Introduction
AngeliquedeBourbon-Spencerhasbeenbornintheworldofprivilege,butherlifehasbeenamasqueradeofservitudesince the tragic demise of her parents. Reduced to a servant's role in her aunt and uncle's household, she endures a degrading treatment fromher step-siblings. In the shadowy corners of a lavish ballroomin London though, Angelique's fate takes an unexpectedturnwhenhereyesmeetthoseofamysteriousmaskedgentleman.
Asifthingswerenotcomplicatedenough,Angeliquefindsherselfromanticallytornbetweentwodifferentmen…Howcould itbethoughthattheydonotfeelallthatdifferent?
AntoineBeauchamp-Fitzalans,MarquessofExeter,returnstoLondonafteryearsabroad,onlytouncoverhischildhoodfriend Angelique'sstartlingsecretlifeasaservant.Determinedtoassisther,hedisguiseshimselfasamysteriousmaskedgentleman, movingfreelyamongthegentry,whilealsoposingasadiscreetservantfromtheneighboringestate.Toexposeher relatives' transgressions,Antoinemustkeephistrueidentityhidden,all thewhileearningAngelique'strustinthishigh-stakesdanceof deceptionandloyalty.
Couldthisheartfeltaidturnintosomethingmuchdeeper?
As theywade throughthe challenges caused bytheir respective disguises and the nefarious actions ofAngelique's relatives, theirconnectiondeepens.Theirsecretanddisguisedromancestandsonaverydelicatebalance,butcantheyunraveltheweb ofsecretsandemergevictoriousagainsttheinternalandexternalshadowsthatthreatentoconsumethem?
“Angelique,dostayawayfromtheriver!”
Eight-year-oldAngeliquelongedtoignoretheadmonitionofhergoverness.MollywaskindandfairandAngeliquelikedher verymuch,butshecouldalsobeinsufferablydullattimes,andAngeliquedid not enjoythatabouther Shewaseightyearsold now,afterall,andshedidn’tneedagovernesswatchingoverhereverymove.Shehadbeentotherivercountlesstimes.There werenodangersherethatshewasn’tequalto.
“Myparentsallowmetoplaybytheriver,”shesaid.
“Yourparentsaren’tathome,”Mollypointedout
“Butthey’ll returnhome fromtheir travels later today, andyoucanaskthemthen,” Angelique said. “They’ll tell youit’s all rightformetoplaybythewateraslongasI’mnotonmyown You’llsee Theydon’tmindatall”
“You’regoingtogetmuddy.”
“Nobodymindsthateither,”Angeliquesaidwithalaugh.“Fathersayschildrenaresupposedtogetmuddyfromtimetotime!”
Mollysighed.“Isuppose he has the righttosayit,” she said.“ButIhope for bothofour sakes thatyou’re right,Angelique, becauseIwouldhateforyourparentstogethomeandseeyoucoveredinmudandbeunhappyaboutit”
“That’snotgoingtohappen,”Angeliqueassuredher “They’llbenothingbutpleasedtoseeme,Molly MotherandFatherdote uponme,youknowthat.They’regoingtobringmeapresentfromtheirtravels!Fatherpromisedthattheywould.”
“Perhapsthat’sthemnow,”Mollysaid,turningtowardthesoundofacarriagecomingupthepathtowardthefrontoftheestate.
“Oh!”Angeliqueturned,theriver utterlyforgotten.“Theyweren’tsupposedtoarrivehomeuntil thisevening!They’reearly! Theymusthavebeensoeagertoseemethattheyhastenedtheirjourneyhome”
“Perhaps,”Mollyagreed.
But Angelique frowned She could see now who was disembarkingfromthe carriage, and it wasn’t her mother and father Instead, she was looking at her least favorite aunt, her father’s younger sister. Aunt Wilhelmina had dark hair and a stern expressionthatneverseemedtowaver,nomatterwhatwasgoingonaroundher
Shewasfollowedoutofthecarriage,byherhusband,UncleClive,andbyAngelique’sthreecousins,Marcus,Gwyneth,and Grace Bothof the elder cousins were stuck-up, and Angelique found themdifficult to get alongwith, so she tooka small measureofsatisfactioninseeingthattheywerestaringupatthehousewithsomethinglikeawe.
Theyhadbeenherecountlesstimes,ofcourse,andtheyalwaysmanagedtoactasifitdidn’timpressthemverymuchtobein thehomeoftheMarquessofSomerset.Theytendedtoactasifitwasallbeneaththem.ButAngeliqueknewthatwhatshewas seeingrightnowwastheirtrueresponse,savedforamomentwhentheydidn’tknowshecouldseethem
“Perhapstheydon’trealizethatMotherandFatheraren’tathome,”shesaidtoMolly.
“Weoughttogoinformthem,”Mollysaid.“Comealong,Angelique.”
Angeliquewishedthatshecouldstaybytheriver shehadnodesiretosocializewithhercousins butsheknewthatwould be a losingbattle There was no chance ofMollyallowingher to stayhere onher own She trotted backtoward the house alongsidehergoverness.
“Well, this is hardly appropriate,” Aunt Wilhelmina said as they approached “Just look at you, Angelique Your gown is filthy,”shetutted.
Angeliquelookeddownatthegownshewore Shesaw nofilth Shehadn’tevengoneall thewaydowntothewater,soshe hadn’tgottenmudonhergown.ShehadnoideawhatAuntWilhelminawasreferringto.
Butthen,itwasverylikeheraunttofindfaultinsomethingaboutAngelique Shehadalwaysseemeddeterminedtoprovethat herownchildrenweremoresatisfactorythanAngeliquewas especiallyGwyneth,whowasalsoeightyearsold.
“You’dbettercomeinside,”AuntWilhelminasaid “Wehavesomethingstodiscuss,Angelique”
“Myparentsaren’thomefromtheirtravelsyet,”Angeliquesaid.“Perhapsweshouldwaituntiltheyreturn.”Shedidn’twantto endherdayonthegroundsjustyet,andshewassurethatifshewentinside,AuntWilhelminawouldn’tallowhertocomeback out.
“Yourparentswon’tbecominghome,”AuntWilhelminasaidbriskly “Therewasanaccident,dear”
“You’renotgoingtotell her likethat,Wilhelmina,areyou?”ThatwasUncleClive,speakingupfor thefirsttime.Hewasa quietman,usuallycontenttoallow hiswifetodothetalkingforthebothoftheminsocialsituations Angeliquecouldn’tsay whyitdisturbedhersothathehadchosenthismomenttospeak,butsheknewthatitdid.
“Whatdo youmean?” she asked, feelingsuddenlychilled, althoughthe weather hadn’tchanged. “Ofcourse myparents will comehome.They’llalwayscomebacktome.”
“I’mafraid not, dear,” AuntWilhelmina said “We’ve justreceived word thattheywere killed ina carriage accidentonthe wayhome.”
Angeliquefelttheworldspinslowlyaroundher.Shesanktoherknees.
“I’msosorry,Angelique,”UncleClivesaidquietly.
No.Theywerewrong.Therehadbeenamistake.Thiswasanightmare.Something.Itcouldn’tbetruethatherparentshadbeen killed Theycouldn’tbegone,justlikethat
They promised they would always come back to me.
“Bringour things inside,please,” AuntWilhelmina directedthe footmen.“We’ll be stayinghere now someone has toraise youngAngelique.”
“Don’tworry,”UncleClivesaid,restingahandbrieflyonthetopofherhead.“We’llbehereforyou.”
