AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Twelve
Hugh grasped her shoulders. “What the devil do you mean? You were at the Bastille. You saw the mobs with the severed heads. Of course, you are coming to London.”
She had known this would be the most difficult aspect of her decision. She did not want to leave Hugh, but she knew what she must do. “I am not. I will stay in France.”
“Angelette.” His face was a storm of anger and worry. “We have been through this. It is too dangerous. Your life could be—no,willbe in danger. These people who attacked the Bastille today want all tyranny eradicated. The king is weak and indecisive. The longer he dithers, the stronger they will grow. Today they came for the Bastille. Next they may come for the nobility or the priests. They have already burnt down your home. What more proof do you need that if you stay you risk your life?”
“It is a risk I am willing to take.” She reached up and placed her hands over his on her shoulders. Her own hands were cold against his, but hers were steady. She had made up her mind. She took his hand and pulled him aside, desperate to speak to him in private. The others turned away, giving them a semblance of privacy. “Please believe I want to go with you.” She looked up into his eyes, and she saw the hurt. “I love you. I don’t know how it happened or when. I know we met only days ago, but I feel as though I have known you my whole life. I love you, Hugh, but I cannot go with you to England. My work is here. I’ve felt that all along, and I wish I could pretend it was not so and run away with you. But I cannot. People here need my help. Sir Percy and I can work together and help far more than either of us ever could alone.”
Hugh clasped her hand tightly. “Don’t do this. We can have a life in England.”
“I hope we may someday. But right now my life is here.” It pained her, but she pulled her hand away. “I must dress. Sir Percy and I must make plans.”
She felt Hugh’s gaze burn the skin of her back as she walked away.
Angelette did not see Hugh the rest of the night. She assumed he slept. He had almost nothing to pack for the journey in the morning. She had not wanted their last night to end as it had. She had planned to tell him in the morning that she had not changed her mind and could not travel with him. The arrival of the baron had ruined her plans, but she could not fault Sir Percy. She could only pray he and the rest of the group would arrive safely in England.
In the kitchen, she sipped coffee alone. She was not tired, and if she had tried to sleep, she would have only been kept awake by worry that thevainqueurswould discover where the baron had fled, knock on the door, and demand she deliver the baron to them. And so she was still awake at daybreak when Sir Percy arrived with the coaches. He brought the conveyances into the small yard in the back rather than leaving them on the Rue Saint-Honoré, as was customary. But the de Mervilles did not wish for attention surrounding their departure.
While the coachmen saw to the horses, Angelette beckoned Sir Percy inside. “Coffee, Sir Percy?”
“Sink me, no.” He wore a blue morning coat with blue breeches and a yellow waistcoat embroidered with the red pimpernel flowers he seemed to so enjoy. His hair was pulled back into a queue and not powdered, but he looked freshly pressed and rested, though she was certain he hadn’t slept any more than she.
“You are earlier than expected.”
“Better to be early than late, I always say. The vicomte and Lord Daventry will be ready soon enough.”
“May I speak with you, Sir Percy?” she asked, gesturing toward the table. He raised a brow, but sat opposite her, seeming unsurprised by the gesture.
“You want to tell me you are not leaving for London. Eavesdropping is very bad form, but I’m afraid I could not help overhearing.”
“That is part of it,” she acknowledged, seating herself across from him. “I am staying in Paris—in this house—and I hope you will allow me to help you with your work.”
“Your aid would be much appreciated, madame. As a foreigner, my neighbors take note of my comings and goings. That is why I did not bring the baron to my lodgings. This house is a godsend.” His tone had grown quite serious now. “And, forgive me if this is too bold, I understand your late husband was quite wealthy. Forged papers are not inexpensive.”
Angelette nodded. “I understand and when the uproar in the city dies down I will see my solicitor and obtain funds for our cause. I only wish I could do more. Lord Daventry imports wine and has contacts all over the countryside. I had hoped I might persuade him to help.”
“He may yet change his mind.”
Angelette smiled, but she felt no hope. “Until that time,” she said, “we will need allies. English allies.”
“I know several men in my club who have been waiting for the right time to act.”
“I would say that time is now. When you are able to get papers, I would like you to travel to London and approach these men, ask them to form a...a league of sorts.”
He nodded. “Many will flee France as a result of the riots yesterday. I heard the king’s brothers plan to depart as soon as possible. But many others will stay and will need help in the future.”
“It must be a secret league,” she said. “No one in France or England must know who ranks among the members.”
“Or the identity of our leader.” He nodded at her, and she felt her cheeks heat.
“I am not the leader.”
“I beg to differ, but I think it best to protect you. If I go to London to recruit the members of our league, then it will be assumed I am the de facto leader. If at some point our league is discovered and I am sought or taken, you will still be free to continue our operations.”
“I agree secrecy is of the utmost importance. Cleverness as well. We must find masters of disguise and forgery. Men and women who are not afraid to risk everything to save the lives of the innocent.”
