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have never been weak in the face of them until this evening.” Alastair stood and went to the window. “I want her. No matter what it does to me.” When he turned, Gilles was pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head.
    “Of all the women, Alastair… Just wait until tomorrow. Once you know more, we’ll talk. If you still feel the same, I'll help you in any way I can.” His gaze implored. Alastair nodded and returned to the desk and waited for Gilles to finish his letter. He handed it to him and when Alastair read it, his eyebrows rose.
    “She'll be able to understand this?” He asked. Gilles nodded.
    “Do not let anyone see you leave town with her. It's going to be madness as it is without adding you to the equation. I'll have to prepare Elise and maman. Once word gets out that she's moved here, they'll be mobbed. We may need to lock this place down before we leave. I'm hoping the worst of it will blow over before we return.” He rose and came around the desk. He leaned against it and crossed his arms.
    “What is it that I’m not aware of? Even Briarly acted as if she was some sort of celebrity or royalty.” Alastair watched as Gilles’ face fell in shock just before he threw his bed back and laughed.
    “Really, Alastair? I understand your disdain for society but you must have heard of the Double Capet.” He waited. Alastair held both of his hands up and shook his head. Gilles groaned. “The Capetians, Alastair! Descended from Hugh Capet, they've only ruled most of France and Europe for the last eight hundred years or so.” Alastair felt his shoulders tighten. He was aware of the historical significance of the dynasty, he hoped that this wasn't going where he feared.
    “And this Double Capet?” He asked carefully. Gilles laughed again.
    “This is bloody beautiful. You know everything except this and it is going to just kick you in the ass.” He smiled broadly. “About twenty four years ago, two lovely young people came to town. One from one branch of the Capetian Dynasty, the other from a different. The ton was in alt, there were grand balls and lavish feasts. It was a good year for modistes and tailors as every eligible man and woman was determined to land a Capet. To everyone's great disappointment, they found each other. It was love at first sight. Shortly after what some still call The Wedding of the Century, they left London. Both did not have a favorable opinion of the ton, they had been ruthlessly scrutinized and in unreasonable demand. They swore to never return and retired to the country. It wasn't long before they had a child, a daughter. When the ton got wind of her birth, the countdown began. They've been waiting for the young lady, the Double Capet, for more than twenty years. Would you like to guess what her name is?” Gilles schooled his features as he watched Alastair absorb the consequences.
    “Giselle St. Claire is the Double Capet.” He whispered.
    “Isn't that just the height of irony? She’s cousin to both Louis and Ferdinand.” He drawled. Alastair scowled. “As soon as they know she's arrived, she will be under siege. For as long as I've known her, Giselle has sworn that she would not allow the ton to bully her or invade her life. She’s known since she was a child that when she chose to marry, her lineage would be the dominant factor. So, she has lived her life flying in the face of her expectations and as far as I know is still determined to never marry. Whatever it is that has brought her here to London, it must be pretty damned important. Our first priority is to get her to Winthorpe, then I’ll find out what happened in Calais and why she's here. After that, we can decide what part you’ll play and if you're still interested in marrying her.” Gilles waited for Alastair's agreement. Once he nodded, he patted him on the back and turned him toward the study door. “Go prepare for your trip to Winthorpe. I need to warn Elise and maman.”

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