Chapter Eleven

M arie froze and scooted back from the lieutenant, who stood up immediately. "Sir," he began.

"I am no ‘sir.' I am a servant, as is she. You should not be kissing her. It is inappropriate." Uncle Baptiste's French accent grew thick, a sure sign of his temper. "I did not agree to you seeing her just so you could do this in private."

"Uncle, we are courting," Marie started, when he held up a finger at her.

"Marie, go to your room. I would speak with the lieutenant alone."

Marie rose, smoothed down her skirts, and shot him a glance before leaving. She slipped away and waited until a moment later, then crept back near the garden entrance to listen from the shadows.

"You should not dally with my niece. She is a good girl. She is not some harlot for you soldiers to toy with." Uncle Baptiste's voice was sharp.

"Sir. I am courting your niece. This is what courting couples do," Lieutenant Gage said, his voice even.

"Not in private, they don't. "

"You would prefer I kiss her in public?" the lieutenant joked.

"That is not what I meant, and you know it. Do not be impudent with me, boy. If you knew—" He stopped.

"Why is Miss Cadeaux in the dark about her parents?" Lieutenant Gage asked. "Why does she know so little about where she comes from? Was she born out of wedlock, is that it?"

"No. And, it is not my business to tell. Who her parents are is no business of yours, either."

"Sir, I would know so I may know to whom to speak in the future."

"You may speak to me," Uncle Baptiste said.

"That is not what I meant, and you know it," Lieutenant Gage said quietly.

This only seemed to anger Uncle Baptiste further. "Do not go skulking around corners and taking my niece in the shadows again. If you must court her, escort her around in public, as is decent, and befitting a young woman of her stature."

Marie cocked her head. What on Earth did he mean? She knew Uncle Baptiste cared for her, but he talked of her as though she were the daughter of an earl or a king. And yet, she had memorized their portraits in her locket—they did not look like peasants as such. Could they have been wealthier than that?

"Mr. Allard. I am courting your niece. I do not plan to dally or toy with her. I care for her. If it is acceptable to you, I will ask her to join me for a walk in the park on Sunday."

From the shadows, Marie almost clapped her hands in delight. A walk in the park! That sounded delightful.

Uncle Baptiste hesitated. "I will have to speak with the mistress. Her acting as a French-speaking companion to Mrs. Martin has already created enough trouble for her with the other servants."

"What do you mean?" Lieutenant Gage asked. His hands flexed, as if wishing to hold a sword .

"Many do not like her. They think the mistress has shown favoritism toward her, which they think unfair, especially as we are both new hires in her household. Do not cause further trouble for her. She has no one but me."

"That is not true, Mr. Allard. She has the friendship of Mrs. Martin, and myself."

"Ha! The friendship of a woman who does not even know she is a servant. How long can a friendship last that is based on lies? Once that woman learns of Marie's occupation, she will end their connection faster than you can blink. It will be over, and Marie will be lost. Do me a favor and leave her alone. She does not need her heart broken by a man who is not serious."

"What gives you the impression I am not serious about her?" Lieutenant Gage asked.

"I have seen your type before. You British soldiers are all the same. Smiling and wooing a girl one minute and having her on her back the next, only to leave her the next morning ruined, or worse, with child. I will not see that happen to Marie."

"That is not I, Mr. Allard."

"No? It is your friends. I saw that soldier tonight, flirting with a young woman. It was only a few minutes before they went upstairs, and everyone knows what happens when a couple goes up there. And now I find you out here with Marie. Can you truly say you are any different?"

"I shall prove it to you."

Uncle Baptiste uttered a sound of disgust. "Prove you are honest and stop looking into her background. You are not from the same social spheres. The sooner you learn that, the better." He walked away, right past Marie hiding in the shadows.

Marie waited a few minutes more and spied on the assembly in the main room. She saw Miss Campbell talking with Lieutenant Walker. Miss Campbell looked so happy, the air filled with laughter and good humor. Perhaps she was wrong about the lieutenant. What if he was not so bad as Lieutenant Gage had thought? Or maybe he had changed, or genuinely liked Miss Campbell. Either way, was it right for Marie to disturb their happiness?

