She did trust him, implicitly, but she quaked at the thought of disobeying her father.
“Don’t forget, I have a daunting prospect too,” he whispered in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere. “Coming to dinner with your family!”
“Here’s your ale.” Madame Dizier took the opportunity, there being few customers in the tavern, to sit and chat. “Tell me, are you still seeing that Aldessa girl?”
“I am. She is simply the most divine creature.”
“I see. Well, for want of a better word, I’d say you’re smitten with her.”
“Smitten?”
“Bewitched! Charmed! In love!”
“Ah, I know what you mean, I am smitten.” He took a draught of ale. “This Friday will be, how shall I put it, memorable.”
am “How’s that?”
“Monsieur Beaulieu has invited me to dine with his family.”
“You should consider yourself honour
