A stern voice from the narrow staircase made Rosalind turn her head. She knew from the uniform that this was the man she sought and she edged her way towards him. ‘Colonel, I need to speak to you urgently.’

He glanced round at the now largely silent crowd of drinkers. ‘You men are a disgrace. Get back to your quarters and sober up.’ He glared at the two men who had manhandled Rosalind. ‘You two, report to your senior officer. You will be facing charges. I do not condone this sort of behaviour, especially in a foreign country where we are guests.’

Rosalind watched them as they sidled out into the street, all their bravado and bullying tactics cut to shreds by their superior officer. ‘Thank you, Colonel.’

Colonel Munday led her to a table by the fire. ‘Café au lait, s’il vous plait, Patron.’ He sat down opposite her. ‘Now then, ma’am. Might I ask who you are and why are you wandering the streets on your own?’

‘My name is Rosalind Blanchard. My husband is in a critical condition in the convent hospital, and my brother-in-law, Captain Alexander Blanchard, is also on a ward there.’

‘I know Blanchard, of course, but that doesn’t explain why a lady like yourself is out in a foreign town unaccompanied.’

‘Please don’t tell Alex,’ Rosalind said hastily. ‘He made me promise not to go out on my own, but I was hoping to meet my companion and our maid. Then I was accosted by your men outside the inn.’

‘For that I apologise, Mrs Blanchard. Why did you want to see me?’

‘Lady Carey and I have rented the château opposite the hospital, hoping to be able to take Alex and my husband home when they are well enough. We can take care of Alex but he said that he needs your permission to leave the hospital.’

‘He has to have permission from the doctors, ma’am. But you’re right, I need to know where he is, too. I believe he was going to be married before Christmas.’

‘Yes, Colonel. Alex is engaged to my sister, but, of course, the wedding has been postponed.’

‘That’s a pity, but life in the army is never predictable. However, I have no objection to Captain Blanchard being moved such a short distance. Ultimately it is a matter for the doctors to decide, but thank you for coming to see me.’ He looked up as the landlord brought bowls of steaming coffee. ‘Merci, Patron.’

‘Thank you, Colonel.’ Rosalind sipped the coffee. ‘This is very good.’

‘You must allow me to see you back to the château, Mrs Blanchard. I will call in at the hospital when I have seen you safely home.’

Chapter Seven