‘Why, their affection is that of brother and sister, but no, La Buffon will not countenance this. Orléans has been forbidden from calling upon Madame Elliot or from corresponding with her. Oh, but there is worse still.’ Madame de Flaghac sucked in a great dose of air and then paused. She waited until she was certain that I hung upon her words before blowing them out. ‘Since the Duke’s separation from the Duchess of Orléans on account of . . . political differences, his finances are now approaching ruin – or so I hear. I understand that he has been forced to sell many of his possessions and to curtail his expenses. La Buffon has insisted that he cease to pay Madame Elliot’s annuity, which is a substantial one.’ She mouthed each syllable.

I stared at Madame de Flaghac for a moment, taking in the news she had conveyed.

‘But poor Mrs Elliot,’ I whispered. ‘Why, she does not appear to suffer . . . she lives in a manner most luxurious.’

‘No, not at present . . . but soon . . . I dread to think . . .’

‘Well, what is to be done about it?’ I asked with some alarm.

The old dame shrugged.

‘One waits for La Buffon to fall from favour, but that may not occur for a great while – if ever. I have been led to believe that she and Orléans are very much in love. They live in a state of conjugal felicity, as might an Englishman and his wife.’ She then made a grunt of disapproval. ‘But do not mistake this simple domesticity as an indication of La Buffon’s mild character. No, that woman is a true viper and not to be crossed.’

Although I did not intend it, my eyes widened with intrigue, which only served to encourage Madame. She was a fountain of gossip, one which bubbled and gurgled without pause.

‘There is a lady now much out of favour amongst Orléans’s circle. She is Madame Meyler, a compatriot of yours.’ She then drew back and examined me. ‘You tell me that Madame Elliot has never recounted this incident to you?’

I shook my head.

‘Ah, your relation has been most neglectful.’ She tutted. ‘Madame Meyler is the very reason why La Buffon is now entirely bereft of female companionship and ladies no longer seek to win the attention of Orléans. They are too frightened, mademoiselle.’

‘Why?’ I asked, rapt by her masterful storytelling.

She lowered her head and peered into my eyes.