Arriving at the dinner that evening, Lucas felt filled with exceptional determination. Miss Davis was seated not far from her mother and still resplendent in her magnificent mauve dress. Lucas sat next to Julian to keep an eye on him, as the tea had plunged him into a state of euphoria that was certainly hilarious, but also somewhat embarrassing. He took a seat among the other guests but met the young French woman's gaze. A warmth burned in his stomach, and he smiled slightly at her. She smiled back, then looked away.
The conversation started slowly, and Brooke appreciated not being the center of attention. The entire Scott family was trying to get to know Taylor, and everyone was secretly hoping for a marriage proposal from the Viscount. After all, he hadn't hidden his intentions since the ball at the beginning of the season. Yet, Brooke found his behavior very strange. She knew nothing about love, the family pattern being undoubtedly flawed, but she was nevertheless certain that the looks Lord Scott was giving Taylor weren't those of a man in love. The ones for his older sister, on the other hand...
Brooke was fortunate to have discovered the world and many of its components. She also knew many emotions and had seen many people experience them. Her mother was keen to never leave her in the dark, in any situation. So she had spoken to her about love and desire. About those powerful looks, about that intense and immeasurable sensation. Desire was an incandescent fire that only a special being could slake. Few young girls knew this, so she never boasted about it. But when the Viscount looked at Haley, Brooke was convinced a fire burned ardently in his mind. Could one marry one woman and desire another? It seemed inconceivable. Would she ever feel that famous desire? Hadn't she already felt it? No, impossible, she would remember. Yet a lump formed in his throat when the image of two blue agates popped into his mind and sent a shiver down his spine.
Peyton : Miss Davis? Would you like to tell us about your travels? Lucas mentioned that you traveled a lot as a child...
Brooke snapped out of her daze and found herself face to face with every pair of eyes fixed on her. Nathan and Lucas exchanged glances and simultaneously grabbed their glasses, which they drained in one gulp.
Julian : Oh, yes, tell us!
Brooke tried to regain her composure and clear her mind.
Brooke : Well, my father ran a large trading company that required him to travel the world. I've only ever known life on a ship. I've seen many cultures, colors, and remarkable people. I think it's safe to say it was a blessing. I have wonderful memories. The Northern Lights, the white sand beaches of Santorini, the spicy foods of India, the colors of Egyptian markets, and the music of New Orleans in the Americas. Life has been a blessing to me.
Karen : And what did your father sell?
Brooke : Livestock...
She glanced at Lady Lee, silently asking for her help as the conversation was about to turn ugly. Lucas saw this exchange and thought the matriarch would surely have some answers for him. All along, she'd been trying to push him toward Brooke. So she grabbed her glass and asked for a toast. The Viscount then stood up under Taylor's hopeful gaze. Everyone was hanging on his every word when he claimed to have a big question for the young girl. However, the toast took an unexpected turn when he didn't ask THE question but instead instructed her never to speak of her defeat that day at the pallemail game. A look of embarrassment fell over the table and pain appeared in the eyes of the younger James. Brooke saw relief pass over the older sister's face. She hated the Viscount; that must explain this feeling. Yet, Brooke was convinced that something else was hiding behind it.
So she politely left the table after dessert and returned to her room. Lucas saw her discreetly disappear and turned his attention back to Lady Lee. The Jameses left the table and everyone returned to their rooms. He followed her quietly through the hall and called out to her when he was sure he wouldn't run into any of her family.
Lucas : Lady Lee? May I speak to you for a moment?
Lady Lee turned and gave him a genuine smile.
Debie : Mr. Scott, I was wondering when you'd decide to come see me.
Lucas : Did you know I'd be coming?
Debie : I was actually hoping so. And the Scott family isn't blessed with any cowards or narrow-minded people, so I figured you'd know where to find me.
Lucas : I'd like to help her...
Debie : But she's not ready to accept your help.
Lucas : Indeed. I thought... Since you allowed me to spend time with her, you could teach me more about her.
Debie : Unfortunately, I can't. I desperately want to, don't get me wrong, but I can't go against her wishes. However, know that her shell cracks in your presence...
Lucas : There are so many mysteries inside her. So much pain. And she pushes me away even though I only want what's best for her.