ButAngeliquecouldn’teventhink
Shekneltontheground,watchinginshockasthefootmencarriedherauntanduncle’sthingsintothehouse.
Mother, Father where are you?
Timeseemedtopassinafog.Atsomepoint,Angeliquerealizedthatshewasinside,thoughshewasn’tsureifsomeonehad broughtherinorifshehadcomeonherown.Shewasinthesittingroom,whichwassometimesfullofpeopleandsometimes empty.Peoplespoketoher,butshedidn’tanswerthem,andeventuallytheyallwentaway.
AuntWilhelminaandherfamily,ontheotherhand,didnotgoaway.Angeliquehadhoped,atfirst,thatshehadmisunderstood theirintentionsandthattheydidn’treallymeantostay,butitwasclearnowthattheyweren’tgoinganywhere AuntWilhelmina andUncleClivehadmovedintoherparents’rooms,andMarcus,Gwyneth,andGracehadtakenroomsoftheirown.
Angeliquehadn’tleftthesittingroominwhatmusthavebeendays,soshewasn’tsurewhichroomstheywerein,butitdidn’t matter.Whatmatteredwasthattheywereinthehouse.Sheachedforthemtoleave,butitseemedtherewasnochanceofthat happening
Atleastfornowshehadthesittingroomtoherself.Someonehadlitafireandshesatwatchingitburn,wishingthatshecould simplydothisfortherestofherdays thatshewouldneverbecalledupontomovefromthisspotortospeaktoanyoneagain
“I’msosorry,Angelique.”
Thevoicewasfamiliar,andforthefirsttimesinceallthishadhappened,itwasn’tthevoiceofsomeoneunwelcometoher.It wasenoughtoliftheroutofthefogofhershockedgrief,andshelookedupatthefamiliarface.“Antoine.”
It was so strange to see her eleven-year-old neighbor now, inthe midst of all this. She had always admired him, but their relationshiphadbeenmorelikethatofabrotherandasister Ordinarily,though,thesightofhimwouldhavesetbutterfliesoff inthepitofherstomach.Rightnow,allshecouldfeelwasaquietsenseofcomfort atleastsomeoneshelikedwashere.
Hesatdownbesideher.“Theysayyouhaven’tmovedfromthisspot,”hesaidsoftly.“Theysayyou’vehadnothingtoeat.”
“Whosays?”
“Thestaff,”hesaid Heheldoutasandwich “Wouldyoueatthis?”
Shetookitandbitintoitmechanically.Ittastedlikesawdust,butsheknewhewasright shedidneedtoeat.Shechewedthe
sandwichslowly.“IthoughtperhapsmyauntandunclemighthavebeentheonestotellyouIhadn’teaten,”shesaid.
He frowned. “Yes, I would have expected that too,” he said. “I suppose they’re so caught up intheir grief that theyaren’t noticingthingsproperly.”
“Ithinkthey’remorecaughtupinthefactthatthey’vefinallybeenabletomoveintoSomersetManor,”Angeliquesaiddarkly “AuntWilhelminahasalwayswantedthishouse.I’llbetshewasthrilledwhensheheardmymotherandfatherhaddied.”
“Oh,Angelique,”Antoinesaidsadly,buthedidn’targuewithher,andAngeliquesupposedhethoughtshewasrightandsimply didn’twishtosayso.
“Haveyouseenthem?”sheaskedAntoine
“Yes,” he said. “Myparents are withthemnow, butIwas givenpermissionto come and talkto you. Ithoughtperhaps you coulduseafriendrightnow”
“Idon’thaveanyone,”Angeliquewhispered.
“Youdo,”hecorrectedher “You’llalwayshaveme Iknowthisisawful,Angelique,andI’msosorrythatit’shappening,but I’llbehereforyou.Mywholefamilywillbehereforyou.Youknowthatyourparentsandminewerealwaysgoodfriends.”
“IwishthatIcouldcomeandlivewithyourfamily,insteadofbeingcaredforbymyauntanduncle,”Angeliquesaidwistfully. “Iwouldbesomuchhappierthere.Itwouldbealmostlike…”
Shetrailedoff.Whatshe’dbeenthinkingwasthatitwouldbealmostlikehavingherownparentsback.Butshecouldn’tspeak thewords,becausethatwouldbeanacknowledgementthattheywerereallygone.Itwouldbethefirsttimeshe’dsaiditaloud, andshecouldn’thelpfeelingas thoughspeakingthewords wouldmakeitreal,somehow As longas shedidn’tsayit,there wasachanceitwasn’ttrue.
Antoineseemedtounderstandwithoutherhavingtosayit.“Iknow,”hesaid.“Iknowthatwouldbebetterforyou,andIwish itwassomethingwecoulddo.Buttheyare yourfamily,Angelique.Theycareforyouagreatdeal.”
Angeliquedidn’tthinkso,somehow,butshedidn’twanttoarguewithhim,soshesaidnothing
“Justknow thatwe’ll behereforyou,”Antoineassuredher “You’relikefamilytous Myparentswill alwayscareforyou, andsowill I.You’renotalone.Iknow itmightfeel thatwayrightnow,butyou’renot.Andyour parentswill liveoninside you.
Everytimeyoulookinalookingglass,you’llseeyourmother’sface moreandmoreasyougrowolderandlookmorelike her. And every time you laugh, you’ll remember your father’s wonderful sense of humor and how he could always make everyonearoundhimsmile
TearsfilledAngelique’seyes.
Shehadn’tcriedsinceshe’dheardthenews,anditfeltgoodtoletthetearsoutnow.Itwasarelease.Sheburiedherfacein
herhandsandweptforeverythingshehadlost.
Herparentswerereallygone.Theywerenevercomingback.Fromnowon,thiswouldbeherlife.Sharingthehousethathad oncebeenahome,withtheauntanduncleshesostruggledtogetalongwith,andcousinsshecouldhardlytolerate.
Andasshecried,Antoineremainedsteadfastlybyherside,loyalandunmoving,aharborintheseaofherdespair
Fourteen Years Later
Angeliquestruggledupthestairs,balancingabreakfasttrayoneacharm.Thiswashersecondtrip shehadbroughtthefirst twotraysonherfirstjourneyupthestairs andtheusualmorninganxietywasbeginningtosetin.
Itwasalwaysastruggletomakesurethateverythingwouldbewarmwhenitwasdeliveredtotheproperperson Delivering fivebreakfastsall atoncewasanoneroustask,andbecauseAuntWilhelminahaddismissedsomanyofthestaffinorder to savemoney,therewasnooneavailabletohelpAngeliquedoit.
AtleastnoonewouldcomplainifGrace’sfoodwasabitcold.ItmadeAngeliquefeelsadtoslightheryoungestcousinlike that AngeliqueherselfwastheonlypersoninthehousewhowastreatedwithmoredisdainanddisrespectthanGrace,and shedidfeelasifthetwoofthemoughttobeallies
Ifshe’dhadherchoice,shewouldhavedeliveredGrace’sbreakfastfirstofallofthem,tomakesureitwasthefreshest But thechoicedidnotbelongtoher.Veryfewchoicesdid,anymore.
IthelpedthatUncleClivewasawayinLondon,ashesooftenwas.Atleastnodeliverieshadtobemadetohim.Shepickedup oneofthetraysshe’dplacedonthetableinthehallandmadeherwaytoAuntWilhelmina’sroom.
