Tower of Shadows by Sara Craven Read Free Book Online Page A

have recovered from her shock and the accident, and be
    back in fighting form again.
    And she had all morning and part of the afternoon to decide
    whether or not to accept this imperious invitation. At the moment
    she felt totally disinclined to do any such thing.
    I'll consider it while I work, she thought, stuffing the letter into her
    shorts pocket. She started in the kitchen. Yesterday, she'd given
    just the cupboards she needed to use a superficial wipe-over. This
    time, every drawer, every shelf and every surface was cleaned to
    within an inch of its life, and the tiled floor scrubbed till it shone.
    Feeling thoroughly ill-tempered gave one energy, she thought, as
    she started on the dust and cobwebs in the salon.
    She stopped at noon for some bread and cheese, and a glass of
    wine diluted with water, then plunged doggedly back into
    housework.
    She was absorbed in cleaning the arched windows when she heard
    the sound of a car engine. Every muscle tensed, and she swallowed
    nervously, but she carried on with her appointed task with renewed
    concentration. She would not —she would not look round, she
    vowed.
    A girl's pleasant voice behind her said, 'Mademoiselle Russell?'
    Sabine turned in swift astonishment. The newcomer was about her
    own age, on the plump side of curvaceous, chestnut-haired and
    pretty. She was also smiling broadly, and offering to shake hands,
    which must count as some kind of first, Sabine thought as she
    hastily wiped her own hand on her shorts.
    She said doubtfully, 'Should I know you?'
    The girl laughed and shook her head. 'I live at the farm with my
    aunt, so we're your neighbours. My name is Marie-Christine
    Lavaux.'
    'Oh.' So this was a social call, Sabine thought, relaxing. 'May I
    offer you something — coffee — a glass of wine?'
    'At any other time it would be a pleasure.' Marie-Christine
    wrinkled her nose in a small comic grimace. 'But unfortunately,
    mademoiselle, I have been sent to escort you to your appointment
    at the chateau.' She paused. 'Among other duties, I am Madame de
    Rochefort's secretary. You found the letter I left this morning, I
    hope?'
    'Oh, yes, I found it,' Sabine said, her voice flattening in
    disappointment. 'But I'm not sure I wish to comply with the
    Baronne' s request.'
    Marie-Christine's brows shot up. 'Is there some problem?'
    'You tell me,' Sabine returned. 'The last time I saw the lady, she
    was almost unconscious.'
    Marie-Christine grimaced again. 'Ah, the accident. Well, she is
    fully restored to health today. Madame is stronger than she looks.'
    She would need to be, Sabine thought. Aloud, she said, 'Do you
    know why she wishes to see me?'
    'I am only a secretary at the chateau. Madame does not confide in
    me to that extent.' Marie-Christine shrugged. 'Presumably she
    wishes to thank you for assisting her yesterday, after her accident.'
    She gave Sabine a pleading smile. 'Why not come with me, and
    see?' She paused. 'You may wish to change first, perhaps,' she
    suggested diplomatically.
    'And perhaps not,' Sabine said levelly. 'I'm cool and comfortable as
    I am. And this appointment was not my idea.'
    Marie-Christine gave her a wry look. 'That is exactly why I was
    sent to fetch you. And I shall be in big trouble if I return alone.
    Madame expects her wishes to be obeyed.'
    'She's not the only one,' Sabine muttered.
    'Pardon?'
    'It doesn't matter,' Sabine said resignedly. 'All right, then. I give in.
    But I hope Madame doesn't expect me in a hat and gloves.'
    She compromised with one of the few dresses she'd brought with
    her —a simple navy cotton in a button-through style, with short
    sleeves, a deep square neck and a full skirt.
    Then, obeying an impulse she barely understood, she took the
    silver medallion out of the inner pocket of her bag, where she'd
    zipped it for safekeeping, and fastened the chain round her neck.
    A talisman, she thought. For protection. Which I may need.
    She drew a deep breath, then went out to keep her