Book 4: The Queen's Musketeers, #4 by R. A. Steffan

Author:R. A. Steffan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: musketeers, historical fiction on France, historical novels on France, 17th century, historical series, historical fiction series, alternate history, historical fiction novels
Publisher: R. A. Steffan
Published: 2015-12-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter VII: November 20th, 1640

“AS YOU SAID YOURSELF, unsolved mysteries are maddening,” Ninon continued. “So, pray, will you tell me who you are and why you are looking for the Vicomte de Castres? For I assure you, I was not exaggerating when I called him a horrible man.”

“What makes you so certain that I am not who I say I am?” Milady asked, genuinely curious.

“You and René are not married, for a start,” Ninon said readily. “There are two kinds of married couples—those who love each other and those who do not. The kind who do not wouldn’t bother to play at being affectionate with each other when visiting a place like Mme de Sévigné’s salon... what would be the point? They would merely find company more suited to their individual tastes and enjoy their respective evenings.

“On the other hand, when you woke from your opium dreams in René’s arms, you were very obviously in the throes of passion. If you were in love, you would have turned to him in your need, or he to you. Yet you did not. You showed no interest in him, and he treated you like a sister under his protection.”

“I see,” Milady said, mentally berating herself. She had known Ninon was intelligent and perspicacious. She should have seen this coming. And she and Aramis should have played at being cold with each other rather than loving, because of course Ninon was completely correct.

Ninon was watching her with a perceptive gaze. “You’re here because you thought someone could help you identify the seal, aren’t you? What has the Vicomte done?”

Making another split-second decision, Milady said, “I don’t know what he’s done. I cannot tell you my real name, or René’s. But my daughter and I were abducted from our home. I managed to escape later, but I was injured, and have no memory of where we were held, or by whom. René is an old friend—he agreed to help me. When I arrived at his home, I had de Castres’ seal concealed on my person... the only clue as to what had befallen me.”

Ninon’s eyes were huge. “My dear Charlotte!” she said. “That is an incredible story! But, tell me—what of your daughter?”

Milady felt her expression grow hard. “I have no way of knowing. But I will find her and free her, or I will die trying. By recognizing the wax seal, you have just given me a place to begin looking for her.”

“I’m going to give you more than that,” vowed Ninon, her own expression becoming sober. “Am I correct in thinking that my invitation to the Vicomte’s party would be of use to you? If so, I will give it to you. I certainly have no need of it for myself, and if it could help you to rescue your daughter, I would be a rather terrible person if I withheld it.”

“It would indeed be of use,” Milady said with relish, her mind already turning with the possibilities. “Considerable use.”

“Very well, then. I will send it along to you by messenger in the morning.

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