Chapitre 5

It was a sunny spring morning; sitting down to breakfast I nibbled on my toast and read the paper. Step-Mother gave a little cough, clearing her throat.

"Estelle. I think you need to send an apology letter to Drake Lee, it was very rude to walk away from him on the dance floor." I sighed and ignored her. She knows how much I hate him, so there's no need to apologize.

"She shouldn't need to apologize Agatha, he behaved terribly around her."

"Hmm." Step-Mother fell silent, she knew she couldn't win. Mina came in with the mail on the regular silver platter. Step-Mother took it and started handing everything out.

"Let's see… bills for Hungarius, magazines for Lottie. Awww, nothing for Estelle." Mina took my plate and I felt something on my lap. Looking down, it was a black envelope with a gold 'M' on it.

"May I be excused?" Father nodded and smiled discreetly to me. I left the table and sat down on my large bed in my room. Opening the letter carefully… I jumped as someone knocked on the door.

"Miss?"

"Come in Mina." She flounced over and sat next to me. I opened up the letter, beautifully written in black ink.

Dear Mademoiselle Estelle Cutter,

Though our time was cut short at the party last week, I wish to see you again. I invite you to come riding with me this weekend, I would like it if you brought your violin with you as I would love to hear you play. I only wish to see you again and to be blessed by your presence, never in all my life have I ever met someone as unique and as lovely as you. I hope that you'll be able to accompany me; you may bring your own horse if you desire.

Till then… The Count of Monte Cristo

"Miss, you're blushing." Hiding my face in my hands I turned away from Mina.

'Why do I feel this way, he's so charming and handsome. Is it just because he's not like the others?' I thought. I carefully placed the letter in one of the drawers of my dresser and locked it.

"So? Are you going?" Mina asked me. I nodded.

"After all, it would be rude to reject him. I've only just met him." I said smiling. Dipping a long quill into a pot of ink I started to write.

Dear Count,

I am both honored and flattered by your invitation and I fully accept. I would love to see you again, as our previous meeting was cut short by my Step-Mother. I must apologize for her actions; she just dreads the idea of you being interested in me. I will meet with you on Sunday, at the Archer wood at 1:00 pm. It is a wonderful place for riding; I will be taking my own horse.

Yours Faithfully,

Estelle Cutter

"Make sure this is given to the Count Mina, and tell my father of my plans." She took the letter and left, a large smile across her face. I wandered over to the window and looked over the view of Paris, the Eifel tower shining in the spring sun. Running a hand through my long hair, I thought of what to play for him. Something classical, something mysterious…

That Weekend-

Father was very pleased at the news that the Count and I were meeting. Thankfully, he was taking Step-Mother and Lottie out shopping, so they would be away from all of the afternoon and most of the evening. Upon news that I was staying home, the both of them pushed me for answers.

"What's wrong with you? You aren't sick." Step-Mother said, pressing her hand against my forehead to check for a temperature; before wiping it on the side of her silk dress.

"I'm sorry; I wanted to practice my violin. I don't really care much for shopping." Lottie scoffed and left the room. Step-Mother frowned and left shortly after, Father walked up to me.

"Have fun today darling." He said, kissing me on the cheek before leaving too. I turned to Mina, and sighed.

"Mina, what do I wear?" She opened up my dresser and pulled out a few items, holding them against me and comparing colours and cuts.

"Since it's only your first date, something flattering, something subtle but shows enough."

"Don't forget, something I can ride in." I said, Mina pulled some clothes together and pulled my hair back with a black satin ribbon. That's it! I looked over myself. A crisp cream blouse made of gossamer material that revealed my collarbone and reached my wrists, a brown corset that covered my breasts, tight brown riding pants and my glossy black riding boots. Slipping on my leather riding gloves I turned to Mina.

"Thank you for all your help Mina, can you make sure Emmolyn is in the horse trailer. I'll be out soon." She smiled and left, I looked myself over in the mirror.

'I hope it isn't too much.' Pulling on a long white riding coat and picking up my violin case I left the house and locked the door. I saw Emmolyn being placed in the horse trailer, her soft palomino fur shimmering in the sunlight. The family butler, Jacque opened the door to the car. I stepped inside; he closed the door behind me. The driver spoke up.

"Where to Mademoiselle?"

"The Archer wood please." He set off, passing buildings and people until we reached the woods. Overgrown with ivy and lilies, it was one of the most beautiful and untouched places in Paris. Finally reaching the gates, I felt my heart soar when I noticed a familiar black coach. The car stopped in a clearing, the Count was strapping the saddle to his magnificent black horse. He watched me as I opened the door, taking in every part of me.

"Ah, Mademoiselle Cutter. Wonderful to see you again, you look lovely today." The Count said as he helped me out of the car. I walked over to the horse trailer and helped Emmolyn out, her pretty white mane dazzling in the wind.

