The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear

Author:Jacqueline Winspear [Winspear, Jacqueline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Adult
ISBN: 9780062868022
Google: x-qXzQEACAAJ
Amazon: B08BLLQDZF
Goodreads: 54236071
Publisher: Harper
Published: 2021-03-23T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

“Maisie, I cannot tell you how good it is to have company yet again. I feel as if I have received manna from heaven. Now, tell me what this visit is all about before I expire waiting.” Gabriella Hunter gave Maisie a wide smile as they settled into the deep, shell-like chairs in her study. “And I’m glad you came—I don’t get the good cakes every day, you know, despite appearances to the contrary.”

There was a pause in conversation as Mrs. Towner brought in a tray with tea and cakes. As the housekeeper left the study, closing the door behind her without a sound, Maisie poured tea, and handed a cup to Hunter before sitting down with her own cup of tea. “The French in England, I suppose that’s it,” said Maisie. “And here’s why.” She explained that she wanted to know more about the Free French currently in London—any information would be helpful. “Gabriella, I haven’t forgotten that you once worked with Maurice in Paris—that you were, let us say . . . let us say ‘involved’ in intelligence work during the last war. You may seem to most like a very accomplished expert on early French literature, but I know you have many skills up your sleeve.”

“Ha! There are residents around this square, the sort with handshakes like wet fish in your fingers, who would be horrified to learn that I have killed the enemy with my bare hands.” Hunter laughed. “I should probably let them in on that little snippet of my history just before I present a paper when they’re working themselves up to take down my theories along with my good name. It might give them second thoughts!” She became serious. “So, what is it exactly that you want to know? There’s more at stake than a passing interest on your part?”

Maisie stood up and placed her now empty cup and saucer on the tray. “Character. Motivation. What drives people who have seen the enemy march into their country and along their city streets? People who have lost their homes, seen their neighbors dragged away. Many French citizens escaped across the Channel to England—and of course there’s the man named de Gaulle in London too. They have sanctuary here, yet there is also animosity toward the British—they are working with us, and they seem to be working against us at the same time. It’s to do with a case, so I want to know who they are—not specifically down to a name, though one or two of those would be handy—but who they are inside.” She placed her hand on her chest, and took her seat again.

Hunter nodded. Maisie could feel a change in her demeanor, as if a cloud of melancholy had enveloped her.

“Strangely, the book I have just finished writing touches upon this very thing. Mind you, it’s not going to leave me until I’ve read and reread my manuscript a thousand times—a nasty habit of mine that infuriates my publisher.” She sighed, then continued.

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