Can this be a sin?

h harbour city. During the journey, she was held in the arms of the mysterious man and could always feel his warm chest and arms as she slept and woke amidst the tossing waves. It was the first time in her life that she had ever felt such a strong and reliable sense of protection.

From his tales, she gathered that the Marquis was originally a lord in Vendée who had to flee to the other side of the Channel like many other noble yet unfortunate people with the outbreak of rebellion against the monarchy. He had returned home a few months ago, assuming the duty of leading loyal and valiant peasants in defending their king and homeland. But now, with the rebels'' ferocious onslaught, he was forced to retreat once again.

Fiona could never forget her amazement and awe when she first held the Marquis''s hand to walk into the magnificent estate. The picturesque castle was surrounded by towering niveous marble walls, and the vast courtyard was a playground for the beautiful purebred horses of various colours that galloped freely on the grass.

The respectful servants bowed to open the cream-coloured double doors adorned with elegant golden knocker for them.

"This will be your home from now on, little one," he said, placing both hands on her petite shoulders and nudging her into the hall.

Fiona walked timidly yet excitedly into the palace and raised her tiny head to gaze at the sky-high ceiling. The walls around were covered with priceless tapestries and famous paintings, their variegated colours changing their hues under the shifting sunlight. The noble dame in the full-length portrait gazed down at the girl, with her grey eyes seeming to follow her every move, making Fiona feel as if the whole strange world was spinning at her feet.

She lifted the hem of her dress and ran up and down the grand and luxurious spiral staircase on her two slender legs like a birdling, exclaiming incredulously, "Is this really our house?"

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