Page 61 of To Love A Spy
“I would have to agree.”
Further comment was forestalled by the approach of Madame Levalier and her friends. “Has Andre shown you the spectacular variety of roses yet?” asked Madame Noilly.
“We had not yet progressed that far,” replied Valencia.
“Men! When it comes to certain things, they have no notion of what a lady really wants.”
The next half hour passed in polite admiration of the various species.Cuisse de nymphe emue, Beaute touchante, BelleHebe, Rire niais—Valencia was relieved when a servant finally appeared to summon them to the midday meal.
As the day was unseasonably warm, the luncheon was served outdoors in a large pavilion. A trestle table, set with gaily striped linens and potted flowers, was a colorful counterpoint to the bare trees and dormant hedges outside the canvas tenting. A hint of summertime sweetness wafted up from the hothouse fruits piled high around the silver centerpiece, a magnificent Louis XIV epergne.
Valencia sat between two young officers who took turns paying her florid compliments.
“You must try some of the wine,” said Captain Hillaire. “Our Loire region is famous for its delightful whites.”
She accepted a glass and sipped slowly. It was delicious, as was the food. The laughter all around grew louder as dish after dish of rich delicacies were passed, and the servants kept refilling her glass.Careful, she warned herself. It was important to keep her wits about her. A sidelong glance showed that Lynsley’s wine glass sat untouched.
If the others noticed his sober demeanor, no one allowed it to dampen the spirits of the party. The mood was quite gay and relaxed when finally they all rose from the table.
“We must take a walk to see the folly overlooking the lake,” announced Levalier. “It was designed in the classical Greek style, and boasts several exquisite columns from an Athenian temple.”
“Is it not too difficult for the ladies?” asked Captain Gillemot after surveying the winding footpath.
“Mais, non!” exclaimed Madame Noilly. “I think we would all welcome a bit of exercise after such a repast.”
“An excellent suggestion. Let’s be off.” Resuming his conversation with Levalier, Lynsley set off at a brisk match along the graveled path, forcing the minister to match his stride.
“Madame?” Noilly offered Valencia his arm.
“Thank you.
The path turned steeper and the footing grew a bit rougher, forcing Valencia and her escort to fall a few steps behind the rest of the group.
Glancing back, Lynsley barked a rebuke. “Do try to keep up, my dear. I am sure you do not wish to slow the group down.”
“You go on,” she said, releasing Noilly. “I shall continue at my own pace.”
“But—”
“You may do as the lady says. I am in no hurry to stare at a pile of moldering marble.” Rochambert took her arm.
“But as a connoisseur of art, aren’t you curious to see such classical Greek treasures?” asked Valencia
“Not when I have a flesh and blood Venus so close at hand.”
She stepped around an outcropping of granite, purposely brushing up against his leg “Do you always flirt so shamelessly with women?”
“I see no shame in showing an appreciation for beauty.”
“How can a lady argue with that?” replied Valencia.
The bend twisted sharply, following the contour of the hill as its side steepened and angled away into rocky ravine. Loose stones made the path uneven, and she felt her leg twitch as she started up through the turn.
Up ahead, the path flattened out. Another few steps . . .
But suddenly her half boots were slipping out from under her. Valencia flung herself back, trying to regain her balance.
“Madame!” Rochambert reached out, a fraction too late. She lost her footing and tumbled over the ledge.
