that you have rudely interrupted. I know this is hard for you to understand, but believe me, Lise is totally secure in herself, moreover she is secure in my love for her, and in the friendship of the other gentlemen present. She doesn’t have to ‘face’ you. Which part of ‘No’ don’t you understand?” Father Mark spoke up in the silence which followed Beau’s words. “It seems to me that Miss Liivaste is inclined to make too much of an infernal nuisance of herself to be allowed to become one of us cottagers. It has been explained to her that we are a private Club, its rules have been made clear to her, yet she constantly breaks the rules, forces herself on the Club’s members, with the idea that she might persuade them to vote her ‘in’, whereas all she is succeeding in doing is convincing us that she would not be a suitable owner, so we’ll vote her ‘out’. What do the others think? Jon? Corey?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

116

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I agree with you, Father,” said Jon. “This woman is a predator, who will unbalance our harmonious life here, constantly chasing one man after the other. Not that she’ll succeed in getting any one of us for herself, I doubt that she’s anyone’s type here, with the possible exception of Paul.” “Paul? Which Paul? Where does he live?” said Tiia avidly. “That need not concern you, since you won’t be allowed to lobby him, and if you did, it wouldn’t help your case. So far, there are three owners who have voted against you, Father Mark, Corey and I.” Jon did not bother to explain that, between them, they only had one vote, and Tiia was not swift enough to pick up on it. “Since only one cottager need vote against you, I can’t see that you have a snowball’s chance in hell to get voted in, dear lady. So why don’t you do what Beau told you earlier, and leave, right now. And not another word about needing a ride. Find your own way.” Jon turned his back on Tiia and began a casual conversation with Father Mark and Jack. “You can’t do this to me...” Tiia cried, seriously upset now. “I want so much to live here.” “Then you went the wrong way about it,” said Corey. “And don’t tell Jon that he can’t do this to you. He’s just done it.” Lise, for the first time since Tiia had forced her way into the cottage, decided to speak up. “Guys. I mean, of course, Father, Jon and Corey. Perhaps there’s a way for Miss Liivaste to get accepted, if she in turn accepts some guidelines, ground-rules, from us? No cadging rides, lifts, no ‘dropping in’ on other cottagers. We all have telephones, and we invariably phone each other to make sure a visit would be welcome, or at least convenient. We’d have to draw up such a document and make her sign it, on the strict understanding that, by the third transgression, she will be forced to sell her cottage and leave the Club. Well?” Before any of the men could give their opinion of Lise’s suggestion, Tiia decided to make her views known. She hissed, “Lise is only doing this to make a good impression on Beau, don’t you realize that? She doesn’t want me here. That’s why she badmouthed me to all of you.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

117

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Correction, Miss Liivaste,” said Father Mark. “Lise has not badmouthed you to us at all. Although, from the way you talk about her, she would have had ample reason for doing so. Now, if you will go away, out of here, leave this cottage, then we, the Club members will decide whether to vote you in or not. After we have had the rest of Lise’s beautiful dinner, which you’ve rudely interrupted.” “Oh, Mark…” Tiia began, fluttering her lashes, but Beau interrupted her most severely. “Father Mark to you, as he is to all of us, Miss Liivaste,” he said, his voice glacial. “Oh. Right. Yes, of course.” Tiia was temporarily blown out of the water by Beau’s cold contempt. It had begun to dawn on her that she really had not served herself well by her insistence on talking privately and seductively to the male Club-members. Smiling charmingly at Jon and Corey, with a nod to Jack, she finally sashayed toward the door. Lise rose and opened the door to her. For a moment, this seemed to faze Tiia, who slanted a long, languorous look back at Beau. This was a waste of time, since Beau was gazing at Lise. “Goodbye,” said Lise, her voice cool. With a furious toss of her pale blonde head, Tiia sidled through the door and left Lise’s cottage. “At last,” said Beau. “Finally we get to eat Lise’s main course which you’ll be delighted to know, Father Mark, is Beef Wellington.” “Oh, dear me,” said Father Mark. “Did you really make Beef W. again, and with your own pâté, Lise?” “Sure did, Father,” said Lise. “Excuse me a moment while I bring in the platter from the kitchen.” She hurried out and very quickly came back with a most delicious-looking main dish, a whole tenderloin of beef, on a bed of pâté, wrapped in a crust of pastry. “Ta-da...!” said Lise. **** Surprisingly, late Sunday morning, the realtor charged with the sale of Axel’s property came to Jane’s cottage. When he found no one home, he tried his luck at Lise’s door. “Good morning, Ma’am. My name is Benjamin Ross, of Ross and Williams, Realtors. If I might have a moment of your time, Ma’am?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

118

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“By all means.” Lise smiled at the young man with dark blond hair and a great tan, dressed fairly formally. “Will you come in? We have an appointment in about an hour, but surely that should be enough time for you to explain your presence here, which is probably in connection with the Berglund cottage?” “Oh yes, indeed, Ma’am…, Sir,” Ben Ross said as he noticed Beau, seated on the sofa with the Sunday papers. Beau rose and gestured to Ben Ross to sit down. “My name is Beauregard DeVilliers, and the lady is my fiancée, Lise MacLean,” Beau said easily. “And you’re here about Axel’s cottage?” Lise approached the two men who were still standing. “Perhaps Mr. Ross would like some coffee, too?” “If you’re sure it isn’t too much trouble, Ma’am?” said Ben Ross gratefully. “No trouble at all,” said Lise, quickly going to the kitchen for another cup and saucer. The cafetière stood on a trivet on the coffee-tray. She poured coffee for Ross, asking, “How do you take your coffee?” “Just black, please. Thank you,” as Lise handed him his cup. Lise sat down on the sofa. Beau took his seat beside her again. “I’ve heard from Jon Devoe and Corey Eastman that the prospective buyer of the Berglund cottage, Miss Tiia Liivaste, has made herself thoroughly unpopular by lobbying various owners persistently and unacceptably. I am happy to tell you that you won’t have to decide on her suitability any longer, she has withdrawn her offer to purchase.” He smiled when he saw the relief on Lise’s and Beau’s faces. “Almost at the same time, I received a request from Mr. Rick Swanage, of Swanage & DeVilliers, the publishers, to buy the cottage. Since his work keeps him in New York during the working week, he would only come down for week-ends, as Axel Berglund did, too. But I think you’ll find Mr. Swanage a very different sort of person. He…” Beau interrupted him. “Forgive me for interrupting, but we’re both well acquainted with Rick Swanage. My Uncle Philip is the DeVilliers of Swanage & DeVilliers, and although both my fiancée and I write under the ægis of my uncle, we know Rick quite well from the authors’ parties the firm gives from time to time.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

119

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Oh. Well, that saves me a long explanation, then. I had mentioned to Mr. Swanage something of the Club’s reasons for requiring Mr. Berglund to sell his cottage, and he does wish me to reassure you that he is a man of quiet habits, no raucous parties with ladies imported for the weekend, nothing like that. He asked me to make it clear that he is a fastidious man. There is a lady he’s very interested in, and he will certainly expect to bring her with him for weekends, but it will be the same lady, every time.” “That sounds a lot better than the predatory Tiia Liivaste,” Beau grinned. “She seemed to regard any woman she met as her natural enemy, and any man as her natural prey. I can tell you, we’ve had an exhausting weekend so far, ducking her demands for lifts, rides, personal protection, not to mention her attempts to break into the Berglund cottage to stay there until the Club members made their decision.” “You don’t say.” Ross was taken aback. “I had, of course, explained the Club rules and regulations to her, but as you’ve discovered for yourselves, the lady seems to feel she is above and beyond the law, and rules are made to be broken, by her. Well, she won’t bother you again, that’s for sure.” He looked from Beau to Lise. “May I tell Mr. Swanage that, in general, his application will be well received?” “You realize that I have only my own vote,” said Lise. “But, after what Tiia has tried to do to us, I think Rick would have an excellent chance of being approved. Beau and I will certainly be able to assure our fellow-owners of his probity, and that he would, in our opinion, be an asset to our Club. As for his lady, I’ve no idea who he’s involved with at the moment, but what does that matter, since she’ll only be here as Rick’s guest, and he has assured you that he needs the cottage for R and R, not for loud parties. And I doubt that Rick would like a ‘loud’ lady, shall we say.” “All the same,” Beau added to Lise’s explanation, “perhaps you might explain to Rick that, if any of his guests should behave unacceptably, he will be asked not to bring that guest again. If he should persist, he will be fined at first, and after a third transgression, he’ll be required to put the cottage up for sale, as was Berglund.” “I most certainly will,” said Ross. Reassured, he put his empty coffee-cup on the table, and rose to take his leave.

© 2008 DCL Publications

120

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I’m most grateful to you for your help with regard to Mr. Swanage’s application. I’ll be sure to tell him I’ve spoken with both of you. An official offer to purchase will be handdelivered to the Club. May I have it brought to your address?” He glanced at Beau and Lise, who both nodded. “Thank you, I’ll have it delivered on Monday.” Beau saw the realtor to the door. He turned back to Lise. “Do you think I should ask Uncle Philip for info about Rick’s present girlfriend?” “I hardly think it matters, Beau. She’ll come here with Rick for the weekend, and they’ll probably cherish their privacy. Certainly I’ll be glad to give a dinner for Rick and his girlfriend, just so they can meet Father Mark, Jon and Corey, Paul, Fiona. Let’s hope we can figure out a way of giving the dinner when Jaline is on duty at the hospital.” “Great idea. I was thinking to go rather early to see Jane. She must be so bored, waiting for her hip to be done.” “If you’d like, I could make a picnic-type of lunch, and you could eat it with Jane? I would come some time during the afternoon in my own car, just to say ‘Hi’ for half an hour. And you can come back here whenever you think Jane feels okay to be left alone.” “That’s so generous and understanding of you. Yes, I’d like you to make up a little picnic for me to eat with Aunt Jane. Would she be allowed some of your food rather than the hospital’s?” “Why don’t you phone Nurse Atkins at the nurses’ desk and ask?” Lise said. “All right, I’ll do that,” said Beau a little doubtfully. “Come on, ask for Amelia Atkins by name, then you won’t have to deal with the gushing younger nurse,” Lise said, mocking gently. She went to the kitchen to prepare a picnic for two. **** On Monday, Beau went to the hospital early, to say ‘good morning’ to his aunt before she was wheeled to the operating theatre. He had refused breakfast, making do with two cups of black coffee and a bite of Lise’s toast.

© 2008 DCL Publications

121

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

At about ten o’clock, Lise put together a small feast for Beau in one of her big coolers. Slices of the multigrain bread that Beau preferred, a generous helping of her own pâté, a thermos of freshly pressed orange-juice, a seafood salad and a container of her own raspberry vinaigrette to pour over when he was ready to eat. She added a half-bottle of Beau’s favourite claret, which would be soothing for Beau, who had to be deeply concerned for his aunt. She was no longer young, as Bill Reese had so gently said, and even the best surgeon could not always prevent a fatality. She drove quickly to the hospital, and found Beau pacing in the visitors’ area close to the nurses’ desk. Lise smiled and nodded to the nurse, going up to Beau, who halted his pacing, gazing at her delightedly. “Lise, you came to help me wait?” He wrapped her in his embrace, noticing the big cooler she was carrying, because she could put only one arm around him. “What’s in here?” he wondered. “Something to make up for your not eating breakfast, and very likely not wanting to take the time to go to the cafeteria for lunch.” “Lise, mon amour, thank you very much.” “Do you think you could nibble at something now, Beau? You’ll probably feel calmer with some food inside you?” Beau smiled, seating himself next to her on one of the two-seater sofas. “Yes, I’d like you to feed me something,” he said softly. “To start with, here’s some fresh orange juice for you,” said Lise, pouring him a big glass. He drank thirstily. “That did you good,” she smiled. She held up a wineglass, getting busy with the half-bottle of claret and a corkscrew. “No, no, let me do that for you.” said Beau hastily, withdrawing the cork quickly. “How on earth did you get the idea of bringing me food?” he asked. “Intuition,” she smiled, busying herself with the bread and pâté. Beau’s reaction to the food was all she could have wished for. She kept on feeding him, saying, “There’s a seafood salad in here, too. I thought you might be in for a long vigil here, so I decided to make a few of your favourites and pack them up for you. There are slices of watermelon, and there’s mango mousse.” She laughed when she saw Beau’s rapturous smile.

© 2008 DCL Publications

122

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When he indicated he’d had his fill for the moment, she carefully put the rest away. She took one of his hands in hers, soothing it gently. A moment later, she gave him a sharper look and murmured quietly, “Beau, darling… Are you having one of your headaches again?” He nodded a little ruefully. “Well, it’s not surprising, I guess. I’m so very concerned for Aunt Jane.” “Of course you are. Let me massage the headache away for you? Fortunately, the back of this sofa isn’t all that high. Will you drop your chin in my hand please? I’m glad you’re wearing only a t-shirt.” Slowly and softly, she began to soothe the nape of his neck, her thumb making that halfcircle that felt so good to him. After about ten minutes of serious massage, she asked softly, “Are you feeling any better, Beau?” He moved his head tentatively, smiled at her and said gratefully, “Thank you, Lise. My headache’s gone.” She smiled, spent some time soothing his nerve-ends, as she called it, resuming her seat beside him, taking his hand into hers. This time she slowly kissed his fingers, then his palm, touching its centre with the tip of her tongue. He said, his voice unsteady, “If you do that again, I’m going to take you to Aunt Jane’s room and ravish you. That’s not a threat, it’s a promise.” “Beau, what would Nurse Atkins say?” she smiled. But she was glad to see that his eyes had darkened to black velvet, and a sexy smile curled his mouth. For a little while, she had made him forget his deep anxiety for his beloved aunt. She wasn’t sure how long they sat there. When Beau saw Bill Reese approach, he jumped to his feet. “Bill…?” “Hi, Lise, Beau.” Turning to Beau, Bill went on, “Your aunt’s surgery has gone very well, she’s in Recovery now, and as soon as she’s back in her room, you can go to her.” Beau said, his deep voice shaking, “Bill, thank you so much for coming to tell me this. I know she was in excellent hands, but even so—” “You were worried and very anxious, that’s only natural. But she’s fine, Beau. Absolutely fine.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

123

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Thanks again, Bill. I appreciate your taking the time to tell me. You must be so very busy.” “Yes, I am rather. But I wanted you to know all was well. I knew how you must be feeling. Well, then, I’d better be off.” With a wave, Bill hurried away. Lise decided to stay with Beau until Jane was back in her room and he could go in to see her. “You know, Beau, what surprised me was that you had no headache when you drove, late at night, back from Jacksonville, remember?” “Did I not?” Beau said feelingly. “You did?” Her voice was apologetic. “Ah, such a very bad headache. But I was too upset to tell you. And you were too upset to notice that I had a terrible headache.” “Beau, chéri,” she said, contrite and distressed. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Pride, probably. We were so upset with each other, I didn’t want to play a sympathy card, if you know what I mean?” “Yes, I do, but promise me you’ll never do that again? It’s so easy for me to massage your pain away and the thought that you drove from Jacksonville with a murderous headache…” “Don’t forget, in a towering rage,” Beau grinned. Lise gasped and went on, “And then we had such a scene with each other. It troubles me even now to think back to it.” She took Beau’s hand into hers, holding it to her cheek. “Well, don’t think back to it, my love. It’s in the past now, and I hope nothing like it will ever happen between us again.” “Beau, if strange women don’t answer your phone telling me that they’re about to join you in your bedroom, I’ll never be upset again, promise.” “And the only married name I ever want to hear you use is Mrs. Beauregard DeVilliers.” Nurse Atkins had come over from her desk and regarded the lovers – as she thought of them. “Ahem,” she said. “Mr. DeVilliers? Your aunt is back in her room now. Dr. Reese said you could go see her as soon as she was back there. Do you want to come with me?” “Oh yes, thank you, nurse,” said Beau excitedly, walking away from Lise without another word. She looked after him, shaking her head and smiling.

© 2008 DCL Publications

124

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Beau opted to stay another few hours with his aunt, so Lise returned alone. When she saw the envelope from Ross and Williams stuck half under her door, she quickly read the application, then called Father Mark. “Hi, Father. The realtor dealing with Axel’s cottage came to see us on Sunday and told us that Tiia has withdrawn her offer to purchase. They have an offer from Rick Swanage, the junior partner in the publishing company both Beau and I write for. Rick’s okay, he will use the cottage only on week-ends, and he promises he will not import doxies – he has one lady he is interested in, and she’s the only one he’ll be bringing. “I’ll be glad to give him my vote, and so will Jane. Since she’s had her surgery and she may well be declared fit to be driven by ambulance to Beau’s soon, I thought I’d ask you if you’d shepherd Rick’s application through its usual paces, talk to the members?” Father Mark made an affirmative noise, and Lise went on. “When you have the consent of all, please let Benjamin Ross know. I’ll give you the official offer to purchase and all that. If you’re not too busy, Father, come and have a glass of wine with me, and I’ll give you the documents and tell you how Jane’s doing.” “Why, thank you very much, Lise.” Father Mark and Lise spent an enjoyable hour together, drinking wine, while Lise told him what she knew of Rick Swanage, and plied him with appetizers. Later, the priest left with the documents, and the promise of a ‘yes’ vote from Lise and Jane. **** A week later, Jack Davies called Beau to let him know that his aunt’s apartment on the lower floor of the Penthouse was now ready for occupancy. “You’ve managed that in a week?” Beau said incredulously. “I knew that it was urgently needed for your aunt’s recuperation, so I gave it my all, as they say.” “Jack, that was incredibly thoughtful of you, and I’m most grateful. Needless to say, there’s no such pressure where Lise’s library-cum-writing-room is concerned, and our private sitting room next to the bedroom. Any time at your convenience, Jack. And if you’ll send me your bill for the work done so far, I’ll see that it’s paid promptly. Thank you again.” Beau turned to Lise. “Jack says that Aunt Jane’s apartment is ready. I’ll ask Bill Reese when he thinks we can take her back to Jacksonville with us.” He sounded jubilant.

