Approaching the Durant Residence
Paris, Kingdom of France
David suppressed a smile at the plain clothes Lady Joanne now wore. Sir Matthew had been right. The nuns had been more than willing to help, and had even provided her with a change of clothing should her exile be longer than hoped. They had also extended an invitation for her to return should shelter not be found.
But as suspected, two men would not be welcome to stay.
David just hoped that not only did Thomas Durant still reside where Sir Matthew had said, but that he’d be willing to take them in. He had only met him once, several weeks ago, and knew nothing about him except that his father had been a forger of some skill, and had been murdered, leaving the young man all alone.
Other than that, and the fact Sir Marcus had extended an invitation to join them on the farm, he knew nothing.
Jeremy pointed ahead. “I think this is it.”
David frowned at the sight. If this had ever been a thriving business, it had to have been years ago, if not decades. Though that being said, the entire neighborhood appeared as if a good wind might take it down. He dismounted, tying his horse up, and pointed at Tanya to stay. The dog dropped her hindquarters onto the ground, panting rapidly, excited by the unfamiliar sights and sounds of Paris.
David knocked on the door and heard some shuffling inside, but no one answered. He frowned, noting the boards over the windows.
Perhaps he’s ignoring everyone.
He knocked again. “Master Thomas, my name is David. I’m a squire to Sir Marcus de Rancourt. We met—”
The door suddenly opened and the young man, appearing gaunt and tired, stared at him wide-eyed. “Come in!” he said, ushering them inside, quickly closing the door behind them. Though it appeared beyond humble from the outside, what David saw inside surprised him. A fire roared to his left, kicking out enough heat to warm the coldest of souls, a healthy-sized bird was roasting at the periphery, and a table was filled with food and drink, a well-dressed though indecently posed woman sitting at it, her legs spread, her mouth full.
“I have a favor to ask of you,” said David to Thomas, motioning toward Lady Joanne. “If it wouldn’t be too inconvenient, I’d like to leave Lady Joanne here with you, until we find Sir Marcus.”
Thomas shrugged, dropping into a chair and tearing off a piece of bread. “I should open a hostel.” He gestured at the woman. “Sir Marcus left her here earlier.”
Jeremy stepped forward, excitement on his face. “He was here?”
“Yes, only a few hours ago. I assume he’ll be back eventually.”
David smiled at his partner. “This is good news.”
The woman wiped her mouth on her sleeve. “So, you’re the lady in question, hey?”
Lady Joanne regarded her. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Well, they wouldn’t tell me names, but you sort of look like Melanie. I don’t see why she had to die though for the likes of you.”
Joanne’s eyes widened. “I assure you, I have no idea of what you speak!”
“Oh, don’t get your knickers in a knot. You’re innocent, we all know it. Sir Denys was planting himself in my girl, not you.”
Joanne blushed, but moved closer to the woman. “You mean, you know I’m innocent? That I wasn’t having an affair?”
“Yeah.”
“Does my husband know?”
“I should think so.”
Joanne spun toward David. “Then I can go home! It’s over!”
David shook his head. “I think we should be cautious, M’Lady. We don’t know what’s actually happened. I suggest you stay here until we get confirmation from Sir Marcus.” He turned to Jeremy. “You stay here with her, and I’ll take Tanya to Lord Charles’ estate. He might know where we can find Sir Marcus and Simon.”
“Sounds good.” Jeremy eyed the food. “And smells good.” His stomach audibly rumbled, and Thomas chuckled, waving a hand at the spread.
“Please, eat. There’s more than enough for a change.”
Jeremy leaped at the bird, tearing off a leg then stood at the table, no chairs remaining. David’s own stomach demanded attention, and he joined in, deciding a few minutes wouldn’t change anything.
But not before satisfying an increasingly whining Tanya.