Debie : I know that, Mr. Scott. But you'll have to be patient.
Lucas : She told me her father beat her mother. She also confessed to me that he abused her as well and I saw the mark on her wrist. I know you're not her aunt, but her mother's best friend, and that she bears her name. You must have been devastated when you learned what that man did to them.
Debie : Indeed... Victoria and I had known each other forever. She and her parents would come to rest at the country house next to ours. We grew up together, even though I was her elder. One day, she met this man. Richard Weston. He courted her, and then they married. She announced shortly after that she was pregnant, and they left on her own business. She never returned to London, and her parents died a few months later, one after the other. We never stopped corresponding. I read about their unhappy life until Victoria told me that Brooke would one day arrive at my house so I could offer her asylum. I didn't hear from her for many months, and the next letter I received was from Brooke herself. She arrived a few months later, alone. Richard Weston was a monster. I don't know if Brooke will ever tell you all the things she went through. But know that it more than justifies her fears.
Lucas : I know. I've never doubted it. But I deeply want to help her. She told me she's still in danger. What belongings did this man leave behind that couldn't catch up with her?
Debie : I'm sorry I can't tell you more, Mr. Scott, but you'll need to be patient if you wish to achieve your goals...
Lucas : Why do I feel like I don't have enough...
Debie : Why that?
Lucas : She told me she was leaving London at the end of the season.
Lady Lee's gaze clouded over.
Debie : She told me when she arrived, but I was hoping to change her mind. You must change her mind, Mr. Scott.
Lucas : But how?
The matriarch seemed to think hard, then a smile stretched across her lips. She turned on her heels and, as she reached the first step of the stairs, she gave Lucas one last look with a mischievous air.
Debie : Early morning is a great time for a constructive conversation, Mr. Scott. The morning dew, the smell of cookies, all of it leads to confidences.
Lucas gave her a broad bow in thanks and quickly went to bed. He should be rested enough to wake up early tomorrow.
Brooke fell asleep quickly after the eventful meal, but it was another night of nightmares that jolted her awake in the early hours. The sun hadn't yet risen, and the household remained asleep as well. So Brooke put on a dressing gown, let down her hair, and without bothering to put on shoes, grabbed a candle and went down to the kitchen. It was empty at this hour. She rummaged through the cupboards, pulling out flour, eggs, and other ingredients before setting about preparing her ultimate breakfast goal. However, a creaking door startled her, and she whipped around. Lucas was standing there in front of her. He was wearing a wrinkled white shirt and black slacks. He was much more elegant than she was, even if his outfit was anything but conventional. Brooke's was, in fact, far from appropriate.
Brooke : Lucas, I... I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep and I wanted to cook something, but if that's a problem, I'm going back to my quarters...
Lucas stared at her. She was breathtaking. Her bare feet on the cold floor, her hair down her back, and the voluptuous ruffles of her nightgown made her radiant. She wasn't wearing gloves, but her hands were invisible as she kneaded white dough. In the early morning, he got up and waited in the hall as Lady Lee had secretly advised him. And indeed, his insomnia must have been recurrent, because Brooke had appeared and slipped discreetly into the kitchens. Lucas waited before following her because he didn't want her to know he was watching her. It would ruin his plans, in which she was becoming more and more confident. But finding her there, so beautiful and in a very strange position, made him forget all his goals.
Lucas : Do you cook?
Brooke : When I can't sleep, yes, it calms me down. I always used to bake my cookies on my parents' boat. But I repeat, if it's a problem, I just clean it up and leave.
He approached her slowly and looked at the counter. He was very greedy, and it really made her want to. But he'd never done that.
Lucas : Would you teach me?
She looked at him with big, round eyes and stammered, "Yes, of course." She then took out some new ingredients and placed them in front of him, leaving her dough to one side.
Brooke : Okay, take the flour and pour 150 grams of it into this bowl.
Lucas tried to follow all her instructions as best he could. She teased him when he shattered the first egg he tried to crack, but he didn't mind. Then he kneaded the dough, wanting to really do it well. He found himself enjoying it: baking with her. When they finally both added dried fruit to their dough before forming little balls to put in the oven, Lucas seemed very proud of himself. Brooke had been very patient and informative, and she seemed happy and relaxed. So she grabbed the dish and slid it skillfully into the large oven.
