Chapter 2

Anger, Sorrow, and Baked Chicken

Ellen caught the gaze of her father and held it just long enough to figure out how he was taking the situation, although she was sure that she already had a good idea. His eyes resembled a fire dancing about wildly. All of the hate for Philippe was soon to tumble out of his mouth, which was contorted in such a manner that made Ellen want to lose her cool head and calm appearance. She could tell that he was only waiting for everyone to settle into their high-backed chairs at the long dining table so he could verbally beat Philippe, along with Ellen's dreams, to nothing. But Ellen knew that she wouldn't allow it, she couldn't. The family had experienced the battle over Philippe between Ellen and her father on more than one occasion, but the nights that Philippe failed to arrive against his word, were the nights where the insults were heavier and the defense was louder. Ellen never raised her voice to her father, knowing the consequences that would follow. That didn't mean that Pierre Robillard didn't raise his voice to her though.

As soon as everyone was in their chairs with food on their plates, it began.

"Ellen, darling, where is Philippe. I was under the impression that he would be joining us tonight."

Ellen felt the anger rise in her throat and set on her tongue like a paperweight. She placed her fork down politely and wiped her mouth lightly with her cloth napkin that sat in her lap. If she appeared calm, it would only make him angrier. "Well father, I believe something came up and he could not make it." She almost wanted him to come back with something that stirred conflict. She wanted to argue with him about it, she knew that Philippe loved her. He simply didn't express it as other men did.

"Something came up that was more important than my beautiful Ellen?"

Ellen tensed; she knew that wasn't meant as a compliment. She had conveniently taken another bite of baked chicken and waited to finish chewing. However, her sister Eulalie, beat her to the opening in the conversation.

"He probably decided to sneak off with someone else for the night, or he could have gone to…" Ellen cut her off quickly. "I would say that he got caught up reading to Mrs. Hall. She does love when he comes over." She cut her eyes directly at her mean-spirited sister and let her know exactly how she felt about her commentary.

Ellen knew that her father was thinking of something to combat her defense of Philippe's whereabouts, but her other sister, Pauline, found the words before he did. "Oh Ellen, when will you ever learn. He's older than you and you don't understand. He is not the person you dream of." Ellen's eyes narrowed and she felt her father's wondering gaze upon her, awaiting her response. Ellen couldn't believe that her sister's were allowed to share their input on the matter. The girls had absolutely no say in anything else.

"You don't know him, none of you do. He simply carries a reputation." Ellen was pleased with herself. She was sure she had closed the conversation, but she was wrong. Her father's eyes began to dance again. "I've found his reputation to be very true. That is why I have decided that you are not allowed to see him again. He cannot give you the future of security and wealth that you deserve." Ellen dropped her fork accidently. She was in shock. She had expected a lot of different things to slide cooly out of her father's mouth, but this was a blow she had not seen coming. Never in a million years had she expected him to keep her from seeing Philippe.

"But, but I love him." Hot, stinging tears squeezed in between her eyes and eyelids. She knew she couldn't let them fall, her father would find satisfaction in her sorrow. "That's why he's doing this," Ellen thought, "to hurt me. He likes it."

Her father didn't soften his gaze or look as if his daughter's hurt meant anything to him, he simply continued speaking in his firm tone. "Love means nothing. It does not give you a roof over your head, or food to nourish your body."

"He would provide for me," Ellen replied, refusing to let her father dismiss her feelings so easily. "The love we have for another would create a beautiful home. He would take care of me."

"He doesn't act like he loves you. The boy is wild and always will be. He will never settle down and care for any woman. He couldn't provide for you and give you a good life." Ellen knew that she couldn't come back with the typical "yes he would response", so she dropped it and decided to ask a question. "Why now?" He studied the food that sat idley on his fork and then looked at his daughter. "Ellen, this is the last time he is going to break his word to you. A gentleman is nothing without his word and after this evening, his word means nothing. You will tell him tomorrow that you cannot see him again. The driver will take you, and Mammy will go with you. There will be absolutely no more discussion on the matter. You will not see him. Now eat."

Ellen swallowed the anger and sorrow along with every bite of carrot and chicken. She knew she couldn't fight his word, for her word meant nothing compared to his. She silently ate her dinner, never lifting her eyes off of her plate. The scalding tears still behind her lids almost seemed to be jumping around, making it difficult to see. She ignored them and willed them not to fall. All of her crying would be done in her room, when her father couldn't see.

(I hope you liked this chapter. Sorry it took a little while, it's been a little bit difficult capturing the shrewd, calculated personality that Mr. Robillard has towards Ellen. Please tell me your honest opinions. They are greatly appreciated. The third chapter will be coming soon.)

And thank you to Tipperose for the help with the structure.