AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Good God, man,” Sir Andrew said, sweeping his hat from his head. “What happened?”
“He ran into my fist,” said a voice from the landing. Honoria turned to see the marquis descending the stairs. “We had a slight disagreement as to French cuisine.”
Alex gave Honoria a look, which Honoria knew meant Alex wanted all the details later.
“I am happy it was only a slight disagreement,” Sir Andrew said. The men started upstairs, no doubt to wash and change before dinner. Sir Edward carried a large basket Honoria assumed held their dinner for the night. He attempted to hand it to Alex, but she held her hands up.
“I hope you do not expect me to cook for all of you! I have a rehearsal at the theater, and I will be late as it is.”
Honoria took the basket. “I will prepare dinner.”
“Thank God,” Lord Anthony said.
“Why do you never thank God when I cook?” Alex demanded.
“Because Miss Blake can actually make the food palatable.” The squabbling continued as the two started up the steps.
“Excuse me,” Sir Andrew said, making to follow them.
“If you have a moment, Sir Andrew,” Honoria said, “I’d like to speak to you.”
“Very well.” He changed direction, pulling out a chair at the dining room table.
Honoria cut her gaze at the marquis, still standing near the stairs. “In the kitchen, if you do not mind.”
Now Sir Andrew looked at the marquis. “I’d rather not leave him alone so close to the door to the secret passage.”
She’d forgotten the marquis was still being kept under watch. She gave Montagne a long look. “He will not attempt to escape. I promise you.”
Sir Andrew looked at her and then the marquis. “I have your word, sir?”
The marquis nodded, looking quite bored with the whole exchange. “My word as a gentleman, sir.”
“Very well.” Sir Andrew followed her into the kitchen. “Please speak quickly, Miss Blake. I’m not certain how much claim to the title of gentleman our Monsieur le Marquis can boast of.”
“He will not attempt to escape,” she said, uncovering the basket and beginning to empty it of its contents. “At least not until we’ve spoken.”
Sir Andrew sighed. “Then this is about the Temple and the princess. I thought I made my position clear.”
“You did, but I am not certain I made my position clear.” She set the bread on a large wooden table and looked directly at Sir Andrew. This was something she rarely did because she was all too aware of the strange color of her eyes. Men tended to stare at her too long or look away.
Sir Andrew met her gaze directly. Whatever he saw in her gaze must have convinced him of her determination because his annoyed expression fell into resignation. “Is there anything I might say to convince you to abandon this suicide mission?”
“No. As the marquis has pointed out to me, there are innocent children suffering. I will not stand by and do nothing.”
“We do not have proof they are suffering.”
She gave him a look of incredulity. “The proof is in the Place de la Révolution, where innocents are killed daily for the public’s amusement. If this new regime does nothing to stop the blood flowing through the streets, why should they care what happens to two children, son and daughter of the king and queen they hate? Sir Andrew, if we do not step in, those children will surely die.”
“Our mutual friend—”
“He is not here, but surely he would want us to proceed. After all, he organized the release of the marquis because he wanted more knowledge about the Temple.”
“To rescue Marie Antoinette.”
“And do you think the queen would have gone without her children?”
Sir Andrew pressed his hands on the table. “No. From all accounts, she is a good mother and dotes on those children. She would send them in her place before going alone.”
