‘I have taken payment, my dear, in the person of your niece,’ he said, and smiled.
Then Léonie came in, and went at once to Avon’s side.
‘My mother desires to be left alone,’ she said gravely. The sparkle came into her eyes again. ‘Oh, I am so very pleased to see you all again!’
Rupert nudged Davenant.
‘Look at Justin’s face!’ he whispered. ‘Did you ever see aught to equal the pride of him? Léonie, I’m devilish hungry, and with your permission I’ll go on with my capon.’
‘I am very hungry too,’ she nodded. ‘Madame, you have no idea how nice it is to be a married lady!’
‘Oh, have I not indeed?’ cried my lady. ‘How am I to take that?’ She led Léonie to her own place at the foot of the table. ‘Sit down, my love!’
‘Madame, that is where you sit!’ Léonie said.
‘My sweet, I am a guest in your house now,’ said Fanny, and curtsied.
Léonie looked at Avon inquiringly.
‘Yes, infant. Sit down.’
‘Voyons, I feel very important!’ Léonie said, settling herself in the high-backed chair. ‘Rupert shall sit beside me on one side, and – and –’ she debated – ‘M. de Saint-Vire – I mean, my uncle, on the other.’
‘Very prettily done, my dear,’ nodded her ladyship, and went to a seat on Avon’s right.
‘And since I am now a Duchess,’ said Léonie, twinkling, ‘Rupert must treat me with respect, n’est-ce pas, Monseigneur ?’
Avon smiled at her across the table.
‘You have only to say the word, mignonne, and he shall be cast forth.’
‘Respect be damned!’ said Rupert. ‘I’ll have you remember you’re my sister now, child! Lord, where are my wits!’ He sprang up, wine-glass in hand. ‘I give you all a toast!’ he said. ‘The Duchess of Avon!’
They rose as one.
‘The Duchess!’ Davenant bowed.
‘My dearest sister!’ Fanny cried.
‘My wife!’ said his Grace softly.
Léonie stood up, blushing, and taking Rupert’s hand, jumped on to her chair.
‘Thank you very much!’ she said. ‘May I give a toast, please?’
‘Ay, bless you!’ said Rupert.
‘Monseigneur!’ Léonie said, and made him a quaint little bow. ‘Oh, where is my glass? Rupert, hand it up to me quickly!’
The Duke’s health was duly drunk.
‘And now,’ said Léonie, ‘I drink to Rupert, because he has been very good, and useful to me!’
‘Here’s to you, brave lad!’ said his lordship gravely. ‘What now, minx?’
Still perched upon the chair Léonie said gleefully:
‘Voyons, I get higher and higher in the world!’