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She looked aside to catch Michael s eyes, but he didn t react to her
whispered proposal. He turned on his laptop and began hammering on the
keys as if his life depended on it.
Samantha swallowed, moving her feet restlessly over the coconut car
THE ENCHANTED CASTLE Anita Verkerk 43
mat. Michael could do nothing but work his fingers to the bone. There
wouldn t be a love night in that castle, no matter what her fairy-tale
godmother had promised her. Michael would either work or be asleep. It
was as simple as that.
She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes, listening to the
monotone sound of the car engine mixed with the unsettled typing next to
her.
After some time the limousine turned a corner and Samantha sat up
straight. They had left the highway and drove on to a secondary road
leading through fields of ripening grain. The waving ears of rye looked like
pure gold. On the other side of the road a field with blooming sunflowers
came in view, their yellow petals eagerly raised at the caressing sunbeams.
She tapped on Michael s arm. Look, Michael. It s so beautiful
here.
Michael looked up, in a disturbed manner. What the hell, he began,
then his mouth fell open. Oh my, he exclaimed. Look at that. This is
where Van Gogh must have made his most famous paintings.
Samantha sighed. Why did she always have to compete against this
Van Gogh?
She watched the thrilling excitement in Michael s gorgeous eyes and
her stomach shifted into a ball of agony, moving up quickly to her throat.
She was no match for Van Gogh. She would never be able to beat him.
She d lost her husband to a painter who had been dead for years.
She swept away a tear before it could ruin her make-up, and stared
out the window, without looking at the landscape. She should have stayed
in Paris to spend her free time near the Champs Elysees where the world s
most famous Fashion Houses had taken up residence. Chanel, Christian
Dior, Yves Saint Laurent ... Admiring the up-to-date haute couture
collections would have been much more interesting than glaring at a typing
husband.
The chauffeur took a cross road, then steered the car into a long
driveway which was framed by enormous beech trees.
At the end of the avenue a magnificent white castle rose up. Lots of
elegant whimsical turrets, stretching toward the bright blue sky, ornate gray
roofs, flamboyant stained glass windows and intricate stonework seemed to
THE ENCHANTED CASTLE Anita Verkerk 44
grow out of the blossoming hills. The building looked as if it had fallen
from the pages of a storybook, and the sight left Samantha without breath.
Sleeping Beauty s Castle, she whispered when she was able to
speak again. It s amazing.
Pure kitsch, Michael commented in a wry manner. I would say this
is an ultimate example of bad taste. Very bad taste. I can only hope the
painting is real.
You and your darned painting, Samantha snarled. This is the most
romantic building I ve ever seen.
Romantic, Michael snapped in return. I m fed up with that female
rubbish about romance. This is a business trip, lady. I m here to earn a
living. And as soon as I ve examined that Van Gogh we ll return to the
airport. I m not going to stay in that monstrosity one second longer than I
have to.
The limousine crossed a wooden drawbridge and stopped near a high
flight of steps.
Le Chateau d Amour , the chauffeur announced, pride in his voice.
Michael closed his laptop with a sharp bang. Love Castle. He
didn t even try to hide his sarcasm.
The chauffeur opened the back door of the car and helped Samantha
get out. Madame la Comtesse is waiting for you.
The man smiled at her. It was a friendly smile followed by a blink of
understanding. Or did she see pity in his eyes?
The chauffeur pointed at the top of the flight of steps, where an
enormous oak door opened. A beautiful woman stepped out. She was
dressed in a green brocade gown with wide sleeves. Her milk-white breasts
bulged above a very low neckline. The gown was taken in at the waist and
ended in a long wide hoop skirt. Raven hair curled along her shoulders.
Wicca.
Samantha heard Michael gasp for breath.
Quite a décolletage, huh? And that in such a monstrosity, Samantha
couldn t help saying.
Michael didn t answer. He rushed up the stairs three steps at a time
and stretched out his hand to Wicca.
My name is Michael Gordon. I m here for the Van Gogh.
THE ENCHANTED CASTLE Anita Verkerk 45
I m countess Coeur-de-Corbeau, Wicca replied. I m pleased to
meet you and your beautiful wife.
Michael looked back at Samantha. I m sorry she s with me. We
won t be staying long, though.
Your wife is very welcome here. Wicca winked at Samantha and,
stepping aside, she let the chauffeur pass with the luggage. Samantha went
up. She had the enormous urge to hug Wicca but that wouldn t be wise. So
she pressed Wicca s hand in a formal way. I m very pleased to meet your
ladyship.
Enchanté, madame, Wicca replied in French, adding a secret wink.
Can you please call that chauffeur back, Ladyship? Michael asked.
We re not going to stay. I m here for the painting only.
Samantha pressed her lips together. Did she hear fear in Michael s
voice? Fear for what?
I want to apologize for my husband s rude behavior, she said. He
must be tired.
I m not tired at all. I want to examine the Van Gogh.
Michael. Stop being so.... Samantha began, but Wicca interrupted
her.
I have to bid for your patience, Mister Gordon, she said. The
painting belongs to my grandmother and she is resting at the moment.
Please follow me. I ll show you to your room.
Michael muttered something to himself, but it was clear that he didn t
have the guts to protest aloud.
Samantha grinned, then said to Wicca, You are wearing an amazing
gown, milady.
Merci. We are having a fancy-dress ball tonight. You ll find
everything you need in your room.
Wow, Samantha replied. I love historical clothing.
Michael coughed. This is a business trip.
Of course, Mister Gordon. But my grandmother wants to get to
know you first. The painting is very precious to her. It shouldn t end up in
unworthy hands.
I see. His voice sounded strangled.
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