Brooke : You did well, Mr. Scott...
Lucas : I'm quite proud of myself, I must admit...
Brooke : Okay, now we need to put this away and clean up while we wait for it to cook.
So he grabbed some utensils and ran them under the water while she put away the unused ingredients. He watched her work until an idea popped into his head.
Lucas : Brooke, what is this?
Brooke : What are you talking about?
Possing his head above water, he took the opportunity to spray her briskly. She recoiled, looking mock-shocked as Lucas nearly choked on laughter.
Brooke : Mr. Scott! How dare you?
He kept laughing, so she rushed to the sink and splashed him in the face. The splashes grew louder as their laughter grew louder. Brooke finally grabbed a half-filled pitcher and emptied it over Lucas's head. Seeing his outraged expression, she ran to the other side of the kitchen, but he quickly caught her. He grabbed her hand and stopped her before pulling her toward him. He couldn't control his strength, and she collided with his soaked chest. Their laughter slowly faded as she raised her face to his. Her hair fell over her forehead, and he was looking at her intensely. He hadn't let go of her hand, and she realized then that the mere touch was setting her on fire. She should be cold, since she was dripping wet from head to toe. It was at that precise moment that they both seemed to realize that neither the camisole she was wearing nor her nightgown was hiding anything anymore. Soaked, the white fabric clung to their skin, revealing all of the young woman's curves.
Lucas could only let his gaze slide over her. This was all terribly inappropriate. Her body was pressed against his, and he could feel, through the soaked fabric, her breasts and the curve of her hips. A spark seemed to ignite his entire being as her breath tickled his jaw. She was so beautiful. And even though she, too, knew this was wrong and inappropriate, neither of them could tear themselves away from the other. Yet, she seemed to regain a flash of lucidity and opened her mouth slightly. Lucas knew immediately that if she didn't run away right now, he'd kiss her. And she didn't run away.
Brooke : Lucas, I...
But she took her eyes off his to rest on his lips. He let go of her hand, and then she could rest it on his chest. She understood what desire was when butterflies fluttered throughout her being. She looked at him again, and he threw himself on her mouth. Their kiss was passionate, and he pushed her against the wall behind her. She grabbed his shirt and crumpled it in her palms while she clutched his hair with the other. He kept kissing her, linking his tongue with hers, grabbing her buttocks forcefully. Then he moved down to her neck, peppering it with feverish kisses as she could no longer hold back the sighs that left her lips. He grabbed one of her legs, pressing it against his thigh to caress it better. How soft she was under his hands. He was unable to control himself. He used to be a gentleman, but not anymore. Now he thought only of her. Her under his fingers, her and her sighs in his ear, her and her warmth, her and her chest rubbing against his torso soaked with sweat, desire, and water. Nothing made sense other than her anymore. Then he murmured her name, kissing her shoulder, which he had begun to bare.
Lucas : Miss Davis, you are a jewel.
These words struck Brooke with incredible force. She seemed to regain awareness of what was happening and pushed him away sharply. He didn't force her and pulled away before staring at her. His hair a mess, his shirt completely undone, made him dizzy, yet he brought her back to reality.
Brooke : I'm sorry...
He watched her run away, petrified, and a clinking sounded behind him. The cookies were ready, the kitchen flooded, and he remained speechless. The world revolved around him. Or rather, it was around her that Lucas's world now revolved.
Brooke had run back to her room, praying she wouldn't run into anyone. Luckily, she did, and upon reaching her quarters, she tried to catch her breath. She didn't know if it was due to the run or if the storm roaring inside her was the sole cause. She had desired this man when she was supposed to be running away from him. And even worse than simple desire, she had understood, as she looked into his eyes, that she was falling madly in love with him. All those feelings she had read about, dreamed about, imagined, heard about... she felt them for Lucas Scott. And it was inconceivable. She took a quick bath and got ready before a maid even came to help her. As she tied her hair back, she kept remembering the Lucas's hands on her arms, her cheeks, her shoulders, and so many other places. She could still feel the softness and fever of his lips, even though she knew that if he hadn't called her, she would be compromised by now.
