I confess, the situation of the dear King vexes me most. I am of late given to thinking that I may not wish to continue in a nation whose politicians descend to the level of butchers. That they will find him guilty is a certainty and his death near guaranteed. But for some divine intercession from the heavens, I cannot see a conclusion to this tale which ends in any other fashion. O— has claimed he will abstain from casting his vote, but I have heard otherwise. I do not doubt the talk within the Petits Appartements is of nothing else and those he entertains there will offer further opinions. I cannot imagine Mme de B— permitting him to abstain. Does she make her thoughts known upon the matter?

My dear Hetty, I beseech you to disclose to me as much of this as you are able, for I should like to plan for the days and weeks ahead and make whatever preparations are necessary to ensure I am safe from harm. It falls to you, my cherished girl, to secure the happiness of your own chère maman,

G.E.

Although many years have passed since I read that letter, and age has since dimmed my faculties, I recall perfectly the impression it left upon me. To my eyes, there was no ambiguity in her words: Mrs Elliot’s intentions were to quit France. Her suggestion was like a seed laid into the ready-ploughed furrow of my mind. It took quite naturally and began to grow into something much larger.

I began to permit my fanciful brain to imagine a life entirely different from one which I had previously known. In this reverie, I returned to London with Mrs Elliot, who was to me as near as I could ever conceive a blood relation. If Orléans had made a provision for her – and for me as well – then we should never have cause to fear for our income. We might live tidily and quietly in some house in Marylebone or Paddington. With enough attention to economy, I might retire upon this annuity alone. I would never again be made to entertain the advances of a gentleman my heart did not desire. Perhaps, too, I might even prevail upon my former lover, St John, and be permitted to pay visits to Georgie. These thoughts gathered in my head, piece by piece, until they formed into a shape and then into a pleasing panorama. What happiness this would bring me. When once I could not see contentment without Allenham, now I understood that I might find a true home, a place of comfort with my chère maman.