Chapter 10
The next morning, an invitation arrived by royal courier requesting the ladies’ presence at a small picnic on the banks of the river. Louise, Nicole’s servant, prepared some lovely pastries for the women to bring with them. They were to the gentlemen there at the stroke of eleven.
“You should explain to them who you really are,� Louise said. “It’s not like you to disguise yourself in this way.�
“This was not my idea,� Nicole said, shaking her head. “This was Marie’s.
Louise shook her head. “I don’t care whose idea this was, Nicole. It is very dangerous to pose as the King’s betrothed. This is a grand time to explain it to Marie before it is too late.�
“What about Auguste?� she asked. “Do you really love him?�
“Of course I do, Louise. He means everything to me. I do not want to run the risk of losing him.�
“Then tell him the truth and let him hear it from you.� She heard the chapel bells from the castle ring out ten times.
“Now go, child, it will take you twenty minutes to walk there.�
We’ll be alright, Louise,� she said kissing her cheek. “All will be well, do not fret so.�
Louise nodded and smacked her behind. “Go child, and don’t forget what I told you.�
~~~~~~~
“The two of them will be waiting,� Auguste said, bringing the reply into the library.
“Do you think we should let on that we know who they are?�
Francis thought a moment. “No, let’s not. I couldn’t bring myself to do it last night.�
“And I couldn’t either,� Auguste answered. “Francis, I hope I am not in love with your intended.�
“I don’t believe you are, monsieur,� he smiled and clapped him on the back. The bells chimed ten.
“Come along, there is work to be done.