‘And how did you come by such intelligence?’

‘Madame de Flaghac informed me.’

‘Of course,’ my friend stated tersely. ‘Although dear to my heart, La Flaghac will repeat any nonsense she hears.’ She then sighed. ‘That matter with the Duke has nothing to do with this. When your jewels were lost, I promised I should enquire among those of my acquaintance in Paris and raise a subscription to assist you. These are the proceeds of their benevolence. Additionally, I have arranged that you may call upon my credit at all the shops.’

I was rendered quite speechless. My mind was awash with confusion and contrary thoughts. This deed was generous beyond anything I might have reckoned, and yet I could not dismiss the sense that perhaps she had grown weary of my company and was eager to be rid of me.

‘But . . . but I do not wish to live independently of you. Why, you are so very kind . . . your companionship . . . I should not like to lose it,’ was the only remark I could think to make.

At that, she laughed.

‘Oh, dearest Hetty, we are as fast as kin, are we not? Nothing will diminish that. The Hôtel Blanquefort is situated upon the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, but several moments from here. We may visit each other daily, though privately.’

‘Privately?’ Her use of this word bemused me.

‘Yes, ma fille. I know the notion of it is disagreeable to you, but I have spent some time meditating upon it. I do not doubt Madame de Flaghac has apprised you of my relations with Orléans?’ She frowned so slightly.

I hesitated.

‘Yes.’

‘Then you understand that I am no longer in favour with the Duke or his set. Even my association with Biron has been a discreet one, which is to say it has been kept as far as possible from the ears of Madame de Buffon.’ She studied me with a fond but almost sad look. ‘My dear, I should not wish to be a hindrance to you, and that I shall be if our association remains a public one.’

‘Oh, but I should hate that to be the truth of the matter!’ I protested.

‘But it is, Henrietta. With each month that passes my protectors in Paris are fewer. My most ardent admirers, those upon whose assistance I have relied, those who have remained most constant to me, are of the court. Their allegiance will ever be with the King. Honour binds me to them and their friendship, you understand.’

I regarded her, though did not offer a response.