A/N: Hey where is everyone? Pirates was good, totally unexpected at the end, but it was worth it. So if you haven't seen it yet, then do so! You won't be disappointed. Here's the next chapter and I thought we needed a little ES moment. Thank you Halley for a great job and please don't forget to review! Reviews makes my day and for me to write faster… Hint hint.

Chapter 11: Etienne's Inspiration

For the rest of the afternoon Etienne and Stephanie were careful enough not to cross paths. As Stephanie roamed the gardens, Etienne was busy brooding in the sanctuary of his music room.

He hadn't meant to snap at her-- though she had impeccable timing. Were it not for the block he probably would have been more civil. At the moment she walked in Etienne forgot himself. The interruption, the lack of work, and on top of it, Stephanie Larson's strange beauty culminated until he lashed out. His mother always told him he had to control his temper or he'll regret it. And he did.

Why is this bothering me so? He pondered, running his hands through his hair. I've lost my temper plenty of times in the presence of ladies and never thought twice about it. Why is she the only one?

The brief wounded look he witnessed cut him in a way he never imagined. In that short period of time he wanted to hold her, beg her for his forgiveness. But his pride and a curiosity to see her retaliate kept him from acting on impulse. There was a fire within her, a fire he found enchanting and admirable. There was no other woman, save his mother and sister, who could possess such temperament that he knew of. Stephanie did not disappoint.

Yet it was at the price of inflicting injury to her person and himself.

Why does it hurt?

He stood away from the piano and walked over to the window. Placing his hand on the cool glass, Etienne gazed out and found his heart starting to drum faster. Emerging from the hedges was Stephanie. The casting of the sunrays bounced off her auburn curls, enhancing the light tinge of red of her highlights and milky skin. She was an image of divinity an…

"Angel," he murmured, his hand going over his heart to soothe it.

Then quietly his ears piqued a trickling of notes, his eyes envisioning Clementine catching the first glimpse of Lorraine no… Aurora in the sunset, walking in a field of wildflowers, her chestnut hair blowing freely in the gentle breeze, her vibrant violet irises filled with a profound sadness. He would be smitten right away by her beauty and a desire to know what could make her so despondent and do what he could to chase away the pain.

She would be the tragic heroine-- an orphan wandering from village to village, searching for work, and a victim of cruel love for a man who did not deserve her. There would be resistance and fears; there would be heartache and love, but most of all… redemption and following the heart. It was perfect. Aurora will be the essence of woman, the spirited being to match Clementine's reserve. Just like Stephanie…

No.

Etienne backed away, shaking his head. I won't do it. It's too close to reality.

But as he took his seat at the piano once more, Etienne couldn't shake away the image of Aurora. His fingers itched to create, his musician instinct screaming to ignore his reservations. He couldn't take it any longer.

The story began to enfold, the music coming to him, the blank paper filling up with ink. It was a masterpiece. Another great for Etienne Destler.

And it will be for Stephanie.

xxXXxx

Etienne had himself excused from dinner, hard at work, taking little breaks. Stephanie was relieved to be just her and Erik and Christine. She was sure she might do something she might regret at the table if she were to see the prodigy son.

Meanwhile, Erik proudly boasted about the upcoming production of Aida, the opening night coming up in several days. He wanted Stephanie to be there; to witness his work and Christine's for the first time. She was more than happy to be invited and excited to wear her new dresses, which were to be done the same day.

The conversation was suddenly switched to Dan. Erik wanted to know if he liked operas.

Stephanie faltered but put on what she hoped was a passable smile and answered he wasn't a big fan. All of this did not go unnoticed by Christine and she frowned. It seemed that every time Dan Shaw was brought up, she would give a quick reply and move on to new topic altogether. Stephanie never volunteered to share about Dan. This did not sit well for Christine. She knew there was something amiss that Stephanie failed to bring light to. I can't be silent anymore. I must address this to Erik, she thought.

Meal finished, Stephanie went to retire to the library to do some reading before going to bed. On her way out, she collided into a solid body. Two strong arms were quick to catch her, pulling her closer.

Her eyelids fluttered as she looked up into Etienne's smothering sea-foam eyes. The evening stubble covered his lower jaw, his shirt collar was opened, and his dark hair disheveled. He stared back at her with the same intensity and slowly removed himself from her.

"Pardon me, mademoiselle," Etienne whispered, his voice dropping to a husky tone.

Oddly enough, Stephanie caught a whiff of his cologne making her knees weak. It was a musky scent but so masculine that it could only be his. She inwardly closed her eyes when she saw Dan. Guilt and rage turned on with a force that snapped her out of her daze.

Glaring at Etienne, she brushed past him hitting his shoulder without saying a word. It took a while for Etienne to register what occurred and when he finally looked back she was gone. He took a deep breath and willed the tremors in his body to stop. Unfortunately, it wasn't too helpful since she left her scent behind. The perfume she wore was intoxicating and undeniably woman.

God help me, he thought as he made his way to sit at the table.

Erik and Christine watched the scene take place and exchanged secretive looks. This was an interesting development between their son and Stephanie.

Etienne made an attempt to ignore what happened and called for a nearby servant to bring him a plate. His parents kept a keen eye on him that was quite unnerving.

Instead of talking about Stephanie, Erik brought up the subject of his opera. Etienne relaxed and straightened his collar.

"It's coming along," Etienne replied. "No doubtingly this will become the next Destler masterpiece. I am content with the progress I've been making."

"Wonderful," Christine said. "I suppose working is an enough excuse for missing out on dinner with your family. Lord knows how often your father skipped eating while composing."

"Its part of the craft, my dear," Erik answered, grinning. "I hope you would allow me to have a look Etienne."

His son nodded. "In due time Father."

Christine couldn't help a sly smirk to grace her countenance as she innocently asked, "I understand you were having problems before. Pray, how did you overcome it?"

Quickly casting a quick glance to the door that Stephanie retreated from, Etienne allowed the barest of smiles to appear. "An unlikely Angel inspired me."

TBC…