Malvina followed him.
As he closed the door behind them, she saw there was an oil lamp on a table.
It was turned down very low and the Duc crossed the room to turn it up higher.
It revealed two comfortable armchairs in front of a fireplace which, as it was summer, was filled with flowers.
Then, as Malvina looked to the end of the room, she saw to her surprise a large four-poster bed.
It was not unlike Blanche’s, yet instead of being draped in blue, this one was draped in pink.
Now she could see clearly that the flowers in the room were all pink – there were several bowls of roses and carnations on several pieces of furniture.
Then, as she looked round, she heard the Duc saying quietly,
“You may find me a little clumsy with my left arm and you might have to help me out of my coat, b
