“ Voyons, do you think that is what I like?” Léonie said indignantly.
“You’d have done it yourself, my dear.” He paused, staring out of the window. She watched him anxiously, and after a moment he turned his head and looked down at her. “Madame, I love her,” he said curtly. “If I can induce her to take me — ”
“What’s this? Induce her! I find you absurd, mon enfant.”
He smiled faintly. “She ran off with Comyn sooner than wed me, nevertheless.”
“Where is she?” Léonie asked abruptly.
“In her bed-chamber. There was an accident. When Comyn and I had our little affair, she threw herself between us, and my sword scratched her.”
“Oh, mon Dieu!” Léonie exclaimed, throwing up her hands. “It is not enough to abduct her! No, you must wound her also! You are incorrigible!”
“Will you see her, maman?”
“I will see her, yes, but I promise nothing. Dominique, have you thought of Monseigneur? He will never, never permit it! You know he will not.”
“He cannot stop it, madame. If it leads to an estrangement between us I am sorry for it, but my mind is made up.” He pressed her hand. “Come to her now, ma chère. ”He led her back into the room. “Comyn, since you know Miss Challoner’s room and I do not, will you have the goodness to escort my mother to her?”