© 2008 DCL Publications

125

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“That’s wonderful. Meantime, Father Mark has undertaken to put Rick Swanage’s application through its paces, so we don’t have to worry about that any more.” “Famous last words,” said Beau. “Uncle Philip called me a little while ago to ask how Aunt Jane is, and I mentioned Rick Swanage’s application to buy Axel’s cottage. Uncle Philip said that Rick would probably be holed up all weekend with his latest ‘flame’ as he called it. One guess.” Lise stared at Beau. “Tiia?” she asked. “The same,” said Beau. And from what Philip let fall, apparently Rick plans to let her live in his cottage.” “Which is not permitted by Club rules,” Lise pointed out. “Guests may not stay in cottages without the owner present. So, if Rick is merely buying the cottage as a front for Tiia, who probably thought she’d found a clever way around our rules… No way.” Lise took a deep breath to conquer her indignation and went on. “I’ll call Ben Ross and stress the fact that Rick’s girlfriend may not live at his cottage while he is not in residence. I think that’ll dampen Rick’s craving for cottage life considerably.” When Lise called Ben Ross, she was put through to him with a minimum of delay. “Ben Ross,” said a familiar voice. “Good morning, Ben,” Lise said sunnily. “Lise MacLean. We just heard from Rick Swanage’s partner that Rick intends to allow his girlfriend to live at his cottage permanently, while Rick will only put in an appearance on the weekends. Club rules explicitly forbid guests staying at a cottage unless the owner is present. Perhaps it would be as well to make that clear to Rick?” Lise grinned quietly to herself before telling Ben the name of Rick’s girlfriend. “You may also be interested to hear that Rick’s girlfriend is… no prizes for guessing right… Tiia Liivaste.” Lise heard a gasp, then Ben said, clearly perturbed, “Do you mean to say that Tiia is using Rick as a front, so that she can live at the cottage after all?” “Looks like it,” said Lise calmly. “But once Rick hears that he is not allowed to ‘lend’ his cottage to his guests, he may wish to reconsider. Because I doubt that he’d want this cottage for himself. New York is a long way from here, just for weekends. And he has a house on Long Island, where he can relax from slaving over hot authors all week.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

126

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Ben, still sounding upset, assured Lise, “I’ll get in touch with Rick Swanage rightaway and point this out to him.” “Be sure to mention also that the Club levies escalating fines on owners who breach this rule and let guests stay there when they themselves are absent.” “I will send Rick a copy of your rules, highlighting the bit about guests, and about the fines. Thank you for pointing this out to me.” “You’re welcome. And one of these days, we may actually find a suitable new owner for Axel’s cottage. Bye for now.” Lise disconnected and glanced at Beau, who was getting ready to visit his aunt. “Poor Ben,” she said. “He was aghast at Tiia’s machinations. What luck that you mentioned this to Philip.” “I had an uneasy feeling about Rick wanting to buy a cottage here. That’s why I mentioned it to Uncle Philip, who was sure to know Rick’s latest amoureuse. Needless to say he heartily disapproves of Tiia, but then, he disapproves of just about everybody, except for himself. Strange, how blind he is to the sleaze factor in his own life. All those secretaries, seduced with promises—” Beau frowned, his handsome face showing his distaste for his uncle’s lifestyle. “Well, one of these days he’ll seduce a secretary with a little more on the ball. She’ll take him to court and charge him with sexual harassment. That’ll change his lifestyle drastically.” Lise smiled at the thought. “It surely would. He’s my own uncle, but— Anyway, I’m going to see Aunt Jane now, and I’ll ask to have a word with Bill Reese about when he thinks it will be safe to take her to Jacksonville.” “Give her my love. And I hope Bill will agree to let her go soon. I’m sure she’ll get better more quickly when she’s in her own apartment with me taking her to her rehab sessions.” “You will take her? I thought—” Beau was surprised. “Beau, you’ve got so far behind with your research, your writing. And it’s easier for a woman to hang about at Jane’s rehab classes, I’m sure they aren’t co-ed. And I’ve arranged with Fiona to swap cars until Jane can sit comfortably in my low sporty Camaro again. Fiona’s is a four-door, with hand-grips above and beside the doors. She bought that car when her handicapped mother still lived with her. She’s delighted at the thought of driving my dear old Camaro for the next couple of months.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

127

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Beau stared at Lise in astonishment. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you? I should’ve thought of that and bought a suitable car to transport Aunt Jane to the rehab centre and back. There’s no need for you to swap your own car with Fiona’s. I’ll just go out and get whatever car Bill Reese recommends.” Lise shook her head, frowning. “Please don’t do this, Beau. You have no idea how delighted Fiona is that she’ll be able to drive a ‘sexy, sporty little car’ as she calls mine. She’ll be heartbroken if you go ahead and buy a car we’ll only need for a couple of months. And think of the expense. Please, Beau?” “All right, if that’s the way you want it,” said Beau doubtfully. “I had better get going, or Jane will wonder why I’m so late. See you.” He went to Lise, wrapping her in his embrace for a moment. “That’s all you get, since we won’t be able to have a nap today,” he said, letting her go. Moments later, she heard the subdued growl of the Jaguar’s engine. **** When Beau returned, in time for dinner, he was jubilant. “Bill says we can arrange to move Aunt Jane to Jacksonville day after tomorrow. He’ll need some time to set up the rehab in Jax.” “I’m so very pleased for her, and for you and me,” Lise said. “I’ll load up my car with everything perishable in the refrigerator, and the time-sensitive items from the freezer, and ask Father Mark if he’ll take pity on the stuff. And I’ll arrange the car-swap with Fiona for some time tomorrow.” She stopped talking, as a thought hit her. “Oh, I nearly forgot, of course I’ll go over to Jane’s cottage and pack enough clothes for her for a lengthy stay at your condo.” Beau smiled. “Thank you for doing Jane’s clothes. And how much extra food have you been buying lately, just so you can donate it to Father Mark, because we’re going to be away for six weeks or more? Hmmm?” Lise smiled back. “You know me too well,” she murmured. **** The next morning, there was a call from Ben Ross, who said that Rick Swanage had withdrawn his offer to purchase. “Stand by for another onslaught by Tiia,” said Lise, only half-joking.

© 2008 DCL Publications

128

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I’m afraid you may well be right about that,” said Ben ruefully. **** Beau spent a good deal of time at the hospital, calming Jane’s excitement at being allowed to go home, and getting instructions from Bill Reese for Jane’s recuperation. Beau promised that he and Lise would adhere strictly to Bill’s list of do’s and dont’s, and an ambulance was booked to transport Jane in comfort to Beau’s condo. Father Mark was the grateful, if slightly bemused recipient of Lise’s surplus food, and raised a somewhat incredulous eyebrow at the big quantity of frozen foods, which Lise assured him were time-sensitive, and couldn’t be kept longer than six weeks to two months. He raised an even more skeptical eyebrow at Lise’s inclusion of several half-bottles of Father Mark’s favourite claret. “But Father, you couldn’t eat the Beef W. without the wine,” she exclaimed. Father Mark smiled at her. “Bless your generous heart, my dear Lise.” Once the Camaro was emptied of all the food for Father Mark, Lise stopped at Fiona’s cottage. “Oh, Lise, thank you so much for this swap. You can’t imagine how sick I am of driving this very sensible vehicle,” Fiona said. “And by the way, just for your reassurance, I’ll make very sure that Jaline never gets to touch your car.” “Oh, I know that, Fiona,” said Lise easily. “Anyway, it’s rather an ancient Camaro, as I’m sure you realize. But I’m fond of it, and Oliver’s garage has always looked after it for me so well. By the way, I’ve prepaid an oil change for next month. Oliver has my credit-card number, so if he finds there’s anything that needs to be done — and believe me, when you’re driving a slightly ancient car, there often is — he’ll do it and charge it to me. Anyway, Fiona, you have fun for the next six weeks or so.” “When I finally get this sensible four-door back, I’ll trade it in for something sleek and jazzy, I know that now,” Fiona smiled. “Have a word with Oliver, Fiona? He gets to hear of a lot of cars that become available, and from what he tells me, sometimes the owner trades it in because the ashtrays are full. Might be worth your while, shopping for a bargain? And Oliver would be glad to help you flog your sensible car.” “Thanks, Lise. I’ll talk to him when I take your Camaro in for the oil-change.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

129

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“For the next six weeks, it’s your Camaro,” said Lise, hugging Fiona. She drove the sensible car away with a worried frown. Driving it sure felt different from the Camaro.

© 2008 DCL Publications

130

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Chapter 6

Once Beau, Lise and Jane were living in Beau’s condo, their life together quickly took shape. In the mornings, Lise took Jane for her rehab session, and again in the afternoon. Breakfast over, Beau went to his writing-room, and stayed there until Lise called him to say that the housekeeper had lunch ready. After having eaten Lise’s cooking, Beau’s enthusiasm for Mrs. Macdonald’s offerings had abated noticeably. Frequently, Beau told the housekeeper not to bother with dinner. She assumed that her employer and his ladies were going out, but in fact Lise cooked dinner on those nights. Mrs. Macdonald had thawed slightly toward Lise, who nevertheless felt that the woman still disapproved of her and Beau’s private life. One day, several weeks later, Lise thought she might as well tell Mrs. Macdonald not to make dinner any longer. She, Lise, would do it. Frowning and surly, Mrs. Macdonald said, “Cookin’ the dinner’s my job. You stay out of my kitchen.” Quietly counting to ten, Lise kept her temper. “Mrs. Macdonald, that isn’t your decision to make, it is mine. From now on, I would like you to leave here at five o’clock, and not bother about dinner at all.” “I don’t work for you, I work for Mr. DeVilliers. I don’t take orders from a woman like you.” As it happened, Beau came out of his writing-room just then, and heard the exchange. Instantly, he strode into the kitchen and came to Lise’s defence. “Mrs. Macdonald, I will not permit you to talk to my fiancée so rudely. If it weren’t for my aunt’s hip-surgery, she would be my wife already, just you remember that.” “Well, Sir, she isn’t your wife yet, is she? And there’s many a slip between cup and lip, once a gentleman’s had all he wants, believe me. Giving herself airs. Telling me what to do. Chunh.” Mrs. Macdonald tossed her head.

© 2008 DCL Publications

131

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Deeply offended, Beau said coldly, “Mrs. Macdonald, you’ve gone too far. I will not have my fiancée offended by your judgmental attitude to our private life, which is no business of yours. I’m going to write you a cheque for a month’s severance pay. Please pack up your personal belongings and leave here. I no longer wish to employ you.” “That suits me, Sir. I’m not used to immoral goings-on where I work…” “And for the few moments you remain here, you will please hold your tongue,” said Beau, hanging on to his celebrated temper with difficulty. He went to his library, returning quickly with a cheque, which he held out to the housekeeper. “Goodbye, Mrs. Macdonald,” he said coldly. The housekeeper snatched up the cheque and left with a loud sniff, muttering, “No better than she should be—” The door slammed shut behind her. “Good riddance.” said Lise with a smile. “Thank you, Beau, for coming so valiantly and spectacularly to my rescue.” Frowning worriedly, she asked, “Are you having a headache, Beau?” He shook his head. “No. I merely obeyed my deepest protective instincts. All the same, I’ll have to call that domestic agency and see if they’ve got a suitable housekeeper on their books.” “Beau, why not see whether they have someone who will come in daily to do just the cleaning? I’d like to make our meals myself. I know what you and Jane like to eat, I know what Bill Reese considers essential for Jane to eat now, to regain her strength… That’s why I asked you repeatedly to let me cook dinner, because Mrs. Macdonald wouldn’t cook what Jane needs now. And why would you pay for an expensive cook-housekeeper, when I love to do our meals? A cleaning woman would be more than enough.” “Are you sure, Lise?” asked Beau doubtfully. “Very sure, Beau. In fact, why don’t you check the yellow pages to see if they have some bonded cleaning service here like Manuel’s Maidens in Ocean Breeze?” “I know for a fact that Manuel’s services in Ocean Breeze are a branch of Manuel’s enterprises here in Jax. I’ll give their office a call right now and arrange it. If you’re absolutely sure you don’t want me to hire another housekeeper.” “Absolutely sure,” said Lise, well pleased with the outcome of the unpleasant altercation with Mrs. Macdonald.

© 2008 DCL Publications

132

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I had better go get Jane – time we were on our way to her rehab session,” Lise said, detouring to hug Beau and brush a kiss over his mouth. Predictably, he wrapped her in his embrace and responded hungrily to her soft kiss. “Lise…” he said huskily, when he finally lifted his head. “You don’t seem to’ve noticed that our naps have totally fallen by the wayside because of Aunt Jane’s rehab in the middle of the afternoon. Why can’t she have two hours in the morning, leaving the afternoons free for us to have a private life again?” “Jane wouldn’t have the stamina to spend two hours doing the exercises the physiotherapist requires her to do. At eleven, when she’s finished her first hour, she is so very tired. That’s why I have her rest until lunchtime. I’m sorry if you feel unhappy about the arrangements as they have to be for now. I, too, wish we could be together the way we used to be, but—” “You’re right, of course. For the time being, we have to do what’s necessary to make sure Aunt Jane gets well again.” Lise looked searchingly at her handsome lover. “Sure that’s okay with you?” “Quite sure, my love. Can I help you get Aunt Jane up?” “No, thank you, Beau. She and I have our little routine which works very well, and I doubt she’d want you to see her like this. See you later.” She quickly hugged herself to him one more time, her arms tight around his narrow waist. “Ah, darling…” she whispered, hurrying away. **** That evening, at dinner, Jane glanced unobtrusively at Beau a few times. She knew him so well, and sensed that he was not his usual tranquil self. After dinner, Jane refused coffee. “No, thank you, Lise. I feel unaccountably tired, and if I drink your excellent coffee I’ll only wake up all over again. What I’d really like is to have an early night. I’ll get into bed and read for a while. And don’t forget, I’ve got my own kitchen downstairs. If I feel thirsty, I’ll just get myself a glass of juice. I promise I’ll use that contraption to get to the kitchen.” “If you’re sure, Jane?” said Lise doubtfully. Jane hated using the walker. “I’ll come and get you settled, then.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

133

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“No, honey, don’t bother. I’ve got to start doing things for myself. I can undress myself and put on a nightgown.” “Aunt Jane, if you’re determined, at least let me take you to your suite,” said Beau, wondering uneasily whether his aunt, always so sensitive to him and his moods, had picked up on his restlessness. “Thank you, Beau. I’ll accept your company with pleasure. Good night, Lise.” “Good night, Jane. I’ll see you tomorrow at eight.” “No, I’ll call you if I need help. Let me start becoming a little more independent again, please? And that includes making my own breakfast.” “If you’re sure, Jane?” said Lise again. She shrugged very slightly. “Goodnight, then, and sweet dreams.” As Beau and his aunt went to the elevator, Lise quickly loaded and started the dishwasher. She was not surprised that Beau was taking his time coming back, and straightened the living-room. She was seated on the big sofa, reading the print-up of her present chapter, when he came back from seeing his aunt to her apartment. “Working?” he queried, with a glance at the papers in her hand, which she instantly laid aside. He sat down beside her, but not as close as usual. “No – just for something to do while you were seeing Jane to her suite,” she smiled. Beau nodded. “I wondered if you’d want me to read what you have, so far,” he said. Something in his tone caught her attention. Was he annoyed because he found her reading? Aloud, she said, “No, of course not, Beau. Now that you’re here, I can think of many more delightful things you and I could do. Reading manuscript is way, way down on my list of faves, don’t you know that?” “I’m glad to hear it,” said Beau, sounding a little aloof to her. “Beau? Please tell me, what is it? Something’s bothering you,” she said, seriously concerned now. She moved a little closer to him, took his hand in hers, pressing her mouth to his palm. “That’s a charming gesture, Lise, but it hardly makes up for the lack of private bliss in our lives — or perhaps only in my life. Does this married-twenty-years existence of ours suit you?” Beau asked, his eyes darkening, but not with passion, she knew instantly. He was quietly furious with her. Why? What have I done? Or haven’t I done?

© 2008 DCL Publications

134

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I thought you understood that Jane needs careful nursing, taking care of, for a while, Beau. That was very serious surgery she had. I do realize that we haven’t, at the moment, as much time together as we’d like. In fact, all we have are the nights. But darling, have I ever refused you? Have I ever not wanted you when you reach for me in the night, Beau?” He moved closer to her and took her in his arms, his mouth against her temple, his hands caressing. Slowly a little smile began to curl one corner of his mouth. “You’re right, of course. I guess I hadn’t realized just how much of your time Aunt Jane would need in the beginning. Forgive me, I was selfish, but can you blame me? Having you sleep in my bed, in my arms, and finding you’ve slipped out of my embrace before seven in the morning? Never having time for one of our truly spectacular naps? If all had gone a little differently, we’d be married now, and on our honeymoon. We could spend all day, all night, making love. I can’t tell you how much I want that. Instead, you’re a combination of nurse and cook. Oh, I know, you’re a far better cook than anyone I could hire, but sometimes… Ah, Lise.” He tightened his embrace, lavishing kisses on her throat, her face, her mouth. “Darling Beau, isn’t it nicer not having a housekeeper around all the time? Someone who’ll sniff audibly when we disappear into your bedroom for a nap?” “How I wish we could,” said Beau quietly. “So do I, Beau. And one day soon we’ll be able to have naps again. Meanwhile, I was thinking if you hired two of Manuel’s Maidens, they could be through by lunchtime, and we’d have more privacy. Yes, I realize that for the time being that wouldn’t help us a whole lot, because Jane still needs her afternoon’s session at the rehab centre, but this morning the therapist was saying how very well Jane is doing, and soon she could do with just the morning session, if Jane promised she would exercise at home.” “She did?” Beau was delighted, his grievances forgotten. “Ah, Lise—” He tightened his embrace. “Do you want me?” he asked, his deep voice husky. “Yes, I do, my love, of course I do. You know that,” Lise whispered. “Then come with me,” he invited, rising from the sofa with her in his arms. When he walked past the door to their bedroom, she was surprised. “Beau?” she asked hesitantly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

135

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Sssh,” he whispered. “I have plans for you.” To her surprise, he walked, still with her in his arms, through his writing-room, one area of his condo where she had never been before. He nodded toward an open stairway at the far end. Smiling at her surprise, he kissed her straight little nose. I’m going to carry you up these stairs, to the roof-garden,” he said calmly, his eyes dark as black velvet, and as caressing. “The roof garden?” she echoed. “Yes, the roof garden,” he smiled. “It’s not too long after sunset, the sky is still light. But if we stay there for a while, you’ll be able to see the stars.” He quickly went up the stairway to a small platform in front of a door. He let Lise’s legs down, but kept his arm tightly around her body. Fishing a key from his pocket, he opened the door. Stepping through it, he lifted her again, taking her to a small garden, encircled by potted palms, their fronds whispering in the evening breeze. There was a wide lounger, the back let down to lie flat. Gently, he lowered her to the thick, yellow-flowered mattress-pad, one knee resting on the edge until he was sure she was comfortable. His eyes never leaving hers, he stretched out beside her, his arms holding her in a tight embrace. “Alone at last,” he sighed. He bent his dark head and began to kiss her mouth, softly, seductively at first. When he felt her lips part for him, he deepened the kiss hungrily, passionately, as his tongue did a little dance with hers, seeking her taste, her sweetness. “Lise,” he moaned, and began to kiss her anew. When he lifted his mouth from hers, she gazed up at him and was surprised to see him frown slightly. “Beau?” she asked. “We’re wearing far too many clothes,” he complained. “I’d say we’re in an excellent position to do something about that, right, Beau? All you have to do is take my clothes off, and I’ll do the same for you, hmm?” “Oh, yes, that would be good,” he sighed, lifting her off the mattress so he could unzip her dress.

© 2008 DCL Publications

136

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

He hastily moved the straps off her shoulders, stripping her dress down below her waist, hiding his face in the sweet valley between her small, round breasts. She moved her hips slightly against his pelvis, incredibly turned on by the hard, heavy length straining against his clothing. “Beau…” she whispered, trying to unbutton his shirt. When she found this difficult, because he wouldn’t move his mouth from her breasts, she put her hand at the V of his shirt, and ripped down. This got his attention. “I’ve never before had my shirt literally ripped off me,” he said with a smile, “but I like it. In a hurry for me, are you, mon amour?” “Beau, chéri, of course I am,” she sighed, trying hard to undo his belt and open that clip at the top of his chinos, prior to moving his zipper down. “Could you slow down just a little, Lise, my love? You see, I want you to give me a massage.” “Beau? Are you having a headache? Of course I will.” “No. No. I mean a massage—” The way Beau stretched out the word, Lise knew exactly the kind of massage he had in mind. If that’s what he wants, I’m most willing to give it to him. She smiled against his mouth. “I’ll have to go downstairs again, darling, to get some oil.” Shaking his head, Beau held her more tightly to him, reaching over to what she thought was a square white table next to the lounger. She now saw that it was a small cupboard. On its top shelf, there were a number of bottles of sun-tan lotions and oils, scented oils, and some babyoil. The lower shelf held some folded towels. “Well? Which oil would you prefer, Beau? There’s sandalwood, and—” “I prefer the baby-oil, if you don’t mind. Tell me, Lise, are you really going to give me a massage?” “That’s what you asked for, that’s what you’re going to get. Anything you want, remember?” Her voice was very soft. “Where do you want me to start? Your back, or your front?” “You do ask some very silly questions, my love.” His voice was uneven. “Where on my front are you going to start?” “Wherever you want,” she said innocently. “I can start at your waist and work my way up to your shoulders, or I could start with your feet, and work my way up—”

© 2008 DCL Publications

137

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Please,” he sighed, “start at my feet?” She smiled, slipping away from him, rising quickly from the mattress, finding the babyoil. “Lie down flat, Beau,” she directed. He hastened to oblige, aware he was still wearing his chinos. “Let me get these off me,” he said urgently, removing them. He was still wearing his silk bikini, but when he gestured to it, she said, “I’ll remove it when it becomes necessary.” “My love, it’s necessary now,” he protested. “I’m not all that comfortable in this small bikini underwear—” “Hmm, yes, I can see that,” she teased. “Just as you like, Beau, mon bien-aimé” – my dearly beloved. She slowly stripped the bikini off him, gasping when she freed his massive erection, felt again the silk of his skin over the steel of his penis. At that moment, noticing she was still wearing her tanga, he whispered, “Sexy as that thing is, I think I should remove it, just so we start out even.” He pulled her over so that she came to lie on top of him, as his experienced hands removed the last item of clothing from her. He could not resist holding her tightly to him for another moment, waiting until she surrendered to him, sinking into him. Only then would he let her go. “I thought you were going to massage my feet,” he said. “To start with, yes,” she agreed. She slanted a look at his gorgeously muscled body, her eyes coming to rest on his heavy erection, pulsing with his every heartbeat. When he, in turn, glanced reproachfully at her, she said with an elegant little shrug, “You wanted your bikini off, Beau. Surely you can’t blame me for feasting my eyes on your long, very hard, very erect, throbbing penis?” “I thought you were going to give me a massage,” he said, “but all you do is talk about my penis.” She smiled at him, sitting down at the foot-end of the mattress, putting his brown, wellshaped feet on her slender thighs. She shook a few drops of baby-oil into her hand, rubbing the palms together. She took his left foot, beginning a soothing massage. When she had reached his ankle, she took his right foot and gave it the same treatment. She massaged his legs in turn, reaching his knees.

