She leans against the worktable, feeling slightly sick. The argument with Lucien drained her. He has never raised his hand to her, but there had been times when she felt his fury as a heated blast, and knew he stalked away before he lost control. This had been one of those times. She delays … Continue reading Chapter Fourteen-Piecemeal Truce, by Corso
Chapter Twelve-The Red Dress, by Corso
‘Messieurs, I am here to propose a solution.’ The men are standing bearing polite expressions, their eyes shifting to Lucien and Athos as the ones to acknowledge the Duchess and speak first. Both men hesitate, exchanging a considering glance, uncertain as to her inclusion in this meeting. In that interim, the Duchess d’ Aiguillon stands, … Continue reading Chapter Twelve-The Red Dress, by Corso
Chapter Ten -War Council, by Corso
Lucien opens the door quietly and pauses to let his eyes adjust to the dark. He carries boots in one hand, clothes under his arm. In the other hand he balances a basin of hot water. He crosses the room and sets the basin on a table, the boots and clothes near the wide settee. … Continue reading Chapter Ten -War Council, by Corso
“a la una yo naci”
A tune played by Yusuf, Bianca and Rayya https://youtu.be/kiRB5-gCxgQ?si=5nADHe_Q60rOWyZ-
Chapter Eight-A Family Dinner, by Corso
‘They are all coming,’ Sophia sits on the very edge of the settee, reporting to Marie, ‘children too and even the young priest, Father Ignazio who travels with the Duc d’Herblay. Rayya and Bianca will play their harps and then they will join Yusuf on the oud. It should be quite pleasant.’ She beams at … Continue reading Chapter Eight-A Family Dinner, by Corso
Chapter Six-Mirror of the Heart, by Corso
…Between the mirror and the heart is this single difference: the heart conceals secrets, while the mirror does not…Rumi At Royaumont Estate Sophia picks at the crumbs on her plate, the remains from her breakfast to stop herself from studying Marie too closely. Even with a casual gaze, she can see the pallor that accentuates … Continue reading Chapter Six-Mirror of the Heart, by Corso
Chapter Three- Threads of Truth, by Corso
Now they know … she looks from one to the other, her boys … the day forever etched in her memory … early morning … soldiers on horseback in the yard, churning up the dust stinging her eyes… … soldiers marching toward her … Richelieu behind them, red robes billowing…’did you think you could hide … Continue reading Chapter Three- Threads of Truth, by Corso
Royaumont Abbey and de la Croix estate
Royaumont Abbey is approximately 30 km from Paris, less than a day’s ride away by horse. It is an ancient Cistercian Abbey, founded in 1228 by King Louis IX, better known as Saint Louis. The Abbey buildings are arranged around a beautiful cloister and garden, the galleries of which served the work and prayer places … Continue reading Royaumont Abbey and de la Croix estate
Chapter One – The Long Ride, by Corso
Lucien is stunned …Athos steps back and time slows… he hears the words but cannot make sense of them …“What the hell are you rambling on about?” he growls, his sword still half-drawn. …”Oh no! Can it be that dear Maman did not tell you the whole truth? Tsk tsk tsk…Dear Maman was always such … Continue reading Chapter One – The Long Ride, by Corso
