These Old Shades (Alastair-Audley Tetralogy 1)

‘A roan horse belonging to one Mr Manvers of Crosby Hall, sold by Milor’ Rupert on Monday. You will buy it back.’ Another purse followed the first. ‘The price is of no moment. You will have the animal conveyed to Crosby Hall, with Milor’ Rupert’s compliments and – er – thanks. That also is understood?’

‘Yes, Monseigneur,’ said Gaston dismally.

‘Bien. This is, I think, Wednesday. You will be here again no later than Monday. Send Meekin to me now. You may go.’

The groom came speedily.

‘Your Grace sent for me?’

‘I did. You will start for Paris, my friend, within the hour.’

‘Ay, your Grace.’

‘To apprise the admirable Walker of my coming. You will bring back with you the large berline, the smaller travelling coach, and a light chaise for my Lord Rupert’s baggage. You will arrange for change of horses to await me at Rouen, at Tign, and at Pontoise. I shall rest at the Coq d’Or at Rouen for one night.’

‘Very good, your Grace. Which day am I to tell the landlord?’

‘I have not the least idea,’ said the Duke. ‘But when I come I shall require four bedchambers, a private parlour, and quarters for my servants. I trust I make myself plain?’

‘Yes, your Grace.’

‘That is all,’ said Avon.

Meekin bowed, and went out.

‘Voyons,’ said Léonie from her seat by the fire. ‘It gives me great pleasure to hear you say “Do this – do that”! I like to hear them answer only, ‘Yes, Monseigneur,’ and go so quickly to do your bidding.’

Avon smiled.

‘I have only once in my life had a servant in mine employ who dared to question my commands,’ he said.

‘Oh?’ Léonie looked up in all innocence. ‘Who was that, Monseigneur?’

‘A page I had, my dear, by name – er – Léon.’

Her eyes sparkled, but she folded her hands demurely.

‘Tiens! I wonder he dared, Monseigneur.’

‘I believe there was nothing he would not dare,’ said Avon.

‘Truly? Did you like him, Monseigneur?’

‘You are a minx, my dear.’

She laughed, blushed and nodded.

‘It is not a compliment,’ said his Grace, and came to the fire, and sat down. ‘I have sent for your duenna, you hear.’

‘Yes.’ She grimaced. ‘But she will not come till Monday, will she? Why are we going to Paris?’

‘As well Paris as anywhere else,’ Avon replied. ‘Your education is nearly complete. You are going to make your curtsy to the Polite World.’

‘Am I, Monseigneur? Vraiment? I think it will be fort amusant. Shall I go to Vassaud’s?’

The Duke’s brows twitched together.

‘No, ma fille, you will not. Vassaud’s is one of those places which you will strive to forget.’