Spring Fires by Cynthia Wright Page A

now...."
    "And?"
    She sensed Alec's presence, watching them from the doorway. "I can see that, although you've hardened, you have the perceptivity to people's thoughts and actions which a true survivor needs."
    "If I hadn't cultivated a new set of instincts, I could not have stayed alive in France."
    "I know." Unexpectedly, her eyes stung with sentimental tears. "But... Nicholai, I worry that your openness has been crushed; I keep wondering whether any person on earth could ever hurt you again."

 
     
     
    Chapter 10

     
    March 26, 1793
     
    Nicholai enjoyed the evening with his family immensely.He began to see the connection between Caro's poignant words and the love and trust he felt for the few people in this house. Perhaps she was right... it seemed that only with his family could he lower his guard and open his heart
    The hours passed quickly. Before supper, the children had become acquainted with their uncle. Talya sat on his lap while Etienne unreeled endless facts about his school, horse, friends, and his father's ships. Finally, the boy allowed Antonia to interrupt with the news that supper was ready. Kristin sat at the table in high chair, between Nicholai and her doting grandmother. Alec had told the truth: the baby was blessed with raven hair and black-lashed turquoise eyes exactly like his.
    While they ate a sumptuous meal, the family gave Nicholai detailed news regarding his sisters, Danielle and Natalya, both of whom were living away from Philadelphia. It was almost as difficult for him to imagine Natalya a wife and mother as it was to realize that Katya was now a young woman. Learning that his younger sister was happy and that her husband lived up to the fantasies of her youth pleased Nicholai.
    "It would seem that I am the only one of your children who isn't safely embraced by true love, Maman."
    Antonia did not see the humor. "That does seem to be the case," she replied, eyeing him speculatively.
    "Oh, no—don't you start drawing up a master plan to marry me off! I can already see into your mind; you are perusing your list of available maidens in search of the first one to invite to supper on an evening when I will be attending." He scolded her affectionately and the rest of the family laughed at this accurate prediction of Antonia's behavior.
    "Speaking of maidens," Nicholai continued lightly, "how is Mary Armstrong?"
    Caro watched him, trying to decide if his tone masked a deeper feeling. Mary had once been his sweetheart, mending the tear Caro had made in his heart. Until the day Nicholai announced he wanted to begin a new life in France, they had all hoped he would make Mary his wife.
    "She's no longer a maiden, I fear," Jean-Philippe was saying. "She married Timothy Barcroft at least two years ago. He is a professor at the Philadelphia Academy."
    "Good. I hope that life is treating her well; she deserves happiness."
    Antonia and Caro exchanged perplexed glances, remembering how Mary had waited years for Nicholai to return from France, until she was twenty-five. Although she did seem content with life, they both suspected that she had only accepted Timothy's proposal when it seemed she was slipping into spinsterhood.
    Dessert was being served and there were exclamations of delight from the children when they saw that Mrs. Reeves had made ice cream. The cook smiled broadly at Nicholai as she placed the largest portion in front of him.
    "I remembered 'twas always your favorite, Master Nicky," she said. "'Tis my welcome-home gift to you."
    He stood partway, leaning over the high chair, and gave Mrs. Reeves a hug. Just as he sat down, Kristin put five plump fingers into his ice cream, gave a gurgling laugh, and patted her uncle's sleeve. Ignoring the sticky mess on his expensive coat, he took her little hand and kissed it.
    "Kristin, my sweet, I am truly glad to be here tonight with you—and all my family." The grin that flashed in contrast to Nicholai's tanned face held no trace of mockery.
    * * *
    Alec