CHAPTER FIVEAs Sheena came from the Apartments of Mary Stuart, a gentleman approached her.
“May I introduce myself to you, mam’selle?” he asked with an elaborate bow. “I am the Marquis de Maupré and Her Majesty Queen Catherine has particularly requested that we be acquainted.”
Sheena curtseyed, thinking that he was one of the best-looking men she had ever seen.
She then corrected the impression, as she realised that he was older than she thought and there was something slightly repellent, although she could not explain what it was about his smile.
“Her Majesty has spoken of you so warmly,” he went on. “In fact she told me that I must look for one of the loveliest young women I have ever beheld, so that it was not too difficult to recognise you on sight.”
Sheena dropped her eyes. She h
