‘A woman and a priest, Madame.’
‘And—’
‘And I propose that your Majesty journey to Madrid in my carriage, attended only by my orderlies, by way of Aranjuez. You will be safe in Madrid, where the Queen will require her mother’s care.’
‘Yes. And the remainder of your plan?’
‘I will travel back to Toledo in your Majesty’s carriage with the woman and the priest and your bodyguard—just as your Majesty is in the habit of travelling. Toledo wants a fight; nothing else will satisfy them. They shall have it—before dawn. The very best I have to offer them.’
And General Vincente gave a queer, cheery little laugh, as if he were arranging a practical joke.
‘But the fight will be round my carriage—’
‘Possibly. I would rather that it took place in the Calle de la Ciudad, or around the Casa del Ayuntamiento, where your Majesty is expected to sleep to-night.’
‘And these persons—this woman who risks her life to save mine—who is she?’
‘My daughter,’ answered the General gravely.