She went upstairs to change and went to bed, her mind in turmoil. Her last moments awake, her thoughts were full of a kiss, and the touch of Lieutenant Gage's soft lips against hers.

The next day was Sunday. Marie went down to breakfast, ready to work in the kitchens, and found the other servants were all smiling, whilst others looked stunned. Their eyes were wide; a few mouths hung open. Marie looked around, but Julia was suspiciously absent. A mercy, she decided. "What is going on?"

Mr. Jones said, "The mistress has kindly given us a few hours off in the afternoon."

A few of the servants looked at each other and grinned. One or two clapped.

"So the Black Widow of Whitehall does have a heart," Thom muttered.

"A half day!" one of the maids said.

"No, not quite. Just around three hours. You may all finish after lunch and then be back in time to prepare dinner. Get your work done quickly and do not miss church, those of you who are churchgoers."

The servants quickly talked about this, chatting about what they would do with their free time. Mrs. Drummond fancied she might buy a flavored ice from Gunther's as a treat.

Marie sat down and ate her porridge quickly, swallowing it down with a watery cup of tea. It tasted bitter, but she didn't mind. What would she do with her free time?

"Oh, and, Miss Cadough, the mistress wishes to speak with you in her parlor, as soon as you've finished breakfast," the butler said.

Marie glanced up from her porridge. She ate quickly, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and cleared her empty dishes away. As Marie left the room, one of the servants asked, "Why is the mistress giving us a half day, Mr. Jones?"

"She is a good employer. That is all."

"Can't remember when she last gave us some time off."

"Well, it's not a gift you should take lightly, so make the most of it," Mr. Jones said.

Marie went upstairs to Mrs. Dove-Lyon's parlor, knocked, and entered at the lady's summons.

Her employer sat at a rich, mahogany desk, with a wall of books behind her. She was writing at the moment, and she put her quill away as Marie entered. "Ah, Marie. Come in."

Marie closed the door behind her. "You asked for me?"

"Yes. Lieutenant Gage has asked permission to take you out this afternoon for a walk in the park."

Marie smiled immediately. She'd woken up from a dream about kissing him that morning and was shyly eager to do it again. A small rush of pleasure passed over her.

"I trust you are open to joining him?"

"Yes."

"Very good. I have matters to see to here, but I have given the servants a few hours' free time this afternoon and have asked your uncle to chaperone you. Do make haste and finish your chores, as he has asked for you to meet him at the entrance of St. James's Park."

Marie nodded. "Thank you, ma'am."

Mrs. Dove-Lyon gave her a curt nod in reply. "That will be all."

Marie left and went about her chores with half a mind. She made bread dough and let it proof, and was wiping down the tables when Mrs. Drummond said, "Girl, you're miles away. You've cleaned that table twice now."

Marie stopped and looked down at the sparkling-clean table. "Oh."

"I'd give you more work to do, but I don't trust you wouldn't put oranges in the pantry instead of in the sauce. Go on and finish up. The others are almost about to leave," Mrs. Drummond said with a smile. Her eyes were kind and she made a shooing motion.

After a small luncheon of cold meats, cheese, and salad, Marie went up to her room. She had few clothes of her own, but nothing so fancy as the dresses she wore in the evenings. Everything she earned went to support her uncle and herself and to save for a little house in the countryside, once she'd earned enough for her passage back to France. That had been her plan for years. But now, she felt her heart changing.

She had an old, brown dress, and an ordinary walking coat, with a faded, straw bonnet and dull, beige ribbon. None of it was very special, and she felt humble indeed as she changed out of her maid's uniform and into her dull, brown dress. But it was hers, and she hoped that with the weather being so fine, Lieutenant Gage wouldn't notice the poor quality of her clothes.