Herauntwassittingupinbed,waitingtobeserved “Youtookyourtime,”shesaidcrossly
“I’msorry,”Angeliquesaidcontritely.Shewasn’tlateatall,buttherewasnothingtobegainedbyarguing.AuntWilhelmina tookpleasure inscoldingAngelique and the happier her auntwas, the more peaceful Angelique’s life would be Itwas just goodsensetoallowhertosaywhatshelikedandgetawayasquicklyasshecould.
“Iaskverylittle ofyou, Ella,” AuntWilhelmina said, and Angelique flinched inwardly, as she always did, atthe unwanted nickname.Sheknewheraunthadtakentocallingher Ella inordertomakehersoundplainandordinary,liketheservantAunt Wilhelminawantedhertobeinsteadofthedaughterofamarquess
AuntWilhelmina liked to forgetthatAngelique’s father had had anyimportance insocietyatall. Itinfuriated Angelique, not becausesheobjectedtobeingtreatedlikeaservant,althoughshedid,ofcourse,butbecauseitoffendedhertoseeherfather’s sisterreducehismemorytolessthanitshouldhavebeen
Butifthepastfourteenyearshadtaughtheranything,itwasthattherewasnopointinarguing Quietcompliancewasthesafer andsmootherchoice,ifwhatshedesiredwasapeacefullife.
Angeliqueplacedthebreakfasttrayonthebedbesideheraunt.AuntWilhelminaexaminedthebreakfast.
Angeliqueheldher breath.Ifshewassentbacktothekitchentocorrectsomething,all theother mealswouldgetcold.They wouldhavetostartover,andtheneveryone’sbreakfastwouldbelate Shewouldspendthemorningbeingscoldedbyvarious membersofherfamily.
But apparently Aunt Wilhelmina could find no fault with what she had been served “We’ll be leaving for the city this
afternoon,”shesaid.“Youmusthelpmakepreparationsforyourcousins,sothey’llbereadytogo.”
“Whyarewegoingtothecity?”Angeliqueasked.
“Yourunclewishestothrowamasqueradeballwithafriendofhis,andwe’llbeattending,”AuntWilhelminasaid.
Angeliquecouldn’thelpit shefeltathrillofexcitement Ofcoursesheknewthatshewouldn’tbepermittedtoattendtheball, asherauntwouldneverallowsuchathing.Butshewouldstillbeabletoseeit.Theclevermasks,thebeautifulballgownsin allthelateststyles,themusic,andthedancing anditwouldbeeasyenoughtostealawaytothekitchenandsneaktastesofthe foodthatwasbeingservedaswell.
Eventhoughshewouldn’tbeaguestattheball,shewouldfindawaytoenjoyherself NotthatshecouldletAuntWilhelmina know that.HeraunthatedtheideaofAngeliqueenjoyingherself.
“You’ll need to informyour cousins of the departure and help themget their luggage together,” her aunt said “Make sure everyonehaseverythingtheyneed,yes?”
“Yes,AuntWilhelmina”
“AndElla,domakesureyoutakealookatwhatGraceiswearing.Iwon’thaveherdressinginsomeugly,oversizedfrockfor thisparty Shemustlookherbest!Helpherselectsomethingthatwillshowherofftoherbestadvantage”
Thatwouldbedifficult,Angeliquethoughtruefullyassheleftheraunt’sroom.PoorGrace,theleastfavoredofhercousins… shecouldbelovelyifanyonewouldhelpher,butshereceivednohelp AuntWilhelminadespisedthefactthatGracewasabit plumpandrefusedtopurchaseclothesthatwouldhaveflatteredherfigure,insistinginsteadonbuyingthingsthatGracewould onlyfitintoproperlyifsheweretolosesomeweight
Asaresult,Graceoftenlookedasifshehadbeenstuffedintoasausagecasing.Ifshe’dhadsomethingappropriatetowear,she couldhavelookedbeautifulfortheparty,butintheclothessheowned,therewasverylittlechanceofit
AngeliquewentnexttoMarcus’sroom.Sheknockedonhisdoor.
“Don’tjuststandouttherelikeafool,”hecalled “Bringmemybreakfast”
Angeliquetookadeepbreathbeforeopeningthedoor I’m lucky, sheremindedherself I have a place to live I have a roof over my head and three sure meals a day, and for all they can be cruel, I know Aunt Wilhelmina and Uncle Clive will never throw me out on the street. I can handle Marcus’s taunts.
Shewentintotheroomandsethistrayonhisbedsidetable
Marcus was standingbeside the window, buthe turned to face her “Yououghtto wear somethingnicer thanthatold frock, Ella,”hesaid.“Perhapsmotherwouldn’tinsistontreatingyoulikeaservantifyoudidn’tinsistondressinglikeone.”
Angeliquesaidnothing.
“Or,no,that’sright,”Marcussaid.“Youdon’thaveanyfineclothes,doyou?”
Shedidn’trespond.
“Nothingofyourmother’syoucouldwear?Shehadsuchnicethings,didn’tshe?”
CommentslikethatwouldhaveoutragedAngeliqueinheryouth Allofhermother’sthingshadbeentakenbyAuntWilhelmina, andthosethatdidn’tfithadbeenputasidefor,andsincegivento,Gwyneth.ItstillgalledAngeliquetoseehercousinwalking aroundingownsandjewelsthathadoncebelongedtoAngelique’smother,butshehadlongsincestoppedallowingMarcusto provokeherwithhismean-spiritedcomments.
“Ialwaysfeel,”shesaidlightly,“thatanyonewhohastorelyonfineclothesinordertofeelhappyhasabarrensoul Don’tyou thinkso?”
Marcus’jawdropped Shecouldtellthatheknewhehadbeeninsulted,butshecouldalsoseethathewasn’tentirelysurehow ithadhappenedtohim.Shehadnointentionofclearingthematterupforhim.“Enjoyyourbreakfast,”shesaidwithasmile, andwentbackoutintothehall.
The third breakfastdeliverywas for Gwyneth. Blonde and slender, she was alreadysittinginfrontofthe lookingglass and admiringher reflectionwhenAngelique enteredthe room “Putitover there,” she said,pointing,withoutlookingawayfrom herownface.
Angeliquedidasshe’dbeenasked Shecouldconcedethathercousinwasverypretty,buttheamountofself-admirationthat Gwynethindulgedinwasalittleembarrassing.Surelynoonecouldneedtospendthatmuchtimestaringatherself?
“It’sjusttea,right?”Gwynethasked “There’snohoneyorsugarinit,isthere?”
“It’steawithlemon,justasyoulikeit,”Angeliqueassuredher.“AndjustasIbringittoyoueverysingleday.”
“Areyoutalkingbacktome?”Gwynethasked.“Ifyouare,I’mgoingtotellMother,andyou’llbepunished.”
“OfcourseI’mnot,”Angeliquesaid,thoughshehadbeen,alittlebit.“Ionlywantedtoreassureyouthatyoucouldtrustme.I prepareyourbreakfasteveryday,afterall,anddon’tIalwaysdoittoyourliking?”
“It’smoreimportantthanevernow,”Gwynethsaid “Ihopetomarrysoon,andthatwon’thappenifIallowmyselftobecome chubbylikemysister.Sothereistobe no sugarinanyteaIamgiven!Ihopethat’scleartoyou,Ella.”
