Page 13 of The Beautiful Ones

Madame followed it.

Neither spoke for several seconds.

I should have backed away.

Instead, I remained where I was.

Madame finally saw me.

Her expression changed at once.

“Elin.”

I stepped into the room.

“You sent for me, Madame.”

“Yes.”

Nothing in her face acknowledged that I had heard a word.

Monsieur turned away and drained the last of his brandy.

“Close the door.”

I obeyed.

Madame folded the letter and placed it beneath one hand.

“Cécile is not to be told about this.”

I looked at the paper.

“Yes, Madame.”

“She saw the messenger?”

“Yes.”

“Did she recognize him?”

I hesitated.

Madame noticed.

“Well?”

“Yes.”

Monsieur swore softly beneath his breath.

Madame’s fingers tightened upon the letter.

“What did she say?”

“She knew he carried Commander Vale’s correspondence.”

“That is all?”