“Indeed,” de Poix said, motioning a servant to bring him more eggs, “what is the Assembly planning?”
Victor leaned forward. “They’re talking about confiscating the land of those émigrés who refuse to return to France by the first of next year.”
Alix unconsciously put a hand to her chest, thinking of the titles now hidden in Rafe’s trunks. If she left the country they would become worthless.
Henriette abruptly ceased questioning Alix about which shapes of hat she favored. Dropping her voice, she whispered conspiratorially. “You must really be in love with your husband.” Alix threw the young girl a startled look and Henriette giggled. “You haven’t taken your eyes off him throughout this entire conversation. Not that I blame you; he’s really quite handsome.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Alix noticed the corner of Rafe’s mouth twitch; he was eavesdropping. She ignored the question and the comment.
“How long have you been married?” Harriet persisted.
“Since yesterday.”
Henriette gasped. “And you spent your wedding night in our stables? How terrible.”
Alix saw Rafe turn his head ever so slightly toward their conversation. Raising her voice so that she was sure he could hear, she said, “Rest assured, citizeness, I have put all thought of it right out of my head.”
Henriette clasped her hands together dramatically. “Look at those blushes, I knew it, a love match, I can always tell. You look just like my older sister did when she met her Antoine. You must tell me all the details of how you met.”
Alix abandoned all hope of following Victor’s descriptions of the planned legislation. Smiling at Henriette she searched for an answer that would be closest to the truth. “We met at a small private gathering and he quite swept me off my feet.”
“How romantic,” Henriette sighed.
Alix saw Rafe’s shoulders quiver as he turned his attention back to Victor and Mayor de Poix.
Henriette sighed again. “You are so fortunate. The men here are so dull. I fear I will never meet anyone suitable. I would love to go to Paris, but mother says it is far too dangerous. After breakfast you simply must come upstairs with me. You can freshen up in my bedchamber and tell me more about the city.”
Alix dabbed at her mouth. “It’s an enticing offer, but I am certain thatmon...” she caught herself. “My husband... will be anxious for us to be on our way.”
“Oh but you can’t,” Henriette said. “Your postilion has gone back to Paris.”
Alix turned to stare at her. “He’s gone back to Paris?” she repeated dumbly. Henriette nodded.
Alix struggled to keep her voice calm. “We must meet a packet that is sailing from Calais in two days. Is there a public stable that might help us make new arrangements?” Henriette shook her head.
Alix looked across the table at Rafe, desperate to catch his attention, but he was deeply absorbed in his conversation. She frowned. Perhaps they could rent horses and ride to the next town, have Rafe’s and Jervis’s trunks sent after. She felt a hand on her sleeve, and turned to see Henriette smiling mischievously at her. “I have an incredible idea.”
“Victor,” Henriette called down the table. “Victor, cease discussing your dull politics for one moment and listen to me.” He stopped mid-sentence and looked at his younger sister. “The Harcrests’s postilion has returned to Paris withoutthem and they must meet a ship at Calais. You’re traveling in that direction, and there’s plenty of room in your carriage. Why don’t you take them up with you?”
Rafe frowned. “It’s a kind offer, but we wouldn’t want to cause your brother any inconvenience.”
Victor smiled. “It would be no inconvenience at all. I’d be glad for the company. If anyone objects, I shall simply say that I am doing my part to further trade between our two countries.”
“We’re on a rather tight schedule,” Rafe persisted.
“And so am I. We can leave as soon as you’re ready.”
“Well, then it’s settled,” Henriette said smiling. She waved a hand. “Very good gentlemen, continue as you were.” Turning to Alix she said, “Why don’t you come upstairs with me. I have a fichu you might have and we can see what can be done about freshening your clothes while my maid dresses your hair.”
Descendingthe stairs a half an hour later, her ears ringing from Henriette’s artless chatter but her appearance considerably refreshed, Alix encountered Rafe. He’d changed his shirt and shaved, and someone had bandaged his head.
He held out a hand. “Walk with me a moment, Alix.” Tucking her hand under his elbow, he led her out of the house into the de Poix’s small flower garden.
It was a far cry from the elaborate gardens of Valcour, Alix thought, a simple diamond framed by low hedges with a centerpiece of rose bushes, the few remaining flowers straining to retain their petals against the stiff September breeze.
When they had walked a safe distance from the house, Rafe stopped. Drawing Alix up, he said, “I can’t allow you to travel with Victor; it’s far too dangerous.”
Alix raised a brow. “You can’t allow me?”
