Chapter 45
Auguste turned around to answer, but it was Francis who spoke.
“This sword,� he said, holding it up, “is a family heirloom. It’s been passed down from generation to generation and will be given to Henry when he becomes the Crown Prince. It was hanging in the same place for years until last night when I invited Auguste and his family over for our evening meal. It wasn’t until this morning that Marie noticed it was missing. In fact, it was one of our servants who witnessed the theft.� He turned to Jean-Claude. “It was you, wasn’t it? Come, my boy, admit it. All charges will be dropped.�
“What charges?� Jean looked angrily at him. “I found this buried in the ground next to where my mother was digging. How could you prove it was…�
“Didn’t you hear what he said, Jean?� Monique said. She looked at the King. “It was both of us, Your Majesty. We both took the sword. Jean Claude took it on my dare. We brought it back with us, buried it and pretended we found it. “
Colette shook her head. She looked puzzled. “If that’s the truth, then where is the sword that Nicole and I buried.�
“Oh that one,� Auguste laughed. “Well, I found that a long time ago. I trained Danielle on it. It belongs to her now. She is great with a sword. You should see her sometime.�
“He’s right,� Monique said, “she is.�
“I was the recipient of it,� Jean-Claude agreed. “She’s the best I’ve ever seen.�
“You treat her as if she were a little boy,� Colette said. “Does she know anything about being a little girl.�
“I’m learning right now, auntie,� Danielle said. “My lessons were cancelled for today, in fact, I don’t know what happened.�
Henry smiled. “Hector and Mademoiselle le Monde were spotted this morning walking in the castle garden. Perhaps it will develop into something else, like more cancelled lessons.�
Danielle laughed with Henry.
“Nothing like a married pair of tutors, would you agree, Auguste?�
Auguste smiled. “I hope that doesn’t happen, Francois, then we’d have to pay for the honeymoon as well.�
They both smiled at each other. “Come along, everyone, these pressing matters will wait no longer.