© 2008 DCL Publications

138

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“You have very sexy legs, you know that?” she observed casually, well aware that Beau, already visibly so very turned on, was getting more excited by the moment. She shook a few more drops of oil into her palm, beginning to massage his thighs. “Your thighs are beautifully muscled, Beau,” she murmured, starting on his inner thighs, her thumbs making little circles as she went higher and higher, without once touching where he most wanted to feel her hands. “Lise, honey, please?” he whispered, aroused to the point of pain, his pelvis moving convulsively as he felt her clever fingers invading his groin. “Please, honey? Put your hands on me,” he implored. She shifted her position a little more forward, and bent her blonde head to his straining, pulsing erection. At last, he felt her hand tighten on his shaft, as her tongue laved and tantalized the silky, velvety head. He felt her lick drop after drop of his honeyed essence from him, drops that told her how very much he needed to be inside her. It was all he could do to keep a vestige of restraint on his desire to spill into her now, this instant, and feel again the transcendent bliss that he had only ever felt with her. When he felt her take his penis into her mouth, he knew he was perilously close to losing all control. Her hand slid down his shaft and began to play softly but oh, so erotically with his sac, taut with the spheres swollen with his seed. Bon Dieu. What is she doing to me? I can’t…. I’m so close to… “Lise,” he pleaded, hastily removing the caressing hand and her lips from him, raising her body until her mouth touched his, her breasts caressing his chest. He sighed deeply. “Please, my love, hold still. I was so dangerously close to…” “To spilling your seed in my mouth?” she asked on a whisper. He nodded, looking away. “Was that what you wanted to do?” she asked again, her breath sweet against his mouth. He nodded again, embarrassed at confessing this to her. “Well, then, why didn’t you?” she asked, to his astonishment. “Because, my love, I wanted this to be good for both of us, not just for me.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

139

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“But Beau, with your startling recovery-time, what would it matter if I had to wait a very little while for you? I wanted this to be exceptional for you, because it seemed to me that you needed more… more than we usually have between us, these days?” “Not at your expense,” he said decisively, taking her breasts into his hands, incredibly turned on, feeling their luscious weight in his palms. “Ah, my love, that feels so good…” He brought her breasts to his mouth, licking and suckling first one nipple, then the other. Desire arrowed through him when he felt her nipples swell and harden against his tongue. “Beau…” she moaned, writhing against him. He allowed himself a while longer with her breasts filling his hands, finally turning her to lie beneath him. “Do you want me?” he asked, and she was surprised to see that he meant this seriously. “You know I do, Beau,” she sighed against his mouth. “I wasn’t all that sure any more, lately,” he said softly. “Beau, you can’t be serious? I love you so very much, and being with you is such utter bliss, such rapture…” “It is?” He sounded delighted and very relieved. “You must know that, mon seul amour – my only love. Just lately, we’ve had to be there for your aunt, and that has shoved our private life to the back-burner for a while. But just because we couldn’t be together as often, and in the way we prefer to be…” “Of course, you’re right. It doesn’t mean that we feel differently. But I needed to be with you so very much just now, my love, that’s why—” “If you’ll forgive me an observation, Beau, you haven’t yet been with me,” she whispered, her tongue still caressing his mouth. “I know that, silly,” he whispered back. “But I’m going to be with you right this moment.” He knelt between her slender thighs, giving a small, satisfied nod when she opened to him instantly. “Lise, my love,” he sighed, driving into her with one hard, deep thrust. When he heard her sudden intake of breath, he was instantly contrite. “Forgive me—did I hurt you?” “No, my dearest Beau, of course not… It’s just that you usually come into me more slowly. But you certainly caught my attention with…what you did. Please, do it some more?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

140

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

She liked what I did… Oh, what she makes me feel… And then he could no longer think, could only feel. Feel what he had only, ever, felt with her, the love of his heart, of his life. He found their favourite rhythm, lifting her pelvis to him, so that he could give her even more of himself. With some part of his awareness, he waited for that moment when tiny contractions deep inside her would tell him the orgasm he felt so very near would be shared between them. He thrust harder, faster, until he had to surrender to the emotions she made him sense and experience, becoming as one with her, sharing this climax. He felt her muscles clenching and releasing around him rhythmically, as he tried to hold still for her, deep inside her, giving her all he could for as long as he could. All too soon, his back went rigid and he felt his seed spill hotly into her in seemingly endless, powerful surges. All of him, for her, the woman of his dreams. Afterwards, he collapsed in her arms, and lay there, spent and sated. Later, when he could think again, and his heartbeat and breathing had steadied, he tried to lift himself away from her, but she wouldn’t have it. “Please, Beau, please stay. It feels so very good to have you there,” she whispered, still a little breathless. Feeling certain he was crushing her, he tried again to lift himself a little, but she only held on to him more tightly, her soft hands on his lean buttocks. He knew he was lost when he felt her most intimate muscles clench around his still-hard penis. What she does to me… Even when I was in my twenties, I couldn’t turn around that fast… But with her, although I’m forty-one… Wrapping her more tightly in his embrace, he asked, “Do you want me again?” “Beau, darling, are you serious?” “Can’t you tell, my love?” he teased, seeing her eyes widen, then darken, when he moved very slightly inside her. She realized, astonished, that his erection was, again, hard, swelling and penetrating farther and farther into the depths of her. “Ah, Beau—my surprising, generous, very exceptional lover.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

141

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“And I can hardly wait for the day when I’ll also be your husband,” he said softly. With that, he began to make love to her again, with a little more control, but with as much impassioned desire as he had ever felt for her. When he sensed the beginning of her orgasm, he held still, giving her everything he had, until her intimate muscles’ rhythmic clenching and releasing around him began to subside, and she sighed his name, clinging to him. Only then would he surrender to his own surpassing rapture, spilling into her inexhaustibly, flooding her depths with his seed until he had given her everything. Everything he had, he was, for this exceptional woman. Everything. **** The next morning, the lovers were surprised to find that Jane, true to her word, had stayed in her own apartment to eat breakfast by herself. She came up to Beau’s condo at ninethirty, using the walker, to Lise’s secret relief. “Good morning, you two,” said Jane. “I only use this contraption to stop you from worrying,” she added to Lise, as she put the walker aside, and sat down in one of Beau’s wingchairs. “Aunt Jane, you look wonderful, more like your usual self,” said Beau happily. “I feel a lot better, thank you, Beau. And I’m going to tell the physiotherapist that I won’t be coming for her afternoon sessions any more. She can give me a set of exercises to do in my own apartment.” “I’ll be glad to help, and stay with you while you do the exercises, in case you should overdo and…” Lise began. “No, you won’t,” said Jane calmly. “I’ll do my own exercises by myself. Don’t you think that, at sixty years of age, I’m capable of deciding for myself when I’m getting too tired? No, you stay here with Beau.” “Jane...” said Lise reproachfully, blushing. Jane grinned at her friend. “I’m sure Beau will agree with me.” She glanced mischievously at her nephew, and was amused to see that he came close to blushing, too. “But Jane, it’s only a month since you had the surgery. Are you sure you’re not overdoing things?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

142

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Positive,” said Jane. “Now stop worrying – you heard the therapist say yesterday that I could soon stop coming to the afternoon-sessions, right? Well, then. Soon is now.” And so it was arranged. In the mornings, Lise still took Jane to the rehab centre. When they came back, Jane insisted on going to her own apartment by herself, coming up only for lunch and dinner. Beau, ecstatic, could again spend most afternoons having a nap with his Lise. **** Two weeks later, when they were having dinner, Beau said, “Aunt Jane, would you be well enough now to attend our wedding? Of course, since we’ll give the small reception here in the condo, there will be plenty of comfortable chairs for you to sit down in.” “Beau, honey, I don’t know if you’ve noticed it, but I haven’t been using that contraption for ages. Just one cane. Of course I’m well enough to attend your wedding.” “Great,” said Beau, delighted. “I’ll go to my lawyer and let him arrange everything. Of course, we’ll have to give a blood sample, Lise, but all the rest he can do and we’ll just go there to sign a few papers. “I’ll call Father Mark and invite him, and I’ll call Jon’s office and invite him, Corey and Jack. Will you ask your father, your cousin Luke and his wife, and Alex and Adam Tremayne and their wives?” “Of course. I’ll do it tomorrow morning,” said Lise. “And I’ll tell Miguel, my best man, so he can start planning our reception,” said Beau. The next afternoon, Beau had an appointment at his lawyer’s, and Lise was busy with preparations for a celebratory dinner that evening, when there was a telephone call. In Beau’s absence, Lise answered. “Hello?” “Alicia. This is Jason’s mother. What are you doing in Jacksonville? I had a most difficult time finding out where you were. Well? Well?” “Hello, Mrs. Fitzsimmons. I’ve been living here in my fiancé’s condominium for the past month, we are to be married very shortly. I believe that, when you called me at home, my fiancé made it clear to you that you are not to bother me with any more telephone calls. I have moved on, Mrs. Fitzsimmons, and I hope that you will, too, one of these days. Goodbye.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

143

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Alicia. It is out of the question that you can contemplate getting married to this man who spoke so rudely to me on the telephone... You are Jason’s widow, and I insist on your flying to Mendocino to be present at the memorial service I’m arranging to commemorate Jason’s birthday.” “No, Mrs. Fitzsimmons. Beau wasn’t rude to you, he merely acquainted you with the facts. I have been Jason’s widow for four years. Now, I am my own person again, Alicia MacLean. And I will not come to this or any other memorial celebrations you invent – celebrations Jason would detest. Get it finally through your head that you do not make decisions for me, you do not give me orders, in fact, you would be well advised to stay out of my life altogether.” “Alicia. One moment. You said you were living in your fiancé’s condominium? You can’t be living with another man... You’re my son’s widow... Of course, I warned Jason at the time that you were not good enough for him, and that you were not as virtuous as he, poor deluded boy, believed. And now you’re living openly with another man, besmirching the good name my son bestowed on you, although I warned him most strongly against the folly of marrying a woman like you.” Lise kept trying to interrupt the flow of poisonous remarks, but to no avail. Finally she succeeded in breaking into Mrs. Fitzsimmons’s tirade. “Mrs. Fitzsimmons. What you think of me, what you think of Jason’s and my marriage, is a matter of complete indifference to me. For the last time, I am no longer Jason’s widow, I am Beau’s affianced bride. I haven’t used the name Fitzsimmons for over a year now. The sadness about Jason’s death is still there, of course, but I no longer grieve for him. Believe me, he wouldn’t want me to. “Beau and I will be married very shortly, and from now on I shall break the telephone connection the moment I hear your voice. Is that finally clear? Goodbye, Mrs. Fitzsimmons.” Shaking with distress, Lise replaced the receiver. That was how Jane found her ten minutes later, when she came up to have a cup of tea with her friend. “Lise, what on earth is the matter?” Jane asked, sitting down beside her.

© 2008 DCL Publications

144

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“My former mother-in-law has discovered that I’m living here with Beau and she spent quite some time spewing her vicious, spiteful poison over me. Not only did she try to forbid me to marry Beau because I’m Jason’s widow, she also told me – for the umpteenth time – how she had warned Jason against marrying me. The poor darling boy was deluded that I was a virtuous woman, but she knew better from the start, and now that I’m living here – what was it she said? – oh yes, blatantly with another man while I am Jason’s widow, and so on and so on… Oh, Jane…” Jane patted Lise’s shoulder. “Honey, don’t let that woman succeed in upsetting you. She’s a defanged tyrant. And just in case she gets it into her head to call back, I’ll answer the telephone from now on. Meanwhile, any chance of a cup of tea?” “Jane, of course. Earl Grey?” “You know that’s my favourite – yes, please.” Lise went to the kitchen to prepare the tea. She heard the telephone burr faintly, once. Jane must’ve picked up. Indeed, Jane did. “Hello?” But the caller was not Mrs. Fitzsimmons. Jane heard a man’s voice, probably middle-aged, judging by the tone of his reedy tenor. “This is Ian Frazer MacLean. I am Alicia’s father. To whom am I speaking, please?” “I am Jane DeVilliers, a friend of your daughter’s. Her fiancé, Beauregard DeVilliers, is my nephew.” “How do you do, Miss DeVilliers. I’ve just had a raving mad telephone call from the mother of Alicia’s late husband. She said that my daughter was living in blatant disregard of accepted social and moral standards with your nephew, flouting public opinion, behaving scandalously. I must say I find this hard to believe of my daughter.” Thank God I took this call, and not Lise or Beau… Jane said calmly, “Mr. MacLean, the three of us, Lise, Beau and I, are living here. The main reason for this is that I’ve recently had a hip replacement and, until I’m a whole lot better, I won’t be able to live in my own cottage. Lise’s cottage is right next door to mine. We’ve been friends for ages.

© 2008 DCL Publications

145

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau had been staying with me, and when the hip-surgery was decided on, he thought that it would be safer for me to live with him in his condo, which has a private elevator, no stairs. Lise came too, she has been nursing me, taking me to rehab for exercises, cooking the nutritious meals the doctor prescribed.” Jane could hear Lise’s father sighing with relief. “Thank you for telling me this, Miss DeVilliers. I felt sure that Mrs. Fitzsimmons was, again, exaggerating appallingly. She hated Alicia, you know…. but then, she’d have hated anyone her adored son was misguided enough – in her opinion – to marry… By the way, are you and Beau in the habit of calling her Lise?” “Yes, Mr. MacLean. Beau invented the name for her, and she liked it so much that we’ve all begun to call her Lise.” Lise’s father decided to broach another subject. “My daughter and I have been discussing her forthcoming wedding to your nephew. She told me that much depended on whether you’d be well enough to take part in the ceremony?” “Yes, that’s true. But I’ve improved so dramatically that Beau is at the moment at his lawyer’s to set things in motion for a wedding at the earliest possible moment. I know Beau will phone the Jacksonville Hilton to reserve a number of suites for yourself, our DeVilliers relatives and Beau and Lise’s friends from Ocean Breeze. Have you decided yet when you’re planning to come down, Mr. MacLean?” “No, I was waiting to hear when the wedding will take place, and I was planning on arriving a couple of days ahead of that. I take it that my daughter isn’t available?” “She’s in the kitchen, Mr. MacLean. I’ll be glad to call her to the telephone. If you’ll be a little bit patient, I still walk with a cane.” “No, no. I’ll wait for her to call me this evening, the way she usually does. By that time, your nephew may have told her when the wedding is to take place. My main reason for calling was this extraordinarily spiteful call from her former mother-in-law. I hope she didn’t upset my daughter too much?” “Well…. I’m sure Lise handled herself most competently, but of course it is upsetting for a shy, quiet woman like your daughter to hear that vicious woman’s opinion of her…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

146

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“That does it. I’ll call that sadistic, malicious witch back right now and forbid her ever to get in touch with my daughter again. She has spewed her poison over Al… Lise for the last time. We’ll no doubt see each other fairly soon, Miss DeVilliers, at the wedding. Goodbye.” “Goodbye, Mr. MacLean,” said Jane, and quietly heaved a deep sigh of relief. “More poison?” Lise asked, her face pale, when she came in with the tea-tray. “No, Lise-honey. Your father. Mrs. Fitzsimmons had seen fit to tell him in gory detail just how blatantly and scandalously you were living here in sin with Beau. When I told him that the three of us are living here together, primarily because of my hip surgery, he became an absolute pussy-cat. And he was annoyed enough to call back Mrs. Fitzsimmons and give her a piece of his mind. Of course I offered to fetch you, but he said he’d wait for your usual call to him in the evening.” “Oh Jane, thank you for fielding that call. Coming so close on the heels of Mrs. Fitzsimmons’s blast, I would’ve been so terribly upset if Daddy had started criticizing me for living here with Beau…” “Honey, I doubt very much that your Dad would disapprove of you and Beau living here together. You’re both adults, you’ve both been widowed and lived alone for many years before you found each other. And surely your Dad realizes that you’d be married already if it weren’t for that infuriating hip of mine.” Lise poured the tea and handed Jane her cup. “Have some cinnamon toast, Jane? I know it’s one of your favourites.” “And of Beau’s – I think that faint noise is the elevator.” “Oh. I had better make some more tea and cinnamon toast,” said Lise, hurrying back to the kitchen. A few minutes later, Beau entered. When he saw his aunt, he went over to her, all smiles. “Aunt Jane, I’m glad to see you’ve come up for some tea. Where is Lise? In the kitchen, making more? I might’ve known… Well, very briefly, we’re all set for Saturday week, at two in the afternoon. I’ll tell you the rest as soon as Lise comes back.” “Saturday week. Let’s see, today is Thursday, that’s only nine days hence…” “That should be time enough for everything, right? Tomorrow Lise and I have to do that blood-test, and go sign some papers at my lawyer’s.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

147

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Perhaps we could make one trip to my cottage, so I can pick up my blue dress and my sapphires, to wear to the wedding. For that matter, I don’t think Lise has given a single thought to her wedding dress…” “Aunt Jane, I can go pick up your dress and sapphires – I don’t want you to sit in a car for such a long ride. If you’re sure you feel well enough to be left alone here, Lise and I could make a lightning-quick trip to your cottage and hers, and get all the dress problems ironed out…” Beau’s voice trailed away, as a thought came to him. “I was just thinking, perhaps I should call Corey and ask him if he could spare Myra Blackwood for Monday afternoon, to be here with you while Lise and I are away?” “No way, Beau-honey, I’m feeling quite well enough to be left on my own for an afternoon. But I’d be grateful if you’d pick up my dress and jewelry, so I wouldn’t have to sit in even your superlative car for a long time.” “I was merely thinking that, if we were held up…” said Beau hesitantly. Suddenly, Jane caught on to Beau’s unspoken thoughts. He wants to stay overnight at Lise’s cottage, how slow of me not to realize that. Aloud, she said, “Well, yes, Beau, that has to be taken into consideration. If another candidate for Axel’s cottage has turned up, Lise would probably have to convene a hasty meeting of the club members… Or you might get roped into a dinner party at the oceanside condobuilding where your friends and Lise’s relatives live. By all means, ask Corey if he can spare Myra for Monday afternoon, then. We can ask Myra herself if she is willing to stay here overnight, and I’ll make sure she’ll be back at work the next morning. Thank heaven I no longer have to go to the rehab centre, I can just do my exercises quietly by myself.” Jane had to hide her smile, when she saw Beau’s delighted expression. She quietly resolved to return to cottage life before Beau and Lise came back from their honeymoon. Perhaps she could exchange abodes with Lise, whose cottage was all on one floor. Yes. **** Corey was most willing to spare Myra for the following afternoon, and when Jane asked her whether she’d be able to stay overnight, just in case Beau and Lise were unaccountably held up at the cottage, Myra was delighted to oblige, and said she’d bring an overnight bag.

