Chapter
8

Angelique squirmed in the cushioned chair across the small oval table from Miss McDouall.

“So, then we are agreed,” said the young woman, perched on the edge of her chair. She was every bit the lady in another of her beautiful silk gowns, this one robin’s-egg blue. “We shall meet for tea in the afternoons for lessons in conduct, as well as lessons in reading and writing.”

The panic that had constricted Angelique’s chest when she’d stepped inside the fort and into the officers’ building cut off her breath again. It wasn’t the fort itself that scared her. She’d been inside the walls before when she’d come to sell eggs and fresh produce. The tall, whitewashed stone wall on the south side was imposing, as were the sharp-pointed wooden palisades that surrounded the rest of the hilltop fort.

She was accustomed to the sight of the structure, since every time she looked up from anywhere in town, it was always there on the cliffs, a serious sentinel looming overhead. But she’d never been inside any of the buildings, much less the large stone house where the officers lived.

As the safest building in the fort, the residence consisted of living quarters for the officers and their families, bedrooms, and offices. There was even room for the kitchen and servants in the building’s lower level.

Again Angelique’s eyes darted around the grand sitting room. With a lovely carpet at the center, lacy curtains, and brightly cushioned sofas and chairs, it was likely the fanciest room in the fort, perhaps even on the island.

Miss McDouall took a sip of tea from a dainty porcelain cup. Her fingers were delicate and unblemished against the fancy blue pattern of the cup.

Angelique stared at her own fingers, coarse and red and cracked. She’d been afraid during the entire past hour that her cup would slip from her grip and crash to the polished wood floor. Or that she’d spill tea onto the spotless white tablecloth.

Not even the pleasure of real tea with a hint of lemon could take away her discomfort, sitting in close proximity to the elegant Miss McDouall.

“Are you agreeable to the plans, Miss MacKenzie?” Miss McDouall set her cup on the matching saucer, making only the tiniest of clinks. She gave Angelique an encouraging smile like one would to a child.

Angelique smiled back weakly. What need did a poor girl like her have for reading or writing? Or lessons in conduct—whatever that was?

But she knew Ebenezer expected her to be agreeable to the young woman. He’d been giddy to form a connection with the commanding officer, Colonel McDouall, and he’d warned her before she’d left the tavern that she’d better not do anything to jeopardize the position of honor. He’d also reminded her that she would serve her discipline when she returned home—that he’d not forgotten and would still make her pay for her sins.

“I’m not sure that my stepfather will spare me from my work every afternoon,” Angelique finally managed.

“He seems like an agreeable man. I shall send him a note and explain our plans.” Miss McDouall lifted a linen cloth to her lips and pressed gently. “Surely he will consent once he understands how beneficial such an arrangement will be.”

Ebenezer had likely begun calculating how much profit he could make through his association with the important commander. Angelique had the sinking feeling that he wouldn’t say no to Miss McDouall’s plans, even if he wanted to.

“The very first thing we must do tomorrow,” continued Miss McDouall as if the matter were already settled, “is to find more suitable apparel for you to wear when you visit. And I shall show you how to bathe and groom yourself properly.”

“This is my best garment.” Angelique glanced down at the plain skirt. It was frayed and stained. But it was cleaner than her everyday skirt, which she had changed out of before Lieutenant Steele had arrived to escort her to the fort.

“Then it is a good thing I brought my entire summer wardrobe. My father chastised me for packing six trunks and told me I wouldn’t have need for so many gowns. But I had the suspicion I would make good use of them. And I was right.”

Angelique eyed the ruffles and lace that adorned Miss McDouall’s gown, and she shook her head. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—ever don one of Miss McDouall’s gowns. “I couldn’t possibly—”

“Oh, think nothing of it, my dear.” Miss McDouall’s smile was warm and as sweet as one of the tea cakes Angelique had nibbled with her tea. “I’ll look through my trunks this very evening and find something suitable to your station. I believe I included one or two plain gowns from last season with the foresight that I would be in the wilderness and might have use of something old.”

A rush of anxiety choked Angelique. How would she stay invisible in one of Miss McDouall’s gowns? She’d stand out like a crimson cardinal against freshly fallen snow and make herself a target for some old trapper looking for a wife.

