Chapter 3
Alice awoke with a start. She didn't remember drifting off to sleep. Last thing she remembered was working on ideas for the exhibit and listening to her classical music playlist. She also remembered that over her music she could hear Baldwin tapping away at his laptop and how cozy it had felt on the plane with both of them working without talking. Alice felt eyes on her and turned to find Baldwin watching her over his laptop. "Forgive me I didn't mean to…" but Baldwin cut her off, "No need to apologize. I was just about to wake you as we are just coming into France." Alice then realized that a blanket covered her. As she folded up the blanket the vague memory of a kiss to the cheek started to surface but she couldn't quite grasp it. She could have sworn that it had been part of her dream but maybe it had been real, she thought as she slightly brushed her fingers to her right cheek and glanced quickly over to Baldwin, who was talking to the flight attendant.
When the plane landed Baldwin's car was already waiting for them. As Alice started toward the passenger side, Baldwin beat her to it and was standing there holding it open for her. "You didn't have to do that," she told him as she sat down in the passenger seat. "I wanted to. It was my pleasure my lady" Baldwin replied with a smile and they once again locked eyes. They stared into each other eyes without moving until they heard someone clear their throat, "All luggage had been loaded, sir" Baldwin just nodded and closed her door before making his way to the driver side. They sat in silence as he drove them to Sept Tour. Baldwin noticed that Alice appeared to be nervous as she stared out the window. Alice always loved the drive to Sept Tours. The lush countryside was always so beautiful and then there was the village that seemed to not change tucked right into the hillside. It was a shame that it was dark right now. It had been so long since the last time she had been at the family home, unfortunately the last time had not been a happy occasion as it had been Phillipe's funeral. She was unsure of how she would be received after so many years. As if sensing her inner turmoil Baldwin placed his hand over hers but almost immediately they both pulled their hands away because it was like a bolt of electricity had shot up both their arms the moment his hand made contact with hers. To break-up the now awkward silence Baldwin said "I'm sure Ysabeau and Marthe will be happy to see you." "Especially Marthe. It's been too long since I've seen either one of them" Alice replied. "Matthew and Diana will not be there. I believe they are still in London at the moment." Baldwin continued. Alice merely nodded and went back to staring out the window.
Since it was still dark when they arrived at Sept Tours the chateau was extremely quiet. Marthe was standing outside the door waiting for them. "Alice!" Marthe exclaimed with enthusiasm, "It's so good to see you my dear" as she gave the younger vampire a hug. " You look like you've been doing well. Has Baldwin been treating you well?" Marthe asked. "It's good to see you too and yes he's been quite lovely," Alice replied as they walked into Sept Tours. Once inside Baldwin excused himself and left for his office. "Come" Marthe said, "Lets get you settled in. Your room is all ready for you." Alice who was looking around the entrance hall then looked at Marthe in surprise, she was not expecting to still have her room. "Of course you do. All family members do" Marthe answered the unspoken question and gestured for Alice to follow her up the stairs. At the top of the stairs Ysabeau was waiting for them. "Welcome home" Ysabeau said as she gave Alice a double kiss on the cheeks. "Thank you, its odd being back." Alice replied. "Well it is good to have you back," Ysabeau said placing a gentle hand on Alice's shoulder. As she entered her bedroom Alice was surprised and somewhat relieved to see that the room was unchanged and appeared like she had never left. There were fresh flowers in a vase on the dresser. She smelled them. How thoughtful of Marthe to have them placed in her room. Alice went into the bathroom and splashed water on her face. She looked at herself in the mirror. She never thought she would ever return to Sept Tours. Being back brought up so many memories. Some good and some she wished she could forget.
Baldwin paced around his office. He didn't have any work that needed to be completed at the moment, he just needed to clear his head. In the car her scent had been overwhelming and then when their hands touched. He dropped down into his chair and rubbed his temples. He thought that after all this time the mating bond they seemed to share would have decreased since they had never completed it or really acted upon it. The opposite had happened it was stronger than before. He had made a promise to Phillipe but he knew that it was becoming increasingly impossible for him to keep fighting the love he felt for her. He was just as much in love with her as the day they met a few centuries ago. He sort of hoped that she was still in love with him.