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‘You are very forgiving.’
‘There is nothing to forgive. You have been through a terrible time in the last few weeks and especially recently, it is a wonder you are as calm as you are. Some young ladies would have become gibbering idiots. I am full of admiration for your courage and resourcefulness.’
‘Thank you. I could say the same of you.’
He chuckled. ‘You are not going to start thanking me again, are you?’
Oh, dear, he had not forgotten that impulsive kiss. Would he go on reminding her of it as long as they lived? ‘It goes without saying,’ she said.
They fell silent for a few moments and when he spoke again it was to talk about England and the fens and to ask what she would like to do to pass the time while she was at Highbeck. ‘There are riding horses and boats to use for exploring the countryside and fen,’ he said. ‘And you could go sightseeing in Ely. I am sure Sam would drive you in.’
It was then she remembered he had his own home a few miles distant and would not be at Highbeck to keep reminding her of her indiscretion. She should have been glad of that, but somehow the realisation left her feeling flat. ‘Perhaps when Papa is better and can come too.’
The barge took them all the way to the staithe in Highbeck village, which was within easy walking distance of Blackfen Manor, but Jay sent Sam ahead to fetch the gig to convey the Comte who was still too weak to walk far. In that way those at the Manor were warned of their imminent arrival and Lord and Lady Drymore were waiting at the door as the little cavalcade crossed the drawbridge over the moat and into the enclosed courtyard.
Lisette helped her father from the gig and they stood to one side as Jay was embraced by Lady Drymore. ‘Oh, I am so thankful you are safely back,’ she said. ‘We have been on tenterhooks the whole time and I was wishing I had never asked you to go, except of course, Papa is here now.’ She turned to Sir John. ‘You are welcome home, Papa,’ she said, holding him at arm’s length to look at him.
‘And I am glad to be here. Home at last. And you do not look a year older.’
‘Nonsense, I am over thirty years older.’ She laughed and turned towards the Comte and Lisette. ‘Are you going to introduce us?’
‘To be sure. Amy, my dear, this is my good friend Comte Gervais Giradet and his daughter, Lisette.’
Lady Drymore approached them, smiling. ‘You are very welcome,’ she said as the Comte bowed stiffly and Lisette dipped into a deep curtsy. ‘I long to hear all your adventures, but not until you have been shown to your rooms and rested after your travels. You must be exhausted.’
There were shrieks of delight as two children ran from the house and hurled themselves into Jay’s arms. ‘Papa! Papa! You are back.’
He hugged them and put them from him. ‘Now, be good, for I have someone I want you to meet.’ He turned to his grandfather. ‘This is your great-grandfather, your grandmama’s father. Give him your best greeting.’ They dutifully obeyed, Edward bowing and saying, ‘How do you do’, while Anne gave him a wobbly curtsy. ‘And this is Comte Giradet and Miss Giradet.’ Shyly they repeated their greeting and were sent back to their governess.
‘Let us all go indoors,’ Lord Drymore said as the first few spots of rain pattered on the cobbles. He ushered them into a huge baronial hall lined with pictures, from which a wide staircase went up to a galleried landing. It was evidently the centre of the house, for doors led off in three directions. James preceded them into one and bade them be seated.
While they waited for refreshments to be brought, Lisette gazed about her. The room was large and furnished in a mixture of blackened old Tudor furniture and more up-to-date sofas, chairs and tables. There were pictures on the walls, some of the countryside, some portraits, and there were shelves displaying ornaments. It was so very different from what she had been used to at the château, with its carefully arranged rooms and tiled floors. Here the floors were of polished oak planks, as shiny and dark as the heavy oak settles and chests which stood on them. She suspected the thick walls and the presence of the moat which surrounded the house made it cold, even in summer, because a bright fire burned in the huge grate. It hissed a little as the rain came down the wide chimney on to the hot coals.
She became aware that Jay was telling his parents about the rescue, though he was carefully playing down the danger. ‘I knew you would welcome the Comte and Miss Giradet,’ he finished. ‘At the moment they have not formulated any plans for the future.’
‘Nor need they,’ Amy said, then, turning to the Count, added, ‘You have been through a terrible ordeal, sir, and need to regain your strength. I insist you stay here until you are fully recovered.’
