‘No, Monseigneur. Of course it is sometimes necessary, but I do not like it. Once or twice I lied to Jean because I was afraid to tell the truth, but that is cowardly, n’est-ce pas? I think it is not so wicked to lie to your enemy, but one could not lie – to a friend, or – or to somebody one loved. That would be a black sin, would it not?’
‘As I cannot remember ever having loved anyone, I am hardly fitted to answer that question, my child.’
Léon considered him gravely.
‘No one?’ he asked. ‘Me, I do not love often, but when I do it is for ever. I loved my mother, and the Curé,
and – and I love you, Monseigneur.’
‘I beg your pardon?’ Avon was a little startled.
‘I – I only said that I loved you, Monseigneur.’
‘I thought that I could not have heard aright. It is, of course, gratifying, but I do not think you have chosen too wisely. I am sure they will seek to reform you, below-stairs.’
The big eyes flashed.
‘They dare not!’
The quizzing-glass was raised.
‘Indeed? Are you so formidable?’
‘I have a very bad temper, Monseigneur.’
‘And you use it in my defence. It is most amusing. Do you fly out upon – my valet, for instance?’
Léon gave a tiny sniff of scorn.
‘Oh, he is just a fool, Monseigneur!’
‘Lamentably a fool. I have often remarked it.’
They had come to Avon’s hôtel by now, and the waiting lackeys held the door for them to pass through. In the hall Avon paused, while Léon stood expectantly before him.
‘You may bring wine to the library,’ said the Duke, and went in.
When Léon appeared with a heavy silver tray Justin was seated by the fire, his feet upon the hearth. Beneath drooping lids he watched his page pour out a glass of burgundy. Léon brought it to him.
‘Thank you.’ Avon smiled at Léon’s evident surprise at the unusual courtesy. ‘No doubt you imagined that I was sadly lacking in manners? You may sit down. At my feet.’
Léon promptly curled up on the rug, cross-legged, and sat looking at the Duke, rather bewildered, but palpably pleased.
Justin drank a little wine, still watching the page, and then set the glass down on a small table at his elbow.
‘You find me a trifle unexpected? I desire to be entertained.’
Léon looked at him seriously.
‘What shall I do, Monseigneur?’
‘You may talk,’ Avon said. ‘Your youthful views on life are most amusing. Pray continue.’
Léon laughed suddenly.
‘I do not know what to say, Monseigneur! I do not think I have anything interesting to talk about. I chatter and chatter, they tell me, but it is all nothing. Madame Dubois lets me talk, but Walker – ah, Walker is dull and strict!’
‘Who is Madame – er – Dubois?’