I was well aware that the Comte had a special interest in me and I could see only one reason for it.
How I wished my mother were here. I could imagine her eyes sparkling at the luxury of the chateau, but she would be horrified by the attitude of the Comte and I was sure would whisk me away with all possible speed. I could almost hear her voice coming back to me over the void of our separation: “You must leave, Minella. As soon as you can do so … without panic … leave.”
She is right, I thought. That is what I must do.
If only I could honestly say I was indifferent to him it would be a challenge. I should have enjoyed doing battle with him. But the alarming fact had been brought home to me that I was not. When he had kissed me on the forehead -a cousinly kiss-I had been aware of that excitement. No one else had aroused that in me. I thought of Joel Derringham, pleasant, charming Joel. I had enjoyed being with him; his conversation had been intriguing; he was interested in so many subjects. But there was no excitement there. When he had meekly obeyed his father and gone away, I had not been by any means heartbroken, merely disappointed in him.
And now I was here.
I washed and changed into one of the gowns my mother had ordered from the dressmaker in the hope of making me look a suitable companion for Joel Derringham. It had seemed grand in the schoolhouse. It was scarcely adequate here.
Then I went into Margot’s room.
She was still tying on her bed staring blankly up at the ornate ceiling on which cupids sported.
Oh, Minelle,” she cried, ‘how am I going to bear it?”
“It will grow better as time passes,” I assured her.
“He is so cruel…”
I defended him.
“He is thinking of your future.”
“You know what they will try to do, don’t you? Marry me off to someone. It will be a terrible secret. He will not be told about Chariot.”
“Cheer up, Margot. I am sure that when you have other children you will be reconciled.”
“You talk exactly as they do, Minelle.”
“Because it’s the truth.”
“Minelle, don’t go away.”
You heard what your father said. He doesn’t approve of me. “
“I think he quite likes you.”
“But you heard what he said.”
“Yes, but you mustn’t go. Think of me here without you. I wouldn’t stay. Minelle, don’t go. We’ll make plans.”
“What plans?”
“For finding Chariot. We’ll retrace our journey. We’ll search everywhere … until we find him.”
I did not speak. I could see that she needed to indulge in one of her fantasies. For the time being that would provide a crutch for her to lean on . or a rope to drag her out of the slough of misery. Poor Margot! So I bathed her face and helped her to dress while we made plans to go off in search of Chariot-plans which I fe certain would never materialize.
A servant conducted me to the apartments of Madame li Comtesse who had expressed a wish to see me. I found ha lying on a chaise-longue, and I was immediately reminded o the first and only time I had seen her in the same position at Derringham Manor.
Here were the same exquisite furnishings of the previous century with especially delicate colours as though to fit in with the Comtesse’s frail state of health.
She was very pale and very slim; in fact she resembled a china doll and looked as though she might break if roughly handled. Her gown was of clinging chiffon in pale lavender;
her dark hair hung in loose curls about her shoulders and her dark eyes were large and long-lashed. Beside her couch was a table laden with bottles and a glass or two.
As I entered the room, a big woman dressed entirely in black came hurrying towards me. Nou-Nou, I thought. She certainly looked formidable; her amber-coloured eyes reminded me of those of a lioness, and indeed, she gave the impression of one defending her cub-if one could apply such a term to the delicate piece of china on the chaise-longue Nou-Nou’s skin was sallow, her lips tight; I learned later that they could soften in tenderness to the Comtesse and to her only.
You’ll be Mademoiselle Maddox,” she said to me.
“The Comtesse wished to see you. Don’t tire her. She tires easily.” She went to her mistress.
“Here is the young lady,” she said.
A frail hand was held out to me. I took it and bowed over it as seemed to be the custom.
“Bring a chair for my cousin,” she said.
Nou-Nou did so and whispered to me: “Don’t forget. She tires easily.”
“You can leave us now, Nouny dear,” said the Comtesse.
“I was going to. I’ve got things to do, remember.”
She went out, bristling a little, I fancied. I imagined she resented anyone’s taking the attention of her beloved mistress.
“The Comte has told me about the part you have played,” she said.
“I wanted to thank you. He has said you are to be our cousin. “
“Yes,” I answered.
“I was desolate when I heard what had happened to Marguerite.”
“It was a sad affair,” I agreed. , “But it is settled now .. , most satisfactorily, I believe.”
“Not so satisfactory to your daughter. She has lost her child.”
“Poor Marguerite. It was rather wicked of her. I fear’s inherits her father’s nature. I trust she will have no more su adventures. I believe you are here to look after her, I am call you Cousin Minelle and I am to be Cousin Ursule you.”
“Cousin Ursule,” I repeated. It was the first time I had heard her name.
“It will be difficult at first,” she said, ‘but a slip or two w not be important. I am in my room most of the time. You need not worry about Nou-Nou’s hearing. She knows ever thing that happens in the family. She always has. She di approves of this. ” The Comtesse’s lips curved moment at in a smile.
“She would have liked to have a baby here. No Nou loves babies. She would have liked me to have a dozei ” Nurses are like that, I believe.”
“Nou-Nou is. She came with me when I married.” Her face puckered a little as though she were remembering something unpleasant.
“That was many years ago. I have been ill almost ever since.”
The little animation there had been in her face had di appeared. She looked at the table beside her.
“I’ll take a little of the cordial. Will you pour it for me? It tires me even to lift my arm.”
I went to the table and selected the bottle she indicated. She was watching me closely and it occurred to me that she hs asked me to pour the cordial that I might come closer to hi and give her a chance to study me.
“Just a little, please,” she said.
“Nou-Nou makes it. She very clever with her concoctions. They are all made from herbs which she grows. This one contains angelica. It’s goc for headaches. I am tortured by headaches . I am a mart to them. Do you know any good medicines. Cousin Minella any cures?”
“Absolutely none. I have fortunately never had the need them.”
“Nou-Nou has studied them since I became so ill. That was about seventeen years ago …”
She paused and I knew she was referring to the birth. Margot which had robbed her of her good health and strength “Nou-Nou shows me the plants she uses. I always remember her angelica. The old doctors used to call it the Root of to Holy Ghost because it has such healing properties. Do you find that interesting Mademoiselle . Cousin Minelle? “
“Yes. I find all information interesting.”
She nodded.
“Basil is good for headaches. Nou-Nou uses that too. When I need soothing she gives me a dose of it. It has a wonderful effect.