© 2008 DCL Publications

148

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

That Monday, after lunch, Beau and Lise drove away to Ocean Breeze West. When they arrived, Beau quickly went to Jane’s cottage, found her sapphire-blue dress and her jewelry, packed it into a garment-bag, and returned to Lise. “My love, knowing that Myra is most competently looking after Aunt Jane, how do you feel about us spending the night here?” he asked. He caught hold of her hand, reeling her in against him. He lifted her in his arms and sat down on the big sofa, with her on his lap. “Beau, of course I’d love it, you know that…” she murmured against his mouth, hugging herself more closely to him. Elated, he drifted soft kisses all over her face, ending with her mouth. The moment he felt her lips part for him, he moaned deep in his throat, teasing her tongue with his in a velvet caress, doing his usual little mating-dance before plunging into the depth of her mouth to find her sweetness. “My love….you taste so good…” he sighed after a while. He gazed into her eyes, delighted when he saw their blue-green depths had darkened with passion for him. “Do you think perhaps we should have a nap?” he murmured. “Oh, yes, please,” she sighed against his mouth, kissing him back with abandon. Lifting her mouth from his, she asked with a little whimsical moue, “I hope you aren’t sleepy?” Enraptured, he tightened his embrace, getting to his feet with her in his arms. “I promise you, I’ll stay wide-awake as long as you want me to…” His deep voice was indistinct against her throat. He strode into the bedroom, setting Lise gently on her feet by the big bed. But he couldn’t bring himself to let go of her. “I can’t get enough of you…” he murmured, tightening his embrace, seeking her mouth hungrily. “Darling Beau, never, never change…” she whispered back after a while. He raised a slim, black brow to her. “My love, in time I’m bound to slow down some… In fact, I thought I’d have slowed down some by now, after all, I’m forty-one. But with you…” He shrugged in quiet surprise. “Ah, now you’re talking about physical slowing down…. I was more thinking of your emotions, feelings – I do hope they’ll never, never change, as I know so surely that mine will never, never change towards you,” she murmured, melting into him and, as so often before, melting his heart in the process.

© 2008 DCL Publications

149

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Come here, and be my love,” he said.

© 2008 DCL Publications

150

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Chapter 7

On Tuesday morning, Beau took Lise for a walk on the beach, sloshing through the surf as they used to do, but this time he did not hold her hand as they walked, he had his arm around her slim waist. After a while, Beau was enchanted to feel Lise’s hand slide gently around his own waist. He tugged her more closely to him, pressing his mouth against her temple for a moment. “Ah, my love,” he sighed. When they got back to Lise’s cottage, she made fresh coffee, a big breakfast for Beau, and some toast for herself. She planned to serve this in her dining room, but Beau demurred, suggesting, “Why don’t you put everything on trays so we can sit together on your sofa while we eat? That’ll give me the chance of putting my arm around you from time to time?” With a smile that went straight to his heart, Lise complied, and in a very short time they were seated just as he had intended. Beau was still busy with his breakfast, when there was a quiet knock at the door. “Let me, darling,” said Lise. “I’ve finished my toast.” She quickly went to the door. A stunningly beautiful woman with strawberry-blond hair and huge grey eyes gazed at her expectantly. Her make-up was flawless, her lipstick perfect, and even at this early hour she wore mascara and eye-shadow to striking effect. Lise noticed absently that the woman was very formally dressed in a pale grey Thai silk suit, and wondered what on earth this woman could want. “There was no one home at the cottage of Jane DeVilliers,” the woman said hesitantly. “Could you tell me where…oh, dear God. Beau….” Clearly, the woman had looked into the room as she was talking to Lise, discovering Beau, seated on the sofa, finishing his breakfast. Startled by her sudden exclamation, Lise glanced back at Beau, seeing to her dismay that Beau, deathly pale, had got to his feet, dropping the tray where he stood, gasping, “Felicity…” Felicity…? But that was the name of Beau’s dead wife…

© 2008 DCL Publications

151

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Astonished, Lise stepped aside, and the woman strode past her with a little nod, moving straight to Beau, who regarded her as if he had seen a ghost. Beau took a step back, oblivious of the mess he had caused when he dropped his tray. He faltered, his shaking voice almost inaudible, “But that’s… not… possible. You died…eight years ago… you…” “Beau-honey, I’m not that Felicity… Of course not... Don’t you remember, our mothers, Honoria and Gabrielle, both called their daughters ‘Felicity’. I’m Honoria’s daughter. Not your late wife. She was born to Gabrielle, four years earlier.” With a supreme effort, Beau regained a modicum of calm. He held out his hand to Felicity, who ignored it and hugged herself tightly to him. He stepped back instantly, out of her embrace, saying, “Forgive my initial mistake. I‘d forgotten how very closely you resembled each other. Felicity – let me introduce you to Lise MacLean, my fiancée, who will marry me this coming Saturday. Lise…?” He held out his hand to her, and when she gave him hers, he pulled her closer, completing the introduction. “This is my late wife’s cousin, Felicity Bourne.” Lise smiled at Felicity, and gestured to the comfortable chairs facing the sofa. “Please sit down. Will you take coffee?” Turning to Beau, she said, “Beau, please will you get a cup and saucer for Felicity, while I quickly clean up the debris from the tray…” “No, my love, I’ll do it. After all, I’m the one who dropped the tray and made the mess.” “And small wonder you did, if you thought Felicity was your late wife. No, I’ll clean up.” Lise busied herself quickly by picking up the shards of broken crockery, gathering fragments of food and sopping up the spilled coffee with Beau’s napkin. Beau quickly returned with a fresh cup and saucer, asking, “You’ll take coffee, Felicity?” “Thank you, Beau. I must say, I’m surprised, no, astonished, to hear that you’re going to get married again. Mother and Aunt Gabrielle will be thunderstruck. They were sure you’d never get over Felicity-One’s death. Still, eight years is a long time. But I don’t look forward to being the messenger who gives them the news.” Felicity shook her head, picking up her coffee and sipping. Lise had just succeeded in cleaning up the considerable mess of the spill. She went to the kitchen with the debris. Faintly, she heard Beau say, “Then don’t tell them, Felicity. After all, what I do or don’t do is no concern of theirs, and hasn’t been for over eight years.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

152

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Don’t you believe it, Beau… Aunt Gabrielle still regards you as her son-in-law, and never tires of telling her friends how devastated you were when Felicity died, how you continue to be heartbroken, and how you’ll never get over it.” “Well, as you see, I have got over it, and have moved on with my life.” “When are you and Lise going to be married, then, Beau?” Felicity asked with barely concealed curiosity. Beau darling. Don’t tell her…. I don’t want our wedding day ruined by the appearance of your former mother-in-law in full fighting mode… But, moments later, she heard Beau say casually, “I told you, on Saturday. In Jacksonville.” Thank God – he didn’t give her any details. “A bit of a comedown from being married in the Cathédrale St-Louis of New Orleans, with an Archbishop officiating.” Felicity remarked. “A very welcome change, I can assure you,” said Beau. “I hated my wedding… all that pomp and circumstance, the endless reception, the even more endless wedding luncheon. Gabrielle hovering protectively everywhere all the time. Unable to let go of her precious daughter. What the hell did she think I’d do to her? No, Lise and I won’t put ourselves through anything like that, trust me.” “Oh. You’re just going to be married in your own parish church, then, Beau?” Before Beau could respond, Lise was back, seated herself beside Beau and said with a charming smile, “The details of our wedding are private and confidential to us, we haven’t even told our own relatives. Anyway, I cannot imagine that this would be of any interest to you, Felicity.” “Not to me, but to Aunt Gabrielle, believe it,” said Felicity, turning to Beau again. “Aunt Gabrielle was saying only the other day that the only way she would consider you ever marrying again was if you were to marry me, thus keeping you in the family, and married to a Felicity…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

153

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Beau had caught Lise’s disquiet over Felicity’s pressing for details about their wedding. Now he said, “Perhaps someone should explain to Gabrielle that it is not up to her to decide whom I will marry. That is, and always has been, up to me alone. And, Felicity, pretty as you are, I wouldn’t want to marry you. I’m sorry if this offends you, but I think it is high time that the relatives of my late wife realize that they have no say in what I do, with whom I live, whom I marry. I hope that’s finally clear.” “Abundantly so, Beau. And you might have been a little more flattering about me, after all I am a dead ringer… oops, that was an unfortunate turn of phrase… I mean, I resemble exactly your wife. And now you tell me that you don’t like those looks well enough to be married to? And that you want someone else? Tsk, Beau.” “Yes, Felicity – that’s what I’m telling you,” said Beau calmly. Lise was reassured to see that Beau had regained his usual tranquil serenity. Not a trace remained of the shock, yes, nearterror with which he had regarded Felicity when he first saw her. “And you’re living across the road with your Aunt Jane?” Felicity pressed. “No, Felicity, I’m living here with Lise,” said Beau calmly. “Beau... You’re living with Lise before you’re married? How did you talk her into doing that?” Felicity asked, slanting a contemptuous look at Lise. “Beau didn’t have to ‘talk me into doing that’, as you put it, Felicity,” said Lise quietly. “Beau has been a widower for eight years, I’ve been a widow for four. The sadness about our late spouses remains, of course, but we no longer mourn them. I don’t think one can live indefinitely with the dead, whatever your Aunt Gabrielle thinks. A day comes when someone else causes that same frisson that one once felt for the dead spouse. And then one moves on.” “But you’re living with Beau now – don’t you realize that means he no longer has any incentive to marry you? That the gilt is off the gingerbread, so to say?” Lise opened her mouth to answer, but Beau forestalled her. “We’d be married already if Aunt Jane hadn’t been hospitalized with a hip-replacement. And I can hardly wait for the day when I will not only be Lise’s lover, but also her husband,” said Beau calmly. “Well, of course you would say that with Lise sitting there beside you. But mother and Aunt Gabrielle are always on about not giving in to a man, because once he’s sampled the goods, so to say, he won’t marry the girl.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

154

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I emphatically disagree with Honoria and Gabrielle,” said Beau. “What they are talking about are rapacious marauders preying on innocent young girls. True, such men exist, but they are the exception, not the rule. Your mother and your aunt have no idea, obviously, about love between adults. If a man will only marry a girl to ‘sample the goods’ as you put it, what prevents him from leaving her after the wedding night? Think about that.” Stricken, Felicity stared at him. “But Felicity was a virgin when you married her,” she said, her voice triumphant. “Yes, she was, and it made our honeymoon somewhat of a disappointment. Clearly, Gabrielle had misinformed her daughter about what is natural and wonderful between husband and wife, and there were many times when I….well, never mind, that’s all over and done with. Let me just assure you that I rejoice to say my life with Lise is so very different.” “You don’t say…” mumbled Felicity. “Yes, I do say,” said Beau calmly. He went on, “And, interesting as this has been, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave. Lise and I have to put the cottage to bed, and then we have a long drive home ahead of us. So, Felicity…” “Beau? I thought you’d take me somewhere really nice for lunch, so we could…” “Felicity, surely you realize how totally inappropriate your suggestion is. I’ve just told you that I am engaged to be married to Lise.” His voice was tinged with contempt, when he went on, “Tell me, were you sent here by Honoria and Gabrielle to see whether I could be inveigled into marrying you? I’m surprised that a spirited woman like you would allow herself to be so bamboozled by these two aging arbiters of sexual mores. Go home, Felicity, and don’t listen to a word they say. Find yourself a nice man and, when you do, don’t play silly games with him. Just be natural and you’ll soon discover that all Honoria and Gabrielle’s caveats are so much garbage.” With that, Beau rose, moving to the front-door, gesturing to Felicity to get out of her chair and leave. “Beau, are you sure? I’m pure, and I’m the image of Felicity, your wife. You’ve already been with Lise, so surely there’s no need to marry her?” Shaking with indignation, Beau opened the door and made a sweeping gesture to Felicity.

© 2008 DCL Publications

155

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I am quite sure, Felicity, that I want to marry only Lise, and no one else. And if you don’t mind my saying so, the thought of a woman…what are you? Four years younger than my wife… thirty-four years old and a virgin…” Beau shivered in distaste. At last, Felicity seemed to get the message. With a shrug and a furious look at Lise, she said, “Well…” She swept past Beau, nose in the air. He closed the door, locking it with a sigh of relief. He turned to Lise, all his attention on her pale face, her shaking hands. “Lise, my love, don’t let anything Felicity said upset you, please? She was brainwashed by those two harpies, who even made her believe she could get me to marry her because she does resemble my late wife astonishingly. But I meant every word I said to her. I want to marry only you, Lise. Only you…” With a deep sigh, Beau sat down beside Lise, pulling her into his arms. Anxiously, he gazed at her, deeply concerned when he saw tears spilling onto her pale cheeks. Her voice almost inaudible, clogged by tears, Lise whispered, “But when you saw her at first, you were so overcome by the feelings you still have for her, your wife, I mean…” “No, my darling, no. I was deeply shocked, because I thought it was my dead wife. Can you imagine how you’d feel if a man looking exactly like Jason were to walk in here? Mmm?” With a dispirited shrug, Lise said, “I guess you’re right. Beau, suddenly I feel so very upset at being here. Do you think we could quickly put the cottage to bed and drive back to your condo? Perhaps I’ll feel better once I’m back there. This visit of your wife’s cousin has deeply distressed me. That infuriating assumption that her virginity was a big point in her favour in bargaining for you to marry her instead of me….” Lise slumped against Beau, but he felt that desolation, not the desire to be close to him, made her lean against him. He tried again. “Lise, my one and only love… Surely you won’t let that silly prattle upset you? Let me tell you about my former mother-in-law. She tried to interfere in my marriage, attempting to orchestrate our intimate life. Finally I had to tell her not to visit unless I specifically invited her, and not to telephone Felicity ever again with her stupid intrusive advice. I then instructed Felicity to put the telephone down whenever her mother called, which — with much trepidation — she finally summed up the courage to do. Hugging her more closely, he sighed, “Lise, you don’t for a moment believe that I’d want a repetition of what I put up with in my first marriage, do you, my darling?” Lise gazed up at Beau, her eyes still drowning in tears.

© 2008 DCL Publications

156

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I’ll need a little time to put this behind me, Beau. Oh, I know it isn’t your fault, but...I feel almost sick from what I had to listen to.” Deeply concerned, he tightened his embrace, turning her around so that she came to lie against his heart. “I love you – love you – love you,” he whispered, bending his dark head to kiss her tears away, finally finding her mouth. His kiss began softly, gently, changing to hungry and impassioned the moment he felt her lips part under his. His tongue found hers, duelling a little, before beginning to lick the inside of her mouth, feeling almost dizzy tasting her sweetness. How I want her… “Lise….” he murmured against her mouth, his hand straying to her breasts. She tried to smile for him. “Please darling, can we get away from here? I feel… I guess ‘contaminated’ is the word I’m looking for. I’m so sorry, Beau, but please…” Unhappy, because he had not been able to make her respond to him, he said, as calmly as he could, “Of course, my love, if that’s what you want. I had been hoping we might stay here one more night, I’m sure Myra would be delighted to stay over with Aunt Jane. But if you feel ‘contaminated’ by my late wife’s cousin, then of course we’ll leave rightaway.” “Thank you, Beau. Oh, please let’s just drive away quickly. Felicity doesn’t know your address in Jacksonville, does she?” He shook his head. “I haven’t been in touch with my late wife’s family for the past eight years. Oh, her mother tried to do exactly what Jason’s mother keeps on trying to do to you, insisting on my presence at memorial services for Her Daughter. The fact that she was my wife did not seem to enter into the equation. My usefulness to her was only to demonstrate that I was still a sorrowing widower. It enraged her when I refused to take part in these memorials of hers. “Anyway, my darling, I have an unlisted telephone number, and you know how our security system in Jacksonville works. I’ll call them right now and make sure they don’t allow Felicity or any other member of my late wife’s family ever to come up to the condo. Excuse me a moment?” He took his cell-phone from his jacket-pocket, calling the security desk at his condo. In a few terse sentences, Beau made clear his wishes, receiving the assurance that these people would not be admitted.

© 2008 DCL Publications

157

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“There, my darling, all done. Listen, you sit here and rest a bit, I’ll quickly check everything, close windows, and so on. We’ll be out of here in minutes, since that’s what you want,” he said, unable to quite hide his regret at her not wanting him to take her to bed and so assuage her unhappiness. For once, Lise failed to read between the lines, not realizing how unhappy Beau was at her decision to leave the cottage in a hurry. “Yes, darling, that’s what I want,” she said. Quickly, Beau finished checking. “Let’s go, then,” he said. She stretched out her hand to him, which he hastened to take into his, pulling her up from the sofa. He tugged a little harder than necessary, and she fell into his arms. He wrapped her in his embrace, hugging her to him tightly. “Ah, my love…” he said. To his dismay, she wriggled out of his arms, almost running to the front-door. “Please, Beau – let’s get out of here,” she pleaded. Hurt, he said, “Of course, right this moment,” holding the door open for her. “Jane’s dress, and mine?” she asked. “I put them into the trunk earlier, don’t worry,” he said. Again, Lise did not pick up on Beau’s despondency. As soon as he opened the passenger-door for her, she sat down, buckling herself in. Beau noticed that, on this occasion, she didn’t look up at him, as she always did so that he could kiss her mouth softly before moving to the driver’s side. After a mostly silent drive, they arrived at Beau’s condo. When they came up in the garage-elevator to the main floor, Beau made a point of going to the security desk, confirming his telephoned instructions. “Oh yes, Mr. DeVilliers, Sir, all our staff have been alerted not to admit any of these people to your condo. In any case, Sir, we’d telephone for instructions from you before allowing anyone near your elevator.” “Thanks a lot, Joe,” said Beau, pressing a folded hundred dollar bill into the man’s hand. “That isn’t necessary, Sir, but it’s greatly appreciated, of course. Thank you.” Beau turned away from the security desk and walked with Lise to his elevator. When they were ascending, he glanced at her, murmuring, “Better now?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

158

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

She glanced back at him. “Much better, thank you.” When they arrived at Beau’s floor, they realized Jane must be in her own apartment, for they were quite alone. “Would you like a little nap, perhaps, my darling?” Beau said, still hoping that a little private bliss might wipe all this misery from Lise’s mind. “No, thanks, Beau. I think I’ll go to the kitchen and think about dinner.” “As you wish, of course,” he said with perfunctory courtesy. He was almost relieved when his aunt came up to the condo. **** Beau immediately got an opportunity to tell her about the Felicity disaster because Aunt Jane asked, “Did you have an uneventful stay, or were there more undesirable visitors?” “Oh, Aunt Jane, one very undesirable visitor. Do you remember Felicity had a cousin, also named Felicity, whose resemblance to her was remarkable? Well, would you believe it, she came to Lise’s cottage. She had tried to visit you, presumably to find out from you where I was. When Lise opened the door, Felicity saw me, and she screamed ‘Oh, God, Beau,’ storming into the room, trying to embrace me. “When I introduced her to Lise, ‘my fiancée’, she was terribly taken aback, because my former mother-in-law had stated unequivocally that the only person she would allow me to marry was the other Felicity. Can you believe it?” Intent on his subject, Beau leant forward, his hands balled into fists. Jane realized he was trying to hide from her how upset he was, and gave him a sympathetic smile. He went on, “She became very nosy about our wedding, and fortunately Lise said calmly that our wedding arrangements were private and confidential to us. “Although I firmly told that damn Felicity off, Lise is still very upset. Aunt Jane, I don’t know what to do to make her feel better…” Beau gazed at his aunt in despair. Jane leaned over, patting Beau’s knee.

