Embrace the Night

Page 58



"Have I done something to displease you?"

"No! Of Course not."

"Then why are you sending me away?"

Her words brought a wistful smile to his lips. "You're a young woman, Sara Jayne. It's time you associated with other young women. And young men…"

"But…" I don't want to leave you, she thought, frightened at the prospect of being parted from him. He was the only constant left in her life, the only security she had.

"You must trust me in this, Sara," he said. "It's for your own good. All the arrangements have been made."

"It's like a dream come true," she said, and wondered why she wasn't happier. Only moments ago, she had been ecstatic at the thought of going to Paris, but that was before she realized it meant being parted from Gabriel.

"You're too generous, Gabriel. I don't know what to say." "Thank you will suffice."

"It hardly seems enough."

"The look in your eyes is thanks enough," Gabriel replied quietly. "A coach will pick you up in the morning, so I will bid you good night, and good-bye."

"Won't I see you in the morning? Aren't you going with me?"
"I'm afraid not. Business calls me away."

"So this is good-bye, then?"

"For now."

She realized abruptly that she might never see him again. The thought smothered her excitement as effectively as pouring water over a fire. "Will you come to visit me?"

He hesitated a moment before answering, "If I can."

"You seem anxious to be rid of me," she remarked, not meeting his gaze. "I thought…"
Gabriel took a deep breath and let it out in a long, slow sigh. "Thought what?" "That you cared for me."

"Of course I care, Sara."

"No, I mean…" She felt a crimson tide wash up her neck and into her cheeks. "I thought you were starting to care for me the way a man cares for a woman." She risked a glance at his face. "Last night,