‘Then I will certainly do so. But,’ he said, extending his hand, ‘now I must wish you goodnight. I look forward to our next meeting.’ As he took her hand he looked into her face and, with words he had not planned, said softly, ‘You are very beautiful, Hélène.’

Hélène’s eyes widened and she murmured, ‘I’m sure you shouldn’t say such things, monsieur.’

Rupert held her gaze and, answering softly, said, ‘Why not? If they are true?’ He raised her hand to his lips and went on in a more normal voice, ‘Goodnight, mademoiselle. A delightful evening.’ As he turned away he almost collided with Simon Barnier, now free of Lucie Barrineau. He made a slight bow, acknowledged with the faintest inclination of Simon’s head, and with a polite ‘Goodnight, Monsieur Barnier,’ Rupert went to make his farewells to Rosalie and Emile.

Simon’s earlier optimism might have left him had he heard the brief conversation Rupert had with his host as he bid him goodnight. ‘I wondered, monsieur, if I might call upon you tomorrow? I have something particular I would like to discuss with you.’

Emile looked surprised, but answered, ‘By all means. I shall be at home at noon.’

Chapter 22

Peter Parker had been pleased to receive the telegram from Mr Rupert instructing him to return to Pilgrim’s Oak, pack a trunk for him – enough for an extended stay abroad – and bring it to him in France. Parker and his master had travelled extensively together and there was an easiness between them that other men failed to achieve with those who served them. It was due to this that Parker had been able to return to the family home when his father had died, being struck down unexpectedly by a seizure. Rupert had sent him home to be with his mother and sister, to help arrange the funeral and to settle, such as they were, his father’s affairs. He had done his best, but it was not long before he felt claustrophobic in the small house of his childhood. He longed to escape from its confines and, if he were honest, from his mother’s misery. His sister, married to a clerk in a lawyer’s office in Taunton, had returned to her husband, and when he left to return to Mr Rupert, his mother would be marooned in the house that had been her marital home, empty now of all that had given it life. She was lonely and sad and begged Peter to stay a little longer. As he had heard nothing from Rupert, he agreed, but it was with guilty relief that he was able to show his mother the telegram that summoned him. He packed his bag and with a kiss on her cheek he bade her goodbye, promising to come back and visit her as soon as Mr Rupert’s business allowed.

On his arrival at Pilgrim’s Oak, he was greeted by Mr Justin Chalfont.

‘Parker, you’re back!’ he exclaimed. ‘Is my brother with you?’