"Good evening ladies." I greet them as I approach the leeches with my friends. "Lady Charlotte-Anne, is there anything I can get you?" I use Charlotte's title, in hopes of intimidating them. If I had used Étienne's they would have latched on tighter. Neither of the women seem bothered by the title. Charlotte must have tried to use it earlier, to no avail.
"Camille, can you join us now?" Charlotte asks with pleading eyes. Her desperation surprises me and ruins my mood. I give a wry smile to the women who have been bullying my friend.
"Of course." I maneuver to sit by Étienne. He beams at me as I take my seat. "What are we talking about?"
"The importance of intimacy. You should know bout it, I heard you got married." One of the women goads me.
"But it seems you didn't please him well. He sent you back." The other one mockingly pouts. Étienne tenses beside me. Subconsciously I squeeze his hand under the table, reassuring him that he doesn't need to react. "Oh, how silly of me! I forgot I heard that he was old and had a heart attack. Although it doesn't surprise me that that is the type of man you attract." The second spits at me as she continues. Do they think such a show of venom will attract Étienne? I decide to ignore their words.
"I thought you ladies would be satisfied with one tongue lashing." I state, hoping to drive them away.
"Wait isn't this the same man as last time. Did you run away with him?" One cackles at the thought. "Did your parents come up with the story of a mysterious husband to hide your shame?"
"I guess you aren't as innocent as you act." The other agrees on this baseless accusation.
"Ladies you give me too much credit. I am not nearly as conniving and vindictive as you. I am merely here to talk with friends I met in Torcy. Charlotte, Étienne, if you are done let's leave these vipers." I am met with approval. I stand to leave with those I care about. They follow me across the room as the two women shoot daggers at my back. I feel their distain for me, but it beings a smile to my lips.
Once out of earshot, Charlotte says, "Camille are you okay?"
"Yes." I soothe her worry. "They are one thing I won't miss them when we leave."
"They were out of line. No one should be allowed to talk about you like that." Charlotte retorts steam nearly coming from her ears. She is so naïve she probably had no idea how to handle the situation.
Étienne stays silent with a dark storm brewing in his eyes. I had held him back in the moment, but he doesn't seem happy about it. I can feel a cold rage emanating from him. I am surprised by his reaction and realize how little I know of Étienne. We have only known each other for a week.
"They don't bother me. I know they are only spouting lies because I interfered in their business." I touch Charlotte's shoulder continuing my attempt to soothe her concern.
"Okay." She says. Her hand flies to her mouth to hide it as it stretches wide. Once she finishes her yawn she explains, "I am tired form traveling, so I am going to bed."
"Me too." I agree with her. This last week had been trying, and I am done dealing with everyone.
"Then I will walk you ladies to your rooms." Étienne offers. I know his anger hasn't cooled but he stifles it to entertain us. We ascend the stairs, and Charlotte hurries to her room, leaving Étienne, and I alone in the hall.
"Don't lie, to me. How are you?" He repeats Charlotte's question with a warning. His eyes glint with determination as he stares at me, searching for the truth.
"I was honest when I told Charlotte that it doesn't bug me. Those that matter know the truth." His concern warms my heart.
"But a woman's reputation is important for her." He doesn't blink, seemly afraid to miss something.
"I am leaving soon, and those women aren't known for their reliability. Their words will have no bearing on my life." He takes my hand in his and lifts it too his soft lips. They brush the back of it.
"If you say so but remember I will always hear you out." He reminds me. I nod, nit trusting my voice to remain even. He leaves me alone in the hall as he descends the stairs, returning to the din of the hall.
I slip into my room, and undress before slipping under my sheets. I try to sleep but my mind wonders to those women's words. They are preposterous, but still sting. The thought of Étienne and the care in his eyes, when he kissed the back of my hand, chases away the negative sentiments. He heard their words and doesn't mind. With thoughts of him I finally drift off to sleep.