Her uncle, similarly dressed in non-descript clothing, escorted her to the entrance of St. James's Park. They waited, speaking little, as well-dressed men and women walked inside.

"Maybe he won't come," Uncle Baptiste said.

Marie bit her lip in dismay. Would the lieutenant keep her waiting, or worse, not show up at all? Maybe he was having second thoughts about their courtship. What if she'd had bad breath and he had been repulsed?

She clapped a hand to her mouth, when a male voice said, "There you are."

She whirled around. "Lieutenant Gage." She curtsied and received a bow in return .

He gave her a warm smile. "Miss Cadeaux." He glanced over her shoulder. "Mr. Allard." He bowed.

"Lieutenant." Uncle Baptiste nodded.

"Shall we?" Lieutenant Gage asked.

"Yes."

They began walking, with Uncle Baptiste close behind. They were quiet for a time, with the only sound being the noise their boots made on the sandy, gravel path, and the sounds of the birds calling and trilling nearby.

A great canal stretched out before them, far ahead, and ducks, geese, and even pelicans were scattered along the green borders of grassland as elegant swans glided upon the water. The scene was quite pretty, and Marie was delighted.

She looked on and smiled at the lieutenant, who was gazing at her. "Are you enjoying the park?" he asked.

"Oh, yes." She stood by, watching the ducks nose about for food, then dive and careen into the water with almighty splashes, making her laugh.

"I'm glad." He stood by her.

She glanced at him. "But, sir, it strikes me that I know so little about you."

"What is it you wish to know?"

She thought on this. So many things, and yet where to begin. "What about your family? Are they in London? Is that where you're from? I know I asked before, but you were so private then. You gave little away."

He laughed. "So many questions. Let's play a game. You ask one of me, and I'll answer, but that means I get to ask one of you too."

"All right."

He said, "You asked about my family. They live in a little place out in Hertfordshire. I have a mother, a father, and two older brothers, both of whom are insufferable. "

"Really?" Her eyes were wide.

"No." He laughed, teasing her. "Maybe sometimes. They're all right. We have a place in London, but I'm the only one there at the moment."

"That sounds lonely."

"It's why I spend most nights at the Lyon's Den. At least there, I'm assured of good company." He gazed down at her. "Now let me ask you a question. Are enjoying yourself?"

"Yes." Her smile warmed him.

"Good. I was relieved to hear that your locket has only miniatures of your parents and not any beaus."

She blushed at the thought. "I've never had any beaus."

"So I am the first. That is a singular position to be in, and one I hardly believe. You mean to say you really never had any beaus before?"

She shook her head. "No."

"Shocking. I can hardly believe it."

"You are teasing me," she said.

"I am. I like to make you smile." He faced her. "Miss Cadeaux, did you…" He paused, his cheeks turning pink. "Did you like our kiss last night?"

Her cheeks flamed. She could not meet his eye. She gave a little nod. Then she raised her head, her gaze challenging. "Lieutenant Gage, I have a question for you."

"Go on."

"When might we do that again?"

His eyes widened. He took her hand and whisked her behind a tree, pressing his lips to hers.

She instantly relaxed in his arms. She didn't care that they stood in a public park, and that she was pressed up against a tree, trapped beneath him. She didn't care that the hard bark of the tree dug into her lower back, or that the tall grass bit into the skin of her ankles above her boots. She cared that she was here, together with him, and with his hands on her waist, pulling her toward him, it felt like the perfect place to be. As her heart pounded, she wished time could stop, and they could simply be together.

They heard a noise, and both their eyes opened at the same time. Lieutenant Gage broke off the kiss and stepped back. His clear-blue eyes now had dark pupils—they were dilated for some reason. His cheeks were pink and his hair slightly disheveled.

She stood still as he reached out and rearranged her straw bonnet on her head, having pushed it back off her head when he'd kissed her a moment ago. Surveying her up and down, his gaze lingered on her chest, her lips, as he smiled and she smiled back. "You look beautiful," he murmured.

