Epilogue
“I wish I could change your mind,” Gregoire Delacroix wrung his hands. “Really, I do. I think right now that Desiree needs stability in her life.”
“That is something I cannot give her. I am sorry, sir, but family…”
“Yes. Yes, indeed. I quite understand. It’s just this dreadful business with Jacques.”
Ignatius could hardly tell the landowner that after that fateful night when they’d come pounding on his door and he’d opened it to be told that Jacques Bouchard was missing, the man in question had been hiding behind that very door. Later, he’d made an appearance, giving the impression he’d been the lad he’d always been, but this time Desiree, apparently aggrieved with his reputation, refused to allow him in her vicinity. Jacques assured Ignatius that Desiree knew the truth of his
