As a tray of refreshments was being prepared for the drawing room, a horseman came galloping up the drive. As he reached the front door he flung himself from the saddle and, running up the steps, pounded on the door. Moments later Didier, opening in answer to the knock, was pushed aside as Simon Barnier strode into the hall and walked straight through the open drawing room door to confront the family gathered there.

‘Well,’ he cried, ‘I thought at first my eyes must have deceived me when I saw your daughter, my fiancée, driving into St Etienne with that man. Flaunting herself after she ran away to live with him in Paris.’

‘Monsieur Barnier,’ Rupert interrupted his tirade. ‘May I present my wife, Lady Chalfont?’

‘You can’t have married her, as you’re married already,’ snapped Simon. ‘Living in sin with her, more like, with the pretence of marriage.’ He turned on Rosalie. ‘I found out where she’s been living, in a poky little apartment in Batignolles, above a butcher’s shop, of all things, while he’ – he jabbed a finger at Rupert – ‘he has been staying in the Hotel Montreux, entertaining her and who knows who else there. An adulterous English “milor” whose wife is safely out of the way in England. Well, “milor”, you’re welcome to her. I wouldn’t touch such soiled goods. No one of good character will want her now, when they hear how she’s been living. And when you move on she’ll be left with her reputation in tatters and it will be too late, far too late, to retrieve it. I wish you joy of her!’

To Rosalie’s amazement, Rupert smiled, and though his smile didn’t reach his eyes he made Simon a small bow and said, ‘Thank you, Monsieur Barnier, we are delighted to have your blessing on our union.’ He reached for Hélène’s hand and added, ‘It means so much to us both!’

Simon glared at him. ‘Well, it will be interesting to see how well you’re received into society, for you can have no doubt that this whole sordid affair will soon be common knowledge, and I, for one, will never associate with anyone from this family again! Dross from the gutter!’ And with that Simon turned and strode out of the room.

Rupert followed him into the hall and stayed him with a hand on his arm. ‘A moment, Monsieur Barnier.’

Simon shook his hand away as if it were a wasp. ‘I have nothing to say to you, sir.’

‘Well, I have something to say to you, monsieur, and I’d be obliged if you would listen. It is to your advantage. I’ve a message for you from a certain Mademoiselle Angélique.’ Simon’s eyes widened but he said nothing. ‘She says to tell you how much she and her young ladies are looking forward to entertaining you again, next time you’re in Paris and staying at the Pension Marguerite. She asks that you recommend her to all your friends when they’re visiting the city.’