“The Marquis is sure to get the truth from the criminals, one way or another,” Henri piped in. “If it were not for you, Jean-Luc, Antoine and I would not be here, and their fate would not be in the hands of Louvois.”
“Please, dear sir, I beg you. Mention it no more,” Jeanne said modestly, yet her heart beat faster at his praise.
“Is it true? You wish to be a Musketeer?” Gerard asked. “Is that not what Henri told us?”
“It has been my dream since I was but a small child, flaying at my siblings with my small wooden whinger.” In her truth burst sincerity.
“You seem quite young?” Antoine asked. “How old are you?”
“I am seventeen,” Jeanne replied, unconsciously sitting taller and straighter in her chair.
“Bit of a scarecrow, aren"t you, boy?” Gerard playfully slapped Jeanne on the back, ca
