“I … no. I haven’t seen any ghosts.” I’d maybe heard one, but I wasn’t going to invite Annette to feed my already-vivid imagination.
Annette shrugged. “Well, give it some time. It’s only the first night, after all. And you’re in the red room.”
I blinked. “What about the red room?”
“Nothing,” Annette said innocently.
I narrowed my eyes.
“I spoke to Ludovico,” she said, changing the subject. “What’s the plan now that we’re at Udolpho Castle? I don’t see how finding anything on Montoni would give us any leverage out here.”
I glanced around the room, recalling Ludovico’s warning about eyes and ears. “You’re right. I don’t think there’s anything to be gained here.”
She squinted at me. “Just what did you hope to find on him? And no more holding back like you did with your title. That’s not the sort of thing partners keep from one another. It doesn’t exactly instill confidence.”
I winced. “You’re right, Annette. I am sorry about that. It was of the utmost importance for me to keep that detail secret. From everyone.”
“Yes, I’ve had thepleasureof seeing to your aunt. I would have run for the hills myself if I’d been in your shoes. She and Montoni deserve each other if you ask me.”
“I’m not sure anyone deserves to suffer under Montoni, even my aunt.” I sighed. “I truly am sorry for the subterfuge, Annette. Can you forgive me?”
Annette watched me for a moment before giving a sharp nod. “Very well. But I am sticking my neck out for you, so I expect some transparency. Of course, the silverware plot led nowhere.” She shook her head. “I still can hardly believe that Fournier was caught up in that business.”
I hesitated, wondering if I should inform her that Fournier was dead, and that I believed Montoni was covering up his murder, and decided to share some of my thoughts on the matter. I did just agree to share information with her, after all. But perhaps I could leave out the more worrisome details. “I don’t believe Fournier merely left the château. I believe he was removed by Montoni.”
“But whatever for?”
I shrugged. He had clearly been meeting the red-haired boy in the hedge maze. I wasn’t sure the significance of that just yet. “I’m not sure. But finding the silverware in Fournier’s room was certainly convenient. I wouldn’t be surprised if it had been planted to explain away his disappearance.”
Annette pursed her lips, absorbing this. “And what do you hope to accomplish now that we’re at Udolpho, my lord?”
“I believe my only hope now is to wait out the next five months until I can claim my inheritance. I appreciate your help, Annette, but I’m not sure there’s anything else to be done.”
Annette cocked her head. “My lady said you would need to be married to collect your inheritance.”
“I … yes, that was my aunt’s wish, but there are no balls out here. There are no eligible ladies to court. I hardly think I have to worry about that now.”
“Maybe. But Montoni’s a shrewd one. I wouldn’t rule out some new scheme, especially if he’s desperate for money.” She stepped closer to me, lowering her voice. “Maybe I’ll keep an eye out, just in case. I always liked Fournier, and if he had anything to do with his disappearance, I would like to get to the bottom of it myself.”
“Just don’t take any unnecessary risks. I would hate for anything to happen to you.”
“Aw, lord, you’re making me blush.” She grinned. “But enough prattling on. Did you come this way looking for the kitchen?”
“No, I was not. I was going to see Count Morano. I must speak to him about something.”
Annette smirked. “If you say so, my lord.”
I glared at her. Now that I knew that she talked with Blanche openly about my affairs, I didn’t feel quite so bad about all that I’d withheld from her over the past few weeks. I suppose it shouldn’t have been a surprise that they were so close, given how they’d previously had a laugh together over my fire-making skills.
“I do.”
With a roll of her eyes, Annette turned and started for a doorway on the other side of the room. “Follow me.”
The journey to the rooms in the west wing was substantially shorter than the one to mine. Annette pointed out the rooms for each of the guests, in case I should need them, then bid me good night, leaving me to my own devices.
I lingered outside of Henri’s door until I was sure Annette had gone, then knocked tentatively. Now that I was there, I felt silly for disturbing him. He was going to think that I couldn’t go a single moment without him, and he had a big enough ego already. But when he didn’t answer, I hardly cared. I knocked louder and then pushed on the door. It gave way, and I ducked within to find a dwindling fire.
I glanced toward the bed, feeling apprehensive. “Henri? Are you asleep?”