“Crystalclear,”Angeliquesaid.“Yourmothersaysyou’retopackyourthings,bytheway,sincewe’llbeleavingforthecity tomorrow Yourfatherishavingamasqueradeballwithafriendthere”
“Oh!”Gwynethsaid “Howexciting!PerhapsI’llmeetahandsomegentlemanwho’llwishtomarryme I’msurethatwouldbe lovelyforyouaswell,wouldn’tit,Ella?WhenImovetomyhusband’shome,I’llletMotherknowthatyououghttohavethis roomagain.There’snoreasonforyoutogoonsleepingintheatticonceI’moutofthehouse,andafterall,this was yourroom once”
“Indeed,”Angeliquesaid.“It’ssoconsiderateofyoutothinkofme.”Shetookamomenttobegratefulforthefactthatshehad the strength of will to say such things, without actually meaning them. She imagined it must be hard for some servants to rememberthattheyweren’tanylessworthyandvaluableaspeoplethanthepeopletheyserved
JustbecauseGwynethhadcomeinhereandtakenoverthisroom,forcingAngeliquetomovetotheattic,didn’tmeanshewas anylessworthyoftheroomthathadoncebelongedtoher Shedidn’tneedherheartlesscousintoremindherofthat,either She knew whoshewas.Shewasstill Angelique,despitefourteenyearsofher familydoingtheir besttoturnher intonothingbut Ella
SheleftGwyneth’s roomandwentontoGrace’s.Her youngestcousinsleptattheveryendofthehall,andaccordingtoher mother, she was also supposed to have nothingbutunsweetened tea for her breakfast ButGrace was the one personinthe housewhowaskindtoAngelique,andAngeliquedidn’tliketoseehersuffer.
“Youbroughtchocolate,”Gracesaid,hereyeslightingupatthesightofthesteamingcup
“Andthat’snotall,”Angeliquesaid.Shepulledafolded-upnapkinoutofherpocket.
Graceunwrappedit.“Cookies!Oh,Angelique,you’rethebest.Motherwouldneverhaveallowedmetoeatthese.I’dhaveto sittherewatchingwhileMarcusandGwynethatethematdinner,andIwouldhavenothing.”
“Justdon’tyouevermentionthatIgavethemtoyou,”Angeliquewarned.“Idon’tneedthatkindoftrouble!”
“No,Iwon’ttell,”Graceagreed Sheheldoutacookie “Wouldyouliketostayandhaveonewithme?”
“That’ssokind,”Angeliquesaid,smiling.“Ihavetogetbackdowntothekitchen,I’mafraid.There’salotofworkstilltobe donetoday,andIcan’tfallbehind
“Iwishyoucouldstay,”Gracesaidwistfully.“SometimesIfeellikeIdon’thaveanyoneIcantalkto.”
Angeliqueknewthefeeling.ButshealsoknewthatifsheallowedherfriendshipwithGracetogrowtomeaningful,theywould bothbepunishedforit.Asmuchasshedidlikeheryoungestcousin,itwasbestforeveryoneiftheykepttheirdistance.
AntoineBeauchamp-Fitzalansstaredoutthewindow ofBurghamManor,hisfamily’sLondonestate Itfeltstrangetobeback thereaftersomanyyears.He’dthoughthehadseenthelastofthisplacewhenhisfamilyhadsolditinhischildhoodsothat theycouldmovetoFrance.
Butwhenhehadheardthattheestatenextdoor,DarlingtonHouse,belongingtohisfamily’soldfriendstheBourbon-Spencers, hadcomeintothepossessionofAngelique’sauntanduncle,hehadfeltcompelledtohurryhomeandseewhatwashappening. Perhaps,hethoughtnow,lookingatDarlingtonhouseouthiswindow,heshouldn’thavecome
He couldn’t help wonderingwhether his returnhome had beenmisguided His informants, friends and associates who had informedhimthattheRussellswerenowresidinginDarlingtonHouse,hadalsotoldthemthatAngeliquewasnolongerwith them.AccordingtothepeopleAntoinewasincontactwith,noonehadseenorheardfromherinyears.
IttroubledAntoine Whatcouldhavehappenedtoher?Hehadassumedthatherauntandunclewouldgooncaringforheruntil shegrewup,withherparentsweregone.Ifthatwasn’twhatwashappening,who did havecareofher,andhowwouldheever findheragain?Itseemedunlikelythathecould
So he wasn’tsure whyhe had come here. Itwasn’tas ifhe expected to find Angelique inDarlingtonhouse. Butmaybe he wouldfindsomeonewhoknewhowtocontacther Hefeltsomuchguiltaboutthefactthathehadlettimeanddistancecome betweenthem. He’d promised her thathe would always be there for her, and he hadn’tbeen. Now who knew whether they wouldeverfindoneanotheragain
HewouldhavetotrytogetintoDarlingtonHouse.Thetroublewasthatnoonewouldeverlethiminiftheyknewwhohewas. TheRussellswouldn’tliketoadmitthattheynolongerhadtheirniecewiththem,andtheycertainlywouldn’trevealwhereshe hadgone.
NottoAntoine They’dknowwhohewas Itwasclearbythefactthathismother’sletterstothefamilyhadgoneunanswered foryearsthattheyintendedtocutoffcontact.NoonewouldwelcomeAntoine’spresenceinthathouse.
Unless,ofcourse,hemanagedtodisguisehisidentity
He changed into the drabbestclothes he owned, knowingthathe would be able to pass for a servant. He would borrow the identityofhisownstablehand,Philip,hedecided NobodyknewwhoPhilipwas AndasforAntoine,hewouldbeknownby his name, certainly, butnotbyhis appearance. No one inthatfamilyhad laid eyes onhiminover a decade. Theywouldn’t recognizehimnow
He wentoutside and found his horse. He hesitated before settinghis planinto action. Was this reallya good idea? Itdidn’t seemaltogetherunlikelythatsomethingmightgowrong,andthatworriedhim
Buthe had come all this way. He couldn’tpass up the chance to find outwhathad happened to Angelique now thathe was there Hehadtoknow
Heuntiedhishorse,andsetitloose.Foramomentitstoodstill,lookingathim,asiftoquestionwhathethoughthewasdoing.
“I’mreallynotsure,”Antoineansweredtheunspokenquestionunderhisbreath.Hegavethehorseaswatonitshindquarters,
Thehorsetookthesignalandbrokeintoatrot,thenacanter,towardDarlingtonhouse.
Therewasnogoingbacknow.Theplanwasinaction.Antoinetookoffrunningafterhishorse,callingafterittocomeback, makingcertainnottorunsofastthathestoodachanceofovertakingit Hedidn’treallywanttocatchthehorse Notyet
TheycrossedontothepropertyofDarlingtonHouse.Antoine’shorserantowardthestables,perhapssmellingtheotherhorses. Antoinecontinuedhispursuit
Thestabledooropened,andayoungservantgirlsteppedout.
Antoine stopped short There was somethingfamiliar about her face he rather thought she looked like the Marchioness of Somerset,Angelique’smother.Foramomentheactuallybelievedit was LadySomerset,eventhoughheknewshewasdead but it couldn’t be her, of course And as he drew closer, he saw that this girl was younger than he had ever known Lady Somersettobe.
Someoneelse,then Andyettheresemblancewasverystrange Hewasn’tquitesurewhattomakeofit
ThegirlhadcaughtholdofAntoine’shorseandwasstrokingitsneck,doingherbesttosootheit.Antoinewasimpressed.He knewthathehadadifficulthorse,onemostexperiencedstablehandsfoundunmanageable,andyetthisgirlseemedtohavea waywithanimals.
“Goodafternoon,”hesaidbywayofgreeting
“Goodafternoon,”thegirlsaidcuriously,lookinghimupanddown.“Areyouoneofthestablehandshere?”
“Nothere,”Antoinesaid.“Iworknextdoor.”Thatwasanoddthingtosay.Ifsheworkedhere,shouldn’tshebeawareofwho elsedid?Shouldn’tsheknowthathewasn’tpartofthestaffhere?
