The soldier in the portrait had been a respected and admired officer... The man he had become was fighting a different battle now. He had his demons, just as she had her ghosts.
Celeste grabbed his arm. “You see, you are running away from the truth. Why won’t you talk about it?” “Take your hands off me. Now.” She had gone too far. She knew it would be insane to push him further, but she knew with certainty that was...
But the pain, the tearing blackness, the white heat of his uncontrollable fury, the terror that made him run from himself, the sweats and the shakes, and the dull ache in his head, they were all too real. ~~~~ She kissed him to stop the words babblin...
There were times when he felt as if he were being literally torn in two. Times when he raged at the injustice of what was happening to him, times when he was overwhelmed with guilt. There was no right and wrong anymore, which had been one of clear-cu...
Maman’s life was an unfinished book. Celeste had to discover the ending, and then she could close the cover for ever.
Celeste." Jack grinned. "How every appropriate. An angel sent from heaven to relieve my boredom." "An artist sent from France to paint your brother's estate," she retorted. "Touché'. In that case we should get down to business.
His eyes darkened. His hands slid up to her shoulders. She leaned into him as he pulled her towards him. It started so gently. Soft. Delicate. Celeste leant closer. The kiss deepened. she could feel the damp of his shirt and the heat of his skin bene...
He closed his eyes and allowed himself to remember the taste of her and the feel of her and the smell of her. She was quite lovely. She was altogether ravishing. She would set any man's blood on fire. He shouldn't have kissed her.
...People - the ones who are left behind - desire answers. Even when we are advised from beyond the grave not to pursue them.
You're warning me off. There's no need, I assure you. At this moment in time, my only ambition is to get myself through the day ---" He broke off, realising too late what he'd admitted, remembering, suddenly, why he had kissed her in the first place....
...You, you look -- bien -- exactly what you were, a high-ranking British officer, used to unwavering obedience and with the air of a Greek god, gazing down on us mere mortals.
You! That is what is behind this. Ever since you -- As if I didn't have enough on my mind without having to lie awake thinking of you and your damned kisses and your damned questions.
She had always swum alone. She had never swum in the company of a man, and this man -- She dragged her eyes away again.... "Go in. I will follow you but don't look." Jack laughed. "I never make promises I can't keep," he said.
Where is your Revolutionary spirit?" "Beheaded," Celeste said.
Celeste committed the cardinal sin of leaning across Jack's arm. "You will excuse me, Madam, but I have something most particular to say to Monsieur Trestain." "That was rude," jack said, though he was smiling. "No doubt you thought her very beautifu...
Celeste rejoined him. "How you ladies do love a bargain," he said. "You were listening!" "I left before you shared the secrets of your undergarments." Jack looked sheepish. "That didn't sound quite how I intended." Celeste blushed. "You should not ha...
