A LITTLE TWIST OF FATE

Chapter 44

"We cannot leave yet," Vivienne screamed, her foot tapping twice as fast as usual. "My son has disappeared into thin air and they're talking about leaving."

"Your son?" Isabel screeched. "What about my daughter? She's been missing for two days now."

"Now, calm down," Armand said, watching the two of them from his vantage point on the couch where he was keeping an eye on Rodmilla. She had improved so quickly that Armand felt it was all right to move her out of bed. "I'm sure there is a good explanation for all this."

Phillippe looked up. "Easy for you to say, doctor. It's not your children who are missing."

Armand frowned. "My son and daughter have been gone since yesterday as well, Monsieur le Duke. I do know that my daughter walked off with your son last night and I haven't seen them since. As for my son.."

"Sorry we are so late, Papa, but I'm afraid it couldn't be helped. Besides we really lost track of time."

Phillippe and Armand turned around to find Pierre and Adrienne standing at the entrance to the manor.

"Adrienne," Isabel cried, tears swelling in her eyes. "Where have you been?" She ran over to her daughter and embraced her. "I've been out of my mind with worry."

"Mother," Adrienne said, releasing her. "I'm fine. I have something to tell you."

"And we have much to tell you, but first we will have to get you ready for Prince Henry. He is leaving you know, with.

"I've married, Mother. I have married the court physician's son. Pierre and I have been seeing one another secretly for the past year. We hadn't thought about a commitment until we were pushed together two nights ago when he proposed to me." Adrienne smiled. "I never thought that I could be this happy, Mother. I do know that this has been a disappointment for you, but I know what I want and Pierre means everything to me."

Isabel stared at her daughter. She looked as if she was in a state of shock.

It was different for Armand, however. "My daughter," he said, smiling, walking over to her, arms outstretched. "Welcome to our family. I am sure that you have made my son very happy indeed."

They embraced and he released her. "And he has done the same for me, Father," Adrienne smiled. "I know that I will be happy."

"What of my son?" Vivienne asked, still tapping that foot.

"Oh, I almost forgot. How silly of me. "Pierre smiled and produced a sealed envelope from its hiding place inside the waist of his breeches. He handed it to Vivienne who grabbed at it and ripped it open.

Everyone sat in silence as she read it. All you could hear was her foot tapping against the stone floor.

"NO," she cried, as she threw the letter on the floor. "How dare he do this me after all that I have done for him? After all that's happened? It's all ruined now, all my planning and dreaming."

She looked up and saw that everyone was staring at her.

"Vivienne, please," Phillippe asked, "What is wrong?"

She looked at her husband and her mouth began to move, but nothing would come out. She screamed, turned and stormed out the door.

"Vivienne, wait."

And they all watched as he ran after her.

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