“AtBurghamManor,”thegirlsaidknowingly.
“Youknowtheplace?”
“Oh,notwell,”shesaid,blushing.“It’sbeenpointedouttome,that’sall.”
“Youlookveryfamiliar.”
“Idoubtwewouldhavemetbefore.I’mnotfromLondon,yousee.”
“You’renot?” “No
“LordLeicester’sparty.”Antoinehadheard.Peopleweretalkingaboutitaroundtown.Hehadn’tbeenbackfromFrancelong, butwordhadtraveledquickly.
“That’sright,”shesaid.“So,yousee,youcouldn’thavemetmebefore.Ionlyjustarrivedheretwodaysago.”
“No,perhapsnot,but mayIinquireastoyourname?”
Shehesitatedforamoment.“Ella,”shesaid.
“AndyouworkforLordandLadyLeicester?Isthatright?”
Ellanodded.“That’scorrect.”
“Youworkinthestable?Thatseemsunusualforawoman.”
“Oh,no,not well,notexclusively,”shesaid “Igowherevertheyhaveneedofme TodayIwasaskedtocomeouthereand feedthehorses,andsoI’vedonethat.”
“Isee,”hesaid Therewassomethingaboutthesecircumstancesthatfeltamisstohim,buthecouldn’thaveputhisfingeronit Perhaps itwas merelythe factthata womanwas workingina positionsuchas this one, doingeverythingthatneeded to be donearoundtheplace
Surelyshewouldhavebeenmorefitforworkinsidethehouse?HehadneverthoughthighlyofAngelique’sauntanduncle,but this combined withthe discoverythattheyhadn’tkeptAngelique withthemall these years made himtrulylookdownupon them.
And Mother won’t be happy either She had told himshe hoped he’d be able to discover whathad happened to Angelique whilehewasinLondon.
Antoineknewhowmuchshecaredaboutthesurvivingdaughteroftwoofheroldfriends EvenmorethanAntoinehimself,his mother feltguiltthatshe hadn’tdone more atthe time ofLord and LadySomerset’s deaths to be ofhelp. She wanted to see whethershecouldmakeitrightnow buthowcouldsheifAngeliquewasn’there?
“Youhaven’ttoldmeyourname,”shepointedout.
Hedidn’tdaretorevealhistrueidentity
“I’mPhilip,”hesaid
“It’sverynicetomeetyou,Philip andasastablehand,yououghttotakebettercareofyourhorses,”shetoldhim,suddenly stern “Thisonewasfrightenedhalftodeath Somethingmusthavespookedhim”
“Youhaveawaywithhim,”Antoinesaid.“It’snowonderyou’vebeenaskedtohelpinthestableshere…although,Iconfess, itdoessurprisemethattheywouldgivethattasktoawoman”
“Oh,well,Peterisreallyincharge,”Ellasaid,turningtowardthestabledoorjustasagruff-lookingoldermancamewalking
out.Antoinejudgedhimtobeinhisearlysixties.HefrownedmoredeeplyuponcatchingsightofAntoine.
“Isthisfellowbotheringyou?”heaskedElla.
“Oh, no, notatall,” she said brightly. “He works nextdoor and one ofhis horses gotaway, that’s all.” She turned backto Antoine “YoumustforgivePeter Hewasacloseconfidantofmyfather’s,andIknowthathefeelsratherprotectiveofme,but hemeansnoharm.”
“Itookno offense,” Antoine assured them “I’mglad to know thatyouhave someone lookingoutfor you All youngwomen oughtto.”
Peterfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest “Doyouneedhelpfindingyourwayhome,youngman?”
“Peter,bekind,”Ellasaid.“There’snoharminourbefriendingtheneighbors,isthere?Itwouldbenicetohavefriendswhile we’rehere”
“Youknowwearen’tgoingtobehereverylong,”Petertoldher.
“Iknow ButIseenoreasonwhyweshouldn’tenjoyourselveswhileweare”ShesmiledatAntoine “He’sslowtotrustnew people.Pleasedon’ttakeitpersonally.”
“Notatall,”Antoineassuredthem.
Hewonderedwhattodonext.He’dhavelikedtoaskiftheyknewwhathadbecomeofAngelique,butitwastoorisky how couldheexplainknowingwhoshewas?Ifhewaswhoheclaimedtobe justastrangerwhohappenedtoworknextdoor therewasnoreasonheshouldeverhaveheardoftheyoungladywhohadbeentakenin,andapparentlythensentawaybythis family
Andyet…
AndyettherewassomethingaboutthisElla.
Shewassofamiliar Sointriguing Shelookedjustlikethelatemarchioness!Coulditpossiblybe ?
No.No,ofcourseitcouldn’tbe.Ellawasaservant,shehadsaidsoherself.
I also told her I was a servant, though
“MayIhelpyoucarrythatbasketbackuptothehouse?”heaskedher,gesturingtothebasketshe’dreachedtopickup.
“There’snoneedforthat,”Petersaidfirmly.
ButEllasmiled “Iwouldwelcomethehelp,”shesaid “Peter,there’snothingtoworryabout We’rewalkinguptothehouse,
andhe’llleavemeatthedoorstep.You’llbeabletoseeusthewholetime.Philiphereisn’tascoundrel.He’sonlytryingtobe kind.”
ShehandedAntoineherbasketandsmiledathim.
Thatsmile!ItreallywasfamiliartoAntoine Heallowedhertoleadthewayuptothehouse,watchinghergo,wondering wasitpossible?CouldthisbeAngelique?
It can’t be!
Ifonlytherewassomewayhecouldask!
Whentheyreached the frontdoor, he was surprised anew bythe sightofsomeone he did know Thoughshe was quite a bit older thanthelasttimehe’dseenher,therewasnomistakingher thewomanmeetingEllaatthedoor wasAngelique’sold governess,Molly
WhywasMollystillhereifAngeliquenolongerwas?
Oh,howhelongedtoaskthequestionsthatplaguedhismind!Buthedidn’tdare IfAngeliquehadbeensentaway,hewassure the staff would be under orders to keep what had happened a secret fromoutsiders. After all, accordingto his informants, nobodyknewwhathadhappenedtoher shewassimplygone
AndifthisEllasomehow wasAngelique well,inthatcase,itwasobviouseveryonewaslyingaboutit,andtheywouldn’t comecleanjustbecausehehadfigureditoutanddecidedtoask Ifanything,theywouldworkhardertokeephimatadistance
He wouldn’t discover the informationhe so wanted to know simplybyasking. The onlythingto do was to allow themto maintaintheirpretensesfornow,andtokeepdoingwhathecouldtodiscovereverythingpossibleaboutwhatwashappeningin thishouse.
“HavetheirroyalhighnessesgottensettledintotheirLondonhome?”JaneaskedasAngeliquecameintothekitchen
Angeliquecouldn’tsuppressagiggle.“Youreallyshouldn’tsaysuchthingsaboutthem,”shesaid.
“Youcan’thonestlytellmeitbothersyoutohearit”
“No,ofcourseitdoesn’t.Idon’twanttoseeyougetintoanytrouble,though,”Angeliquesaid.“Youcouldloseyourposition.”
“Oh,theywouldn’tdoanything,”Janesaidwithalaugh.“Theyreservealltheirvitriolforyou. Me,theyhardlynotice.”
