‘My dear Raymond, do not attempt to prolong this little tête-à-tête which I arranged ahead of time. In order to comply with your wishes I needed to take certain precautions so that whatever may happen in the future I should have nothing to fear from either you or from society. You’re going to Nice, I believe.’

‘I’m going wherever you are.’

‘On the contrary. Once you’ve heard what I have to say you will leave me in peace, I can assure you. In a few moments you will see waiting for me on the platform the Princesse de Raynes and the Comtesse Henriot, together with their respective husbands. I wished us to be seen together, you and I, and for people to know that we spent the night together in this carriage. Don’t worry, the ladies will make sure such interesting news spreads like wildfire. I told you earlier I have followed your instructions in every particular. I have been careful to keep up appearances. We may draw a veil over the rest, I’m sure. And it is precisely so as to continue keeping up those appearances that I had to make sure we would meet like this. You ordered me to avoid scandal at all costs, and that, my dear, is precisely what I am doing because I’m … I’m …’

Before finishing she waited for the train to come to a complete halt and for the little group of friends to rush to open the carriage door.

‘I’m afraid I’m pregnant.’

The Princess was opening her arms ready to embrace. Pointing to the Baron, who was now dumbfounded and reeling with incomprehension, the Baroness said to her: ‘Don’t tell me you didn’t recognize Raymond? He has changed, to be sure. Wasn’t it sweet of him to come along with me? Rather than let me travel all alone. We often take off on little excursions like this. We are the greatest of friends but can’t possibly live together! Anyway, this is where we come to the parting of the ways. He’s had enough of me already!’

She offered him her hand which he took automatically. Then she jumped on to the platform and into the midst of her waiting friends. The Baron slammed the carriage door, too upset to speak or think. He heard his wife’s voice and her joyful laughter grow ever fainter in the distance.

He never saw her again.

Had she lied or was she telling the truth? He was never to know.

HAPPINESS