A solitary light burned in the hall, where she surprised a sleeping servant, who had not expected to see his mistress for another two hours at least. The jewelled heels of her shoes tapped loudly across the marble floor and up the wide staircase, but the thick rugs on the upper floors deadened all sound save the soothing rustle of Madame’s skirts as she made her way to her bedchamber. Just as she reached her room, an elderly lady in a black gown appeared. ‘You are returned early tonight, Madame.’ She spoke in perfect English and with some surprise. ‘Yes, Hannah. It was a tedious affair. I am very tired.’ Elinor avoided the woman’s searching look as she entered her bedchamber. After the briefest hesitation, Hannah followed her. She watched as Madame threw off her cloak and sat down at her dressing table to remove her jewels, paying no heed to her companion, or the constant chatter of her voluble French maid. After a few moments, Hannah addressed the servant in English.