Hearing him call her that, by her escape name, had been a harsh reality check. She was ashamed to be a Weston, but she was one nonetheless. Davis was certainly her mother's name, but above all, it was the one she used to escape her past. To escape everything she was. For him to call her that in such an intimate moment was a reminder that she could never be completely honest with him, that he would never get what he deserved. And she loved him too much to condemn him to that. So, when these conclusions came to her, she made a big decision. She finished getting ready and went down to the living room for lunch. She ran into Peyton Scott and decided to spend time with her because she knew she would enjoy her company. She could have run away from Lucas, but she didn't want to. She intended instead to pretend nothing had happened. And that's what she did.
When Lucas entered the room, she greeted him respectfully, ignoring the heaviness in her chest. He looked at her intensely, probably trying to understand why she was keeping such a conventional distance when they were no longer at that point. They certainly couldn't reveal themselves to the world, but Lucas still expected more complicity between them. And he was all the more disappointed and frustrated when he couldn't spend a single moment alone with her for the next three days. She wasn't ignoring him, far from it, but they never found a moment to discuss what had happened; she protected herself from it as best she could. Every day, Lucas's feelings only strengthened, his frustration grew. He ardently wanted to court her, but she made sure he couldn't. And that infuriated him.
On the last evening before almost all of high society arrived for a country getaway, the entire household gathered for a grand dinner. The Jameses, Lady Lee, Brooke, and the entire Scott family were together at the table. The atmosphere was rather relaxed until Julian brought up a subject that changed so many things for Lucas.
Julian : Miss Taylor, may I ask what your hidden talents are?
Taylor : Well, I embroider quite well, I speak several languages, and I like to think I'm not a terrible dancer, and I can play the piano. In fact, since meeting Miss Davis, I appreciate these musical moments even more, since she's a wonderful singer.
Brooke almost choked when all eyes turned towards her. Lucas's one burned even more. Indeed, Taylor and Brooke got along quite well, and they enjoyed sharing that together during lovely evenings when no social events awaited them.
Nathan : Oh, really? And would you be willing to give us a little demonstration? I'm sure it would be wonderful.
Taylor : My pleasure, sir! Brooke, please join me!
Brooke : Well, I don't think...
Karen : Do us that honor, Miss Davis, I beg you!
Brooke : Well, I can't refuse you anything, Lady Scott.
The two girls stood up and approached the piano. Taylor sat down and concentrated. As for Brooke, she breathed as deeply as she could, unable to bear all those eyes on her. Taylor began to play, and deep down, Brooke cursed her for choosing such an intense love song to sing tonight. Sure, she had made this choice for herself, for the Viscount, but it was her who was singing the words. And now that she knew, that she felt what they meant, everything was very different. She dared to glance at Lucas, who wasn't taking his eyes off her. She would never be able to tell him all this. So, she told herself that for the only time in her life, she could be completely honest with him. For just one evening, for just one moment, she could tell him that she loved him, how much he had rocked her world. A slight warmth warmed her as the notes echoed through the room. Then, Brooke began to sing with all her heart.
Lucas couldn't take his eyes off the young woman. From the moment she opened her mouth, he was petrified. His body was frozen, but his soul felt a true caress. He was transported by her voice, by the words she sang with such power. He could almost hear the violins accompanying her, and when their eyes finally met, he thought he was going to explode. He loved her. With all his being. With all his soul. And seeing her so vulnerable and open, he knew he would never be the same again. That he would never be able to get her out of his mind and that he would never be able to live without her. She was the center of everything. She was what connected him to this world. She was his oxygen, and he even wondered how he had been able to breathe before this moment.
He came to when the last note of the piano sounded and everyone applauded. She smiled, and Taylor came over to hug her. He could hear the audience congratulating them, but it sounded like a hubbub. Everything was a blur. Except for her. His life was hers, and she had to understand that he would never leave her, that he would risk everything for her, regardless of her past. Love had pierced him. He thought he would be terrified the day love knocked on his door, but it wasn't. He had never been happier than in that moment.
After that suspended moment, everyone began to return to their apartments. Brooke headed for the west stairs until she heard footsteps behind her. From the top of the few steps she had climbed, she turned around.
Lucas : You're a wonderful singer...
