Mimi helped herself to an orange, which she ate delicately with her tiny, wizened paws.They felt so much better after some food. Their petitdéjeuner was interrupted by the unwelcome arrival of the Chevalier, Amelie’s intended husband. He bowed a formal greeting to the girls, fluttering his handkerchief and simpering at Amelie. ‘Bonjour. My condolences, Mademoiselle de Montjoyeuse. I am extremely pleased to find you. I called on your apartment this morning but found no-one at home. Excusez-moi. I know this is irregular, but...’ he glanced at Tilly meaningfully, flicking open his snuffbox and taking a delicate sniff. ‘Perhaps mademoiselle would allow me the indulgence of a private word with Mademoiselle de Montjoyeuse?’ Amelie glared at Tilly in alarm, begging her not to leave. ‘Monsieur could have nothing to say that cannot be said in front of my ... ma cousine,’ replied Amelie, holding herself stiffly. The Chevalier bowed and took Amelie’s hand in his, kissing the top of her glove.