"What a magnificent horse, a palomino?" I turned around; he led his horse over to mine. His horse nuzzled Emmolyn's neck and she returned the gesture, taking a liking to his magnificent black stallion.

"Yes, I've had her since I was small." She butted her head into my shoulder, as though understanding what I was saying. The Count walked up to her and gently patted her slender nose, I gasped as she closed her eyes and let him pat her.

"Something wrong?" I came out of my trance.

"No, it's just that I've never seen her take a liking to anyone other than me." He smirked; I strapped my violin across my back and the two of us mounted our horses. The Count looked especially regal, his long hair drifting in the wind.

"Baptistin, Bertuccio; we'll be back in the evening." He started off into the thick woods, I quickly caught up next to him I smirked and sped up. The two of us rode in the thick woods, our horses dancing next to each other. He rode up next to me, flashing a half-smile that made me blush.

"You're very good Estelle."

"Thank you Count, I've been riding for years." Gently rubbing my hand against Emmolyn's neck, I coaxed her to go faster. With a splash, the two of us rode into a shallow lake. Pink and white water lilies brushed against my feet as Emmolyn slowed to a walk, the Count came up next to me. He tapped his chin, thinking of something.

"What is it?" He looked at me.

"Let your hair down." I paused but brought my hands up and untied the satin ribbon; I ran my fingers through it briefly. He smiled and brushed a lock out of my face, I felt my face burn.

"Much better." The tip of his finger dropped from my face to my neck, lightly touching my skin. I closed my eyes and sighed, letting the warm rays of sunlight touch my skin. I opened my eyes to the sensation of Emmolyn becoming restless beneath me. The Count pulled away and moved his horse forwards. I looked ahead and continued to lead Emmolyn through the water, dragonflies and butterflies took flight as we reached the bank .The wind swept my hair back, taking with it, a gust of dead leaves. The two of us trotted through the beautiful dark woods, until we reached the clearing which was surrounded with tall oak trees.

"Over there." He gestured to a giant oak tree, whose roots spread over the clearing. I nodded and Emmolyn trotted over to the tree, I jumped down from her back and nudged her away.

"Go rest." She wandered over to a small stream to drink. I sat down on a tree root and carefully took the violin off my back. Smiling I watched the Count sit down next to me, taking a small bag from his back.

"This place is beautiful Estelle, where'd you find it?" I smiled as I saw him take out a bottle of white, chilled wine.

"My Father used to take us up here when I was a child; when it used to be just three of us." He passed me a glass; I sipped the icy wine gratefully.

"By the 'three' of us, I assume you mean-"

"My mother." I sighed and lowered my glass from my lips.

"Sometimes, he takes us here with Lottie and Agatha." I smirked.

"The first time that Lottie tried to ride Emmolyn, she bucked her off in a minute and she fell face first in the mud." The Count gave a low chuckle, I smiled at him.

"Now she always sits on the sidelines and watches me ride; even though Agatha bought her three horses to ride in the past year." Turning to my violin I took it out, carefully cleaning it with a velvet cloth. The Count put down his glass; I leant back against the massive tree.

"Ah, wonderful Estelle; there is nothing quite like your music." I smiled and put the bow to the strings. I played Lacrimosa by Mozart; the soft and mournful tune caressed the air. Looking over at the Count, I smiled as I saw him with his eyes closed and relaxing to the sound of my music. My fingers felt wonderful against the strings, my heart pouring into every note that I played. I looked up to see the two horses looking in my direction, listening to my music. Finishing softly, I lay my hands in my lap.

"You are so magnificent Estelle." I gasped as I looked over at the Count, he walked over to me. I blushed as I felt his hands on my cheeks; I got to my feet and looked up at him. My eyes widened as he brushed his lips against my forehead, the tickle of his goatee against my nose.

"Thank you your Excellency. You critique means a lot to me." He pulled away, staring deep into my eyes. I then felt something beneath my fingertips; I smiled as I saw a blue rose in my hands. Bringing it up to my nose I inhaled its sweet natural fragrance. He sat back down on the base of the tree; I sat down next to him and took another sip of wine. Running a fingertip over the rim of the glass I looked over the scenery; a gentle ring of crystal echoed through the tranquil valley. The sun set over the treetops and the valley was coated with an amber glow; I turned and rested my head on the Count's shoulder. The two of us sipped wine and talked until the early stars of night had started to appear.

"We should probably get going my dear. If your step-mother finds out, then she'll have your head." I smiled and he helped me to my feet. Strapping my violin to my back I jumped back on Emmolyn. The two of us rode back to the gate, where our cars were waiting for us. I turned to the Count, while Jacque loaded Emmolyn into the horse float.

"Thank you Count, I had a wonderful time." I stood up and kissed his cheek, gently holding his other cheek in the palm of my hand. Stepping back, he kissed the top of my gloved hand. We parted.