He swallowed and stepped back a few steps, putting his hands behind his back, ever the gentleman.

He said louder, "As I was saying, I have two older brothers, Bartholomew and Geoffrey. Bartholomew is the heir, and he will inherit the baronetcy when Father is gone. Geoffrey became a county curate, which leaves me to make something of myself."

Marie blinked. A baronet's son? She instantly felt embarrassed for her poor clothes. And yet, he didn't seem to mind. What on earth was he doing walking out with her? "And will you, Lieutenant?" Marie asked, feeling how hot her cheeks were. Her lips felt rough and perfect from kissing. She wanted to do it again but knew they must wait.

"I am working on it. I have saved some. If I can just avoid getting hit in the head when I charge up hills, I'll be more of a success." He grinned and tapped the red scar above his eye.

She laughed, and her smile fell when he grew serious.

"You do not mind my scar?"

"No."

He looked at her, then away. "You ask of my family. Here is a truth: my parents hoped I would make something of myself, and until I do, they were keen to throw me into the path of wealthy, young women."

Her kind smile disappeared. "Oh."

"But then I was shipped off with the army and had my accident. No one wanted to see me then, so I left for London, and they didn't seem to care what I did with my time. I know my mother wants me to heal and rest, but I'm fine. I just have this scar."

She thought he looked rather dashing.

"I never thought I would meet anyone who would even see me for who I am. Everyone just looks at my scar or tries to avoid looking at it, then looks in secret when they think my gaze is elsewhere." He met her eyes. "I never thought I would meet a young woman as kind as you."

She smiled and spotted her uncle nearby, watching. Then a couple walked by and Lieutenant Gage stiffened.

"Lieutenant? What is it?" Marie asked.

"Nothing." He held out his arm for her, and she took it.

"Gage, is that you?"

They were soon joined by Lieutenant Charles Walker and his companion. Marie glanced up at the tall woman's face and started. It was Miss Campbell. A lady's maid she recognized from her time at the Campbells was acting as her chaperone. Miss Sanderson, Marie recalled her name was. But if Miss Sanderson recognized her, she showed no inclination of it. The maid walked some distance behind, idly keeping watch.

Miss Campbell glanced at her before her eyes alighted on her face, then widened. "Mary?"

"Miss Campbell." Marie gave a polite curtsey.

"You two are acquainted?" Lieutenant Walker asked, eyeing Marie's simple clothes with a growing smirk. "My word, you do have singular taste in fashion. And, Gage, I thought you aimed rather higher in your expectations. I did not think you socialized with peasants, but maybe you take after your friend Henry, eh? But with that gash, I hardly recognized you. Bit of nasty luck, that. But then I suppose you would have trouble finding ladies who could stand the sight of that."

Lieutenant Gage's mouth firmed into a hard line. His hand clenched into fists, and his chin raised, his eyes narrowed. "Walker."

"Now, now, let us not lose our tempers, Gage. Not whilst there are ladies present." Lieutenant Walker smirked.

Marie looked at Miss Campbell, who glanced at her and dismissed her without a word. She instead looked at Lieutenant Gage, eyeing him in his uniform. Her gaze swept over him from head to toe, resting on his face and scar. "Were you in an accident?"

"Forgive me, madam, but we have not been introduced. Excuse me." He ignored Miss Campbell's gasp of displeasure and turned to Marie. "Shall we go?" And without leaving her a moment to reply, he guided her away from the pair. They strode toward her uncle, who stood leaning against a tree, watching closely, his jaw jutting out stubbornly.

"Lieutenant—" she started.

"Let us away, please," he said. Once they were some distance away, he added, "I'm sorry about that. That man is rude and impertinent. I hope you were not too offended."

Marie gave him a small smile. "It's all right. I'm glad to be away from them."

"That makes two of us. And I did not like that young lady on his arm."

"Miss Campbell?" Marie said.

"Yes, I remember you saying. She stares too much. And her addressing me, particularly with such a personal question, when we have not been formally introduced. Such poor manners in a girl." He shook his head.