© 2008 DCL Publications

159

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“My dear Beau, you know how shy and quiet Lise is. Can you imagine how hard it was for her to hear this cousin of your late wife make a play for you? Then trying to find out exactly when and where you were going to get married? I bet Lise figured, correctly, that your former mother-in-law will try to use this information to break up your wedding, which of course would be ludicrously unsuccessful, but just think for a moment how upsetting the mere thought would be to Lise.” “Yes, Aunt Jane, I’ve tried to think of all that, but she wanted us to hurry out of the cottage because she said she felt ‘contaminated’ by what Felicity had said. I ask you, contaminated? And she’s so cold to me. Even when we were just acquaintances, she was friendlier to me than she is now…” He was prevented from continuing his discussion with his aunt, because Lise came into the room, saying, “If you’d like a pre-dinner drink, this would be a good time. I’ve planned dinner for about half-an-hour from now. I thought, Jane, you might not have had a whole lot for lunch? So I decided to have dinner a little earlier than usual. Just a moment, and I’ll bring in the appetizers to go with whatever you want to drink.” Jane realized how hard Lise was trying to sound ‘as usual’ but she was not deceived for a moment. Something was very wrong with Lise. “Lise, honey, I’m so very glad to see you again. And I was most disturbed to hear from Beau what you were subjected to by a relative of Beau’s late wife, who had clearly been primed by his former mother-in-law. Now there was a prize bitch if ever there was one… You know how tolerant I usually am, but her I detested on the spot. Always trying to interfere in Beau’s marriage, which was less than happy, I will admit to you. I’ve often thought that, perhaps, Felicity’s untimely death was a merciful release for Beau…” Jane, glancing unobtrusively at Lise, was pleased to see Lise’s surprise at hearing that Beau’s marriage had been anything but happy. She went on, “And now, Gabrielle apparently feels that eight years as a widower is enough of a grieving period for Her Daughter, so she trots the look-alike cousin onto the stage… As if Beau would ever again want anything to do with that bunch of interfering, intrusive, meddlesome witches… as you see, I’m trying to remain polite. “Poor Lise… Come, sit here between Beau and me, and let us cheer you up.” Jane took Lise’s hand, quietly tugging her to the seat between herself and Beau.

© 2008 DCL Publications

160

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Thank you, Jane, but I should get the appetizers out of the kitchen…” Lise said, sounding unhappy and confused. “I’ll get the appetizers,” said Jane. “I can manage very nicely with just my cane, and I want you to stay there with Beau, and let him make you feel better, my dear.” Jane rose with only slight difficulty, walking slowly to the kitchen. “Beau, shouldn’t I…?” Lise asked hesitantly, glancing worriedly at Jane’s slowly retreating back. “No, Lise, my darling. You should stay here with me and let me make you feel better. Aunt Jane’s orders,” he said, putting his arm around her shoulders, slowly drawing her against him, his caressing fingers pulling her head onto his shoulder. “Beau…” Her voice was almost inaudible. “Was that true, what Jane said? That your marriage wasn’t all that happy?” “By and large, yes,” he said. “Of course, there were times when we were happy enough, usually when we were away on a trip and her mother couldn’t interfere with intrusive calls, calculated to disturb us in an intimate situation…. God, she was an expert at that. And when I put the phone on answering machine, poor Felicity was worried that her mother might be ‘offended’. She never realized how terribly offended I was at the constant interference by that bitch.” Beau tightened his arm around Lise, wondering if she was getting any closer to her normal state… “You know, my darling Lise, what Aunt Jane said was true. In a way, Felicity’s fatal accident was a merciful release. I couldn’t have coped much longer with Gabrielle’s intrusion into every aspect of our life. Poor Felicity dared not get pregnant because her mother hadn’t yet told her it was all right to try for a baby. But in retrospect, it’s just as well. Ah, dear God…” said Beau, shaking his head. “Beau, I’m so sorry… I had assumed that you had a happy married life, as I did. I’m so very sorry… And now this Gabrielle wants you to go through a carbon copy of your first marriage with that look-alike? Hard to believe there are people who are so deluded about their own power,” Lise said hesitantly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

161

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Jane approached slowly with the appetizers, slanting a hasty glance at Beau and Lise. “Here are the appetizers,” she said cheerfully. “You see, Lise, I’m quite capable of helping you here and there. Beau, I noticed several of your favourite hors d’œuvres on this platter, so I’ll put it close to hand for you. I don’t suppose you had a thing to eat since breakfast?” Lise answered, sounding guilty. “You’re quite right, Jane, and when Beau saw what seemed to him an apparition of his late wife’s ghost, he dropped the entire tray to the floor, which included most of his breakfast – I saw how much I had to mop up from the floor.” said Lise quietly but, it seemed to Jane, with some slight bitterness. Beau decided to ignore the tone of Lise’s remark, saying quietly, “Lise is quite right, Aunt Jane. For a moment, when this cousin of Felicity’s stood at the door and then called out, ‘Oh, God, Beau,’ I swear to you, I thought I was seeing a ghost.” “Poor Beau,” said Jane. “That must’ve been terribly upsetting to you…” “Yes, Aunt Jane, it was,” said Beau, even more quietly. “I’m sorry, Beau,” said Lise softly, without explaining exactly what she was sorry about. He smiled at her, taking her hand in his, bringing it slowly to his mouth. She left her hand in his for a few moments, then she said, sounding breathless, “I think I hear the oven pinging. I should get our dinner on the table. Please excuse me?” With that, she took her hand from his, hurrying to the kitchen. Jane raised an eyebrow to Beau, who shrugged despondently. Dinner was delicious, and Jane and Beau heaped praises on a smiling Lise. Jane excused herself from taking coffee, saying, “Actually I’m quite tired, perhaps I overdid the exercises a little, but I want to be able to stand on my own two feet when I’m a witness at your wedding. So, good night and sweet dreams to you both.” She bent over Lise and kissed her cheek. “Just you remember how much Beau loves you.” she whispered. Lise nodded slowly. Beau rose to take his Aunt to the elevator. She reached up, caressing his lean cheek. “Be a little patient with her, Beau-honey. I know she shouldn’t be like this, but I don’t think she has a whole lot of choice. She’s so vulnerable, defenceless even, and this breezy Felicity look-alike must have been a deathly shock to her. Give her some time, hmm?” “I will, Aunt Jane, thanks,” Beau whispered, helping her into the elevator. “Good night,” he said aloud.

© 2008 DCL Publications

162

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman ****

When he came back into the condo, he found Lise in the kitchen, busy wrapping leftovers, putting dishes into the dishwasher. He leaned against the counter, watching her for a while. After a quick, shy smile, she concentrated on her work, but it seemed to Beau she was making work, rather than getting out of the kitchen quickly. After she had rinsed a colander for the third time, he lost patience. “I think we can take it that sieve-thing is clean, now. Let’s go to bed and get some sleep, Lise.” Imperiously, he held out his hand. “I won’t be a moment, Beau,” she said. “That’s exactly right, you won’t be a moment, because you’re coming with me now,” said Beau, his voice remote and annoyed Lise, who had never heard Beau use that tone of voice to her, stared at him in dismay. “Beau... What do you mean?” “I mean, simply, that I’ve watched about as much kitchen-duty as I can stand, Lise, and I want you to come with me now and go to bed. We’ve had a very tiring day, what with the apparition from my past, and the drive back to Jacksonville. Now I want us to relax and get some rest. Does that sound unreasonable to you?” His dark eyes were black as obsidian. She realized quickly that he was deeply upset, exasperated with her, because there was no warmth in his eyes at all. Tired and distressed, she said, “Yes, of course, Beau. Let’s get some sleep.” He let her precede him into the bedroom. Usually he asked whether she wanted the bathroom first, or suggested they shower together. Not this time. “I won’t be a moment,” he said, disappearing into the bathroom. He was as good as his word, reappearing very quickly, nude. When Lise glanced at him, she was disquieted to see he was dormant. Beau walked over to the bed, getting in on his side, taking a book from his bedside table and starting to read. Lise realized Beau was truly angry with her, but she was unable to bring herself to do anything about it.

© 2008 DCL Publications

163

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

She brushed her teeth, washed her face, put some moisturizer on and found a pale yellow nightgown. She hurried out of the bathroom and to her side of the bed. Sadly she realized this was the first time Beau had not held the duvet up for her, or — as he sometimes did — lifted her, placing her lovingly against her pillows. When she lifted the duvet on her side, Beau looked up from his book. He raised a silky black brow at her. “If you don’t want to make love, all you have to do is say so,” he said cuttingly. “I’ve never forced myself on a woman, and I’m not likely to start with you. There’s no need to arm yourself with a nightgown, to make sure I don’t touch your precious body.” Giving her a coldly furious glance, he returned to his book. Lise got into bed and said, almost inaudibly, “Good night, Beau-darling.” He looked up from his book and said, “Good night, Lise. Will my light disturb you? Please say, then I’ll stop reading.” “Oh no, Beau-darling, of course not,” she said hastily, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to sleep at all, while he was so furious with her. After a while, Beau switched off his bedside lamp, and she heard his deep sigh as he slid down into the bed to prepare for sleep. “Goodnight, Beau-darling,” she whispered. “I thought you’d be asleep by now. Did my light disturb you after all? You should’ve said.” “No, it didn’t. I don’t know why I’m not asleep yet, I’m so very tired, but…” “Try taking slow, deep breaths. That’s supposed to help. Good night.” He turned away from her, on his side. Suddenly aware how cold this advice must sound to Lise, still so very upset, he decided to say goodnight to her more lovingly. “Good night, Lise, honey,” he whispered. “Good night, darling Beau,” she whispered back, and he realized that her throat was clogged with tears. What do I do now? If I take her in my arms, she might fight her way free of me, and I couldn’t bear the pain of that, not right now… “Try to get some sleep, chérie,” he said gently. She made a little sound in her throat, and he knew she was fighting tears, suppressing sobs.

© 2008 DCL Publications

164

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

He couldn’t have said how long they lay there in the same bed, but so far apart, they might as well have been in two separate rooms. At last, he couldn’t bear the situation for another moment. He slid over to her and tugged her into his arms. “Are you awake?” he asked softly. “Yes.” Her voice was choked. “Don’t leave me,” he implored. “I can’t bear to be without you, I love you so much… Yet I don’t know what to do now to make things right between us. Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it… Lise, my darling?” “You think I’m going to leave you?” she asked, astonished. “Leave you to the mercies of Gabrielle and Honoria and Felicity-Two? Beau, darling, of course not… But I was so very disturbed by the way she simply proposed to you, in my presence… As if I counted for nothing. Although you had just told her I was your fiancée, your bride, whom you would marry in a very few days. “And I had always assumed that your married life had been very happy, so I thought that she reminded you of the sublime happiness you had had with her look-alike, and that, perhaps, you were wishing to have that back….” “Lise, my love, how could you think that for even a moment.… Nothing could be farther from the truth. I love you, you, only you… Tell me you know that?” He was unprepared for the way she sank into him, shaken by sobs, unable to speak. He felt uneasily he should’ve been more patient with her, but he had been deeply upset, too. He tightened his embrace. “Lise my darling, my one and only love. Let me tell you one more time, you are the love of my heart, the love of my life. I can’t imagine my life without you. I haven’t been in touch with my former in-laws in more than eight years. Yes, the sudden appearance of Felicity-Two was a great shock to me. I did for a moment believe I was seeing a ghost. Once I realized the purpose of this whole distasteful and pitiful charade… You heard me make it clear I wanted nothing to do with her. But I’m so dreadfully sorry that you were upset by it all. “Lise… I’ve never loved any woman the way I love you, and that includes my late wife. You’re all I’ve ever wanted, the woman of my dreams. Now, will you tell me what I am to you? Hmm?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

165

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau..” she sobbed, until, soothed and caressed in his arms, she finally began to smile for him. “You must know how much I love you.” “And you want only me?” he asked. “Only you, Beau-darling…” she whispered again. “Then I have a suggestion for you. Tomorrow is Wednesday. I’ll call my lawyer and ask him if it is possible to put forward our wedding to tomorrow afternoon. Just you and I, Aunt Jane and Miguel? Darling, I know that we’re short-changing your father, but I need you to be my wife. Not the woman I’m living with until we can get married…” “Felicity-Two did that to you, didn’t she, with her sneering at me for living with you, which — in her limited experience — meant that you’d never marry me. Beau, you don’t have to do this for me.” “My love, I’m doing this for me.” His smile was seductive and utterly sensual. “Tell me, will you marry me tomorrow if the Judge is willing?” “Of course, Beau, my darling. Sure I will…” “Then I’ll talk to my lawyer first thing tomorrow morning. Oh, wait, I’ll put a message on his voice-mail and see what he can arrange for us as soon as he’s got to his office…” “Beau, darling…” “Sssh,” he said. “I want so much to do this. Will you indulge me?” “Beau, of course I’ll do whatever you want. There’s no question of indulging you, I want to be your wife as much as you want to be my husband… Although I should confess to you that, to me, you’ll always be my lover…” “I will?” he asked, deeply pleased. She only nodded. “Then come here, my darling, and let me love you,” he said. **** On Wednesday morning, shortly after nine o’clock, Beau’s lawyer telephoned with wonderful news. Judge Reynolds could marry them that very morning, if they could be at his chambers at noon. Hastily, Beau assured his lawyer that they would be there. He turned to Lise, who was seated beside him on the sofa. “The Judge will marry us at noon today, if we can get there.” His excitement was barely contained.

© 2008 DCL Publications

166

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Of course we can get there, Beau,” said Lise with a brilliant smile for him. “Will you go to Jane and tell her? I think she’d want to hear this from you.” “I will, my love, in just a moment. First, I have to call Miguel to ask if he’ll be my best man and our second witness. We’ll need two, right?” He pulled Lise onto his lap, watching her nod in astonished agreement. He went on, “But first, I want to tell you another idea that came to mind, because I do feel a little guilty about robbing your father of the pleasure of bringing you to me. How would it be if we asked Father Mark to bless our marriage on Saturday, right here in the condo? Or downstairs, on the terrace? Jack Davies can do the transformation in no time flat, I’m sure. Father Mark will have to take charge of setting up his altar. Tell me what you think?” He hugged her more closely to him, and she leaned into him with a blissful sigh. “Beau… That’ll be wonderful… Having Father Mark’s blessing on our marriage, and Daddy walking me to you…” “I’m glad you agree, my love. I’ll call Father Mark immediately after I speak to Miguel. Father Mark can have a few extra days at the Hilton, while he’s setting up his altar on our wedding site. And I’ll call Jack, as soon as we’re back from our wedding, so he can get busy on the terrace.” “Beau, you magician… What a wonderful idea…” “I’m glad you approve. And now I had better talk to Aunt Jane. I was thinking to save your wedding-dress and Aunt Jane’s blue silk with her sapphires until our ‘church-wedding’ – for want of a better word, right? And this morning, we’ll just put on some nice clothes, sound all right to you?” “Of course, Beau.” She sounded happy but dazed. Beau returned from his talk with Jane, all smiles. “Aunt Jane will be delighted, and Miguel says he’ll be honoured to be one of our witnesses. He said he’ll meet us at Judge Reynolds’s chambers. I was thinking, Aunt Jane will probably feel she ought to be my witness, being my aunt. Would you have Miguel as your witness?” “Of course. How many women get to marry one gorgeous hunk and have a very attractive man as a witness…” “Oh? You think Miguel is attractive?” he frowned slightly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

167

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Lise grinned. It’s so cute watching Beau get all hot and bothered when I so much as mention that Miguel is attractive…. Aloud, she said, “Beau, of course I’m starry-eyed about you, but it doesn’t mean I’m oblivious when I meet an attractive man.” She was amused anew at Beau’s discomfiture, but decided to change the subject. “Beau, would you please come with me and look at my clothes, to see what you want me to wear to our wedding?” “Of course.” He went with her to the walk-in. “I was thinking, the wedding is at noon, and afterwards we’ll have a celebratory lunch at Miguel’s, so nothing too formal, right? Hey, how about this silky suit in aquamarine? I like the flirty skirt.” In consideration of Jane’s artificial hip, Beau quickly ordered a limousine, and got through to the florist, where he ordered four boutonnières of small white orchids with a sprig of orange-blossom, and one bridal bouquet of the same white orchids, with the delicately-scented stephanotis trailing elegantly, all to be delivered by eleven that morning. The florist was as good as his word, and Lise was enchanted with her bridal bouquet. “Beau, how very thoughtful of you – I had totally forgotten that I should carry flowers…” “I’m glad you like my flowers.” He bent his dark head to her for a kiss. “That’s all you get for now.” At eleven-twenty, the security desk buzzed Beau on the lobby phone. “Joe of Security, Sir. The chauffeur of the bridal limo asked me to let you know he’s here,” said Joe. “And please allow me to wish you and your bride every happiness, Sir.” “Thank you, Joe. Please tell the chauffeur we’ll be down immediately.” Beau turned to Lise and Jane. “This is it.” He shepherded them to the elevator, and moments later they were on the main floor. A spattering of applause from the Security desk’s officers was heard, and Beau and Lise waved to them. The limo chauffeur hastened to open the door for the bridal party. Fifteen minutes later, they were at Judge Reynolds’s chambers. A receptionist showed them to the waiting room, as they were a little early. Miguel was already waiting for them. Like Beau, he was attired in dark Armani. He went up to Beau and embraced him. “Mi amigo…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

168

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Beau returned the embrace and hastily gave Miguel his boutonnière. Once it was affixed to his lapel, Miguel turned to Lise, took her hand and brought it to his lips. “I understand I am to be your witness, because Miss Jane, as Beau’s relative, has the right, of course, to be his witness. Will I do for you, Lise?” Lise smiled and pretended to look Miguel up and down. “I was just saying to Beau that I doubt there’s another woman alive who ever married a man as gorgeous as Beau, while having an equally stunning man as her witness,” said Lise, with a smile for the courteous Spaniard. “This morning, you said to me that Miguel was ‘very attractive’. Now he’s ‘equally stunning’? I’m not sure I like this,” said Beau, mocking a frown. Lise blew him an air-kiss, whispering, “But you are the most gorgeous hunk I ever saw…” Miguel had meanwhile turned to Jane, kissing her hand, telling her how delighted he was to see her again. “You’ll see a little more of us, Miguel. Beau has decided to have our celebratory lunch at your restaurant…where else?” “Amigo,” said Miguel, turning to Beau. “You should’ve told me, and I would’ve cooked something very special.” “Everything you cook is very special, Miguel,” said Beau, smiling at his friend. “Moreover, I was kind of hoping your sous-chef would cook for us and you’d be with us at luncheon?” “Of course, Beau, if you wish it, I’ll be delighted,” said Miguel. At that moment, the Judge’s secretary came into the waiting room. “Judge Reynolds is ready to perform the marriage ceremony for you,” she said. She took the wedding party into the Judge’s private office, and aligned them, Beau to Lise’s right, Jane to her left, and Miguel to Beau’s right. Judge Reynolds came into his office, a still handsome man with a shock of silver hair and a twinkle in his grey eyes. Beau introduced himself, his bride and the two witnesses.

