‘Taking in a pregnant girl who’s probably no better than she should be?’ He had been incredulous. ‘What are you thinking of, my dear? Whatever made this woman think she could come to you in the first place? The answer is definitely no.’

‘That of course was my initial reaction,’ agreed Rosalie, ‘but then I remembered how Madame Sauze had looked after Hélène when she was lost during the siege, and I felt we owed her something. The poor woman is desperately worried about her niece. The unhappy girl is left widowed, with a baby on the way and no visible means of support.’

‘Indeed,’ replied Emile drily, ‘and this woman, Madame Saude…?’

‘Madame Sauze…’

‘Well, whatever she’s called… is expecting us to provide one?’

‘Madame Sauze is an extremely capable housekeeper,’ remarked Rosalie.

‘Is she now?’ Emile was surprised at the apparent change of subject. ‘And what has that to say to anything?’

‘Emile, we have already agreed that Madame Choux will have to be pensioned off after the wedding,’ Rosalie said. ‘And it seems to me that Madame Sauze would make an admirable replacement.’

‘But you hardly know the woman!’ scoffed Emile. ‘How do you know she’s any good? Have you seen references?’

‘No, but I have seen how she keeps a house,’ replied Rosalie. ‘You may remember I visited her at the Clergy House to thank her for her care of Hélène when she was in trouble.’

It was clear from Emile’s expression that he remembered no such thing, but undeterred, Rosalie went on. ‘She had been there for years and only left recently when Father Lenoir died. She is now looking for another position and I thought she might suit us.’

‘Bringing a pregnant niece with her!’

‘She’s her only relative, and no doubt the girl will work as well.’

‘Hhhmm,’ grunted Emile, already tired of the subject. ‘I suppose you’ll do as you choose. You know I leave the management of the servants entirely to you, but I hope you will give the matter great consideration before you introduce some pregnant drab into the household. Now,’ he said, reaching for the bell, ‘I need a fresh coffee.’ Didier appeared in answer to his ring and the matter was closed.

So, Rosalie had made her offer, and silence lapsed round them as Agathe Sauze considered it. It was indeed a generous one for both of them. Annette would be away and out of Paris, beyond the clutches of Father Thomas and St Luke’s orphanage. Difficult though it still might be, she would have the chance of a new life. As for Agathe herself, she too would be able to leave Paris, leave her sister, with the prospect of a real job in the country. She could hardly believe it. The idea of working in the country home of a family like the St Clairs was such a wonderful opportunity – like a dream. She longed to leap at the offer for both of them, but what about the deception required to carry it through? Suppose it were exposed? It would reflect badly on them, but far worse on the St Clairs for having colluded with it. They had a reputation to lose.