They were soon joined by Uncle Baptiste. "Come, Marie. We should return. We do not want to stay out too late. "

"Yes, Uncle." She took his arm and glanced at Lieutenant Gage. "Good day. Thank you for the walk."

"It was my pleasure." He bowed. "Will you be attending the Lyon's Den tonight?"

"I will be there, provided Mrs. Martin is as well."

"Then I shall hope to see you this evening."

That evening, Mrs. Martin was present at the Lyon's Den. Marie dressed in a dress that bore a light shade of pink and found Mrs. Martin standing in the observation gallery, watching the gamblers and assembly present in the main hall.

"Mrs. Martin," Marie said. "Good evening."

"Oho, good evening to you too, Miss Cadeaux. I want to hear all about it. Did he actually take you out on a walk this afternoon?" Mrs. Martin asked.

"Yes," Marie said.

"How she blushes! I knew it. You two lovebirds can hardly stay away from each other. Well. I am happy for you, even if I am a little jealous. I miss the first few days of young love." She observed her husband at one of the gambling tables. "The colonel is a very good man, but his mind is often on the war. I will be happy when both our nations are at peace again." She rested her hands on the smooth, polished balcony of the gallery. Tonight, Mrs. Martin wore a russet-colored gown with a square bodice, and a feather in her hair and headband, along with a gold necklace with semi-precious stones for jewelry.

Marie observed her friend and wished that she might one day dress as well so that she might not feel so embarrassed by her ordinary clothes when out in the street. But never mind. She was there to keep Mrs. Martin company. "How has your day been?" she asked.

"Oh, well enough, I suppose. Nothing as exciting as the day you've had. Although… I wonder if you might help me with a little project," Mrs. Martin said, with an air of mystery .

"What is that?"

"Well. I cannot help thinking that you remind me of someone. When we first me, you were the spitting image of a woman I met years ago at a party, before La Terreur began in France. But I could not remember her name. She and her husband were very kind to me, for I was a young girl, but ever since I have spent time with you, I think more and more that you remind me of her."

Marie began to tense. "Why is that? I have lived in England most of my life."

"But not all of your life, Miss Cadeaux. You say you and your uncle came from France years ago when you were but a child. What if this woman I knew was your mother?"

Marie's throat began to choke up. She blinked and turned away.

"Oh, petite , I'm sorry. I don't mean to upset you. I simply want to help."

"There is no need, Mrs. Martin. I am content enough with my life here."

"Are you?" Mrs. Martin asked.

"Yes. Tonight, I made little tartlets with crumbly pastry and tiny slices of roast beef, just little shavings topped with mustard and diced onion. It was delicious. The other—" she stopped.

She peered down at the main floor. There was Miss Campbell again, with Lieutenant Walker. Except he was making little show of hiding his affection for her, as his hand drifted not-so-subtly to her bottom, and squeezed. She jumped, laughed, and batted at his arm with her fan, giggling.

Marie frowned. Such treatment, and in public. What would the other men and women think at the sight?

"Mmm, go on, it sounds wonderful," Mrs. Martin said. "Where do you come up with such ideas? This sounds magnifique ."

"It's just a recipe in a recipe book my parents left me. These recipes… They keep me feeling closer to home, even though the book is so old, it is falling apart. That and my locket, although I lost that." She felt at her neck, her fingers tracing her collarbones that jutted out. She missed the locket more than she cared to admit. It was like losing a piece of her, a piece of her soul.

"Well, I must try this. Say you will make some for me one day soon. Please?" Mrs. Martin asked.

"I would be glad to," Marie said, glad to be talking of a different subject.

"Now, what shall we do this evening? Come, let us take a turn around the room. You are thinking of your beau, Lieutenant Gage, yes?" Mrs. Martin asked.

"Yes." Marie smiled at her friend. "Is it so obvious?"

