Chapter Text
"Madam! What a delightful surprise to see you here!" Count de Peyrac bowed deeply before Madame de Maudribourg.
It was impossible to read anything on his impenetrable face, although the woman did not avert her attentive, studying gaze from him. With a sweet smile, she held out her hand for the Count to kiss, and he obeyed. For a second, their gazes met, and Ambroisine noted with satisfaction the spark of interest that flashed in his black eyes.
He held her hand in his palm for a little longer than he should have, and her inviting look from under thick long eyelashes was his answer. Tightly wrapped in a wide cloak of black satin, embroidered with the Maudribourg's family crest, depicting a clawed lion protecting the duchess from sharp gusts of cold wind, she, more than ever, looked like a lost little girl calling for help. If anybody could imagine a child with such a vicious look anyway...
“So what brings you here to La Ev, madam?” the Count inquired with all his usual amiability, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Well, in some way I owe this to your wife, Countess de Peyrac", the Dutchess answered with a slight smile, a chill ran down the Count's spine.
What in the name of God happened there? Ambroisine left Goldsboro right before him. He left Angelique with peace of mind, knowing that this woman, who inspired him with suspicious, was far away and could not harm his wife. As if not noticing his confusion, the Duchess continued:
“She arrived in Port Royal, accompanied by your governor, what was his name, ah, yes, Colin Paturel,” she paused for a moment, carefully following the expression on the Count's face. "Apparently, she felt completely safe under his protection. And this is not surprising - he is faithful to her like a dog, and it seems that he will immediately rush to her protection if someone dares to even look askance at her... But, anyway. They asked me to think again about giving my girls in marriage to your colonists, although I think I made it clear to them that I could not do it."
The Count looked at Madame de Maudribourg searchingly.
Angelique and Colin left for Port Royal? Together? What nonsense! Why did they leave Goldsboro at such a troubled time? And what about Abigael? Angelique wanted to wait for the birth of her child... That was the only reason why she refused to accompany him. Was it really just for the sake of these brides of the king that she decided to leave?
Endless questions he did not have the answers to kept tormenting him. Only one thing calmed him down - Colin was there with her, he would be able to protect her, and all the questions could be left for later pondering. He would have time to think about everything carefully they finally met with Angelique.
"I had the feeling that your wife and this golden-haired giant are very close, that they have much in common. A common past, perhaps?" Ambroisine interrupted his reflections. "I could even assume that the harsh governor is in love with her!" she laughed a cheerful, carefree laugh. “Although it is not at all not surprising, Madame de Peyrac is so beautiful that it’s impossible not to love her, is it?"
“You're right, madam,” said Jeoffrey. “But let's get back to how you got here."
"As I said, indirectly it happened because of your wife. During our stay in Port Royal, we were attacked by this terrible pirate Phipps, and your wife haven't found anything better than to offer him to take me and my girls to Boston, and then to demand a ransom from the Governor of Quebec for us," the voice of the duchess slightly trembled.
"Why did she come up with such an idea?" the Count frowned.
"I don’t know... Perhaps she chose to solve the problem calmly. And choosing to sacrifice me and my charges seemed to her a lesser evil than the freedom and lives of the inhabitants of the settlement. In fact, we are nothing to her..."
"Or she suspected something and decided to get rid of you" flashed through Peyrac's thoughts.
"How did you manage to elude Phipps?" a Puritan captain in a black cloak and a high-crowned hat stood before the Count's eyes. Was it possible that the Duchess had awakened compassion in this stern fanatic, or else...
“I think, sir, a woman, a real woman, will always be able to come to an agreement with a man,” Ambroisine almost purred. "After all, your wife also has this extremely useful gift..."
The Count shook his head, driving away the unpleasant thoughts. Angelique loved him, he was sure of this, he trusted Colin, and this whole story was just the intrigues of some devilish powers. Perhaps, Madame de Maudribourg was involved in them too. A sudden thought crossed his mind. This would be a good solution to the problem, and the Duchess remained under his supervision.
“I am heading to Tidmagush to see a very influential man. Would you like to come with me? Perhaps he can help you travel to Quebec.” Jeoffrey smiled with all the charm he was capable of.
"Of course, Count! I shall gladly accept your offer!" Ambroisine smiled slightly. That was her original goal!