She started to shake her head but stopped. Ebenezer wouldn’t make her, not with his strict standards concerning modesty. Perhaps he’d consent to Miss McDoull’s daily lessons, but he’d never agree to let her strut about town looking like a loose woman.

Miss McDouall glanced into the front hallway that ran down the middle of the building, separating the commander’s living quarters from those of one of the other officers.

During the past hour, various soldiers had been coming and going from the room across the hallway from theirs, where Colonel McDouall was meeting with the previous commander of the fort, Captain Bullock.

Only Lieutenant Steele remained at his post at the entryway of their sitting room, standing erect and waiting for Miss McDouall’s beckon.

Angelique had prayed the quartermaster wouldn’t have to escort her home. He’d said nothing to her on the climb up the steep path to the fort. She’d almost begun to believe he hadn’t remembered their encounter in the woods earlier in the week, until they’d entered the fort and stopped outside the heavy door of the officers’ quarters.

His tone had been clipped and filled with warning. “If you say anything at all about me to Miss McDouall, I expect it to be favorable.”

She’d hoped he would leave and return to his duties as quartermaster. With all the barrels and crates that had been delivered from the ship, he would certainly have a great deal of work restocking the fort’s supplies and distributing them among the soldiers and Indians.

But apparently he’d made time in his busy schedule to dote on Miss McDouall.

“Mr. Durant,” Miss McDouall called, rising from her chair, her eyes bright and fixed on a new arrival in the hallway.

Angelique followed the young woman’s gaze, and to her surprise she found herself staring at Pierre. He’d changed out of his voyageur attire and wore the garb of any ordinary man on the island. Except Pierre wasn’t ordinary at all. He was still as dashing in his corduroy trousers and calico shirt as he’d been in his leather breeches and capote.

At Miss McDouall’s call, Pierre paused, and instead of continuing toward the colonel’s office, he veered toward the sitting room.

“I’m delighted to see you here, Mr. Durant.” Miss McDouall glided gracefully away from the table.

Pierre’s attention was focused on the beautiful woman, and he flashed her one of his breathtaking grins. “Lavinia McDouall.”

He started into the room, but Lieutenant Steele blocked the doorway with the butt of his rifle.

At the sight of the quartermaster and rifle, Pierre stopped short, and a shadow crossed his face.

Angelique sat frozen in her chair. Did he realize the quartermaster was the one who had attacked her earlier in the week?

“You may let him pass, Lieutenant Steele.” Miss McDouall bestowed a smile on the soldier. “I know Mr. Durant from our association last summer in Montreal.”

The quartermaster glared at Pierre before lowering his rifle.

Pierre strode past him, his attention centered on Miss McDouall. “I heard you were here. But nobody told me you were so ravishing.”

Her cheeks turned a rosy pink. “I heard you were here too and working for Daddy.”

Angelique hadn’t had the chance yet to ask Pierre whose side he was on in the war, but she’d assumed he sided with the British like most of the Indians and voyageurs. Otherwise he wouldn’t have been welcome on the island.

She was only a little disappointed in his choice, though eased by the thought that he wasn’t joining the fighting and wouldn’t have to pick up arms against Jean.

Pierre reached for Miss McDouall’s hand, brought it to his lips, and pressed a kiss there. Then he bowed gallantly.

Miss McDouall gave a breathy laugh, but at the sight of Lieutenant Steele’s scowl, she blushed again and pulled her hand away from Pierre.

For a long moment, Angelique could only stare between Pierre and Miss McDouall. Then something hot and sharp stabbed her. Did Pierre have feelings of affection toward Miss McDouall?

Angelique sat up straighter and scooted to the edge of her chair. Didn’t he see her at all? Was she completely invisible and unworthy of notice in the presence of one as lovely and charming as Miss McDouall?

“When I arrived yesterday to such stark surroundings,” Miss McDouall said, “I was worried I might be bored this summer. But now that you’re here, I know I shall have a gay time.”

“You’re right,” Pierre replied with a laugh. “You certainly won’t be bored with me here.”