He watched her from the bottom of the stairs.
Brooke : Thank you, Lucas...
Lucas : You transported me.
Brooke : The words of a song convey so many messages. Ones we wouldn't normally dare to say. Those of the heart...
Lucas climbed a few stairs until he could grab her hand. She blushed instantly at the touch. He wanted to have a long conversation with her. But not tonight. Not after this confession she had just made. Not after the most beautiful discovery of Lucas Scott's life. So, he brought her hand to his lips and placed a tender kiss on it.
Lucas : Good night, Brooke.
Brooke : Good night, Lucas.
They exchanged one last glance and Brooke turned away to return to her room. The night was milder than usual for her, and it was the excitement of the country outing that woke her in the morning. She dressed in a pretty green dress, let her hair fall down her back in a few elaborate curls, and went into the garden. Many guests had already arrived, and Lady Scott was truly an exceptional hostess. Everything was tastefully set up and decorated. She strolled among the guests and the beautifully decorated stalls. Lady Scott had even brought in small local artisans to showcase their creations. Everything was very refined. Brooke lingered at a stall of wooden statuettes, humming along to the surrounding music, when someone came to disturb her thoughts.
Lucas : Good morning, Miss Davis...
He smiled at her and gave a small bow.
Brooke : Good morning, Mr. Scott.
Lucas : How are you this morning? I hope you like all the arrangements my mother has planned.
Brooke : Well, I do. Everything is absolutely superb, and I think I'm going to have a lot of fun today..
Lucas : Is there anything here you like?
He pointed at the creations.
Brooke : Well, everything is very pretty.
She breathed for a moment, seeming to hesitate, but continued.
Brooke : It reminds me of my mother, to be honest.
Lucas : Your mother?
Brooke : When I was a child, my mother always told me a bedtime story. My favorite was the one about a doe who guided her son to his great destiny as king of the forest. She was kind, gentle, and reminded me of my own mother. So, at six years old, I decreed that her spirit animal would be the doe. Since then, I've tried to find one for everyone I meet. It's ridiculous, I admit, but it... amuses me...
Lucas : I don't find it ridiculous; it's actually quite endearing, I must say! And what animal do you give me?
Brooke : Are you ready to hear my answer?
Lucas You're scaring me, but I'm all ears. I won't be offended if you tell me it's a sheep or something even stranger!
Brooke : Not in the least!
Lucas : So much the better!
Brooke : Good! No, I was thinking of the wolf in your case.
Lucas : The wolf?
Brooke : You're quite solitary, yet your family is a priority for you. You're intelligent, powerful, and quite instinctive, I think. However, it seems to me that you don't let it speak enough, that you hold it back, perhaps out of fear of social judgment, which I can only imagine. Perhaps even your own judgment. But you're natural, spontaneous, and a little wild, if you don't mind. So I think the wolf looks great on you!
Lucas stood there for a moment, thinking about her words. She wasn't wrong. He held back a lot, even though a little voice often wanted to take over. He thought she had him figured out.
Lucas : Well, I must say I'm impressed. And flattered. It's a beautiful portrait you paint of me. And you, what is your spirit animal?
Brooke : I can't tell you, no one thought to give me one, and I certainly wouldn't be objective enough with myself...
They continued walking.
Lucas : All right, then I'll think about it...
He looked at her, smiling, and she smiled back. For a second, they rediscovered their connection.
Peyton : Lucas!
Lucas : Peyton, what can I do for you?
Peyton : Our brothers are waiting for you for the hunting trip. So instead of talking with Miss Davis and bothering her, please leave quickly.
Lucas rolled his eyes, gave Brooke a small bow, and turned away from the two girls.
Peyton : Brooke, you didn't tell me tomorrow was your birthday! Lady Lee just told my mother.
Lucas turned around sharply after hearing his little sister's deep voice.
Lucas : It's your birthday tomorrow?
Brooke : Yes, but I was planning to keep it to myself...
Peyton : Why? It's an event to celebrate!
Brooke : Maybe..
Lucas thought for a moment then hurried out of this large garden. He joined his brothers who were preparing to leave and told them that he would not come with them.
Nathan : What are you going to do in the meantime, Lucas?
Lucas : Think, my brother... think...