“ButIknowhowmuchyouneedthisjob,”Angeliquesaid “Whatwithyourfamilydependingonyourwages”Janehadseven siblingswhomshehelpedtosupportwiththemoneysheearnedworkingforAngelique’sauntanduncle,andwithadrunkard forafather,herincomewasvitaltokeepingherfamilyafloat.
“YouknowIappreciateyourfriendshipandloyalty,butIdon’tthinkIcouldbearitifsomethingweretohappentoyoubecause ofjokesyouandItoldamongourselves”
“You worry far too much,” Jane told her. “I’mgoing to be fine. There isn’t anything your family will do to me for a few comments.Theywon’tevenhearthatImadethem.Iknowyouaren’tgoingtotellthem.”
“No,ofcourseIwouldn’t.I’dneverdothat.”
“Andthere’snooneelsehere,”Janesaid “Sothereyouhaveit!”
“Isupposeyou’reright,”Angeliqueagreed.“Justbecareful.”
“Andso?AretheypleasedwiththeiraccommodationshereinLondon?”
“Aspleasedastheyeverare,”Angeliquesaid “Theyalwaysfindsomethingtocomplainabout Youknowthatwellenough”
“Ido,” Jane agreed. “The truthis that Irather hoped youmight come backwithanamusingstoryaboutwhat happened out there.”
“Nothingparticularlyamusingtoday,”Angeliquesaid.“TheonlythingthathappenedofnotewasthatAuntWilhelminaletme knowthatI’mnottoleavethegroundsfortherestofthetimewe’reinLondon Afterall,there’stobeamasquerade”
“Anotheroftheirparties,”Janesaid.“It’scruelthattheyforceyoutotravelwiththemandwon’tallowyoutoattend.”
“No,I’mperfectlyhappytodoit,”Angeliqueassuredher “Thinkofit ifnotfortheirtravels,IwouldneverleaveSomerset Manor.It’sabeautifulplace,butIlikehavingtheopportunitytoseemoreoftheworld.AndI’llgettoseethelordsandladies whoareattendingthepartyaswell”
“Butdoesn’tthatmakeyoufeelsad?”Janeasked.“Thelifeyou’rewitnessingisthelifethatshouldhavebeenyours.Don’tyou feel,everytimeyoulookatyourcousinGwyneth,thatyoushouldhaveallthefinethingsshehas?
“There’snobenefittomythinkinglikethat,”Angeliquesaid “Iwassadaboutit,andangry,too,foralongtime,butwhywould Iwanttofeelsadandangry?Mylifeiswhatitis.”
“Idon’tbelieve youreallyfeel thatway,” Jane challenged her “Ithinkthere’s a partofyouthatstill resents whattheydid, whentheycameinandkickedyououtofyourownlife.”
“Isupposethatmightbetrue,”Angeliquesighed “Youhaveapoint Idon’tliketoadmititbecauseitalwaysmakesmefeel worse.Butyes,there is apartofmethatisstill angrywiththemforputtingmeinthisposition.It’sashamethere’snothingI candoaboutit”
“Well, that’s true,” Jane agreed. “There reallyisn’t. Isuppose it makes sense for youto tryto keep a level head about the situation, butIdon’tknow ifIwould be as stronginyour positionas youare. IthinkIwould tryto find a wayto take my revenge!”
Angeliquelaughed “That’s a funfantasy,” she said “Ithinkthebestwaytotake revenge is byrefusingtobe subdued They wantmetoforgetthatI’mmyfather’sdaughter.Theywantmetobe Ella insteadofAngelique.Andthatwillneverhappen.I’ll alwaysbemyself,nomatterhowmuchtheywishIwouldforget.”
“That’safinephilosophy,”Janesaidadmiringly.“I’vealwayssaidthatyouhandledall thetwistsandturnsinyourlifewith remarkablegrace,Angelique.”
“Besides,”Angeliquesaid,“It’snotasifthereisn’tanythingfuninmylife.Why,justnow,Imetthehandsomestablehandfrom theestatenextdoor
“Whatdoyoumean?Ithoughtyouweren’tallowedtoleavetheproperty.”
“No,andIdidn’t Butoneofthehorsesgotlooseandhecameoverheretotrackitdown”
“Andhewashandsome,yousay?”
“Quitehandsome.Itwasadelighttomeethim Ialmostwishyoucouldhavebeenthere,Jane.Idon’tknowwhenI’veseena servantwhowassohandsome.”
“Whatdidhelooklike?”
“He’sgotlong,dark,curlyhair hetieditbackwithaleathercord
“Inthatcase,perhapsyou’llbeabletoenjoyyourtimeinLondonmorethanyouexpectedto!”
“No,Idoubtthat.Ithinktheballwillbelovely,andthatI’llenjoyseeingit.IthinkitwillbenicetoexperienceLondon.Butno matter how nice itall is, I’ll still be here withmyauntand mycousins. Icould be withtheminthe mostbeautiful place on EarthandI’msuretheywouldfindawaytoruinitformesomehow They’rethievesofjoy”
“Now that’s a bitmore like it,” Jane saidwitha laugh.“Sometimes you’re socalmaboutthemthatIwonder ifyou’re even human!”
“Oh,theybothermeasmuchastheydoyou,”Angeliquesaid.“ButItrytoremembermyparentsandthethingstheytaughtme beforetheydied.Theywouldhavewantedmetomakethebestofeverysituation,nomatterhowdifficult.Sothat’swhatIhave totrytodo.”
“Well,seeifyoucanmakethebestofthesepotatoes,”Janesuggested “We’vegottohavethemreadytoserveforlunch,and they’renotevenpeeledyet.Andyouknowwhatwillhappenifthere’ssomuchasabitofskininyouraunt’spotatoes.”
“Oh, I know all too well,” Angelique agreed. “We can’t let Aunt Wilhelmina find anything to complain about, and she’ll certainlybelooking.Ifwearen’tcareful,she’llforceustoremaketheentiredishforher,andlunchwilloccupytherestofthe day”
“Exactly.”Janesighed.“I’llneverunderstandwhysheinsistsonbeingthewaysheis!It’snotasifitdoesheranygood,asit onlymakes the meal take thatmuchlonger to reachits completion Ifshe didn’tworryabouteverysingle thingthe wayshe does,shecouldenjoyhot,freshmealsallthetime.Itwouldn’tkillhertoeatabitofpotatoskinalongtheway!”
“Oh, the potato skin has nothing to do with anything,” Angelique said. “Aunt Wilhelmina doesn’t really care what kind of potatoesshe’sserved atleast,Idon’tbelieveshedoes.Whatshecaresaboutis power.
Shewantsustoknowthatshe’sinchargeandthatshecandoanythingshewantstodo,nomatterhowsenselessitmayseem In fact,I’msureshefeelsthatthemoresenselessheractionsarethemoretheyassertherdominanceoverus you,me,andthe restofthehouseholdstaff”
“Youaren’texactlyhouseholdstaff,”Janepointedout.
“ButImightaswellbe Theonlydifferencebetweenmeandyou,Jane,isthatyou’repaidforyourwork”
“Haveyoueverthoughtofstrikingoutonyourown?”Janeaskedgently
“Iknowthatthelifeofaservantisn’tappealing,but it’sthelifeyouhavenow.Ifyougooffonyourownandseekrealemploymentinsteadofstayinghereandfollowingyouraunt’s orders, you’ll have a life of your own. Perhaps we could even find work together. Then we could both leave this place behind”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Angeliqueasked.“Ithoughtyoulikedthisjob.”
