‘Not at the moment, Madame, but Father Laurent is here. Maybe he can help you.’

‘I would like to speak to him.’

‘If you would like to sit with Monsieur Blanchard, I’ll see if I can find Father Laurent.’ The nun smiled and left the room.

Rosalind pulled up the chair and sat down. She reached out to touch Piers’ hand, but his skin felt hot and clammy and she drew back swiftly. His breathing was ragged and he seemed feverish. His dark hair had been shorn close to his head and his skin was sallow. Rosalind wanted to speak to him but it would be foolish to have a conversation with a man who was so deeply unconscious.

‘Madame Blanchard.’

Rosalind jumped to her feet. She had not heard the door open and she found herself facing an elderly priest. His face was grave but his eyes were gentle and he motioned her to sit.

‘You came all the way from England, Madame?’

‘I hired a fishing boat to bring us to France. I was desperate to see my husband, Father.’

‘He is lucky to be alive; others were not so fortunate.’

‘I’m so grateful for the care he’s received, but can you give me any information about his condition? Is he really getting better?’

‘He was close to death when he was brought here, Madame. The doctors and the nuns have worked miracles to bring him this far. I believe his lung infection is improving but he has not regained consciousness, and that is a concern to us all.’

‘But he’s out of danger?’

‘That is in the hands of God, but we pray for his recovery every day. No doubt your presence will help.’

‘He doesn’t know I’m here.’

‘Perhaps if you talk to him he will hear you, or he will feel your presence. We know very little about injuries to the head. Sometimes patients made remarkable progress.’

‘Are you saying that some people never recover completely?’

Father Laurent nodded, folding his hands across his chest. ‘I have seen such cases, but we must hope and pray that Monsieur Blanchard will regain his senses quickly. In the meantime, Madame, have you anywhere to stay? You said that you had only just arrived in France.’

‘Yes, we arrived early this morning. We need to find suitable accommodation.’

‘I’m afraid all the inns and lodging houses are full to capacity. Those whose ships were wrecked have taken all the available rooms, and many of the able bodied are camping in tents while they await the arrival of a suitable vessel.’

‘I am here with my mother-in-law. We must find accommodation quickly as we have nowhere to sleep tonight.’

‘I see.’ Father Laurent stroked his chin, eyeing Rosalind thoughtfully. ‘There is a property which is owned by the Church, but the last tenant passed away some time ago. The Château Gris is very near, but you might not consider it suitable.’