These Old Shades (Alastair-Audley Tetralogy 1)

‘We will meet somewhere,’ said Léonie. ‘I know! Under the big palm over there, at – at ten minutes past eleven!’ She twinkled. ‘That is like an adventure!’

‘Mademoiselle, I shall be there!’ Condé promised, laughing.

Fanny stepped forward.

‘My brother’s ward, m’sieur. M. de Brionne, Léonie.’

Léonie set down her glass, rose, and curtsied. Her brow was wrinkled. Inexorably Fanny bore Condé away.

‘Mademoiselle looks worried?’ De Brionne gave her her glass again.

She turned to him, and smiled engagingly.

‘M’sieur, I am very stupid. I cannot remember who you are!’

De Brionne was taken aback for a moment. It was not thus that young ladies were wont to address the son of Louis de Lorraine. But he could not resist the fascination of Léonie’s eyes. Moreover, where Condé had been pleased De Brionne would certainly not be affronted. He returned the smile.

‘You are new come to Paris, mademoiselle?’

She nodded.

‘Yes, m’sieur. Now let me think. I know! You are the son of the Comte d’Armagnac – M. le Grand!’

The Comte was much amused. It was probable that he had never before met a lady who pondered thus naïvely over his genealogy. He settled down to enjoy himself, and found that he was required to name most of the people who passed, for Léonie’s edification.

‘Voyons, m’sieur, you know everybody!’ she said presently. ‘You are being very useful to me. Now tell me who it is dancing with Monseigneur?’

‘Monseigneur?’

‘Yes, the Duc – my – my guardian.’

‘Oh – ! That is Madame du Deffand.’

‘Truly?’ Léonie regarded the lady intently. ‘She amuses him, I think.’

‘She is a very amusing lady,’ said De Brionne gravely. ‘Did Condé point our notables out to you?’

‘No – no.’ Léonie dimpled. ‘We found such a lot of other things to talk about, m’sieur. He told me about duels, and what it is like to be a royal prince.’

De Brionne began to laugh.

‘Did you ask him, mademoiselle?’

‘Yes, m’sieur,’ said Léonie innocently.

In the doorway Fanny was curtsying low to the Duc de Penthièvre, who had just arrived. He kissed her hand with pretty gallantry.

‘My dear Lady Fanny! One was bouleversé when one learned of the return of the so charming Lady Fanny!’

‘Ah, m’sieur!’ She smiled, and spread out her fan.

Avon came up with Madame du Deffand on his arm.

‘My dear Penthièvre, I am rejoiced to see you.’

‘Mon cher Duc! Madame, votre serviteur! ’ He swept a bow. ‘Tell me, Alastair, where is this ward one hears tell of ?’

‘My ward… let me see, she was with De Brionne a moment ago. No, she is dancing now with my brother. In white, with the rose in her hair.’