© 2008 DCL Publications

169

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

The brief ceremony began. Lise was pleased that the Judge was old-fashioned enough to require her and Beau to say their vows. Later, she thought she must’ve made the right responses, because she felt her left hand taken into Beau’s, who spoke the age-old vow, “With this ring I thee wed. With my body I thee worship. With all my worldly goods I thee endow.” She felt Beau put his wedding band on her finger, lifting her hand to his mouth to kiss the ring. She vaguely heard the Judge say something about the power vested in him, but all her attention was on Beau. Vaguely, she heard, “… I declare you to be husband and wife. Beauregard, you may kiss your bride.” She felt Beau’s mouth softly on hers for a brief moment. When he lifted his head, he gave her the most endearing smile. The Judge extended his hand cordially to them in congratulation, wishing them every happiness. He then gestured to his secretary, who was ready for their signatures, at a desk in the background. **** To Lise’s surprise, it was only twenty-two minutes after noon. She glanced at Beau, who seemed to understand what she was thinking. “Never mind the brevity of the ceremony, my love, I assure you it’s legal.” A moment later, Jane bent to Lise to kiss her cheek and wish her and Beau every happiness. Next, Miguel came up and said formally to Beau, “Con tu permíso – with your permission, a kiss for the bride…” He bent his tall length to Lise and very gently kissed her lips. “Amigo, you are one lucky man,” said Miguel, stepping back from Lise. “I know that, mi amigo. And you can stop flirting with my very new wife right now,” said Beau, mocking a frown at his friend. The Judge’s secretary handed Beau a document in an envelope. “Put this somewhere safe,” she said. “It’s your marriage certificate.” “I will, thank you,” Beau assured her, putting the envelope in his breast-pocket. Slowly, in consideration of Jane and her cane, they walked to the entrance, where the chauffeur hastened to open the limo doors.

© 2008 DCL Publications

170

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Aunt Jane, you get in first, to spare your hip,” said Beau. He waited until she was comfortably seated, handing Lise into the limo, he and Miguel sitting down opposite Lise and Jane. The limo drove them quickly to Miguel’s restaurant, where — to their surprise and delight — a table had been set up for them in an alcove, potted palms making it difficult for curious patrons to get a look at the table and its guests. The table was beautifully decorated with white and palest pink sweetheart roses, gleaming white napery and table silver. Lise took a closer look and saw the deeply incised coat of arms. It did not seem to her to be a commercially created crest, even for a most exclusive restaurant such as Dominguín’s. She raised a brow to Miguel, who shrugged elegantly. “I had Felipe bring the table silver from my home. One can’t celebrate the wedding of friends with restaurant cutlery,” he said offhand, his voice casual. “But this is a ducal crown above the coat of arms,” Lise persisted. Miguel decided to explain. “Our name is really Dominguín de León de Santiago y de Márquez,” he said. “Can you imagine that mouthful on a restaurant sign? It would cost me a fortune in neon tubing, not to mention the astronomical cost of keeping it lit. So I go simply by Dominguín.” Lise nodded and smiled. “I guess I’m the only commoner at this table. Miguel is really a Spanish duke, you guys are the descendants of a French count… Sheesh, Beau, you really were slumming when you married me.” Miguel shook his head. “No, I’m merely a member of an unimportant branch of a ducal family,” he said deprecatingly. To Lise’s surprise, Beau was not amused at her ‘slumming’ remark. Something close to anger flared in his dark eyes for a moment. “Don’t you ever say anything remotely like that again, my wife.” He sounded seriously distressed. “Beau, darling, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you,” said Lise. “Anyway, to me you’ll always be my Highland princess,” said Beau, his eyes changing to a caressing black velvet. “You’ve read too many sexy Highland romances,” said Lise, lost in his eyes. ****

© 2008 DCL Publications

171

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Their wedding luncheon was delightful and delicious, the talk was animated, amusing and witty, with an occasional loving word from Beau to his very new wife. It was past three o’clock when they finally broke up. Beau invited Miguel to come back to the condo, but he excused himself, explaining that he’d have to get back to cooking ahead for the dinner patrons. “You should’ve got married last Monday,” he said. “That’s the day my restaurant is closed, and I’d have been free to celebrate with you.” “I agree with you,” said Beau. If we had got married on Monday, it would’ve obviated our being molested by Felicity Two.” Miguel raised a dark brow. “Felicity Two? Por favor, not a copy of your first wife?” “A cousin of hers, and her look-alike. For a moment, Miguel, I swear to you I thought I was seeing a ghost. Anyway, she explained she was the cousin, and I introduced her to Lise, and said that Lise and I were getting married this coming week-end. Would you believe, she said that I should forget Lise and concentrate instead on the wish of Gabrielle, my former mother-inlaw? She insists that I marry Felicity Two, who is ‘pure’ at age thirty-four… Can you imagine anything less appealing? As if Felicity One wasn’t misery enough…” “Ah, mi amigo… I remember vividly your mother-in-law from hell,” said Miguel sympathetically. “Exactly,” said Beau. “Anyway, I soon dispatched Felicity Two, leaving her in no doubt that I wanted nothing more to do with that entire family.” “That must’ve been a good feeling, no? All those years you had to keep silent so as not to upset your somewhat immature wife, who was totally under her mother’s thumb. I can’t tell you how delighted I was that you shook off that virago so completely once your wife was dead.” “Not as delighted as I was,” said Beau, grinning at Miguel, who politely accompanied them to the door, waiting there until the limo had driven off. Once they arrived back in the lobby, Joe left the security desk to help the bridal party into the elevator. Jane excused herself from coming up with Beau and Lise, saying that her new hip had had about all the excitement it could stand, and she’d lie down for a while. “That sounds like a good idea, Aunt Jane.” said Beau, lifting a slim, black brow to Lise. “Perhaps we should follow Aunt Jane’s example?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

172

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

He was charmed to see Lise’s blush, but she rallied quickly, after Jane left the elevator at PH2. “You’re thinking of having a wedding afternoon, rather than a wedding night?” she enquired, her eyes innocent. “Actually, I’m deeply in favour of having both,” he confessed, tightening his arm around her. Once they entered Beau’s condo, he smiled at Lise as he picked up the lobby-phone, which was answered promptly. “Joe?” said Beau. “We are not at home to anyone until further notice, will you take care of that?” “Of course, Sir. It’ll be my pleasure to see that you and Mrs. DeVilliers are totally undisturbed.” “Thanks, Joe,” said Beau, replacing the receiver. He smiled. Joe said, Mrs. DeVilliers. He turned to Lise, hugging her to him as they walked into the living room. “What is it they say at the start of the Olympics? ‘Let the Games begin.’ Yes, that sounds appropriate,” Beau murmured to his wife. Lise grinned. “Your virility and lovemaking are of truly Olympic proportions, but all the same, I don’t want our private life described as ‘games’.” “You’re right, of course. Lise, d’you really think my virility and lovemaking are of Olympic proportions?” “Oh, yes, Beau… Definitely Olympic,” she whispered. They had reached the big sofa opposite the fireplace, and Beau lifted her to him, sitting down with her in his arms. “That’s better,” he sighed. “And now, Mrs. DeVilliers, I want my wedding kiss. If I had kissed you the way I wanted in front of Judge Reynolds, he’d have been scandalized. Come here, Lise, my love… my wife.” He bent his dark head to her, slanting his mouth over hers, teasing her lips apart with the tip of his tongue. She opened to him willingly and, to his surprise, he felt her tongue stroking his, enticing him deeper into her mouth. “Beau…” she moaned, sinking into him. When she saw him frown, she asked worriedly, “What…?” “My jacket…” he murmured against her lips, “… and yours…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

173

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

She nodded her comprehension, undoing the buttons of her jacket and shrugging it off, without ever taking her mouth from beneath his. Beau found it a little more difficult to remove his jacket, cufflinks and tie, but he made a valiant attempt not to lose contact with Lise’s mouth. At last, Beau was in his shirt-sleeves and Lise in her tiny silk camisole. He bent his head to her again, but she held her hand against his chest for a moment. “Beau? There’s something I don’t understand. If, as Miguel said, your marriage to Felicity was so unhappy, why did you mourn her for eight long years?” Beau hugged his wife more closely to him. “My darling, I didn’t mourn her very long at all, as I’m sure you understand. I just didn’t want to risk so much misery and unhappiness for a second time. That’s why I remained single for all those years. The thought of being ever again locked in a very private, intimate relationship that might not be all that great… That was the main reason. And also, I quickly got used to being on my own, keeping my life as private as I wished, and as I’ve told you before, there was the occasional brief fling… pleasant enough, but I saw to it that it committed me to nothing. “And then I met you. You were so different from anyone else I’d ever met. I know we didn’t start off all that well, me telling you that there was no room in my life for a serious relationship… dear God, how could I have been so arrogant. But I soon realized you were all I’d ever wanted. I’d fallen deeply in love with you, so very deeply, my darling. At last, I had to admit to myself that I loved you, more than I had ever loved anyone in my entire life. And I realized that I could only be happy if I could persuade you to marry me. Which you did today, and I’ll always be grateful to you for trusting me with your heart, your soul… As I’ve given you my heart and soul….and my body.” He tightened his embrace, hoping she’d melt into him. After a brief moment, she did just that. “Beau – I love you so very much… And I’ll do my best to make you so happy that you’ll forget all about those dreadful years of your first marriage. Beau? Please, will you kiss me some more?” “I have a better idea, my love. Will you come to my bed and let me make love to my wife?” “Beau….my lover, my husband… I thought you’d never ask.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

174

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Chapter 8

Father Mark arrived late on Thursday afternoon with his altar and its accoutrements. Jack Davies had gone over to fetch Father Mark in one of his design firm’s delivery vans, to make sure no damage was done to Father Mark’s belongings. Lise, surprised, said to Beau, “I didn’t realize that Father Mark had a custom-made travel-altar?” She brought a plate of appetizers from the kitchen, and was waiting for Beau to pour them some wine. They expected Father Mark to join them after he got settled in at the Hilton. Beau was amused. He poured wine, saying, “My sweet little Pagan. Every Catholic priest says Mass every day, and he needs an altar to do that. This is the altar Father Mark uses in his own home to say Mass. By the way, what are you? Obviously not RC?” “We’re live-and-let-live protestants, Beau. Is that going to be a problem for Father Mark?” “I shouldn’t think so, my love. He has known you for some time, and he must’ve guessed very quickly that you’re not Catholic. Just as he must’ve realized instantly that Aunt Jane and I are.” “But you don’t go to church, Beau. Come to think of it, neither does Jane.” “Aunt Jane, of course, no longer can rise, sit, or kneel on command, that’s why she doesn’t go to Mass. I was in church last for my father’s funeral, and the only time before that was when I married Felicity.” “And for her funeral, surely?” “No. Of course Gabrielle, that crashing snob, was planning something grandiose, but Felicity was my wife, and I had the final say. So I had her cremated, in spite of Gabrielle’s howls of rage, and I arranged a very simple memorial service, just so our close friends could say goodbye. Gabrielle and her cohorts refused to attend, because of the cremation.

© 2008 DCL Publications

175

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Poor Felicity was so claustrophobic… That’s why I strewed her ashes quietly in the churchyard of the church she attended. Gabrielle demanded to know where, but I wouldn’t tell her. So she arranged for a major Requiem Mass; oddly enough, with the dear departed’s widower conspicuously absent… I heard from an acquaintance that there was a humongous bronze casket, obviously empty, which was interred in the Bourgeois family plot. Dear God, how Gabrielle hated her surname.” “Because it means ‘middle class’?” Lise asked. “Exactly,” said Beau with a wicked, reminiscent grin. “She tried so very hard to get me to call her ‘Mother’ but I stuck firmly with ‘Mrs. Bourgeois’, or — when I really wanted to drive her totally nuts — ’Petite Bourgeoise’. It made her flinch every time I said it.” “Woman of the lower middle class? Oh, Beau… That was wicked, and very funny.” “I detest snobs,” he said simply. The lobby-telephone buzzed to announce the arrival of Father Mark. Beau went to the elevator foyer to welcome him. When the elevator stopped, Father Mark stepped out with outstretched hands. “My dear Beau, I can’t thank you enough for arranging that luxurious suite for me at the hotel… I’ve kept the altar with me, for obvious reasons…” Beau nodded, and Father Mark continued, “I’ll bring it on Saturday morning, after the interior designers have finished setting up the chairs, done the flowers, whatever.” “Good idea, Father. Come with me, Lise is anxious to see you. And I must call Aunt Jane to let her know you’ve arrived.” “How is Miss DeVilliers, Beau?” “She’s improved greatly, Father, thank you. She walks quite well, with only one cane. She’ll be so very pleased to see you.” They entered the living room, and Lise rose quickly, her hands outstretched to Father Mark. “Father, I’m delighted to see you… Did you have a good trip?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

176

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Oh yes indeed, my dear Lise, thank you. Jack was so very kind, he came for me in one of his firm’s delivery vans so that there would be plenty of room for my altar and other things, and he brought a lot of buffering stuff so that nothing could be damaged. I understand he is going to arrange a sort of baldaquin on your terrace? Jack said that he would make a sort of dais at the inner side of the terrace for my altar, and that he would ring it with flowering white plants. It sounds beautiful.” Beau asked, “Father, may I offer you some wine? I have your favourite claret. And let me put Lise’s appetizers close by you.” “Thank you, Beau, I’d love a glass.” The moment he had the wine in his hand, he toasted the newlyweds. “I thought it would make things much simpler if, on Saturday, we could concentrate on your blessing our marriage, rather than rushing first to the Judge and then coming here,” said Beau easily. “An excellent idea, my dear Beau. So you two are already married, legally at least. I shall be very happy to bless your union.” “Father... is this a simple ceremony, or will I have to learn what to do for it to be perfect?” Lise asked. “It is a very simple ceremony, Lise, my dear. I was going to discuss with Beau the degree of formality he would like; he’ll understand what I mean, you see…” “My not being Catholic won’t be a problem?” Lise asked, sounding a little anxious to Beau’s sensitive ear. He reached over, taking her hand in his, bringing it to his lips. “None at all, my dear Lise. I can’t tell you how delighted I am that Beau has found someone to share his life. To me, ‘labels’ have never mattered. It is the goodness of the heart that counts,” said Father Mark, with moving simplicity. Lise’s radiant smile touched both men’s hearts. Beau turned her hand around and pressed his mouth to her palm. “My love,” he said quietly. “Tell me, Lise, when is your Father coming?” Father Mark asked. “Later, in the early evening, Father. He is flying in the private plane of a friend. I was so glad, no hanging about in the arrivals area. Daddy said that he’d call me from the plane to let me know his ETA,” she explained.

© 2008 DCL Publications

177

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I’ve aranged for the hotel to have a rent-a-car for Lise’s father, as I felt sure he’d like to be reasonably independent. Of course, Jack will pick you up in his van on Saturday morning, Father, because of the altar, but in the meantime you can have Lise’s car — or rather, Fiona’s car — Lise made the exchange because Fiona’s car is better equipped for someone convalescing from hip surgery,” Beau explained. He looked expectantly at the front-door, which he had left latched but not locked. His fine hearing had noticed the quiet whine of the elevator. Jane was on her way up. A moment later, Jane entered. Beau got to his feet and went to her. “Aunt Jane, look who’s arrived,” he smiled. Jane beamed her delight. “Father, I’m so very glad to see you.” She held out her hand to him. Father Mark went to Jane. “My dear Miss DeVilliers, you’re looking a lot better than when we last spent time together, just prior to your hip surgery.” Jane took a chair next to Father Mark’s, and Beau went to the drinks tray to pour some wine for his aunt. Lise rose with a quiet “Excuse me,” hurrying to the kitchen to refill the appetizer-platter. They sat together for some time, enjoying each other’s company. The telephone buzzed, and Beau went to answer. After a moment, he glanced at Lise, saying, “Your Father.” He gave her the phone. Lise said, “Daddy?” She listened briefly, then she said, “We’ll be there, Daddy…” She listened again, and said, “No, we’ll drive you to the Hilton where Beau has reserved a suite for you, right next-door to Father Mark’s, who will bless our marriage on Saturday. And yes, you’ll have to be on deck for that. But Daddy, Beau has also laid on a rent-a-car for you with the Hilton, so once we’ve delivered you there, you’ll be able to come and go as you please…. And I was thinking, wouldn’t you like to have dinner here?” She listened again, and said, “Fine, Daddy – see you soon, then.” She put the receiver back, saying to Beau, “He’ll arrive at the airport in half an hour, so perhaps we should make tracks? And he said he’d love to have dinner here. So, as soon as we’ve delivered Daddy to the hotel to freshen up and all that, you’ll have to hurry back here so I can start cooking. No guesses, Father, as to the main course,” she said with a big grin for Father Mark. “Lise, my dear… Not Beef W?” he asked.

© 2008 DCL Publications

178

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Of course Beef W, Father.” Lise grinned again. “My cup runneth over,” sighed Father Mark comically. He turned back to Jane, with whom he seemed to be in serious conversation. Beau took Lise by the hand, saying to Father Mark and Jane, “See you later.” All he received was a vague nod from his aunt. Beau and Lise returned remarkably quickly. “We’ve left Lise’s father to freshen up, and pick up his rent-a-car from the hotel people. He said he’d be here very shortly.” “Has he been here before, then?” Father Mark asked, surprised. “No, Father… oh, I understand. You wonder how he’d find the condo? We quickly drove past it and then turned back to the Hilton. As you know, it’s quite near here,” Beau explained. Twenty minutes later, Lise’s father arrived. Beau and Lise went to the elevator foyer. When the elevator stopped, Lise beamed at her father. “Welcome, Daddy.” Beau smiled, offering his hand, saying, “Indeed, welcome, Sir. Will you come in? My Aunt Jane and Father Mark Shaughnessy, who will bless our marriage on Saturday, are already here.” Beau waited for his wife and her father to precede him, locking the front-door and following them into the room. “Aunt Jane. This is Lise’s father – Ian MacLean. My Aunt Jane DeVilliers, Sir.” Jane extended her hand, and Lise’s father took it cordially but gently into his own. “Miss DeVilliers… At last we meet in person. How do you do?” Jane nodded to the tall, still-handsome man, who had to be close to her own age, given Lise’s age of thirty-two. She murmured a greeting, while Beau indicated Father Mark, who’d got to his feet politely when Beau, Lise and her father entered. “I’m Ian MacLean,” said Lise’s father pleasantly. “And you must be Father Mark, of whom I’ve heard quite a lot in my daughter’s telephone calls.” “How do you do, Mr. MacLean?” said Father Mark, his tone friendly. “Where will you sit, Daddy?” Lise asked. “Beau and I are on the sofa.” “Well, three in a row seems a little claustrophobic, so I’ll take the chair on the other side of Miss DeVilliers,” said Lise’s father easily.

© 2008 DCL Publications

179

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Beau, at the drinks table, offered wine or a single malt. Lise’s father opted for wine. “I don’t think air travel and spirits mix too well, but a glass of wine would be very welcome.” When Beau handed him the wine, he said a perfunctory “Thank you, Beau,” adding, “I was more than a little surprised when Lise told me last night that you and she had jumped the gun, as it were, and got married that morning. But in a way, I think I prefer bringing her to you in a religious ceremony than in a merely legal one.” Lise looked at Beau, wondering if he felt he should explain to her father why they had decided to get married several days earlier. He understood, nodding quietly to her. Turning to Lise’s father, he explained briefly the harrowing visit by Felicity Two, ending with, “I suspected that my former mother-in-law might try to interrupt our wedding. She couldn’t have prevented us marrying, but she might have made the ceremony upsetting instead of happy. So, when we got home that night, I asked Lise if she would like to marry me the next day.” Beau halted, when Lise rose, with a moue of apology, to go to the kitchen. Beau took up his tale again. “To my great delight, she said ‘Yes’, and my lawyer found that the Judge could marry us at noon on Wednesday, so that’s what we did. “And I agree with you, Sir. The blessing ceremony will be a lot more meaningful to us than the merely legal one. So, if you’re willing, would you bring Lise to me on Saturday, around two o’clock?” “I’ll be delighted,” said Lise’s father. Lise’s father now turned to Father Mark. “I take it that you know my daughter and I aren’t Catholics, we’re middle-of-the-road protestants,” he said. “Is there anything we need to do or know so that the ceremony will go smoothly?” “I’ll be delighted to tell you and Lise briefly what the ceremony entails. There won’t be anything for you to learn or remember. You’ll bring Lise to Beau and then take your seat next to Miss DeVilliers on the front row. I believe your brother Philip will be seated on your other side, right?” he asked Jane, who nodded. Father Mark continued, “I will then pronounce a simple but heartfelt blessing over these two wonderful people. It will be up to Lise to decide if she wishes to kneel during the blessing or if she would prefer to remain standing.” “If it is customary to kneel, then I’m sure my daughter would be happy to do that,” said Lise’s father firmly.

