A Powerful Little Love

Chapter 21

When Franc surprised Amorette in the little village near her house in Provins, she wasn't sure what to make of the visit.  At first she was wary of his intentions but he seemed jovial and friendly.  She invited him back to her home to dine as was customary and he gratefully obliged, taking her basket from her and carrying it himself as they meandered their way out into the country.  Franc was greatly changed, that much was clear.  He was no longer inept and helplessly sweet.  Amorette suspected that one or two women had crossed his path and hardened his resolve a bit.

He was much broader in stature than she remembered and held himself like a man should.  The blond shock of hair was still there but it was swept back behind one ear and there seemed so much life about him.  Amorette was glad to see such a change in her old friend.  Amorette had always worried for his sensibility after she refused him a few years ago but there was little chance of him still suffering over it.  No, he was worldly now with a different outlook on life altogether.  Amorette was sure he had set his sights on someone far prettier and grander than herself.

They passed the evening contentedly by sharing a meal and stories.  They played cards after a while and Amorette could see an improvement in his skills there too.  He had probably accompanied Buckingham on one of his many trips around Christendom and had his eyes opened.  As a young boy Franc was always left behind when Buckingham and his friends went off on their excursions but now Franc was able to tell her tales of all of their exploits because he had been thoroughly involved.  Amorette was pleased for him.  Strangely, she thought him a far better catch now.  He was not so much a repetitive product of his father's upbringing.  There were still the odd topic of politics or religion that would still cause confusion or boredom but on the whole Franc was more tolerable now.

When the time came for Franc to leave he said his amiable goodbyes and marched in the direction of her stables.  Amorette released a breath she didn't know she had been holding and turned away from the front door.  The next time the two might happen upon each other, chances were that Franc would be married and would no longer have any romantic interests towards her.  She still saw a little glint in his eyes that had her feeling wary but he seemed to have been better schooled to control such urges.

Just as she placed a foot on the bottom stair the door swung open again with a gentle thud.  Franc rushed towards her, paid no heed to her protests and grabbed one of her hands in his.  Dropping to one knee he gazed up at her intently.  "Tell me Cometess, what is it I am to do to secure your love and I will readily do it?"

Amorette tried to pull her hand out of his but he held fast, his worry of her imminent refusal very visible.  "Franc we discussed this once before and my feelings have not changed.  I am flattered that you should choose to ask me once, but twice?  I do appreciate the admiration you have shown me but really?  Did you expect me to accept this time when nothing has changed between us?"

Franc still held on tightly to Amorette's hand and she gave up trying to fight his grip.  The first time he had asked, he had looked downright disappointed and ashamed when she had refused him but now he looked incensed.  He tightened his grip on her hand slightly and pulled her behind him into the parlour.  Closing the door behind them, he finally let go of her hand.  "Mademoiselle is this some kind of trick?  Are you and your father laughing at me behind my back?  He tells me repeatedly that you and I should be wed and that I should endeavour to win your favour.  Then when I come to you and bare my soul you could not refuse my offer any quicker!"

Amorette turned away from Franc as she felt her patience for her old friend diminish slightly.  "Franc I have no contact with my father.  He wishes for me to marry someone of his choosing because then my money and lands would be in his control.  Don't you see what he's doing?  I will not do you the discredit of saying that you wish to marry me only for my money but if that were the case you would not see a penny of it anyway because my father would find a way to wheedle it out of you!"