These Old Shades (Alastair-Audley Tetralogy 1)

‘Have you not heard?’ he asked. ‘That is the very latest beauty! She is Avon’s ward.’

‘Oho! Yes, one has heard,’ nodded de Stainville. ‘It is Condé’s new toy, hein ?’

‘No, no, my friend!’ De Sally shook his head vehemently. ‘Condé’s new goddess!’

Léonie was curtsying to the Duchess de la Roque; de Stainville saw my lady Fanny.

‘So Alastair has brought his so charming sister! Madame, votre serviteur! ’

Fanny turned.

‘La, so ’tis you, m’sieur.’ She held out her hand. ‘I declare ’tis an age since I have seen you!’

‘Madame, the years fly back when I look upon you,’ de Stainville said, kissing her hand. ‘But surely it was Etienne once, and not that cold M’sieur?’

My lady hid behind her fan.

‘I vow I have no recollection of it!’ she said. ‘No doubt I was very foolish – so long ago!’

De Stainville drew her apart, and they fell to talking of bygone days. Perceiving that his sister was fully occupied, Avon rescued Léonie from her growing circle of admirers, and bore her off to curtsy to the Comte d’Eu, who was passing down the gallery. Soon Fanny left de Stainville, and came to Avon’s side. The Comte bowed to her.

‘Madame, I may compliment you upon your charge?’ He waved one jewelled hand towards Léonie, who was speaking to a shy débutante who had been present at her ball.

Fanny nodded.

‘She pleases you, m’sieur?’

‘It could not be otherwise, madame. She is éclatante ! That hair, and those

eyes! I prophesy a succès énorme !’ He bowed, and moved away on the arm of a friend.

Léonie came back to Avon.

‘Monseigneur, I think very young men are silly,’ she said flatly.

‘Undoubtedly, infant. Who has had the misfortune to incur your disapproval?’

‘It was M. de Tanqueville, Monseigneur. He says I am cruel. And I am not, am I?’

‘Of course you are, child!’ said my lady. ‘All young ladies must be cruel. It is de rigueur !’

‘Ah, bah!’ said Léonie. ‘Monseigneur, where is the King?’

‘By the fire, infant. Fanny, take her to the King.’

My lady furled her fan.

‘You arranged, Justin?’

‘Certainly, my dear. You are expected.’

So Fanny led Léonie down the room, and curtsied low to Majesty, who was pleased to be gracious. Behind Majesty, with Monsieur, and one or two others, Condé stood. Léonie encountered his gaze, and dimpled mischievously. Majesty was pleased to compliment my Lady Fanny on Mademoiselle de Bonnard; the Queen murmured praise of such beauty and my lady passed on to make way for the next presentation.

‘Bon! ’ said Léonie. ‘Now I have spoken to the King.’ She turned to Avon, and the twinkle was in her eyes. ‘Monseigneur, it is as I said! He is just like the coins.’

Condé made his way to her side, and Lady Fanny withdrew discreetly.

‘Oh, Fairy Princess, you flame in our hearts to-night!’