“Drink!” Jeanne yelled and bit her lower lip as everyone at the table jumped in fright and horror at her call. The valet did not move, so unfamiliar with this manner of request; a person of good breeding merely gave a small hand signal or asked for a beverage with a low-voiced appeal. Gaston cleared his throat with a rumble, gave a curt nod of his head, and his servant moved into action.
Retrieving Jeanne"s glass from the row of glasses on the buffet table, where they awaited each guest, the flustered man poured a glass of wine and placed it by Jeanne"s plate.
As Jeanne overtly sipped and slurped, the second course arrived, one of three different roasts and salads, the offerings some of the best the Comte de Moreuil"s money could afford. Jeanne glimpsed hopeful looks appear on the face o