“Ilikethemoney,”Janecorrected.“Ihavenoparticular attachmenttothis place I’dbeas happytoworkanywhereifthey were payingme well. Youand I should seekemployment together. It would change bothof our lives. I could guide youin findingwork Iknowit’sintimidatingwhenyou’veneverdoneitbefore,butit’snotashardasitseems.”
ButAngelique shookher head. “It’s a lovelyidea,” she said. “ButIcouldn’tbear to leave myparents’house behind, and I certainlycan’tallowmyauntanduncletotakewhatshouldbeminebyrights”
“Alltheydoistakethingsthatshouldbeyours,”Janecountered.“Whyshouldthisbeanydifferent?”
“BecauseIhavetoputmyfootdownsomewhere,”Angeliquesaid.“Icouldn’tstopthemfromtakingmymother’sclothesor fromkickingmeoutofmyroomandforcingmeintotheattic.Ican’tevenstopthemfromtryingtochangemyname.
Buttheywon’tthrowmeoutofmychildhoodhome Ihaveeveryrighttobehere,andI’mgoingtostay,evenifstayingmeans allowingmyauntanduncle totreatme like anunpaidlaborer.SomersetManor is myhome.That’s one thingtheycannever takeawayfromme mymemoriesofgrowingupthereandtheconnectionIfeeltothehouse.Itwillalwaysbelongtomeinmy heart,evenifitbelongstomyauntandunclebylaw.”
“That’smoving,”Janesaid.“AndIsupposeifyoufeelthatwayaboutit,youshould stay.”
“Icouldn’tleave,”Angeliquesaid.“It would benicetoearnawage,workingdayinanddayoutthewayIdo,butitwouldn’t beworthwhatIwouldhavetogiveup”
“Ican’timaginewhatthat’slike,”Janeadmitted.“I’veneverfelttiedtoaplacelikethat.WhenIthinkofthehouseIgrewup in,allIfeelisrelieftohavegottenout.”
Angeliquewasquiet.SheknewthatJane’supbringinghadbeendifferentfromherown.Angeliquehadyearsofhappinesswith herparentsthatshecouldlookbackon itwasalightthatbrightenedevenherdarkestnights,justasherfriendAntoinehad oncepromisedheritwouldbe.ButforJane,thingsweren’tlikethat.
Jane’sfatherhadbeencrueltoher,andtohermotherandyoungersiblings AngeliqueknewthatJanehadfeltlikeaparentin thatfamilyformostofherlife.Itmadesensethatshewouldfeel freernow thatshehadgottenaway,anditmadesense,too, thatshewouldplacesuchvalueontheideaofhavingmoneytosendhometoherfamily.
Angelique knew her situationwas verydifferent.She didn’treallyneedmoney.As heartless as her auntanduncle couldbe, theydidprovideforallherneeds Shehadneverbeenandwouldneverbewithoutfood,aplacetosleep,orclothestowear Thefactthatshewasn’tlivingthelifeofamarquess’sdaughterwassadinitsway,butthatlifewasgone.Nothingshecoulddo nowwouldeverbringitbacktoher.
Angeliquecouldn’tbethedaughter ofamarquess Butshe could be she was determinedtobe the daughter ofDavidand ClaudinedeBourbonSpencer.Nomatter whatlifethrew ather,shewouldremainher parents’childandwouldbesomeone theycouldtakepridein
Iftheycouldseehernow,shewassuretheywouldbeappalledatherlivingsituation,butshewasequallysurethattheywould be pleased withthe wayshe was handlingthings Theywould be glad to know thatshe hadn’tallowed despair to pull her under,andtheywouldbegladthatshewaskeepingtheirmemoriesaliveinsideher.
As long as I can wake up each day and live a happy life, I am doing right by my parents, and they will never be disappointed in me.
ItwasthoughtslikethatthatallowedhertofeelpleasedabouthertimeinLondon.Evenwithherdreadfulrelativesbyherside, thestayherewouldbeagift,andshewasdeterminedtomakethemostofit.
Backinhisownhome,Antoinechangedoutofhisservant’sapparel Hewenttohisstudytopourhimselfadrink
Hisvalet,George,wasinthestudyunpackingsomeofthebooksAntoinehadbroughttoLondonwithhimandplacingthemon shelves HelookedupatAntoine’sarrival “Wouldyoulikemetostepout,LordExeter?”
“No,stay,”Antoinesaid.“Ineedtotalktosomeoneabouteverythingthat’sjusthappened.”
“Asyouwish,”Georgesaid Heclosedthedoortothestudybehindhim
“George willyouhaveadrinkwithme?”
Georgeinclinedhishead.
Antoineknewthatitwasanoddrequestforavalet,butGeorgewasmorethanjustthat HewasAntoine’sclosestconfidante Andrightnow,whatAntoineneededmostofallwassomeonetotalkto,togooverallthedetailsofwhathadjusthappenedat Darlingtonhouse
He neededreassurance thathe wasn’tbeingfoolish.Or,ifhe was beingfoolish,he wantedsomeone totell himso.Thenhe couldstopthinkingaboutthegirlhehadseencomingoutofthestables.
Becausethatcouldn’t havebeenAngelique.
Itcouldn’thavebeen right?
“DidyoufindwhatyouwerelookingforatDarlingtonHouse?”GeorgeaskedasAntoinepouredthedrinks.
“No”AntoinepushedoneofthemtowardGeorge “Iwaslookingforanswers,andallIfoundweremorequestions”
“I’mnotsureIknowwhatyoumean,”Georgeadmitted
“EveryonetellsmethatAngeliqueisgone,”Antoinesaid.“AndI’minclinedtobelievethem,becausewhywouldanyonelie aboutit?ButwhenIwenttoDarlingtonHouse,Isawagirlwhocouldhavebeenhersister.”
“Didshehaveasister?”
“Shedidn’t That’swhatmakesitsoodd Shehadtwofemalecousins,andImighthavebelievedIwaslookingatoneofthem, ifitweren’tforthefactthatthegirlIsawidentifiedherselfasElla,andtoldmeshewasaservant.”
“Perhapssheis,”Georgesuggested “Itsoundsasifthesimplestexplanationmightbethetrueone youmetaservantnamed Ella.Couldn’tthatbethecase?”
“Well,ofcourseitcould be,”Antoineagreed.“Butthatwasn’thowitseemedtome.”
“Whynot?”
“It’sdifficulttoexplain…”Hetookasipofhisdrink.“Thecircumstancesarealreadyquitesuspicious,aren’tthey?Angelique disappearsandnooneknowswhereshe’sgone?Afteralltheseyears,she’ssimplymissing?Howcanthatbe?”
“The factthatwe don’tknow where she is doesn’tmeanthatshe’s missing, ” George said reasonably. “There are plentyof peoplewhomustknowexactlywheresheis You’vebeenawayinFrance,soitstandstoreasonthatyouwouldn’tknow,but thatdoesn’tmeannobodyknows.”
“No,itdoesn’t,”Antoineagreed “ButthenhowcanIexplainit?”
“Explainwhat?”
“How familiar shelooked.Thisgirl,thisElla IfeltasifIknew her,George.”
“Willyoupermitmetospeakopenly?”
“Ofcourse,George.YouknowIvalueyourthoughts.Iwanttoknowwhatyourperspectiveisonallofthis.Couldithavebeen her?”
“Ithinkyouwouldhavelikedittobeher,”Georgesaid.His voicewas gentle.“Ithinkyouwentover therelookingfor her. Youhopedyou’dfindher anoldfriendfromyourchildhoodwhoyoufearyou’velost,aladywhocausesyoutofeel some guiltbecauseyouwereabsentduringatryingtimeinherlife.Ithinkyouwantittohavebeenher.
