Page 101 of The Heiress's Daughter
“After her, my father took me to live with a French comtesse, anemigréewho fled the Revolution. She also used me as a maidservant, but true to her agreement with my father, she polished my French grammar and pronunciation to the same degree”—she smiled at Zoë—“which enabled me to recognize Zoë’s French as that of the aristocracy. And that,” she finished, “is why I am in the best position to teach Zoë what she needs to know. Because I’ve done it myself.”
“I…see,” Clarissa said reluctantly.
“As well, in Paris she can begin to meet people with no fear that her accent will betray her, as she’ll be speaking only French in public—even to English people, until we have her English accent perfected. Which will improve her social poise and confidence.”
Zoë leaned forward eagerly. “And I’ve already told people—well, that Milly, anyway—that I’m your French cousin, so you see I can come back here when I’m older, and be your long-lost French cousin. Not your bastard sister. And everyone will exclaim about how me and Izzy look so much alike, but nobody will guess the real reason. Because I’ll be French.”
“It sounds like a very workable plan,” Izzy said, squeezing Clarissa’s hand again.
It did. Clarissa couldn’t deny it. She’d had no idea that Lucy was anything other than the perfect English lady with the perfect aristocratic background. What an unsettled and difficult upbringing she must have had. But oh, she would miss Zoë—she was only just starting to get to know her new little sister, and she liked her—loved her—so much.
Izzy squeezed her hand again and Clarissa knew what she had to do. “It sounds like an excellent plan,” she said, making herself smile warmly at Zoë and Lucy. She rose and gave Zoë a hug, and if it lasted a little too long, and was a little too tight, and if her eyes were wet, well, she couldn’t help that.
Zoë was her discovery—well, Betty’s—and if she lovedher, she had to let her go so she could learn to fly, away from London’s prying eyes and gossiping tongues. But oh, it was going to be so difficult.
She made herself hug Lucy, too, and when she did, Lucy whispered in her ear, “I know it’s hard, but I promise I’ll take good care of her.”
Clarissa tried to think of something more positive to say. “And I suppose you’ll have plenty to talk about, with your painting.”
“Yes and that’s another thing,” Zoë said excitedly. “Lucy reckons we might be able to get some painting lessons from some of the best artists in Paris. We might even get to meet Madame Le Brun.”
“Who?” Clarissa said blankly.
“Madame Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun,” Lucy explained. “She’s a French portrait painter and very well-known. She painted many portraits of Marie Antoinette, and other famous people, but fled France because of the Revolution—”
“Just like my maman,” Zoë interjected.
“Yes,” Lucy continued, “and while in exile, she painted some of the highest in the land in Italy, Russia, Germany and Austria, where I was privileged to see some of her work. I would say she’s the French female version of Sir Thomas Lawrence—you’ve heard of him, haven’t you?”
Clarissa and Izzy both nodded. Sir Thomas was the most fashionable portraitist in England.
Zoë looked at Clarissa. “So you won’t mind me goin’ away with Lucy, will you, Clarissa?”
Clarissa minded it very much, but she could see that this was what Zoë wanted, and more than anything, she wanted her little sister to be happy. “I think it’s a wonderful idea, and you’re going to be very happy,” she said warmly. “But you must write to us often, to let us know how you are getting on.”
Zoë wrinkled her nose. “I s’pose it’ll be good practice for me grammar and spelling.” They all laughed.
“When will you leave?” Clarissa asked Lucy.
“We plan to leave just after baby Ross’s christening—I’m to be godmother,” Lucy said proudly.
Clarissa swallowed. The christening was to be next week. But all she said was, “In that case we’ll have to hurry to make sure that Zoë packs everything she needs. A few new clothes, too, I think. And of course, Zoë will have an allowance while she’s away.”
“Oh, there’s no need—” Lucy began.
“There is every need,” Clarissa said firmly. “Zoë is our sister.”
Izzy nodded in agreement.
Zoë jumped up and hugged her again. “Thank you, Clarissa. You bin so good to me, I dunno what to say.” She hugged Izzy, too, and then she and Lucy left.
Izzy turned to Clarissa and put an arm around her. “You did very well there, ’Riss. I know you don’t want to lose her, but it does seem like the perfect solution, especially with Lady Thornton’s experience.”
Clarissa sighed. “I know. It’s just…”
Izzy hugged her. “I know. We haven’t had her long but already she’s in our hearts, isn’t she?”
“Hah!” Lady Scattergood, in the middle of drinking tea while reading her morning post, snorted loudly. “That explains it!” she declared, wiping the tea from her nose.