Angelique had the urge to stand up and slap the silly grin off Pierre’s face. He was acting like a besotted fool.

Miss McDouall peeked at Lieutenant Steele from underneath her lashes. “I was very happy to meet the acquaintance of the fort’s quartermaster, Lieutenant Steele. He has also assured me that he will do everything he can to make certain my time on the island is entertaining.”

The two men again exchanged wary glances.

A smile played at Miss McDouall’s lips.

She was obviously enjoying the attention and flattery of both the men. When Pierre turned his adoration back upon her, she gave him another bright smile.

Was that what beauty brought? The flattery of handsome men like Pierre? Angelique stared up at Pierre, willing him to look at her with adoration.

But the truth was, next to the stunning Miss McDouall, he hadn’t noticed her at all. And why would he? Not when she looked the way she did.

She glanced at her roughened hands and then again at Miss McDouall’s flawless skin. What would it take to get Pierre to admire her?

She shook her head and pushed to her feet, scolding herself. Why should she care? Let Pierre make a fool of himself with other women. It didn’t mean anything to her.

“I don’t think you should count on Pierre providing you any entertainment,” Angelique said, straightening and facing Pierre. “He’s as boring as an old goat.”

At the sight of her, surprise widened Pierre’s eyes, quickly followed by a spark of mirth. “An old goat?”

Miss McDouall gave a start. “Why, Miss MacKenzie!”

“Besides, he’s leaving in a few weeks.” An unseen force prodded Angelique, driving her rudeness, along with the need to claim Pierre’s attention away from Miss McDouall. “If he does all the work he says he’s going to, then I have the feeling he’ll be too busy for social calls anyway. Am I right, Mr. Durant?”

Pierre nodded. “I can always make time to socialize, Miss MacKenzie. You should know that all work and no play has never been my motto.”

“Do the two of you know each other?” Miss McDouall’s delicately shaped eyebrows rose.

“We’re childhood friends,” Pierre explained. “We were inseparable playmates when we were younger.”

“I see,” Miss McDouall said. “Then you should be pleased to know that this summer among the charities I’ll be heading, I have chosen to bestow my kind attention and help upon Angelique.”

The room with its fancy furniture, fine linens, and bookcase of thick books seemed to close in on Angelique. Embarrassed, she felt heat rising beneath her high neckline.

“I didn’t know Angelique needed help with anything,” Pierre said.

“Why, Mr. Durant, look at her. She needs improvement with just about everything, if I’m to turn her into a lady by the end of the summer.”

Angelique wanted to run from the building, out of the fort, and down to the lake, where the cool breezes could soothe the heat on her skin. She didn’t dare look into Pierre’s eyes and chance seeing pity in them again. She wouldn’t be able to bear it.

Pierre was silent for a moment. The loud voices in the hallway, Lieutenant Steele calling a greeting to a newcomer, echoed around them. When Angelique finally dared to peek at Pierre, she was surprised that instead of pity, he offered her a grin.

“I don’t think Angelique needs improvement,” he said, “except for maybe a few more fishing tips from the master himself.”

Gratefulness welled inside Angelique, and she returned his smile.

Miss McDouall slipped her arm into the crook of Pierre’s. She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “’Twould appear I’ve come to the island at just the right time. Not only to improve Miss MacKenzie, but to give you a few lessons as well.”

She started to lead him toward the door. He didn’t resist. Instead he placed his hand over hers and tucked it more securely in his grasp. “Then it’s a very good thing I’m a willing student.”

He flashed Miss McDouall the kind of smile that made Angelique’s chest twist with painful longing. What could she possibly do to make him smile at her like that? The kind of smile meant for a beautiful woman, instead of one for an old friend and playmate.

“Good day, Miss MacKenzie.” Miss McDouall tossed the words over her shoulder. “I shall expect your visit tomorrow at half past three promptly.”

She nodded. What harm would come of letting the commander’s daughter teach her a thing or two about how to act more ladylike?

But just as quickly as the thought came, she shoved it aside.

She didn’t need Pierre’s special smiles. She didn’t need to be beautiful, like her mother. She was perfectly happy with the way she was.