The French Bride by Evelyn Anthony

surprising that such a soft, gay woman could look so implacable; she reminded her suddenly of Lady Katherine on the night she had come to her bedroom to dissuade her from marrying her son. Charles leant towards her.
    â€˜The hour is up,’ he said. ‘Stop her before some of your audience break into snores.’ Anne gave the signal and led the applause. The harpist came up to them and curtsied.
    â€˜A wonderful performance, madame,’ Anne thanked her. ‘We have been enchanted. There will be dancing in the Long Salon. Be kind enough to join us.’
    â€˜You keep late hours for the country,’ Charles said. ‘Hunting half the day, eating and drinking for hours on end. No wonder all your neighbours look so gross. Will we have to go through this again on the wedding night? I’m afraid I may have to retire early if we do.…’
    â€˜When a De Bernard marries, certain things are expected,’ Anne said quietly. ‘I’m sure in your own country you had obligations to your neighbours. Ah, M. le Vicomte de Bré – may I present my future husband, M. Macdonald!’
    Charles noticed the young man’s fair face flush a deep red as he kissed Anne’s hand. They bowed to each other and he saw the hostility in the young man’s eyes.
    â€˜My felicitations, monsieur,’ the vicomte said stiffly. ‘You are the most fortunate man in the world.’
    â€˜So I hear on all sides,’ Charles answered. ‘I only fear that my good fortune is ill fortune for others. Anne, my dear, I’m sure M. de Bré wishes to claim you for a dance. I relinquish her to you, monsieur.’
    He watched them move away, and the old Comte de Bernard came up to him.
    â€˜This is a sad night for that young man,’ he remarked. ‘He’s been Anne’s suitor for years.’
    â€˜So I guessed,’ Charles said. ‘I wonder she refused him.’
    â€˜She took my advice.’ The old man smiled. ‘I told her to wait for a better. There was not much hesitation about you after you arrived. You’ve made her very happy, my dear boy.’
    â€˜I’m glad to hear it.’ Charles bowed. ‘I’m sure she deserves all the happiness I can give her.’
    Anne danced the figures of the minuet, smiling mechanically into the face of her partner, watching for Charles whenever they turned.
    â€˜I wish you happines,’ De Bré said to her quietly. ‘You know I would give anything in the world to be in his place, but I wish you all possible joy.’
    â€˜I know you do,’ she said gently. ‘And you will have that joy yourself one day. I pray that you’ll find it quickly. Excuse me, my dear Michel, but I think my fiancé is looking for me.…’
    She left him as soon as the dance ended. Charles was drinking wine in a corner, making conversation with an elderly lady who claimed to have known his parents when both were visiting France before their marriage.
    â€˜How little your mother has changed,’ she was saying. ‘Still as beautiful as ever. I’m surprised you don’t resemble either of them more.’
    Charles gave her a disarming smile.
    â€˜I’m told I take after my uncle Hugh,’ he said. ‘He was a famous rapist. I beg your indulgence, madame; I see my delightful fiancée approaching.’
    He bowed low over the astonished old lady’s hand and kissed it. He came up to Anne and he was frowning; he caught her arm and forced her towards the door.
    â€˜I’m intolerably bored,’ he said. ‘I’ve decided to go back to Versailles until the wedding.’
    A lackey sprang to the door and opened it wide for them, bowing low as they passed through. In the empty corridor Anne turned and faced him.
    â€˜Are you sure you intend to come back for the wedding?’ She spoke very quietly. ‘Please, Charles, tell me the truth. If you’re going to defy your parents,