© 2008 DCL Publications

180

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Well, if you have any last-minute questions, you can ask them of me on Saturday morning. I intend to bring the altar over early, and say Mass here – that is to say, on the next floor down – so Miss DeVilliers can attend. As her hip got progressively worse, she was no longer able to attend church. All that kneeling, standing, sitting was beyond her.” Lise came quietly into the room while her father and Father Mark were talking. She now beamed a radiant smile at Beau. “Dinner is served,” she said, waiting for Beau and their guests to follow her to the dining room. The first course was already placed on the big, round table. “Oh, you’ve made that scallop thing. Thank you,” said Beau, taking Lise’s hand into his for a moment, quickly bestowing a kiss on her wedding band. The main course of Beef Wellington drew rave notices from all. Lise looked around the table and smiled happily at Beau, her father, Jane and Father Mark. “I’m glad I was able to please,” she said with a glimmer of a smile. Beau’s caressing look clearly told her how very much she pleased him. **** The next day, Friday, was even busier for the newlyweds. Lise’s cousin, Luke MacLean, arrived with his wife Angela and their guests, Angela’s sister Lisa, and brother-in-law Alex Tremayne, whom Lise had known ever since Luke and Angela’s wedding. Driving in convoy with Luke, as it were, was Adam Tremayne, the famous poet, cousin of Alex, with his wife Annabel, a dear friend of Lise’s. They had come straight to Beau’s condo, and an impromptu party began almost imperceptibly. Angela and Annabel offered Lise their help in the kitchen, which was welcomed happily. After several hours of partying, Luke suggested they go to the Hilton to check in. “But you’ll come back here for dinner?” said Lise. “My love, I was rather thinking that we’d all have dinner at that fabulous restaurant in the Hilton — what’s it called? Some sort of Wharf name… Don’t forget, tomorrow we have the blessing ceremony with Father Mark, and the reception Miguel is giving us… I don’t want you to tire yourself out,” Beau objected gently.

© 2008 DCL Publications

181

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Beau, this isn’t a formal dinner I’m planning… I was thinking there’s a lot of the Beef W left… I can heat it quickly, and then I’ve done a huge bouillabaisse, and a bœuf bourguignonne… Angela and Annabel have been helping me a lot. And I’ve got a lot of desserts, mango cheesecake, several fruit mousses, fresh fruit… It’ll be much more enjoyable – Jane can lie back in one of your wing-chairs with her feet on an ottoman, we’ll set up a buffet in the dining-room, and everybody can take whatever they want, go back for seconds, thirds… We can sprawl comfortably in the living room, so Jane won’t be lonely. But you’ll have to find a nice burgundy to go with the bourguignonne, and a white to go with the bouillabaisse. Hmm?” “I can see that you’ve handily defeated me on all fronts,” said Beau softly. “Father Mark’s eyes lit up when you said there was a lot of Beef W left, and Luke and Adam’s faces showed their relief on hearing their wives have been helping you. That’s probably because they’ve never eaten your cooking before… So, if everyone will excuse me a moment, I’ll go to my wine cupboard and…” “Wine cupboard?” said Lise’s father. “Yes, Sir. I had a wine-cupboard built in so that I could be sure my wines wouldn’t suddenly be subjected to 90s weather and turn on me.” “Yes, of course, in this climate I can understand that could be a problem,” said Lise’s father. His interest seemed very keen, so Beau asked, “Would you like to see, Sir? By all means, come with me. I could probably do with a little help in getting out enough wine.” “I’d be delighted, Beau,” said Lise’s father, and the two men went off in the direction of the hallway with the built-in cupboards and closets on both sides. The phone buzzed to announce the arrival of Miguel. Lise went to their front door to receive him. When the other guests returned from checking in, they brought with them Philip DeVilliers, toting a huge bouquet of flowers for Lise, as well as Beau’s cousin, Danielle DeVilliers, a charming, stunningly beautiful woman with dark hair and eyes, around thirty, Lise guessed. She was exquisite in a lavender silk dress, and flew into Beau’s arms the moment she saw him.

© 2008 DCL Publications

182

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“I’m so glad you could come.” he said, taking Danielle to Lise to be introduced. To his surprise, Miguel approached and asked to be introduced. Beau knew how cruelly and viciously Miguel had been betrayed by his bride, on the eve of his wedding, five years ago, and how determined he had been ever since not to get involved in an affair of the heart. Surely Miguel would realize that Danielle, his best friend’s cousin, was not the sort of woman with whom he could have a brief, torrid affair. Beau nodded to himself. Miguel would know that. Somewhat to her relief, Lise heard from Danielle that the remainder of the DeVilliers contingent would come tomorrow, in time for the marriage blessing at two o’clock. The impromptu buffet-dinner was pronounced delightful, and Luke said to his cousin, “Lise, honey, I can assure you that none of us will ever again feel the slightest apprehension if you invite us to dinner. That was truly splendid. Of course, I already knew that you’re a great cook, but…” “Actually, Luke, I can’t take all that much credit – quite a few of my most successful recipes come from Angela’s books,” said Lise with a delighted smile for her cousin. When Jane raised an enquiring brow, Lise explained, “Angela writes whodunits, and her sleuth-hero is a chef. Recipes are a big part of her stories.” Finally, the party broke up, when Jane said, “This has been great fun, but I’ll have to go down to my own apartment to get some rest.” Those staying at the Hilton began to assemble themselves to go down to the garage-floor, where Beau had arranged private parking for his guests. “I’ll be here around eight o’clock, Miss DeVilliers,” said Father Mark quietly to Jane, who smiled, “I’ll be waiting, Father.” **** When everyone had gone, Beau looked fondly at his wife. “Lise, my exquisite, magical lady. How did I get so lucky that you should love me? Tell me, were you trying to save me money again, by making a lot of work for yourself, having everyone to dinner here rather than at the Hilton or Miguel’s?” Lise shrugged shyly. “It was quite easy to do, and I did think that dinner with drinks and wine for over a dozen people would be very expensive….” He put his arms around her, hugging her to him. “Come sit down with me for a moment,” he suggested. “I’ve something to confess to you.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

183

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Confess to me?” she wondered. He smiled. “Yes, I have to confess to you that I’m quite well off. In fact, you could call me rich. I inherited quite a bundle from my maternal grandfather. And some years ago I inherited not only this condo but an indecent amount of money from my father. Would you like to guess how much I’m worth, honey?” His smile for her was tender and loving. “Beau – I’m no good at this sort of thing. Well, all right, a couple of million?” And, when she saw him shake his head, smiling, she went on, “Three million, then?” He hugged her more closely to him. “Almost a hundred million,” he said simply. He was unprepared for her gasp of astonishment; no, dismay. “Oh, Beau,” she said, sounding unhappy. “What you must be used to… And I’ve been insisting on cooking for you to save money. I thought that, however successful a writer you are, you couldn’t afford to throw money around. That’s why I took you to the Casa Rosada. And you must be used to the most exquisite….” To his amazement, he saw tears in her eyes. Before he could say a word, she went on, “And I don’t suppose that Miguel’s restaurant is all that inexpensive, either? And I was trying to save you money by choosing it. Oh, Beau – I feel so stupid. And inadequate.. You see, I’m just not a hundred-million-dollar sort of person…” He laughed. It was the happiest sound she had ever heard from him. “Beau?” she said hesitantly. “My darling, you are priceless… And I love you to distraction. I can’t get over this – you’re upset because I’m worth a hundred million… Any other woman would be delighted, and start planning how to spend a great chunk of it, but you’re dismayed to hear I’ve got lots of money. Ah, honey…” He tightened his embrace, kissing her hair, her face, her throat and, finally, her mouth. His kisses soon became hungrier, more impassioned, as he parted her lips and again lost himself in the sweetness of her mouth. “I can think of a much better place for us to be,” he murmured. “Come to bed and be my love?” “Ah, Beau… There’s nowhere I’d rather be than in your arms,” she whispered. “In case it had escaped your notice, you are in my arms… What I have in mind involves us getting naked and showered…. oh, wait. There’s an idea.” “Beau… That’s what you had in mind all along, right?” she asked.

© 2008 DCL Publications

184

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

He smiled. It was the happiest, most endearing smile she had ever seen on his handsome face. “How can I help it? The moment you’re in my arms, I get all sorts of ideas,” he murmured against her throat. He got to his feet with her in his arms. “Coming?” he enquired. “Beau… I’d love to come with you,” she said. **** When Beau awoke the next morning, with Lise still asleep in his arms, he wondered if perhaps they should get up early. Father Mark had said he’d arrive at eight o’clock. But no, he’ll go straight to PH2, so Aunt Jane can be there when he says Mass.

He lay back against

his pillows and closed his eyes. He dozed, finally falling asleep again. When he awoke again, it was to the aroma of coffee, and when he stretched out his hand to Lise, he found that he was alone in his big bed. A moment later, Lise appeared at his side, putting a mug of coffee down on his bedside table. “Good morning, Beau darling,” she mumured, bending over him and kissing his mouth. “Lise, good morning…” He began putting his arms around her. At the last minute he became aware that she still had her own mug of coffee in her hand, and he was perilously close to making her spill the hot coffee. He hastily held up his hands to show her he wasn’t about to hold her close. She heaved a sigh of fake relief, going to her own side of the bed. She put her coffee down and got back into bed, letting her robe float to the ground. “I’m sorry I had to interrupt your plans for embracing me. Please continue,” she murmured against his throat. She kissed him a while, whispering, “Beau, you taste so very good…” Pleased, he smiled. “Did your Dad say when he was planning to arrive here?” he asked, anxious not to start something he wouldn’t be able to finish. “He said he’d have an early lunch at the hotel and be here around one o’clock,” she said, sinking into him. “Was that what you wanted to know? Whether you’d have time to…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

185

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

”Yes, exactly, whether I’d have time to seduce you before we had to get up. I think we’ll have lots of time,” he said, his eyes caressing, turning from dark brown to black velvet, a phenomenon with which she had become blissfully familiar. **** As things turned out, they managed to be fully dressed, in the living room, a few minutes before her father arrived. Beau wore his new, black Armani, and Lise wore an elegant balletlength aquamarine dress of silk chiffon over pure silk. She was delighted to see that the dress had Beau breathing more rapidly in admiration. Beau went to the elevator foyer to greet Lise’s father. He said, “Good morning, Sir. Lise is waiting for you in the living room. I’m going down now to my Aunt Jane’s apartment. Please bring her to me on time? Two o’clcock.” “I promise,” Lise’s father assured him. “Thank you for giving me some time with my daughter.” Beau disappeared into the elevator, and Lise’s father went in search of her. The moment she saw him enter the living-room, she ran to him. “Daddy…. Isn’t this a most wonderful day?” “Yes, it must be, although… Wasn’t your wedding day wonderful too?” “Of course it was, Daddy, but different. For one thing, at nine in the morning Beau’s lawyer called to let us know that Judge Reynolds could marry us at noon, if we could be there on time. And although Beau had given me a most beautiful bridal bouquet, we only wore ordinary nice clothes. He suggested we keep our wedding clothes for the blessing Father Mark will pronounce over us. Oh, we had a wonderful wedding luncheon at the restaurant owned by Miguel Dominguín, who was my witness. Jane was Beau’s, of course. And in fact, Miguel is giving us the reception, done by his restaurant. Isn’t that kind of him?” “Yes, indeed. Is he a close friend of Beau’s?” “Yes, Daddy. From the way they talked, they’ve been close friends for a long time. Miguel was there for Beau, right through his first, none-too-happy marriage. Strange, I’d assumed that he had been very happy, as I was in my first marriage. But he wasn’t. Well, I’ll do my best to make him so happy that he’ll forget he was ever married before he met me.” Lise smiled at her father.

© 2008 DCL Publications

186

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“My dear, I can see that Beau adores you, and he must be reasonably well off to be able to live in this extraordinary penthouse. So I won’t do the heavy father bit, asking him whether he’ll be able to provide for my daughter.” “Oh, Daddy – last night, when you had all gone home, to the hotel, I mean, Beau asked whether I had insisted on having dinner here in order to save him money, and I said well, yes, that had been my intention. And he laughed… He asked me to guess how well-off he was. “I guessed a couple of million… He told me he is worth close to a hundred million. Oh Daddy, I was so upset, because I don’t know how to cope with that…” Lise’s father walked over to her, seating himself next to her on the sofa. “Honey, I’m sure that Beau doesn’t expect you to act any different than you normally do. He doesn’t seem an ostentatious sort of man, so why would you think he’d expect that of you? And I’m sure he was enchanted with your efforts to save him money, trust me.” Her father put his arm around her shoulders, hugging her for a moment. He was not a demonstrative man who could show affection easily, but he dearly loved his daughter, and he could understand very well Beau’s reaction to Lise’s dismay at discovering that she had married a very rich man. “There’s one thing that I’m curious about, Lise-honey,” her father said. “Beau is a handsome man, a very handsome man. Women must throw themselves at him, hmm? How do you feel about that?” “Oh, Daddy, yes, that has happened a few times, but Beau can handle them with one hand tied behind his back. He simply won’t allow any woman to come close enough to hit on him, so to say. If this look-alike of his first wife had appeared in the very beginning of our relationship, I’d probably have been devastated, feeling sure that he’d want this woman rather than me. In fact, even now I wasn’t too crazy about the situation. But although I was offended at the woman’s audacity, literally proposing to Beau that he should marry her instead of me, because his former mother-in-law had decreed it….I found I could just take that in stride. Because Beau has convinced me he loves only me.” “Then I am well pleased with your choice of husband – of second husband, I should perhaps say. Are you sure that you no longer mourn Jason, my dear?” “Quite sure, Daddy. After a few years, there was only sadness left that he, such a wonderful man, so talented a painter, had been taken from me…from his life, really, so very young. He was only thirty-two, Daddy, when his friend crashed that stupid little plane.

© 2008 DCL Publications

187

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Oh, Daddy, how outraged I was when Jason went with his friend… Because it was my birthday, and he had promised to take me somewhere, when that damn Chuck showed up, and sneered at me for expecting Jason to keep his promise to me. He made me feel like some immature hick. It was so much more important that Jason go fishing with him in some weird location that could be reached only by plane. “I asked Jason if I could speak to him privately for a moment, but Chuck sneered and sniped, and embarrassed Jason into asking me please not to make waves, he would be back in good time to take me to dinner…. One look at Chuck showed me that he’d do his very best to make sure Jason arrived hours too late for dinner. “And so I drove them to the airport, and all the time Chuck was rattling asinine remarks to Jason, we had no privacy at all. Until we got to the airport, and I held Jason by the arm, kissed him goodbye. And that damn Chuck was snorting and telling me not to embarrass Jason more than I already had. Jason said that he wasn’t embarrassed at all to kiss his wife goodbye. That was one time I saw Chuck really disconcerted. And then they took off, and the plane crashed down from about a hundred feet up, I felt the ground shake from the impact, then that fireball… Oh, Daddy… I ran toward the plane, intent on saving Jason – how silly of me, I realize that now, but then… I fought off two men, simultaneously. And kept on running to the plane, until I ran into a man so tall, so solid, he was a firefighter and held me off the ground with one hand under the belt of my jeans. And he said, ‘Lady. That plane came down from over a hundred feet. They were dead on impact. There’s nothing you can do.’ And strangely enough, I realized he was right, and I seemed to fold. And a little later, of course, I miscarried my daughter. “There… I can’t imagine why I told you all this, on this day of all days…” His arm around her shoulders, her father said, “I’m glad you did. Now you can put all that behind you and never think of it again. Just you concentrate on this absolutely gorgeous hunk of a man…” “Daddy?” Lise exclaimed in surprise. “Well, I may be getting on in years, but I keep in touch with what’s going on, and my neighbours on Long Island have teenage sons, so I get all the latest vernacular,” Lise’s father explained. “But my dear, if we’re going to be on time for Beau, and he particularly asked me not to be late, I think we should go down to the terrace.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

188

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Oh, Daddy, I quite forgot the time… Yes, you’re right – it’s nearly two o’clock, and I don’t want to keep Beau waiting.” “Come along, then,” said Lise’s father, walking with her to the elevator. When they arrived at PH2, Miguel was waiting to welcome them. Lise’s father looked more sharply at Miguel for a moment. He said, “I am acquainted with your father – if your full name is Dominguín de León de Santiago y de Márquez?” Miguel nodded, “Yes, it is. But of course, Sir, my father has many times spoken of his Scottish friend, Ian Frazer MacLean.” Lise’s father smiled. “The same,” he said. “Yes, your father insists on calling me his Scottish friend, although I was born here, and have been in Scotland only once…. But let us go to Beau, who asked me particularly not to be late.” “Yes, we mustn’t be late,” Miguel agreed. Lise took a quick look at the guests, and recognized their Ocean Breeze friends, and their friends from the cottages, as well as a handful of elegant, refined people, who were probably Beau’s DeVilliers relatives. She knew that Father Mark detested the habit of having ‘Here Comes The Bride’ played, since it was music from Wagner’s opera ‘Lohengrin’ and had, in his opinion, no place at a church service. She wondered what Father Mark would have chosen for her. She smiled at him, beginning the walk to Beau on her father’s arm, and heard the pure tones of a Bach fugue. Yes, of course. Thank you, Father Mark… When her father realized she was nervous, he said quietly,”Relax, honey, after all, you’re married to Beau already. Now you’re going to receive Father Mark’s blessing. Surely that’s a good thing? Nothing to be nervous about?” She smiled back at her father, squeezing his arm. She walked until she stood before Father Mark and beside Beau, who took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips, kissing her wedding band. “My love,” he whispered. After welcoming her, Father Mark addressed her and Beau together, asking them to kneel on a wide ivory satin cushion which Jack Davies had specially provided for the ceremony. When she looked her surprise, Beau whispered, “Jack’s Catholic, too, he realized what would be needed.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

189

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Then they were kneeling, and Father Mark spoke his words of blessing. As with the civil wedding, Lise found she couldn’t concentrate, all her attention was on Beau, who smilingly prompted her to say, “Yes, Father, I will,” in her turn. And then Father Mark held his hands over them in silent blessing, and the ceremony was over. The priest turned them around to face their friends and relatives, and held his arms out wide, as if to bless all those present. Much was made of all the men lining up to kiss the new wife, but Lise noticed that the women were also lining up to kiss the new husband. They jokingly pretended to jostle each other out of the way, but Lise noticed that some of the men, on the point of kissing her, frowned a little at the enthusiasm displayed by their wives to kiss Beau. She was amused when Miguel, that most honourable of men, said to her in an undertone, “How I wish you had an identical twin-sister.” But the smile he gave her robbed the remark of any innuendo. All the same, Lise decided she wouldn’t tell Beau about Miguel’s little witticism. **** Miguel’s staff had set out a sumptuous buffet, accompanied by vintage Krug and Cristal champagne. Lise wondered whether they’d be drinking up the restaurant’s profit for that year in just a few hours… Ah, well… obviously Miguel was as generous as Beau himself when it came to friendships. She felt Beau’s arm around her waist, turning her to where one of Miguel’s waiters approached with a tray holding flutes of champagne. They both took a flute, looking around for Miguel before toasting each other. When Beau saw Miguel, he tugged his wife over to him. “Miguel, how can we ever thank you for what you’ve done for us here, today? And vintage champagne… Not to mention the food – look at it…” Miguel smiled at his friend. “If you’re pleased, Beau and Lise…” with a courteous bow to her, “… then I am well pleased.” He turned from his friends and said, “You had better start mingling with your guests.” Beau said, “I’ll do as you suggest, Miguel, although we were hoping to mingle together…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

190

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Lise smiled at her husband. “I guess we’d better start mingling separately.” Beau reluctantly let go of Lise’s hand, and began talking to Father Mark. Lise turned away, and found herself face-to-face with Annabel Tremayne “Annabel,” she said, delightedly. “I haven’t seen you in ages, not since the birth of your son. Why didn’t you bring him with you?” “Bring a one-year old to a wedding?” Annabel shook her blonde head. “I don’t think so… No, my friend Mimi Stewart very kindly offered to have him while we’re celebrating here with you two. Even so, although she’d be more than willing to keep Alex one more night, Adam has decided that we’ll drive home after the reception. You wouldn’t believe how he dotes on our son.” “Well, yes, I can imagine that very easily from a man as sensitive as Adam. How else could he write such exceptional poetry?” Annabel gave Lise a very friendly smile. “When you’re back from your honeymoon, I’d love for you two to come to dinner with us, so you can renew your acquaintance with our son.” “Thank you, Annabel. We’d love to do that.” Angela MacLean joined them and asked, “Lise, where are you going on your honeymoon, or is it a secret?” “I know that Beau intends to take me later on to an overnight stay in a very special hotel, some kind of spa – not that we’ll have much time for any of that, because tomorrow we’re flying to… I don’t know where. I asked Beau, but he wouldn’t tell me.” “I’m sure it’s some fabulous place that will forever have a very special meaning for both of you,” said Angela. “And when you guys are back, do come to dinner?” “I asked first,” said Annabel, mocking a frown at Angela. “I think we’ll be very busy visiting back and forth,” said Lise, delighted with the invitations. “I was thinking, if we have each other to dinner, it would perhaps be good if we did this at weekends, when we’re at Ocean Breeze West, which means much less wear and tear driving between here and there?” “Great idea, Lise,” said Annabel. She turned around on hearing Adam’s deep voice behind her.

