To celebrate Ellen's birthday, Pierre had arranged a dinner party for all the well to do society people. It would be an occasion for fine French champagne, imported fruits and the finest delicacies Savannah had to offer. The women, decked in silks and satins, would shimmer almost as brightly as the cut-glass chandeliers.
Ellen's gown of crushed silk skimmed the curves hinting at womanhood. Her jewellery was a simple gold cross that belonged to her mother. Tiny pearls decorated her ears and matched the yellow shade that had become associated with Ellen.
She glided down the stairs, to a crowd of people she had known all her life. Her sisters were standing with the other young woman. Her father's friends were gathered, waiting to kiss her hand and wish her Bon Anniversaire. Christophe Chevalier was amongst them. He held out his arm and she took it automatically.
Waiters were making their way across the room, carrying trays of Champagne. Chevalier grabbed two and handed one to Ellen.
"You look beautiful tonight Miss Robillard."
"Thank-you sir."
"You don't have to be so formal my dear. We've known each other for awhile. You may call me by my first name, if you like."
"I wouldn't want to give offense sir."
"There is no offence. But if you would prefer, we'll settle for Mr Chevalier."
The look on his face told Ellen that he would not give way. He wanted her to drop all formalities but she knew that if she did that, he would think that she was warming to him and increase his attentions, which were already starting to irritate her. She was about to answer, when a familiar voice came towards her.
"Ah, there you are. Miss Eulalie says she needs to talk to you. You don't mind if I steal her away, do you, Chevalier?"
He didn't allow the man enough time to argue and swept Ellen away from his rival. Ellen sighed in relief and relaxed in Philippe's arms.
"You realise you're late?"
"Am I? Well, it looks like I arrived just in time. Unless you actually wanted to talk to Chevalier?"
"You know full well that I don't. Can you believe that he wants me to call him by his first name?"
"Well, there are lots of names he would probably prefer but they'll come later."
"If you're going to talk like that I won't speak to you anymore."
"Yes you will Ellen. It doesn't matter how many times I annoy you because you will always forgive me."
"And why is that?"
"Because you love me."
For the rest of that night, Philippe stood by Ellen. They mingled together with the guests, sat side by side at dinner and spent most of the night dancing. Pierre only managed to split them up occasionally, in order for Chevalier to dance with her. Ellen discovered the numerous differences between the men amusing. They were both powerful men in their own way but only one could demand her attention. Chevalier lacked Philippe's grace on the dance floor. He also lacked in charm.
The evening grew to a close as the guests bid their farewells. Philippe was one of the last to leave, along with Chevalier. She thanked both men for attending and as Philippe leant down to kiss her hand, he murmured.
"Tonight."
When she had finally got rid of Mammy, she left the window open as usual. Feeling nervous, she ran to the bathroom. The splash of cold water on her face calmed her slightly and she wanted to laugh at herself. This was the night she had been waiting for. They had been planning it for so long and she was well aware what was going to happen. She took a deep breath, released it and stepped through the door, into her room. Philippe was already there, waiting for her.
He was always waiting for her...
It had been three days since her birthday. That night, Philippe had claimed her as his own. Today, he would be asking her father for her hand. All morning, she had sat with her sisters in the library. They were wittering on about some old gossip when she heard the knock on the door. She listened as Philippe asked to see her father.
"I will ask Mister Pierre if he is available."
XxX
Pierre had spent the morning in his study, waiting on Chevalier. He was surprised to hear Jerome announce that his nephew was here.
"Send him in."
Philippe entered, carrying his new manila cane. He looked nervous for the first time in his life. There was no air of cockiness that usually followed.
"To what do I owe this visit?"
"Well Uncle, I..."
"What? Spit it out Philippe. I take it you're after money. How much?"
"I'm not here for money, Uncle."
"Then why are you here?"
"I'm here because I need to talk to you."
"Well, get on with it then. Don't just stand there. Why are you here?"
"I came to ask for your permission to marry Ellen."
"What?"
"I came to ask for Ellen..."
"WHAT? Are you telling me that you are daring to ask for my daughter?"
"Yes sir, I am asking for Ellen's hand in marriage."
"You expect me to let my daughter marry you?"
"That's what I'm asking, yes."
"You think you are worthy enough to marry my daughter."
"I love her."
"You dare say that to me? You don't know anything about love."
"I know that I love Ellen and she loves me?"
"Oh? Ellen told you that she loves you?"
"Yes. We love each other and we want to get married."
"Get out."
"What?"
"GET OUT!"
The whole house echoed with Pierre's booming command. Ellen ran out of the library to see Jerome march Philippe out of the house.
"Ellen, get in here now."
"Philippe!"
She tried to follow but Pierre grabbed her from behind and dragged her into his study. He pulled her over to a chair and loomed over her.
"Philippe tells me that you love each other and he wants to marry you."
She glared murderously up at the man she called father.
"Well, answer me!"
"It's true."
"You foolish girl. There is no way that I will allow you to marry that man!"
"Father..."
"No, don't interrupt me. Chevalier has already asked for your hand and you will marry him."
"Never."
"What?"
"I will not marry him."
"You dare refuse me?"
"Yes father. I will never marry him."
"Why you selfish child. Chevalier is a well respected and wealthy man. He wants to marry you."
"You can't make me marry him. If I can't marry Philippe, then I will never marry."
She pushed past her father and stormed out of the room. Her sisters had stepped out of the library to see what was going on. She brushed past them as her father's footsteps chased after her.
"Ellen, come back here!"
"No. I don't have anything more to say to you."
"You come down now or I'll come up and get you myself."
The door slammed and Ellen pulled the bolt across.