‘Do you not think his eyes resemble those of his father?’ she enquired, leaning in to gaze upon her child.

‘Yes,’ I agreed. ‘He is possessed of his father’s head as well.’

At that she laughed loudly and then sighed.

‘The barriers are open once more. Tomorrow he is to be taken out to nurse at Raincy. I am forced to part with him, but only for a short while, I should hope. They cannot have Philippe Égalité’s bastard and whore living in the Maison Égalité,’ said she, now addressing her son. ‘See, my child, this is what comes of arriving without warning and far too early. I might have been in the country were it not for the King and his obstinacy. But you will be well tended at Raincy, with many nursemaids to do your bidding, and where no one will know of your existence until the appropriate time arrives.’ I saw the seeds of tears appear in her eyes once more. ‘You will not have to wait long for that, mon petit. Maman promises you.’

I lifted Victor as best as my injured arm permitted and returned him to his devoted mother. As she accepted him, she looked down at me.

‘Henriette, whatever possessed you to go on to the street that day?’

I paused, taken aback by her question. I had not considered what justification I would offer for my unaccountable actions.

‘I . . . I believed I had seen him, Allenham, there amongst the crowds.’

My friend opened wide her eyes.

‘And you went after him?’

‘Yes.’

‘And did you find him?’ she fairly gasped.

‘No,’ I stated flatly. ‘I had hoped too much. I fear that in the end it was no more than my imagination.’ I shook my head. ‘And what price I have paid for that mistake.’

Chapter 21