© 2008 DCL Publications

191

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

He smiled charmingly at Lise, saying to his wife, “Annabel, darling – I was wondering if perhaps we should make a start driving back? We don’t want to bother Mimi too late, picking up Alex…” Lise smiled back at Adam. “I can well imagine that you’re anxious to make a start driving back, rather than drive in darkness.” “You don’t think it discourteous of us to leave so soon?” Adam asked. Lise smiled brilliantly at him. “Not at all. If I had a son waiting for me, I’d be out of here too.” Adam laughed and put his arm around Annabel’s waist. “Coming?” he said. At that moment, Annabel’s eyes met Lise’s and the two smiled at each other. Lise felt she was missing Beau’s arm around her and went in search of him. She saw he was in serious conversation with Miguel and Danielle. A glance around showed her that her father was talking animatedly with Father Mark and Jane. Good. Just then, Beau glanced around and saw Lise. In a few strides he covered the distance between them, putting his arm around her. “Having a good time, my darling?” “Yes, Beau-honey, thank you. But there’s one thing I’d like to ask you, and I hope you won’t be annoyed with me?” “My love, I doubt that I could ever be annoyed with you,” he smiled. She put her arm around Beau’s narrow waist, hugging herself to him, whispering, “Beau… Why do we have to go to this hotel for tonight? Why can’t we stay here at home, where I love it so much? And tomorrow, we’ll simply take a taxi to the airport and… Beau?” To her surprise, Beau had thrown his head back and laughed, showing his very white teeth. When he had calmed down, he said, “I might’ve known it – saving money again, aren’t you?” “No, Beau, not really. I really like it here so much, and I hate having to pack and unpack and repack for just one night. We’re quite alone here on the top floor. Even if Father Mark makes a habit of visiting Jane at eight in the morning to say Mass, it won’t bother us, will it? And another thing, Beau… Where are we going tomorrow?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

192

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Nice try, my little temptress. Where we’re going tomorrow is a secret, a surprise for you. And you won’t be able to guess by going through my pockets checking out airline tickets, I haven’t any. Uncle Philip insists on flying us to…. our destination… damn. I nearly let it slip.... Anyway, he wants to fly us there in his private plane. That’ll be nice, won’t it?” “Fly us in his private plane? Where are we going, then? Not very far, I’d guess?” “By all means, guess all you want – but I’m not telling you. Anyway, a Learjet is the equivalent of a commercial airliner when it comes to distances it can fly. It just has room for only twelve passengers, instead of two hundred. “But my love, if you’d really rather stay here than go to this famous spa hotel, then of course that’s what we’ll do. I’m just a little concerned that you’re doing this in order to save money again? Hmmm?” “No, promise. It’s just that I’d rather sleep with you here than there.” “As long as you want to sleep with me, I don’t much care where we do our sleeping, or not-sleeping,” he said, hugging her more closely to him for a moment. Just then, Beau caught Miguel’s eyes and he saw something there that surprised him. For a moment, Miguel seemed so wistful, Beau mused. Was Miguel lonely? Beau remembered too well the woman who had let Miguel down, all those years ago. He resolved that Lise and he would invite Miguel over on Mondays, go out with him, make up foursomes with Lise’s nicest friends, or perhaps with Danielle, who seemed to have attracted Miguel’s interest. Beau shook his head. He’d definitely do something about Miguel when they were back from their honeymoon. Beau tightened his arm around his wife’s waist. “I think it’s an excellent idea – us staying here overnight. It means we can enjoy our own reception and won’t have to fight traffic, pack and unpack, just as you said. And tomorrow, at our leisure, we’ll let Uncle Philip know when we’re ready to let his plane take us to…. our destination,” he grinned at her. “Have some more champagne, darling,” Lise urged him. Beau grinned. “If you’re hoping to get me so drunk that I’ll tell you where we’re going, let me warn you I’d have to be incapably drunk – is that the kind of wedding night you want us to have?” “Of course not, Beau. Perhaps you’d better not have any more champagne.” He smiled at her. “Oh, I think I’m good for another few flutes, without any detrimental effect on our love-life, mon amour.”

© 2008 DCL Publications

193

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Beau decided it was high time he introduced his other relatives to Lise, and she was impressed by his attractive, courteous, beautifully dressed cousins – male and female. Remembering the unhappiness he thought he had seen in Miguel’s eyes, Beau wanted to spend a little more time with his friend. But Miguel was chatting with Danielle, and seemed to be having a good time. Beau decided to give it up for the time being. When the party slowly wound down, Beau and Lise accompanied Luke, Angela, Alex and Lisa in the elevator to the main floor, planning to see them to the garage elevator. Beau glanced at the security desk, catching Joe’s eye. He realized instantly things had not been uneventful. He excused himself to their friends, hurrying over to Joe. “It was as you suspected, Mr. DeVilliers, Sir,” Joe said. “Two older ladies and a younger one came up to the desk, they had beautifully printed cards, which they said were invitations to your wedding. If you hadn’t warned me particularly about these women, I might’ve fallen for their little trick. “As it was, I said they were mistaken. You were married already, so how could they have invitations to your wedding? The oldest one went berserk, there’s no other word for it, Sir. She began to tug at me, trying to force me to let her into your elevator. Well, Sir, she had the wrong party. Then she tried it with money, shoving handfuls of bills under my nose, and I told her attempting to bribe a security officer was a felony. But she wouldn’t stop, and her yelling and screaming was getting out of hand, so I simply called the cops. Two officers came and took her away, howling and screeching, you’d be surprised at some of the language she used. “The other two women were quieter, but they still tried to be allowed to go up to your penthouse. Nuthin’ doin’, I told them. “I suggested they would do better finding out where the officers had taken their friend. That made them stop in their tracks. I already knew that they’d leave her in the tank overnight to cool down, on the pretext that there wasn’t a Judge available to hear her case. So I said it was out of my hands and the two of them had better try to find their friend. “At last, the older one got the idea. She said, ‘We can’t do anything here, we need to get to a lawyer.’ You said they were from out of town, right? So how could they hope to find a lawyer, on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and an important horse-sale going on in Savannah, where a lot of professional people are bound to be, trying to pick up a great horse? I hope I did right, Sir?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

194

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Before going down, Beau had folded several hundred-dollar bills together, tucking them into his trouser-pocket. Now he fished this out and put the money into Joe’s hand. “You did absolutely right, Joe. These women were determined to upset my wife, and if possible interrupt or spoil the ceremony of blessing our marriage. I’m most grateful that you kept them away from us. And it may have taught them a lesson, not to try to interfere in my life, because they can easily end up in jail – I do hope they’ll keep Gabrielle overnight.” “I don’t see how it could be avoided, Sir. How could they find a lawyer? On their own they can’t do anything until the Judge sits again, that would be Monday.” “Great, Joe. And thanks,” said Beau, going in search of his wife. She was still talking to their guests, and Beau went over to say a final farewell. He took Lise to his private elevator. “Let’s go back upstairs and enjoy a little solitude,” he suggested.

© 2008 DCL Publications

195

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Epilogue

The next day, Beau and Lise flew to Paris, in Philip’s private plane. Beau and Lise enjoyed the flight hugely. Only Miguel knew their destination, and Beau told him he could let everybody know where they had gone once they were in the air. Lise’s father decided to give an impromptu post-wedding party in one of the Hilton’s salons, with a dinner to follow. In order that Miguel could attend without any difficulty, the party and dinner were planned for Monday. Lise’s father felt there had been little opportunity to meet some of his daughter’s new in-laws, not to mention the newlyweds’ friends. Lise’s father had immediately liked Father Mark, and found that Philip DeVilliers was an interesting, witty companion. Danielle DeVilliers was particularly pleased to hear that Miguel would attend, although he gave her little encouragement. She wondered if there was some truth to a story she had heard — which Beau had never been willing to confirm for her — that Miguel had been badly let down by a woman, some years ago. Perhaps if she showed him her constancy, her steadfast loyalty, in time he might be willing to take another chance on love. He had, at least, seemed to like her. But she worked in publicity at her uncle’s publishing house, which made it difficult to be in Jacksonville as often as she’d like. Once Beau and Lise were back, she’d beg them to invite her, as often as they could be persuaded. Miguel, so tall and handsome — ‘dark’ was a given with his Spanish heritage — had made a deep, and lasting impression on her. Luke, Angela, Alex and Lisa — the Ocean Breeze condo contingent, as Lise’s father thought of them — got on famously with Father Mark, Jon and Corey from the cottages, as well as Jack Davies. Alex asked Jack whether he had ever worked in New York. When Jack said he had, Alex asked him to come stay with them one weekend, and see what could be done with their co-op. It had been Alex’s bachelor pad, when Lisa had moved in with him, five years before they got married. They hadn’t really done a whole lot to it. Alex felt it was time their home reflected each of their personalities. Jack promised to come to New York the following month.

© 2008 DCL Publications

196

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

When Father Mark had a chance to speak to Jane alone, he confided, “It had, of course, been my plan to bless Beau and Lise’s marriage without any fee. I’m so fond of them, and they have been so kind to me, not only as friends, but you won’t believe how often Lise makes sure she sends me ‘leftovers’ that seem, to my untutored eye, to have been cooked just for me. “But after the ceremony, Beau gave me an envelope, saying quietly, “Your fee, Father.” I just stuck it into the pocket of my cassock and, to be quite candid, I forgot all about it until something crackled when I put on my cassock on the next morning. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It’s a certified cheque for twenty-five thousand dollars. “Miss DeVilliers… What am I going to do? I can’t accept this for something I did as a friendly gesture to my friends.” Jane smiled. “Father, you just keep that money. Beau knows that it must’ve been hard for you all these years… That vindictive bishop who quarrelled with you, always doing his best to see that you get nothing from the church, or as little as he can get away with… Beau and I both admire your stance, you had serious ethical, philosophical and moral differences, and you stood your ground. For what it’s worth, we agree with you. We think the bishop is seriously mistaken. It’s surely up to us, who would’ve been your parishioners – if you hadn’t been so forcibly removed – to see to it that you can live an unworried life. I promise you, Beau can easily afford to give you this. Be generous, and grant him the pleasure of this gift.” “Dear Miss DeVilliers, how can I argue with you, when you put things so charmingly? I will accept Beau’s generosity, and I’ll thank him when they come back from their trip.” “Father Mark… Beau and I have been discussing this; we were wondering if you’d be willing to act as a sort of private chaplain to me. I doubt that my arthritis will ever again permit me to stand-sit-kneel in a church. If Beau were to pay you an annual fee, would you allow me to attend Mass in your cottage on Sundays? I don’t think I can walk that far yet, but surely someone will be willing to give me a lift…” “Lise has given me Fiona’s big, roomy car, in which you’ve been travelling comfortably. She has given Fiona her Camaro, plus some money because she said Fiona’s car had a greater Blue Book value – whatever that is. I can come pick you up, and after Mass I can bring you back again to your own cottage.” “That sounds excellent, Father, with one proviso: you’ll have to stay to lunch with me. Agreed? And you’ll accept an annual fee from Beau?”

© 2008 DCL Publications

197

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Miss DeVilliers, if you knew how worried I’ve been financially, and how much I’ve prayed for a solution. And here it is. I am truly grateful.” “On the contrary, Father, I am the one who is grateful. And, now that I know you have this car, I want to ask you a favour. I’ve spoken to Lise and asked her if I could exchange cottages with her until I feel confident about walking my stairs again. I want to be gone from this apartment before Beau and Lise return. That’s in about three weeks’ time. So, about two weeks from now, could you please drive back here and pick me up, Father?” “It will be my great pleasure to do that, Miss DeVilliers.” **** When Beau and Lise returned from their honeymoon in Paris, they were surprised to find a note from Jane saying that Father Mark had given her a lift back to Ocean Breeze West, and she would be living in Lise’s cottage, as agreed, until she felt confident about walking the stairs in her own cottage again. Meanwhile, Beau and Lise were to consider Jane’s cottage as their own, because she hoped that her beloved nephew and his wife would again pick up their delightful habit of spending weekends there. This they were happy to promise. **** After some months, it became obvious that Jane might never again feel truly confident about tackling the stairs in her cottage. She wondered whether Lise would agree to a permanent exchange. When she broached the subject hesitantly, Lise pointed out that Jane’s cottage was almost twice as big as her own, and suggested a financial adjustment. Jane wouldn’t hear of it. Finally Lise agreed, on the condition that Jane’s cottage be put in her name and Beau’s as joint owners. “Beau has given me so much. He is the most generous man on earth, so if I can share ownership of the cottage with him, it will make me so happy to be able to give him something, at last,” she confessed to Jane. Beau, who was reading by the fireplace, looked up.

© 2008 DCL Publications

198

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“You’ve given me so much, my love. Happiness to a degree I wouldn’t have believed possible, until I met and married you. That is priceless — surely you’ll agree? Not to mention your constant attempts to save me money. Why won’t you let me buy you a new car? You’ve given yours, with some money, to Fiona, who loves the Camaro as you did, and you’ve given Father Mark Fiona’s staid four-door, because it means he can drive Aunt Jane to Mass, to shopping, whatever. And now you want to give me half your cottage?” “Beau, these things are only things. Your most wonderful, most generous gift to me is, of course, yourself. Don’t you know that? Please, Beau — let me do this. Everything I own is ours now, I feel that strongly…” “And everything I own is ours now, too,” he smiled, overcome again by a sudden feeling of rapture at the thought of this very special woman loving him with all her heart. **** Two years later, Lise gave birth to a son, a beautiful child who resembled his handsome father closely. They named him Alexandre Ian Miguel. Alexandre was the name of Beau’s late father. “The number of Alexes is going to be confusing,” said Beau to his wife, as they were preparing to go to the christening. She smiled at him. “Tell me, how do you feel about calling him Miguel? My father and Miguel are the godfathers, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to call our son after one of his godfathers. And you have to admit that Ian DeVilliers doesn’t have the same ring to it as Miguel DeVilliers?” “That’s a wonderful idea, my love. I must tell Father Mark before the christening ceremony.” “He’s so pleased with the little chapel you’ve built on that piece of sandy land where nothing much would grow. Now, a chapel has grown there, and Father Mark is ecstatic. And I loved the way you put that bishop down. “When he tried to tell you that you couldn’t build the chapel, you looked at him as a king would regard a serf, as you said, “I can do anything I want.” “And when he tried to threaten you with excommunication, you said so grandly, ‘I would not want to be a member of a church that allows someone like you to be its bishop.’ He looked as if he had been pole-axed…”

© 2008 DCL Publications

199

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

“Yes, and he knows I’ve made sure Rome heard of his sadistic vendetta against Father Mark. He is a very, very worried bishop these days. I was quietly informed he has been reassigned to some dreadful inner-city-slum diocese.” “Really, darling? Serves him right. And now, Danielle has bought Axel’s old cottage. I sure hope Miguel plans to visit often, Beau... She’s even changed her schedule at her office, so she can have Sundays and Mondays free. Do you think she has a chance with Miguel?” “Hard to say, my love. He’s such an intensely private person… But if anyone had a chance, I’d say it would be Danielle, yes.” “Are you looking forward to seeing all our friends and relatives at the christening, Beau?” she asked, as she finished dressing little Miguel in his christening gown. “Not nearly as much as I’m looking forward to being with you, afterwards, in the privacy of our own bedroom, my love. What a wonderful idea of yours, asking the housekeeper of your friends, the Stewarts, if she had a relative who could take care of little Miguel.” “Yes, and Delilah loves having her own apartment with the baby in Jane’s old rooms, below ours, although I want you to know I was perfectly willing to look after our child myself…” “But, my love, I wasn’t willing for you to do that. We’ve only been married a few years, and I often think we’re still in honeymoon mode…even though you’ve given me a son.” “No, you’ve given me a son,” Lise contradicted gently. “But I thought, perhaps, when we go to the cottage on weekends, I could look after little Miguel myself to give us some time with our son, and some privacy?” “If you wish it.” “Yes, I do,” Lise sighed dreamily. He raised a slim, black brow to her. “What, my love?” “Beau, I was just thinking I hope we’ll always remain in this honeymoon mode…” “I’ll want you to say that again, chérie, when we’re back in our bedroom.” *************

© 2008 DCL Publications

200

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Born in The Netherlands, lived in London, England, since I was eighteen. BFA – Art History, Major. Interior Design, Minor. Moved to Montreal, Canada. (I figured I might as well be paid for being fluent in French). Married Arnold Hofman, a truly fabulous man. Owned and operated an art gallery for twelve years. Widowed ten years ago by Arnold's untimely death. Nina Bruhns urged me to write. I did as I was told, and in the next 4½ years I wrote two dozen books. I figured that’s what it would take to learn to write. And I was wrong! But Rose Brungard took pity on me and gave unstintingly of her own expertise, sending long explanatory e-mails, which helped me a lot. I also owe my grateful thanks to Thea Devine, who taught me to play “What If” when the writer wonders where to take the story next. And more recently, I have been given generous help, advice and encouragement by Jennifer Mueller, whose books I love. She also designed the cover cover art for all my books with RomanceAtHeart. And then I discovered The Dark Castle Lords, and sent them “Castle In Spain.” Instantly, I felt at home with them, and they have published the books you see listed below.

© 2008 DCL Publications

201

Triangle of Love – Beau’s Quest

by Kate Hofman

Why not try one of these other GREAT titles by Kate Hofman available at The Dark Castle Lords Castle In Spain Enchanted Castle Gabriel's Quest for love A Marriage of Convenience My Love, Forever

© 2008 DCL Publications

202