Whenyouwentoverthere,yousawagirlofasimilarage,andofcourseyourfirstthoughtwasthatperhapsshecouldbethe oneyouwerelookingfor.Itonlystandstoreasonthatyouwouldthinksuchathing,”
“YouthinkIimaginedit”
“Ithinkyousawwhatyouwantedtosee,”Georgesaidkindly.“AndIthinkit’sperfectlyunderstandable.Itwouldbestrangeif yousawagirl,theageoftheoneyou’relookingfor,and didn’t wonderforamomentwhetheritmightnotbeher Butjustthink howunlikelyitis.You’relookingforthedaughterofamarquess,andyoufoundaservant.Howcouldthetwoeverbemistaken foroneanother?”
“Idon’tknow,”Antoinesaid.“Iadmititsoundsunlikely.Butyoudidn’tseeher,George,andyoudidn’tknow Angelique,so evenifyouhadseenher,youcouldn’thaveseenwhatIsaw.Youcouldn’thaveseenhowaliketheyreallywere.
ThisservantgirlhadthesamefrecklebythesideofhermouththatAngeliquehad.Hermotherhadittoo.Itwasoneofthemost distinctive things about either of them It really set them apart I can’t imagine looking at a mark like that and not being remindedofthetwoofthem.”
“Soyouwereremindedofthembythatfreckle,”Georgesaid.“Thatmakesperfectsensetome.Thatdoesn’tmeanitwasher.”
“ButI’veneverseenanybodyelsewithafrecklelikethat,”Antoinesaid.“Notinallmylife.I’mnotsayingit’simpossiblethat someoneelsecouldhaveone,butdoesn’titseemabitunlikelythatwhenIdoseeitagain,itshouldbeonaservantinthevery houseAngeliqueismissingfrom?”
“I’mnotsureafreckleisverymuchtogoon,”Georgesaiddoubtfully.“IwishIcouldfeelmoreconfidentaboutit.Icansee thatyouwouldliketobelieveitwasher ButIdon’tknow ifIcanhonestlysaythattheideamakessense,LordExeter Why wouldtheladypretendshewasaservant?”
“She may have had her reasons,” Antoine said, though he knew he was beginning to sound desperate, and possibly even foolish.“IwaspretendingIwasaservant,sowho’stosayshecouldn’thavedonethesamething?”
“Indeed,Isupposeshecouldhave,”Georgeagreed “Isimplywonder whyshewould Youhadaverygoodreasonfor your pretense.Whatwouldhershavebeen?”
“Icouldn’tsay,”Antoinesaid.“Butthoserelativesofhers Idon’ttrusttheirmotivesonebit.Itwouldn’tsurprisemeatallto learnthattheyhadforcedherintoitsomehow.”
“Youcan’tthinkthattheymadetheir ownnieceposeas aservant!For whatreason?Besides,shegaveyouher name,didn’t she?”
“Ella,shesaid.”
“Ella NotAngelique”
“Yes,Iknow,”Antoinesighed.“IknowI’mlikelybeingridiculous.Idon’tknowhowtoexplainit.ItwasjustthatwhenIsaw herface,Ifeltitmustbeher Iknowhowirrationalitsounds”
“Notirrational,”Georgesaid.“Optimistic,maybe.”
“That’skindofyou,”Antoinesaid.“I’minclinedtobelievetheworstofthesepeople,soIthinkthey would maketheir niece pose as a servant. But you’re right I’mprobablybeingridiculous. I’msure I’ve got it wrong. There’s no reasonto think they’ddosuchathing”Hesighed “Andyou’reright,too,thatIjust want tobelieveI’vefoundher Iwantthistobeher Of courseitisn’t.”
“Butwhoeversheis,shemightknow something,”Georgesuggested “Iknow you’reconcernedthatthefamilywon’ttellyou whatbecameofLadyAngelique,butthestaffmight,iftheir loyaltiesaretothelatemarquessandmarchionessrather thanto LordandLadyLeicester.”
“That’sright,”Antoinesaid,recallingsuddenly.“IdidseesomeoneIknew someonewhoseidentityIknowIdidn’tmistake.” “Whowasthat?”
“Angelique’soldgoverness.Mollywashername.Idon’tknowwhysheisstillthere,ifAngeliqueisn’t Isupposethefamily keptheroninsomeothercapacity”
“Butifshe’sthere,herloyaltyiscertainlytoLadyAngelique,”Georgesaid.“Shemightbethebestpersonforyoutospeakto inordertofindoutwhathappened.”
“Probably.AndyetIdon’tthinkIdareletherknowwhoIam.”
“No, I agree, youshouldn’t,” George said “But if youspend enoughtime there, youmaybe able to get the truthfromher withoutrevealinganythingaboutyourself.It’sworththeattempt,Iwouldthink.”
“Itisindeed,”Antoinesaid “You’reright,George Thisgivesmeawayforward,andIshouldbehappyaboutthat I am happy aboutthat.Progresswasmadetoday,andIknowwhatIneedtodonext.Nowit’sjustamatterofdoingit.”
“That’sright,”Georgeencouraged “Beforeyouknowit,thismysterywillbesolved You’vecomeonestepclosertofinding theanswertoday.”
“Yes,”Antoinesaid “You’reright Thankyou Talkingtoyouaboutthesethingsalwaysseemstomakemefeelbetter,George I don’tknowwhatIwoulddowithoutyou.Verywell.Thenextthingtodowillbetotrytogetclosertotheservantsnextdoorso thatIcanfindoutanythingtheymightbeabletotellme.Thankyouforyourtime.”
George recognizedhis dismissal.He inclinedhis headtowardAntoine andwithdrew,pullingthe door closedbehindhimto giveAntoinehisprivacy
Antoinerefilledhisglassandswirleditslowly,pondering.
George was right he had jumped to conclusions uponseeingthe girl nextdoor He had been so sure there was something abouther,andshedidlooklikeLadyExeter.
ButanyonemightlooklikeLadyExeter Itwastruethatthefrecklewasdistinctive,butitwasonlyafreckle,andtherewasn’t anythingelsethatreallysetLadyExeterapartormadeherlookdeeplydistinctive.Thegirlhadbeenpretty Antoinehadbeen drawntoher MaybethatwasapartofwhatmadehimwanttobelieveshewasAngelique
Hehadn’toftenimaginedthegirl he’donceknownasagrownlady,butthinkingabouther now,hebelievedshewouldhave grownuptobelovely She’dhadwhite-blondehair,porcelainskin,andbrightblueeyesthatseemedtopenetraterighttohis soul.Thegirlnextdoorsharedthosefeatures.Butthereweredifferences,too.ShehadasadnessinhereyesthatAngeliquehad neverhad
Herskinwasdarker notasifitwasnaturallyadifferentshade,butasifshehadspentalotoftimeinthesun.Itwasdifficult tocompare,sinceAngeliquehadbeenachildwhenhe’dknownher,buthewouldhaveexpectedhernottobequiteasthinas Ellawas.
Sheworkednextdoor,thatwasall
Hewoulddohisbesttoputheroutofmind,andhewouldturnhisattentiontoMollyinstead.Mollywastheonepersonwho bothcouldanswer his questions andmightactuallybe willingtodoso Heavenknew he wouldnever getanyanswers from LordandLadyLeicester.TheyhadnevermuchlikedAngelique,andiftheyweretheonesresponsibleforsendingheraway,it seemednearlyimpossiblethattheywouldbewillingtoadmittoit.
