Pierre knocked on the door and, when summoned inside, waited for instructions.

‘I shall be going to my office tomorrow morning,’ Emile said. ‘Please bring the chaise round at half past nine.’

‘Yes, monsieur.’ Pierre spoke with great respect, wondering as he did so whether his employer had any idea of his part in Hélène’s escape. But when Emile spoke again, it was evident that he had no suspicions as he said, ‘We shall all be returning to Belair after the weekend. We shall take the train, but I want you to bring the chaise down to the country. I may have to come up to town now and then, but Madame will not be returning to Paris in the foreseeable future.’ He looked up at his coachman and added, ‘When we are back at Belair, life will revert to how it was. I want no speculation about my daughter or her whereabouts among the servants. I shall rely on you, Didier and Madame Sauze to ensure this is so. You understand?’

‘Yes, sir.’ There was no other answer Pierre could give. He turned to leave the room but was called back by Emile.

‘I nearly forgot,’ he said, opening the attaché case that lay on his desk. ‘A letter came for you at Belair.’ He handed Pierre an envelope, remarking, ‘From England, I see.’ He raised an eyebrow as if in query. Thinking fast, Pierre said, ‘Thank you, monsieur. It’ll be from my cousin who has a position in London.’

Emile gave a vague nod, and taking this as his dismissal, Pierre quickly left the room before any further questions could be asked. He did not know who the letter was from – he had no cousin in London – but he had once written to Rupert Chalfont and it was just possible that this could be a long-delayed reply to that letter. He went to his quarters above the stables and tore it open, only to find that the letter was not written to him at all. It began Dear Annette and was signed Rupert Chalfont.

Unable to contain his curiosity he read it through quickly, only immediately to reread it more slowly, almost not believing what it said. He stuffed the letter back into its envelope and tucked it under his pillow. He must show it to Annette as soon as he could.

Since she had begun working in the market they had been able to see each other as often as Pierre’s work allowed. He would go and give her the letter tomorrow. He was certain that she needed to read it without Hélène’s knowledge, and if he gave it to her in the market they could discuss its implications without Hélène even hearing about it while they decided what to do. Then he remembered he had to drive Monsieur St Clair to his office in the morning. Emile had said that they were returning to the country after the weekend; he just had to hope that his master didn’t keep him fully employed until they left.