Chapter 86

EMILIE!

I ran the dusty road back to the village, my heart bounding with excitement and surprise. I had thought of her so much, yet I always felt it was just another stupid dream to actually believe that I would ever see Emilie again!

I took a shortcut¹ through the stables and blacksmith stalls, and saw her in the square-with her maid. She wore a simple linen² dress, her hair pinned up under a cap, and a plain brown riding cloak about her shoulders. And yet she was lovely, so beautiful. I had to tell myself this was no dream. She was here!

I came out from behind the barn and let her see me. I did not know whether to run and sweep Emilie up into the air or just stand there. In all the world, my lady, I finally said, you have no idea what joy this brings me.

`In all the world' isright , Hugh De Luc. She smiled, her eyes twinkling. For it feels as though I have traveled it to find you.

How I ached to wrap her in my arms. I did not know what feelings had brought her here-or even what feelings were my own. So I held back. She was still a noble, and I was there in torn rags and a patched skirt.

I'm sorry for your trouble. I shook my head. But you are a sight for dreaming eyes no matter how far you've come. Buthow... ? How did you find me here?

You said you were from the south. Emilie picked up her satchel³ and walked up to me. So I merely went to the spot where we found you on the road and continued south. And south. Andsouth even more. Every village we passed, I asked, `Is there a very strange person here who has come from Bor俥, who wears a jester's suit?' I had gone so far south I thought I would hear Spanish, when this nice boy answered, `Yes, ma'am. You must mean Hugh.' I thanked God to hear that word, since we could not drag ourselves one more mile. This is Elena. She waved her attendant forward. She accompanied me on the trip.

Elena. I bowed. I have seen you at Bor俥.

The servant curtsied wearily, clearly delighted their journey had come to an end.

I turned back to Emilie. So tell me, how have you come here? I shook my head. And why?

Because I promised I would see you again. Because I told you I would do what I could do to find you the answers you sought. I will explain later.

And you came all this way alone? The two of you? Do you not know the risk you took?

I told Anne that I had arranged a visit to my aunt Isabel in Toulon. There was such commotion⁴ in Bor俥 with Stephen's return, I am sure she was happy to be rid of me. We were escorted on our way by a party of priests headed south on a pilgrimage.

But your aunt? When you fail to arrive in Toulon, you will be missed.

Emilie bit her lip guiltily. My aunt Isabel does not know. There never was any visit. I made it up.

I broke into a wide grin. You have taken on the world to visit me. But enough questions. You and Elena must be tired. And hungry. I'm afraid we have no castles in these parts. I smiled. But there is no shortage of hospitality. Come, I know just the place.

I threw her leather satchel over my back and walked with them across the square. Everyone had come out and was staring. It must have seemed an incredible sight: Hugh, who had come back from his travels without a denier in his pocket, in torn and preposterous⁵ clothes, with this very special visitor.

A woman of highborn stature⁶.A noble...And a most beautiful one.

I took Emilie and Elena to the inn. This was our inn. I nodded. I have taken up the work to rebuild it.

I noticed a glint of approval light up Emilie's eyes. It is good work, Hugh.

It's no castle, I know. But you'll be warm and comfortable. It's got a good roof and a hearth⁷.

I am honored. Don't you think, Elena? I have heard the fare in such country places is quite good. And they say the innkeeper's quite cute.

I smiled. Then welcome, ladies. To the Ch僼eau De Luc. You will be my first guests!

1 shortcut   

n.近路，捷径

参考例句：

• He was always looking for a shortcut to fame and fortune.他总是在找成名发财的捷径。
• If you take the shortcut,it will be two li closer.走抄道去要近2里路。

2 linen   

n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的

参考例句：

• The worker is starching the linen.这名工人正在给亚麻布上浆。
• Fine linen and cotton fabrics were known as well as wool.精细的亚麻织品和棉织品像羊毛一样闻名遐迩。

3 satchel   

n.(皮或帆布的)书包

参考例句：

• The school boy opened the door and flung his satchel in.那个男学生打开门，把他的书包甩了进去。
• She opened her satchel and took out her father's gloves.打开书箱，取出了她父亲的手套来。

4 commotion   

n.骚动，动乱

参考例句：

• They made a commotion by yelling at each other in the theatre.他们在剧院里相互争吵，引起了一阵骚乱。
• Suddenly the whole street was in commotion.突然间，整条街道变得一片混乱。

5 preposterous   

adj.荒谬的，可笑的

参考例句：

• The whole idea was preposterous.整个想法都荒唐透顶。
• It would be preposterous to shovel coal with a teaspoon.用茶匙铲煤是荒谬的。

6 stature   

n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材

参考例句：

• He is five feet five inches in stature.他身高5英尺5英寸。
• The dress models are tall of stature.时装模特儿的身材都较高。

7 hearth   

n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面

参考例句：

• She came and sat in a chair before the hearth.她走过来，在炉子前面的椅子上坐下。
• She comes to the hearth,and switches on the electric light there.她走到壁炉那里，打开电灯。