Rosalind chuckled. ‘I think that’s unkind to animals.’ She held up her hands as Hester uttered a cry of protest. ‘I know it’s not a laughing matter, but if I don’t see humour in the situation I’m afraid I will cry. At least we have a fire of sorts. I suggest we go out now and get some food. When we’ve eaten I’m going to sit with Piers for a while, if the nuns will let me.’

A timid knock on the door made them both turn with a start.

‘Come in,’ Rosalind said warily.

A young woman entered the room. Standing in the shadows she looked almost spectre-like in her dull grey coat, her face a pale oval and escaping from her bonnet, a wisp of hair that was so fair, it was almost white. Clutched tightly in her hands she held a large basket, covered with a crisp white cloth.

‘Excuse me, Madame. Father Laurent sent me to help you.’

Rosalind experienced an almost overwhelming desire to give her a hug. ‘You must be Agathe.’

‘I am, Madame.’

‘Then you are most welcome,’ Rosalind said earnestly. ‘I am Madame Blanchard and this is my companion, Lady Carey.’

Hester acknowledged Agathe with a friendly smile. ‘We would be very grateful for your help, my dear. We need to buy food, but I don’t know whether Madame Planche will allow me to use her kitchen.’

Agathe’s pale blue eyes darkened. ‘Madame Planche will do as Father Laurent wishes.’

‘That’s good to know,’ Rosalind said hastily. ‘But our most urgent need is for something to eat.’

‘Madame Fournier, Father Laurent’s housekeeper, instructed me to give you this. She said that Madame Planche would not feed you, and if she did it would cost you twice as much as it’s worth.’

Agathe placed the basket on a low table and Hester plucked off the cover. ‘Roast chicken,’ she said excitedly, ‘and it’s still warm, Rosie. There’s bread, too, and butter.’ She sniffed suspiciously. ‘I think that’s cheese, but it smells off.’

Rosalind glanced over Hester’s shoulder. ‘I’m sure it tastes delicious. Anyway, I do hope this wasn’t intended to be Father Laurent’s supper.’

‘I’m sure he has plenty to eat,’ Hester said firmly. ‘Look, Rosie, there are apples and there’s something wrapped in a paper poke.’

‘That will be coffee, Madame,’ Agathe said shyly. ‘I will take it to the kitchen, with your permission, and I will make coffee for you.’

‘If you have trouble from Madame Planche you must tell me,’ Hester said firmly. ‘I won’t stand any nonsense from that person.’

‘Yes, Madame. I will bring you plates and cutlery.’ Agathe curtsied and hurried from the room with the poke of coffee in her hand.