Hidden Within The Flowers

Chapter 8

Nicollete was staring at her reflection in the mirror on her vanity; she had a large red mark on her right cheek left by her father. She reached her hand up to her cheek and cupped her face; around the edges of the mark, it was starting to turn black and blue. After her interaction with her father, Nicollette stormed up to her room crying and couldn't help but long for Anthony to come and save her. 

Julliette knocked on her daughter's door, but when there was no response she let herself in and found her daughter staring at herself in the mirror. Juliette felt horrible about the situation that occurred earlier and wished that there was something she could do to remedy it, but she knew that when it came to her husband, she had no say. "Nicollette," She spoke in a gentle tone to try and comfort her daughter. Nicollette turned around to look at her mother and couldn't help the tears that welled in her eye,

"I don't understand, Mama," Nicollette started to cry as she spoke of the situation. Juliette rushed to her daughter's side and held her in her arms. Juliette shushed her daughter and ran her fingers through the girl's long hair,

"It is an unfair world, my dear, and that is all there is to know," Nicollette got out of her mother's embrace and turned back to face the mirror,

"I must get ready for the evening at Vauxhall," She whispered, and Juliette nodded sadly at her daughter. Juliette walked to the door and smiled a sympathetic smile at her daughter before letting Francine in the room," 

Nicollette tensed at the sight of Francine and couldn't help but feel hurt by what she had done. Francine nervously stood in the doorway, unsure of how Nicollette would react to her presence. "My Lady, I am so sorry. I never meant to cause you any harm," Francine rushed out and looked down at her feet in shame. Nicollette's anger rose at the apology,

"And yet you did," She spoke harshly and watched Francine in the mirror cautiously.

"I am aware of the situation, but your father asked me what happened on the outing, and he sensed that I wasn't telling the whole truth," Francine spoke trying to defend her reasoning, "I tried not to tell him, but he threatened to have me fired, and I need this job very much," Francine had tears in her eyes and was getting all flustered, "I told him it was you and not the Viscount so that he wouldn't cast him away as a suitor." Nicollette couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor girl, who was only a few years older than her. Nicollette let out a sigh and rubbed her cheeks with her hands, causing her to wince as she touched her right cheek, 

"I understand why you did it," She spoke softly "And I want to thank you for protecting the Viscount's image in father's eyes," Nicollette offered the girl a soft smile, and Francine couldn't help but return it. "Now, if you would please, help me get ready, and cover this horrific bruise on my face" Francine was quick to nod her head and rush over to help the Arquette girl. 

Nicollette had never felt more nervous than she did at this moment; Nicollette had just arrived at Vauxhall with Olivier as her chaperone for the night. Juliette had decided that it be best if neither she nor Henri attended this evening's event. Nicollette felt as if everyone could see through the makeup on her face and were looking directly at the bruise underneath. Nicollette wore a simple, yet beautiful lilac gown; with a pair of matching colored gloves. Nicollette hurried away from her brother in search of Daphne Bridgerton. It was not long until she found Daphne, standing next to her mother, as Violet conversed with another of the Ton's ladies. "Daphne!" Nicollette spoke in a most unladylike tone and embraced her friend. Daphne gave her mother a quick worried look at the Arquette girl's behavior,

"Nicollette, is everything alright?" Daphne asked worriedly and hugged the brunette back. Nicollette quickly shook her head as she held onto her friend,