Chapter 2
At the sound of hooves in on the cobblestones outside the manor Angelique felt her heart leap in her chest. Barnabas was home. The months he had spent abroad with cousin's had seemed like years to her.
As he had grown into a young man he had become distant… no doubt made aware by his parents that a friendship between him and a mere servant would be inappropriate.
Angelique knew this… accepted this even. But over the years her childhood crush had grown into a love that bordered on obsession. And in her heart of hearts she still hoped that one day he would realize that she was the one for him… regardless of the difference in class and status.
She dropped the broom she was using to brush the hall and raced over to the window. A smile curved her lips as she saw him jump down from his horse. Either her memory had not quite done him justice… or he was more handsome than ever.
Barnabas felt someone watching him as he dismounted from his horse. He looked up. Looking down at him from the window was a strikingly lovely woman with long dark hair. A moment later felt a jolt of recognition. Angelique?
She saw him looking up at her and quickly moved away from the window, embarrassed that he had caught her staring at him. For just a moment she could have sworn he had looked at her… not through her.
Though she had quickly disappeared he had no doubt whom it was that he had seen. But he had no idea how he hadn't noticed her beauty before. Since his parents had forbidden his friendship with her he had kept his distance… put her out of his mind. But now she was definitely back in it.
That evening she felt his eyes on her as she walked into the dining room, carrying a silver tray with his dinner.
"Your dinner my Lord…" she said with a smile as she placed the tray in front of him. "Thank you Angelique…" he said warmly, returning the smile.
Angelique couldn't help being surprised, both at the warm tone and the fact he had actually used her name. She couldn't even remember the last time he had called her that. It sent a slight pleasant shiver down her spine to hear her name on his lips.
"How have things been in my absence?" he asked, looking at her. "Very well… the business is flourishing and the manor is in good repair. I think your parent's are planning a welcome home ball for you a few days hence" she said.
"Excellent… I always enjoy a good ball…" he said. She looked at him, smiling at his enthusiasm. "I imagine it would mean a lot of work for you though…" he said as that occurred to him.
"I don't mind…" she said. "Everyone misses you… and wants to welcome you back…" she pointed out.
"Everyone?" he said, looking at her intently. "Did you miss me… Angelique?" he asked. She slowly raised her eyes to meet his. "Yes I did… My Lord…" she said softly, her expression showing she'd missed him more than she would care to admit.
A smile curved his lips. "Please… call me Barnabas…" he said.
"If that is what you desire…" she said hesitantly, looking at him from under her eyelashes. "Oh yes…" he replied. "I desire that very much…"
