19

January 1st, 1804

Dearest Henri,

I am safe. I hope you are too. Do not rescue me. I promise I am fine. I should be home soon.

Love,

Sophie

It was hardly a love letter but I couldn't spell many words.

I folded up the letter. I sat back in the chair. The door was unlocked and a tiny woman came in. I saw a guard behind her in the hallway. The door shut and the maid bowed.

"Oh, please don't," I said. "I'm hardly worth bowing for."

"Is there anything you need, miss?"

"Dinner, I suppose." I looked at the clock. It was almost 5. The maid nodded.

"Could you do something else for me?" I asked. I wasn't quite sure I could trust her yet but I didn't have much time. "Could you send this letter to someone?"

"Depends who you want it sent to," she said.

I thought quickly.

"My friend, Diana," I said.

"Where might I find her, miss?"

"The Baudin house," I said. "She's a lady's maid there."

"Is that your house, miss?"

"No," I lied. She nodded.

"You won't tell anyone I did this," she said. Then she left.