‘Open the gate!’ The guards look down from the ramparts at the horse and rider and call down the order. The massive gate at Glenay groans under its weight and Lucien rides into the central courtyard. Yawning stable boys quickly appear stuffing their arms into the sleeves of their jackets. He slides from the saddle, … Continue reading ChapterTwenty Four-No Choice but the Path Before, by Corso
Chapter Nineteen, Part II-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
The only light in the dark room comes from the fireplace. The corners of the room are lost in deep shadows, the flickering firelight casts dancing shadows on the high ceiling and walls, over portraits of stern men and women. They look down from their lofty position on a wall, with dark expressions of disapproval … Continue reading Chapter Nineteen, Part II-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
Chapter Nineteen, Part I-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
‘Fils de pute!’ Lucien swears viciously, yanking his sword from the dead man’s body, pivots to drive his dagger into another belly, his sword slashing across another throat. He stumbles over the rocky terrain, cursing his attackers continuously dragging a man down with him grabbing for his face and banging his head repeatedly into the … Continue reading Chapter Nineteen, Part I-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
Duchess de Chevreuse
1. Attributed to Claude Deruet , Portrait of Marie de Rohan, Duchess of Chevreuse (1600-1679) as Diana the Huntress (circa 1627), Palace of Versailles; 2. Marie with her son Louis Charles; she poses as Diana and her son as Hercules; 3. Entourage of Daniel Dumonstier , Portrait of Marie de Rohan, Duchess of Luynes (circa … Continue reading Duchess de Chevreuse
Chapter Thirteen-In the Family, by Mordaunt
The warmth of Layla’s kiss lingers on Raoul’s lips. It was unexpected, as is everything else about Layla. This is why she is compelling. She reads him perfectly, whereas he always finds himself dumbfounded. Her unwavering faith in him echoes in his mind: I will wait…I will never give up…I will love you always… Raoul … Continue reading Chapter Thirteen-In the Family, by Mordaunt
Chapter Five-Love Unsought, Love Unaltered, by Mordaunt
Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better. Shakespeare, 1601 Twelfth Night, act 3, sc.1, l.154. Love is not love that alters when it alteration finds. Shakespeare, Sonnet 116 From the window of the salon she sees him galloping down the graveled path toward the house. Even at this distance Constance worries that his … Continue reading Chapter Five-Love Unsought, Love Unaltered, by Mordaunt
Twelve Years After 