“He seemed to,” she said slowly. “I think he wants the Allies to be in disarray so he can move in and make a decisive strike.”
“That sounds likely,” the duke said soberly. “Knowing what the enemy is doing is vital and unbelievably difficult, even when the armies are only a few miles apart. If what you told the emperor contributes to his making errors of judgment, you’ve served your country well today.”
“I hope so,” she said with a sigh. “I want this to beover.With your permission, I’ll head back to Brussels now. My household will be very worried at my absence.”
“God willing, this matter will be over in a few days, but it will be a near run thing,” the duke said. “A very near run thing. Thank you for what you’ve done, Mrs. Duval.”
She inclined her head and withdrew. She went outside, still dripping, and found that her horse had been properly fed and watered and was ready to travel the ten miles or so back to Brussels. Telling herself that she was equally ready, Suzanne asked one of the soldiers in front of the inn to help her onto her mount. Once her aching body was secure in the saddle, she started on the last leg home.
It was well past midnight when she finally reached the house on the rue de Louvain, but lights were still visible inside. She tethered the weary roan and knocked on the door. Maurice threw it wide open when he saw who was on the doorstep. “Thank heavens you’re home safely, ma’am!”
“I couldn’t agree more,” she said with a tired smile. “Could you have someone look after my horse, please? He deserves oats and a really good grooming.”
Maurice peered over her head at the muddy roan. “I don’t recognize your mount.”
She peeled off her saturated cloak and let it collapse in a muddy heap on the tile floor. “I have taken up a career as a horse thief. How did the rescue mission turn out?”
Maurice smiled. “We brought Corporal Allen here along with three other wounded soldiers that we found on the way home. All have been treated and are doing well. Janet Allen is staying with her husband and keeping an eye on all the patients.”
Suzanne closed her eyes and uttered a fervent prayer of thanks. “I need food, a hot drink, and a hot bath, not necessarily in that order.”
“And you shall have them!” Jenny came flying into the reception hall and gave Suzanne an enthusiastic hug despite her soggy state. “Now tell us of your adventures!”
Moving at a more moderate pace, Lucas appeared and handed her a glass of brandy. “I also want to hear what has happened. Sit and tell us all.”
Madame Maurice appeared and wrapped a warm blanket around her. “This way, ma’am,” she said as she guided Suzanne into the drawing room.
Suzanne subsided into a chair as Lucas knelt to start a fire to ward off the cool, wet night. She felt a deep sense of peace to be here with these people who all meant so much to her. All she lacked was Simon.
Dear Lord, look after him,she prayed silently.Let this all be over, and bring him home to me!
Chapter 42
The rain had stopped. That was the first thing Suzanne noticed when her eyes reluctantly opened. What time was it? Midmorning, it appeared. After her exhausting day and late night return, her household was letting her sleep late.
And Leo was sleeping on her head, his little body a warm band across her skull. She smiled as she reached up to pet him. “Could you see your way clear to pulling the bell cord? No, I suppose not.” She rolled across the mattress and pulled at the cord while Leo rolled down her pillow with an indignant squeak. Luckily, he was of a forgiving nature.
Suzanne had barely had time to pile pillows against the headboard and prop herself up when Jenny arrived with a tray. “How are you feeling today, ma’am?”
“As if a herd of horses galloped over me,” Suzanne reported. “But it would have been worse if you hadn’t drawn that hot bath for me last night. And woken me up when I fell asleep there!”
Jenny smiled and arranged the bed tray over Suzanne’s lap. “You deserved every bit of pampering we could give you! When Maurice and Janet and the others came back and reported how you’d given yourself up to the French soldiers to save them . . .” She shuddered.
“I knew I had the best chance of coming through unscathed.” Suzanne swallowed a delicious mouthful of hot chocolate. “Luckily I didn’t have time to think about it or I would have been too afraid. Now tell me what has happened in the world while I was away.”
“It was reported that Wellington was retreating and French troops were about to enter the city. Many people panicked and they were fighting to get away to Antwerp.” Jenny smiled. “You’re lucky to have missed that.”
“Cowards and good riddance,” Suzanne said callously. “But what about the armies? Is there any word from them? I hate not knowing!”
“We all do! Which is why early this morning Maurice rode down to that village, Waterloo, to find out. The two armies are lined up across a wide valley, about a mile apart. He says Wellington has a good defensive position. All was quiet when Maurice left. He thinks the emperor is waiting for the ground to dry enough to maneuver his artillery pieces.”
Suzanne swallowed hard and set down her half-eaten crescent roll. “I wonder how long until the ground dries.”
“Maurice thought maybe around noon.”
Suzanne looked at the clock on the mantel. It was after 11:00. Suddenly grim, she finished her chocolate and set the tray aside so she could get out of bed. “Time to find myself something to do so I don’t go mad with waiting.”
“Mr. Mandeville has set up his street infirmary again. I’m going down there when you don’t need me.”
