I could not sleep that night. Nor, I was sure, could Charles. He was very tender and more than once assured me that he loved me. I think he was trying to make up for his rather cold reception of Lisette, of whom he knew I was very fond. We lay side by side, hands entwined, but silent.
When I awoke he was gone. It was quite early and my first thought was for Lisette. I was happy that she had come back, although in such sad circumstances, and I was flattered that in her need she had thought of me first. Then I wondered about the groom who had come with her and it occurred to me that he might like to stay for a day before undertaking the long journey back.
As soon as I was dressed I went down to the stables. As I approached I saw a man just about to go in. I saw the back of him only but it was enough to show me that he was not one of our men.
I called out: ‘Just a moment … ’
He disappeared into the stables and had apparently not heard me. I guessed he was Lisette’s groom and about to saddle his horse and be off. I wanted him to be given some food to take with him and was going to suggest he went to the kitchens to get it.
I glanced inside the stables but I could not see him anywhere, and just at that moment I heard someone walking across the yard. It was the chief groom, Leroux. I went to meet him.
‘Good morning, Leroux,’ I said. ‘Did you look after the groom who escorted the lady who came yesterday?’
‘Oh yes, Madame,’ was the answer. ‘He had a good bed for the night and his supper.’
‘I believe he plans to go today. I saw him go into the stables but when I looked in I couldn’t see him. I thought he might like something to take with him to eat on the journey … some meat pie or something. And also perhaps he would like to rest here a day before starting out. He has a long way to go.’
‘He seemed set on going early, Madame.’
‘I dare say he has his reasons. But I do think we ought to give him some food to take with him. He must be somewhere in the stables. I saw him go in.’
‘I’ll find him, Madame, and tell him what you say.’
Just at that moment we heard the clatter of hoofs and a rider came out of the stables.
‘Ho there!’ called Leroux.
But the rider took no notice and went on.
‘He didn’t see us,’ said Leroux.
‘He didn’t appear to hear you call to him either.’
‘Hard of hearing perhaps, Madame.’
‘He certainly behaved rather oddly.’
‘Well, he’s on his way now, Madame. Too late to stop him and offer him anything.’
‘I’m surprised he didn’t see us here and make some acknowledgement.’
Leroux scratched his head and walked into the stables. I went straight up to Lisette’s rooms. She was still in bed, looking very pretty with her fair curls tousled and the sleep in her eyes.
‘You were very tired,’ I said.
‘Exhausted,’ she answered. ‘Oh, I can’t tell you how good it is to be here … in a place like this … with you … ’
‘You have had a terrible time.’
‘Poor Jacques! I can’t forget the sight of him … falling down with all those dreadful people attacking him. And yet … I might still be there … ’
‘You’ve got to forget that,’ I said. ‘It will do you no good to go on remembering. By the way, that’s rather an odd groom you brought with you. I spoke to him and he didn’t answer. Is he deaf?’
She hesitated for a moment and then said: ‘Yes … I think he is, but he won’t admit it.’
‘I called to him and he didn’t answer. I was sure he went into the stables and when I looked in I couldn’t see him.’
‘Did you go right in?’
‘Oh no … ’
‘I expect he was bending down examining his horse’s shoe or something. He thinks a lot of his horses. And he has gone, has he?’
‘Yes. He didn’t look round when he came out of the stables. Leroux called to him but he just rode straight on.’
‘He was in a hurry to get back. They wanted him to return as soon as possible. It was good of them to let him come with me when they couldn’t really spare him.’
I was thinking of the man and something suddenly struck me.
‘Do you know,’ I said, ‘I think I’ve seen him somewhere before.’
‘Where could you have seen him?’
‘I don’t know. It’s just a hazy sort of idea.’
‘We all have doubles somewhere on earth, they say. I’d love to meet mine, wouldn’t you?’
She was laughing, looking so much like the girl I had known and been fond of.
I said with heartfelt fervour: ‘Oh, Lisette, I am so glad you have come here.’
It was a great joy to have Lisette with me. She changed my days. She herself dispersed any awkwardness which might have arisen through her presence in the house by installing herself as my lady’s maid.
‘A lady in your position should certainly have one,’ she said, ‘and who could perform those necessary tasks better than I.’
