The four-in-hand pulled off the main roadway and into the gardens of the château. Mary wrapped her shawl about her shoulders as she stared out her window at the bonfires and the light they cast upon the stone.
“Polidori, it’s magnificent. Look. See how the light plays—”
The carriage curved around the drive and jolted up onto the grass to stop beneath a tree. Several men, who had been taking advantage of the cover, called out when they recognized Doctor Polidori climbing down the step. Plumes of cigar smoke surrounded them, the musky fragrance mixing with that of wet earth and foliage. Polidori held the carriage door open as Mary leaned out, sniffing at the air to take in its pleasure and nodding toward the men.
“Remember that you are my escort tonight, John.” Mary smiled as she took Pol
