Éléonore rolled her eyes. “Those of us who have more important thoughts filling our heads have failed to notice whether or not the man is handsome.”

“Well! That I do not believe. If you speak the truth, then you have likely missed a most opportune moment to view a truly beautiful man.”

Talk of Matteo with this woman sapped all the fun their verbal engagement promised. And all at once, the whole situation grew tiresome. She made an exaggerated view of her timepiece and then narrowed her eyes. “Mademoiselle Duplay, and now I am afraid we are through, you and I, for today at least. Must catch the tide, you know.” She waved her hand in the direction of the sea.

“I’ll tell you, before I go, something I have discovered—a secret, if you will.” She leaned forward as though to whisper. “Two types of people live in the world with us.” She nodded, indicating Éléonore lean closer, which she refused to do. “Those who build and those who destroy. On this latest trip to France, I have seen all I ever care to see of the second lot. You and your committee of public danger have done enough evil for one day. And I have a dreadful ache in my head. Now, if you could, please exit my carriage and be on your way. As lovely as Paris is this time of year, I tire of your France and all its citizens as well. My report to the prince will not be favorable in every aspect, no. Which reminds me”—she gestured for Éléonore to stay—“before you go . . . have you considered, my dear Éléonore, what will happen when every person of substance and education is executed? Who will rise to rule?”

Éléonore straightened her back and lifted her chin. “We will elevate the commoner, the working classes, the tailors, the chefs. They will rule.”

Scarlet clucked her tongue. “Pity.” And she shook her head sadly.

Éléonore asked through clenched teeth, “Why a pity?”

“If your chefs are busy ruling France, who will make your delectable pastries, I ask you? Chefs passing laws. No one baking. What will become of you?”

Red in the face, veins protruding at her temples, Éléonore exited the carriage and whirled around to glare at Scarlet. “He cannot escape me. I will have his head. One day his blood will spill at the base of her majesty, La Guillotine. I will see to it myself.” With that, she summoned her guards and left Scarlet alone.

Simon opened the hatch and eyed Scarlet. “That went well.”

She smiled weakly up at him. “It wasn’t nearly as fun as I imagined. What a horrible woman.”

Simon said, “Aye, that she is.”

“Did you see if Comte Durand made it?”

Simon nodded. “He did. Rolled out right into that delicious pile of garbage as we went past, no one the wiser.”