"A little. And why not? You are new and the love is fresh and exciting. I am happy for you." Mrs. Martin paused. "I hope you do not mind my prying, just a little. I want you to be happy. As my friend, I want to help you anyway I can."

Mrs. Martin laughed. "I will not keep you or Lieutenant Gage waiting any longer. Let us go. We will chat and gossip and I will watch as your handsome lieutenant twirls you about the dance floor."

There were many men and ladies present, with some playing drinking games, others balancing cards and fruit on their heads, whilst other couples took to the dance floor as a harpist played. The gentle tunes of the harp notes filled the air with calming music, and Marie sighed with pleasure. The evening was almost complete. Her pulse beat wildly and butterflies swarmed in her stomach as she looked for Lieutenant Gage.

"Do you see him anywhere?" Mrs. Martin asked.

"No," Marie said, her voice a shade unhappy. They chatted in French and laughed, teasing each other and observing the men and women present. They took a turn about the room, which was very grand, indeed, and Marie gave another little sigh. Where was he? He had said he'd hoped to see her there this evening .

Then Marie glanced around. "Have you seen Miss Campbell anywhere?"

"Who? Oh, that young woman. The tall one who was carrying on with that soldier. They were here before, but I do not see them now. Never mind that her parents never pay that much attention to her, anyway, from what I can see. What of it?"

A worrisome thought occurred to Marie. As much as she and Miss Campbell were not friends, a niggling thought, a very bad one indeed, began to worry her. She spotted Mrs. Campbell and her husband playing cards at a table some distance away. "I should like to find her."

"Why? She is no friend to you." Mrs. Martin glanced at her. "Unless you know something I do not."

"Um…" Marie looked around. She did not see Miss Campbell at all. "No, I don't know anything. Could she have left?"

"This early in the evening, and unescorted? I doubt it," Mrs. Martin said. "Hmm, on second thought I bet I know where she'll be."

"Where?"

Mrs. Martin jerked her head in the direction of the stairwell. "Upstairs. They might have decided to further their acquaintance in one of the bedrooms."

"But, Mrs. Martin, Miss Campbell is an innocent. She is…"

"She may not be so innocent if she has gone up there."

Marie began to walk toward the exit.

"Miss Cadeaux? Where are you going?"

"I have to find her. Make sure she's all right."

"But… Oh, for heaven's sake. Marie," Mrs. Martin said.

"Yes?" Marie faced her.

"I will check the garden. We have searched down here already."

Marie froze. "But…"

"Come. We will look together. Do not get separated, it is not wise. We may both be attached to men, but there are some here who will surely not care about that." Mrs. Martin glanced at Marie. "Let us make haste. Go!"

Together, they took a quick turn about the room again but found no sign of Miss Campbell or Lieutenant Walker. They wandered out into the garden, but the only couple there was one they had never met before, and so they did not take too much trouble in disturbing them, once they ascertained the lady was not Miss Campbell.

They began to go upstairs, at which point, a voice called out. Mrs. Martin said, "Ah, my husband is calling me. Wait here for me, will you? I think the rooms are likely empty, as I did not hear any noise from them when I came up before. It is possible the young woman simply went home."

"I hope so," Marie said. But she wasn't so sure.

Mrs. Martin disappeared and Marie waited, then walked down the corridor past the guest rooms that were for hire. There were no inappropriate sounds coming from them, which made Marie feel relieved. But then she heard a sound and spied a door opening. Quickly, she dashed behind a curtain at the end of the hall and hid, pinching it closed around her. With any luck, whoever it was exiting the room would not notice her. She paused and waited, holding her breath.

One minute passed, then two. Whoever it was must have been male, for his loud, heavy footfalls echoed down the corridor. Marie peeked from behind the curtain and gave a little sigh of relief. Whoever it was hadn't seen her; her hiding place had worked. She came out from behind the curtain and began to walk down, ready to rejoin Mrs. Martin, when she heard some muffled noises. It sounded like crying.

She stopped and listened. It was the sound of weeping, and coming from that door the man had exited from. Marie took a breath and opened it.