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‘When is the trial to be?’
‘We don’t know,’ Jay said. ‘I don’t think the date has been fixed. Perhaps they do not have a strong enough case to condemn him and are looking for more evidence. Until we can discover exactly where Giradet is being held and can gain access to him, Lisette and I must continue to play our part as a British envoy and his wife.’
‘Aah.’
Madame Gilbert knocked and entered and said their dinner was on the table and they repaired to the dining room to eat boiled mutton and some tarts, which were more turnips than meat. It was followed by stewed apple, making a real peasant meal for which the housekeeper made no apology. They were joined by Sam at Jay’s behest.
‘Can you do anything to help us, my lord?’ Lisette asked when the concierge left them to serve themselves.
‘It needs some thought and careful preparation.’
‘That is exactly what I have been saying,’ Jay said. ‘We cannot go at it with guns half-cocked.’
‘It is best not to use guns, either cocked or half-cocked,’ Harry said.
Jay laughed. ‘You know what I mean.’
‘Yes.’ Harry turned to Lisette. ‘Jay is right, you know. Until the date of your brother’s trial has been fixed, he will come to no harm where he is. In truth, he is better off, for out on the streets he could well become the victim of the mob. I must caution you to be patient.’
‘I know, but it is difficult. If only I could see Michel and talk to him, to let him know we are working on his behalf, I would feel so much easier in my mind.’
‘If you are as much like your brother as you say you are, I would not recommend you go anywhere near La Force,’ Jay said.
‘Lord Portman will show me how to disguise myself.’
‘Oh, will I?’ Harry said. ‘I have no wish to fall out with your husband.’
‘He is not my husband.’
‘While you are in Paris, I am,’ Jay said. ‘And a most inconvenient spouse you are to boot. When we go back to England is another matter.’ He paused and changed tack. ‘Tell me, Harry, have you been to Highbeck recently?’
‘I was there last week. They are all well, though your mother is worried about you. There are such gruesome tales being told in the newspapers, she is half-convinced she will never see you again and she is inclined to blame your father for aiding and abetting you to go.’
‘I have never known them quarrel.’
‘Oh, they are not quarrelling. Like all good wives, she is suffering in silence. I only found out from one of your sisters.’
‘See,’ Jay said to Lisette. ‘Even Harry thinks good wives should keep their own counsel and do not defy their lords.’
‘Then it is as well our state of matrimony is only temporary,’ she said with some asperity.
Jay changed the subject and turned back to Harry. ‘Did you see Edward and Anne?’
‘To be sure I did. I was taken to see an enormous eel in the moat which they told me no one was allowed to catch because they wanted to see how long it would grow. they did not believe me when I said it would swim away to find a mate and make more little eels. When I told them I should shortly see you, they sent their respectful regards and hoped you would both be home soon. I think they like you, Mrs Drymore.’
‘And I am very fond of them. Was my father well?’
‘Yes, but pining for you and for his son. He told me he was very vexed with you for going off as you did and putting yourself in danger, but I was to tell you he forgave you and prayed for your safe return. I assured him I would add my weight to Jay’s to bring matters to a successful outcome.’
‘Thank you,’ she said. The advent of Lord Portman with his cheerful optimism had made her feel much better, and even Jay seemed to have regained some of his good humour. They finished their meal in pleasant conversation, in which Harry told of some of his adventures, making light of dangerous situations, and Jay countered with stories of his days at sea.
When the repast was finished, Harry laid down his cutlery and stood up. ‘Thank you, madam, for an entertaining meal. I can hardly be truthful and call it delicious. When we are all back in England, you and Jay, and your brother too, shall be my guests. Rosamund will welcome you, I know. Now I must go back to Nat and Joe or they will wonder what has become of me.’ He went off to put on his down-at-heel shoes and picked up his bundle of rags. ‘I shall need these again, no doubt. I will return your clothes next time we meet.’ He bowed to Lisette. ‘Good day, madam.’
‘I am going out myself,’ Jay said, retrieving his hat and outdoor coat from a cupboard in the vestibule. ‘I will accompany you as far as the corner.’ To Lisette, he said, ‘I do not know when I shall be back. Do not wait supper for me.’
