‘I’ve just had confirmation of a ship due to arrive tomorrow morning to take the rest of my men back to England. How are you, ma’am? Is your husband showing any improvement?’

Rosalind smiled and nodded. ‘Yes, he is and this evening we’re having a New Year’s Eve dinner. You would be most welcome to come and join us, if you are not otherwise engaged.’

‘It’s my last night in France. I would be delighted.’

‘Then we’ll see you at about seven, if that’s convenient?’

‘Thank you, ma’am. That will be excellent.’ Colonel Munday tipped his hat and walked on.

‘Come, Agathe,’ Rosalind said with a smile. ‘We’d better get to market before everything is sold out.’

‘Madame Planche will expect to be invited.’ Agathe pulled a face. ‘And Monsieur Delfosse. You know she can be very difficult if she feels she’s being left out.’

‘Then we’ll invite them both. What do you suggest we serve, Agathe?’

‘Oysters, if there are any left in the market, and Champagne.’

‘Bread and different cheeses, too. Then we don’t have to cook. What a good idea.’

The informal meal was a great success. Delfosse had been called upon to shuck and prepare the oysters, which Rosalind did not particularly enjoy but she knew from past experience that Alex had a fondness for them. Colonel Munday also displayed a liking for them, as did Delfosse, and Madame Planche ate so many that Rosalind feared she might be ill. Hester preferred the bread and cheese, and after a couple of glasses of Champagne she became quite cheerful and more like her old self. Rosalind was careful to avoid showing any preference for Alex’s company and she devoted herself to keeping Colonel Munday entertained. She also drank freely of the Champagne and the colonel had brought with him a bottle of Calvados.

Agathe had declined the offer to join them, but she waited on them at table and left shortly after she had brought them their coffee. Madame Planche brought out the best brandy goblets and shortly before midnight Colonel Munday rose from the table to propose a toast.

‘I want to thank you for entertaining me so royally, and I look forward to seeing you back on duty as soon as your broken bones heal, Alex. You’re a fine officer and you will be missed by your men, so I hope you are fit enough to return soon. I would like to raise a toast to Mrs Blanchard for her hospitality and kindness, and to the health of Mr Blanchard, whom I have yet to meet.’

Alex raised his glass to Rosalind, but she glanced away quickly, aware that Hester was watching their every move. Later, when Madame Planche and Delfosse had returned to their part of the château and Colonel Munday had said his last goodbye, Hester took a candle to light her to her room.