Chapter 4

"What kept you?" Laurent de Richaud called out to the latecomer. "We've been sitting here since early this morning."

"I know, Laurent, I'm sorry. I did explain that my aunt was expecting someone and she only just arrived a short time ago. "

Laurent smiled and nodded. "You mean the de Barbarac girl, don't you?"

The other boy nodded. "None other. My Aunt Thérèse referred to her as an angel and Laurent, she really is. She's beautiful."

Laurent shook his head. "Henry, she's only eight and she's a servant."

Henry nodded. "Yes, it's true. I know very little about exactly why she was brought here, but I don't believe you could call her a servant. What I do know is that she is here as a favor for an old friend."

Laurent agreed. "Yes, and if I'm not mistaken, your uncle and Danielle's father were the best of friends."

Henry smiled. "Since childhood, Laurent. There was always this unwritten agreement that they would watch over one another's children if anything should happen to either of them."

"Yes," Laurent answered, frowning. "And they both passed away didn't they?"

Henry nodded. "Yes, they did; within a few hours of each other; so I've been told."

"Yes, but Baron de Barbarac did marry again. Why isn't she still living with her?"

Henry shook his head. "That is privileged information, Laurent and I'm still not exactly sure. I do know that my aunt never trusted the Baroness de Ghent, not since her first husband committed treason. I really believe that she wanted Danielle away from her stepmother as fast as she could get her out of there."

Laurent smiled. "I guess because they have all been friendly since they were children."

Henry looked at his friend and smiled back, nodding his head. "It's true, you know. Rodmilla, Nicole, your parents and mine were all friends."

"And don't forget Uncle Jules and Aunt Thérèse."

"So you stay here every time your parents are off on business? When are they returning from Spain?"

Henry nodded. "Not sure this time, Laurent. I think I'll be here for the whole summer. They've signed some peace treaty with them. I'm not sure if there is something more to this trip."

Laurent smiled. "You're referring to the Princess, aren't you?"

Henry didn't answer; he just nodded his head. He looked up at Laurent, and then shook his head. "I don't want to think about that just now. We'll just have to wait and see. Other than that, did you bring my sword?"

Laurent picked up two swords from the ground. He handed Henry one. "Come on, we're late for practice anyway."

He brandished the sword in front of his face. "Ready?" he asked.

Henry nodded. "As I'll ever be, Laurent." He picked up his sword and the two of them began their swordplay.