Women. They all lie. Once you expect it, they never disappoint.
Women. They all lie. Once you expect it, they never disappoint.Francis de Brangelton to ‘Henri’ d’Arringnon – 1693
Francis and his companions rode in amiable silence through the morning fog. The timing of the Duchess’ offer was excellent, just when Francis and Paul were assigned to deliver secret orders to the Navy and Batiste was prowling Le Manche. Her Grace had a reputation of paying well and appreciating loyalty, and d’Arringnon’s presence confirmed it.
Francis wondered about an odd inflection when she first mentioned d’Arringnon. Was it amusement? Doubt? Perplexity? She could not have meant to send d’Arringnon on his own; the Duchess had enough sense to realize that d’Arringnon was too inexperienced for the task. He wa
