‘I shall miss her, of course. I couldn’t have had a better friend these last months, but her place is here with Pierre. He’s her future, not me. I shall see them married before we leave and wish them both every happiness together. They deserve it.’

*

The day they set out for England at last, the whole family had gathered to bid them farewell. Georges and Sylvie and their children had come from Versailles, Lucas and Clarice from Montmichel with the baby, Céleste. Hélène hugged them each in turn. But when she had done, she climbed, without a backward glance, into the carriage that was waiting to take them back to Paris. As they were driven down the drive, Rupert reached for her hand and Hélène gripped his tightly. It wasn’t easy leaving Belair and it wouldn’t be easy arriving at Pilgrim’s Oak either. Rupert had written of his marriage and his sister Frances had replied to say that she was moving herself and her mother into the Dower House, leaving Pilgrim’s Oak for them alone.

Hélène knew she would miss her family. She would miss Annette, who was now married to Pierre and installed in the cottage on the estate. And she would miss Madame Sauze, who for the second time had come to her aid when she was in trouble.

Hélène had unshed tears in her eyes as she left Belair behind, but she knew that whatever the future held for them, Rupert and she had each other and with Rupert she would be safe.

Epilogue

The Times newspaper

Births

Chalfont

On 31st January 1879 to Hélène (née St Clair) and Sir Rupert Chalfont Bt, a son, Justin Philip.

About the Author

DINEY COSTELOE is the author of twenty-five novels, several short stories, and many articles and poems. She has three children and seven grandchildren, so when she isn’t writing, she’s busy with family. She and her husband divide their time between Somerset and West Cork.

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