Percy read the note for a second time, trying to shake the uneasy feeling that had come over him as soon as he had seen the small, feminine writing. On the one hand, it was something of a relief, as it proved that Gabrielle had not overheard anything earlier that evening. But the new problems it raised were far more serious. Most disturbing was something about the overall tone of the letter, that there was something more to the situation than she was letting on. He tried to read between the lines, to picture her writing it. It was nearly impossible.
My dear sir,
You must forgive me for being so bold as to communicate with you in this manner, but I have information which must be conveyed to you. It is the very least I could do to attempt to repay you for the courage and generosity with which you brought me safely out of France.
I was denounced by a man by the name of Chauvelin, whom you may know is of quite prominent rank in the new government. I had, I must admit, been involved in some dealings that were on the wrong side of the law, and he heard of my success in these matters. He approached me to attempt to persuade me to help him to defeat you in your endeavours against the government. But, as many French citizens do, I secretly respect and admire you and your deeds, so I refused to go along with his plans. As a result, he denounced me for my previous misdeeds, and, were it not for your miraculous intervention, I should have perished that day at the guillotine.
I believe that Chauvelin still means to send someone to work for him here in England. I urge you to take care, and to consider allowing me to work with you to uncover this threat. I believe I do have some skills that may be useful to you.
I am currently staying in Richmond, under the care of Sir Percy Blakeney. Please communicate with me there if you require more information or wish to accept my offer of assistance.
Yours in most humble gratitude,
Gabrielle Jolin
Everything that she said about Chauvelin’s plans coincided with what he already knew. But what bothered him was the total inconsistency between this carefully worded and aggressive letter and the shy, well-mannered girl who had been his guest for two weeks. If she was a clever enough spy to attract Chauvelin’s attention, who knew what she was capable of? Was the personality she had revealed to him so far any part of her actual character?
One thing that was clear was that he needed to find out exactly what had happened between her and Chauvelin. And the best way to do that would be to earn her trust by making her think she had earned his. He rose and went to his writing table.
Mlle Jolin,
My most sincere thanks for your confidence. As I am sure you know, this subject is of great interest to me. Any information about my work that falls into the wrong hands would mean the difference between life and death.
I should like to meet with you to discuss this matter in more detail. If I am not mistaken, there is a secluded grove in the northwest part of the gardens at Richmond. I will come to you there tomorrow, at five o’ clock. Please be there alone.
I also ask that you destroy this letter upon reading it. I trust your discretion in regards to all of these things, and look forward to furthering our association.
He did not sign it, but sealed it with the familiar red flower. Walking noiselessly through the silent house, past the slanting rays of the rising sun, he slipped into the room where his visitor slept peacefully. He placed the note on the dressing table, where she would be sure to see it as soon as she rose.
Upon reaching his own rooms and preparing to finally get some sleep himself, he was annoyed to find that the feeling of uneasiness had not been diminished by this action, but instead seemed to have grown even stronger.