Epilogue

30 décembre, 1774

Edinburgh, Scotland

Ma très chère Zoé,

It will come as no surprise to you that I nearly tore your letter in two when I broke the seal to read it. I've been so eager for your news, and your letter did not disappoint. I would have loved to have attended the masked ball in Versailles, but Basile says I must be presented to the queen first. Our informal engagement dinner did not count, of course.

But oh!—what news you had for me! It was not any ordinary ball it seems. So Mr. Arlington proposed to you at last! I am so very pleased. You asked what Basile would say when he heard the news, and he merely lifted his head from reading the newspaper to proclaim that it was about time.

You laugh, but perhaps you secretly agree with him. I am so delighted we shall be back in Paris in time to attend your wedding. I would promise to bring you some charming fabric or furbelow from our bridal tour if it weren't for the fact that the latest fashions are only to be found in Paris. But have no fear, mon amie—I shall indeed bring you something that will please you. Perhaps wedding dishes? Yes! It shall be a set of English china, of which I believe we need not be ashamed, though it is not a Sèvres.

I've been agog for news, and my patience was richly rewarded, for this day has brought me letters from both Thérèse and Vivienne de Galladier in addition to yours. Thérèse assures me my grandmother is going on very well, although of course you knew that. Thank you for inviting her to drink tea with you and for keeping her happily occupied in my absence. I can only be truly content knowing she is in good hands. And Thérèse promises that we will not recognize little Léonce for he is changed beyond recognition. I will have to take her word for it, but I cannot wait to go back and hug my delightful little nephew.

Vivienne positively assures me she is settling into married life as happily as I am. You will not tell her, of course, but this cannot be, for she is not married to Basile. However, I will own that Armand is as very gentlemanly a vicomte as they come, so of course she is allowed her modicum of happiness.

Ah, mais oui! How could I have forgotten? Speaking of being a gentleman, I was pleased to hear of Charles defending you in such a noble manner against the impertinent comte, thereby assuring you he is both madly in love with you and is possessed of a fiery passion that promises well for your marriage. You have much to look forward to. Much, much to look forward to.

No, I shall not tease you more on that head. In fact, I will have to finish this letter at another moment, for Basile is attempting to tug the quill from my hand and will not be put off,

et donc…

La fin

He's marooned without a penny. She's in hiding to protect her virtue. Read Charles and Jeanne's story in The Accidental Servants, first in the series, here!