Chapter 7

The reason for Jacques’s following him here was clear. He towered over Desiree, staking his claim to her. That Jacques would even consider Ignatius as a rival made the professor feel slightly flattered for all the good such pleasant stirrings would do him.

“Before compliments go to Jacques’s head—” Desiree’s voice rang out as clearly pitched as a bell, “—there is one stronger in these parts.”

“Dear child, let’s not bother with such nonsense. Stop teasing Jacques.” Her father’s voice sounded perturbed but not seriously so.

“I wasn’t aware I was teasing him. I fully expected him to defend himself.”

“Against a legend?” Jacques sounded entertained by the notion. “If it pleases my lady, should I ever come face to face with such a fable, I will do so.”

“To come face to face with this particular myth would be rather difficult, don’t you think?” Gregoire’s patience thinned as did his lips, but before he could interject, Jacques laughed heartedly.