These Old Shades (Alastair-Audley Tetralogy 1)

‘Oh no!’ said Léonie. ‘At least, I do not know, madame. He is just very kind to me.’

Madame’s eyes searched her face.

‘It is we

ll,’ she said, on a sigh. ‘Tell me, child, how long have you lived with him?’

‘Oh – oh, depuis longtemps !’ Léonie said vaguely.

‘Child, don’t tease me! I – I would not tell your secrets! Where did the Duc find you?’

‘Pardon, madame. I have forgotten.’

‘He told you to forget!’ Madame said quickly. ‘That is so, is it not?’

Someone came to the couch; Madame shrank a little, and was silent.

‘Well met, mademoiselle,’ said Saint-Vire. ‘I trust I see you in good health?’

Léonie’s chin was tilted.

‘M’sieur?’ she said blankly. ‘Ah, je me souviens ! It is M. de Saint-Vire!’ She turned to madame. ‘I met m’sieur at – peste, I forget! Ah yes! – at Le Dennier, near Le Havre, madame.’

Saint-Vire’s brow darkened.

‘You have a good memory, mademoiselle.’

Léonie looked him between the eyes.

‘Yes, m’sieur. I do not forget people – ever!’

Not ten paces from them Armand de Saint-Vire was standing, as though rooted to the ground.

‘Nom d’un nom d’un nom d’un nom! ’ he gasped.

‘That,’ said a soft voice behind him, ‘is an expression which I have never admired. It lacks – er – force.’

Armand swung round to face the Duke.

‘My friend, you shall tell me now who is this Mademoiselle de Bonnard!’

‘I doubt it,’ said his Grace, and took a pinch of snuff.

‘But look at her!’ said Armand urgently ‘It is Henri! Henri to the life now that I see them side by side!’

‘Do you think so?’ asked his Grace. ‘I find her more beautiful than the so dear Comte, and more refined in type.’

Armand shook his arm.

‘Who is she?’

‘My dear Armand. I have not the slightest intention of telling you, so pray do not grip my arm thus violently.’ He removed Armand’s hand from his sleeve, and smoothed the satin. ‘So. You will do well, my friend, to be blind and dumb concerning my ward.’

‘Aha?’ Armand looked at him inquisitively. ‘I wish I knew what game you are playing. She’s his daughter, Justin! I would swear to it!’

‘It will be much better if you do no such thing, my dear,’ said his Grace. ‘Leave me to play this game to a close. You shall not then be disappointed.’

‘But I do not understand! I cannot imagine what you think to do with –’