Page 78 of The Rebellious Countess
“That stodgy old man attempting to get the upper hand is an acquaintance of Hag’s.”
Legrand moved closer, nodding his head in the monk’s direction, the night sky lighting up as the cloud cover began to disappear. Legrand’s broken wrist would make a lesser man drop to his knees with pain, yet Legrand acted as if he was staunching an annoying cut that would not stop bleeding. “You planned on takingCardinal Linguet as well?” He asked.
Elias shrugged. “I didn’t. It was a holy order or something.”
Legrand looked at Father Charles who stood silently watching their exchange.
“And the Pope?” Legrand asked. “If he had been here, would you have attempted to rescue him as well?”
“I guess we’ll never know the answer to that, since he’s not here,” Elias replied.
Legrand laughed as if he would have relished such a challenge. Elias waited to see what he would say about thecardinal’s escape. A nobleman and a cardinal in one event were a bit too much for any of Napoleon’s men to accept.
His mother stepped in front of Elias, her back to him as she whispered something to Legrand he could not hear. Legrand watched her speak, his expression giving away something far more intimate between the two of them than what either had displayed up to that point.
“I wouldn't want to come between a holy man and a higher power. Go before I change my mind,” Legrand said, his eyes never leaving her face.
“I have a boat down near the chapel,” Father Charles whispered. “He’s waiting there.”
Elias could have hugged the man. It was a much better option with the tide well on its way into the bay.
“You’re going to steal my boat?”
Elias cringed inwardly. He truly hoped the boat wasn’t the tipping point for this man of war, who was giving more sway than he probably had in his entire career.
Legrand huffed out a breath before acquiescing. “Fine. Take my boat.”
Elias didn’t hesitate. “Can you handle the boat by yourself and meet us at the bottom of these steps?”
Father Charles nodded. “The Fountain of Saint Aubert. I’ll be there.” He disappeared the same way he’d come, his steps much quieter this time.
Elias turned to his mother and put his hand on her arm. His voice gentle as said, “We need to go.”
“I would like to speak to your mother for a moment—in private.” It wasn’t a request, more like the order of a man who was used to having his instructions followed without hesitation.
Elias bristled. If Legrand changed his mind and held his mother hostage…no, he would not leave her. Not now when things were finally leaning in their direction. “I will grant yousome privacy, but you will not be alone with her.” When Legrand began to argue, Elias cut him off. “As you said, the War Minister will be after blood, and you work for him.”
Legrand laughed. “I work for Napoleon, and no other, but I understand your concern. Take my shashka as my guarantee. You can leave it at The Happy Hag.”
Elias nodded but didn’t relent. He picked up the shashka and moved ten feet away, within striking distance.
“I’m sorry about your wrist,” his mother said, the wince in her tone evident.
“It is nothing I didn’t deserve. I will miss you, Aventine.”
“We were good together,” his mother replied, and Elias really wished he could give them privacy.
“Perhaps, after the war?—”
His mother laughed. “There will always be a war for you. You do not know how to do anything but battle.”
“And love.”
Mon Dieu, he didn’t want to hear this.
“You deserve a better life,mon bijou. Go to England, see your grandchildren grow and be happy.”
His mother said something Elias didn’t understand, and he was grateful for that small gift.
