The Burning Shore
milord. Scots, my dear fellow, big difference. He saluted the Comte with the tumbler. Enchanted, I’m sure. And this beautiful young lady is your daughter, the resemblance beautiful- Centaine, Anna intersposed, take your horse to the stable and groom him. Centaine ignored her and smiled at Andrew. The smile stopped even his banter, he stared at her, for the smile transformed her. It seemed to glow through her skin like a lamp through alabaster, and it lit her teeth and sparkled in her eyes like sunlight in a crystal jar of dark honey.
    I think I should have a look at our patient. The young army doctor broke the spell and stepped forward to unwrap Michael’s bandages. Anna understood the gesture, if not the words, and she interposed her bulk between them.
    Tell him, if he touches my work, I will break his arm. Your services are not required, I’m afraid, Michael translated for the doctor.
    Have a cognac, Andrew consoled him. It’s not bad stuff, not bad at all. You are a landowner, milord? the Comte asked Andrew with subtlety. Of course? Bien sfir- Andrew made an expansive gesture which portrayed thousands of acres and at the same time brought his glass within range of where the Comte was filling the doctor’s glass. The Comte topped him up and Andrew repeated, Of course, the family estates, you understand? Ah. The Comte’s single eye glittered as he glanced across at his daughter. Your deceased wife has left you with four children? He had not followed the earlier exchange all that clearly.
    No children, no wife, my humorous friend, Andrew indicated Michael, he likes to make jokes. Very bad English jokes.
    Ha! English jokes. The Comte roared with laughter and would have clapped Michael on his shoulder had not Centaine rushed forward to protect him from the blow. Papa, be careful.
    He is wounded. You will stay for lunch, all of you, the Comte declared. You will see, milord, my daughter is one of the finest cooks in the province. With a little help, Anna muttered disgustedly.
    I say, I rather think I should be getting back, the young doctor murmured diffidently. I feel rather superfluous.”We are invited to lunch, Andrew told him. Have a cognac. Don’t mind if I do. The doctor succumbed without a struggle.
    The Comte announced, It is necessary to descend to the cellars.”Papa - Centaine began ominously.
    We have guests! The Comte showed her the empty cognac bottle and she shrugged helplessly.
    Milord, you will assist me in the selection of suitable refreshments? Honoured, Monsieur le Comte. As Centaine watched the pair, arms linked descend the stone staircase, there was a thoughtful look in her eyes.
    He is a drole one, your friend, and very loyal. See how he rushed here to your aid. See how he places a charm on my Papa. Michael was surprised by the strength of his dislike for Andrew at that moment. He smelled the cognac, he muttered. That’s the only reason he came. But what of the four children? Anna demanded. And their mother? She was having as much difficulty as the comte in following the conversation.
    Four mothers, Michael explained. Four children, four different mothers. He is a polygamist! Anna swelled with shock and affront, and her face went a shade redder.
    No, no, Michael assured her. You heard him deny it.
    He is a man of honour, he would not do such a thing. He is married to none of them. Michael felt not a qualm, he had to have an ally somewhere in the family, but at that moment the happy pair returned from the cellars laden with black bottles.
    Aladdin’s cave, Andrew rejoiced. The comte has got it filled with good stuff! He placed half a dozen bottles on the kitchen table in front of Michael. Look at this!
    Thirty years old, if it’s a day! Then he peered closely at Michael. You look awful, old boy. Death warmed up. Thanks, Michael grinned at him thinly. You are so kind. Natural brotherly concern - Andrew struggled to draw the cork from one of the bottles, and dropped his voice to a conspiratorial

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