to their charms as he waited impatiently for Amy to arrive. Samuel and Josephine had hoped that she would prepare for the ball at The Folly so that she could greet their guests with them, but as she had sent word that her gran was ill, and knowing how much she loved the old woman they were just grateful that she had still agreed to come.
At last she swept through the door like a breath of fresh air and hugged her grandparents fondly before taking her place at François’ side. He guarded her jealously, determined that she should not spend a second with anyone but himself, and when the orchestra finally started with a graceful waltz he took her into his arms and swept her around the dance floor.
The two families looked proudly on as Monsieur Laroque murmured to Samuel, ‘I am having the feeling that tonight shall be one to remember,’ and he had no way of knowing just how true his words would prove to be.
Josephine positively glowed with pride as she introduced their granddaughter to their guests, while Samuel looked on with a broad smile on his face. The house and gardens were teeming with people and everyone was in fine high spirits. Champagne flowed like water and maids especially hired for the grand occasion flitted here and there replenishing the tables with mouthwatering treats and making sure that everyone’s glasses were full.
Even Adam seemed to be making an effort tonight and was mingling with the guests instead of locking himself away in his room as he had tended to do since Eugenie had left. The moon winked as if in approval to hear laughter in the house that had seen so much sadness.
Amy had danced so much that she was breathless, so when the grandfather clock struck ten and François took her by the hand and led her out on to the terrace, she went willingly, glad of a chance of a little fresh air. It was a perfect night. The moon was sailing high in an inky black sky surrounded by millions of stars and Amy sighed happily as François’ warm arm rested about her slim shoulders. Leaning on the ornate stone balustrade that skirted the terruce she smiled dreamily as she watched two snow-white swans swimming by in perfect harmony on the River Anker that snaked through the grounds. A sly old fox, his bushy tail flying out behind him, suddenly broke from the woods and after doing a quick tour of the lawns for any unsuspecting rabbit that might be loitering there, he disappeared back the way he had come, intent on finding his supper.
Amy smiled as she glanced up at François, but then noting his serious expression she asked, ‘Is something wrong? Are you not enjoying yourself ?’
‘How could anything be wrong when I am with you, ma petite? If I appeared grave it was only because I was thinking how very lucky I am to be here with you.’
‘Oh, François …’
He raised a finger to her lips and stopped her from going any further. ‘No, do not say anything, Aimée, for I have something that I wish very much to ask you … But first I must show you this.’
Delving into his waistcoat pocket he withdrew a small box, and when he opened the lid she found herself staring down at a sparkling diamond ring. She gasped as the moonlight caught its many facets and reflected them a thousandfold, and François smiled at her reaction.
‘This, ma petite, is for you,’ he murmured. ‘I had it especially made in Paris. Do you like it?’
‘Like it? Why, François, who could not like it? It’s beautiful,’ she stuttered.
He lifted her chin until she was staring into his eyes.
‘Aimée, you must know how much I love you by now.’ To her consternation he then dropped to one knee. ‘Aimée Elizabeth Hannah Forrester, will you please do me the very great honour of becoming my wife?’
Amy’s mouth fell into a gape. It was strange. She had dreamed of this moment and yet now that it was actually happening, she felt only numbness. He stood back up and took her into his arms, his eyes gentle as she stared up into his face, perplexed. It was almost as if she was seeing him for the very first time. She was sure that she should be feeling something, anything, and yet all she could feel was this strange numbness, and for now words failed her.