The changeling

“Yes, this afternoon.”

“I’d like to come, too,” said Lucie.

“Not today. Perhaps some other time. If we have the house you will be there often.

It will be great fun getting the furniture and all that.”

“Lovely,” said Lucie.

I could scarcely wait and immediately after the midday meal I set out for High Tor. When I arrived there were no grooms about so I took my horse to the stables and went to the house. I rang the bell and heard the clanging ringing through the emptiness. Jean Pascal opened the door.

“Hello,” he said. “I’m glad you have come.”

“Is Mr. Pencarron here?”

“Not yet ... but come in.”

We went into the hall.

“It looks bigger without the furniture,” I said.

“It is easier for you to see where you want to put your own.”

“That table?” I asked. “Will you be taking that away or selling it ... or does it go with the house?”

“We’ll see about that. There are one or two other pieces. You might like to see them and decide whether you want them. Shall we look now?”

“What time did Mr. Pencarron say he would come?”

“He was a little uncertain. He said it would depend on some business at the mine.” Noticing my anxious look, he went to the door and opened it. “If I leave it ajar he’ll be able to come in. Come up to the first floor and look at this vase.” He paused on the landing while we studied it.

“It’s rather fine, is it not?” he said.

“Yes, it is lovely and something would be needed at that spot.”

We went through to the gallery. “You will have to start a picture gallery,” he said. “I daresay my grandparents will have some of the family portraits to pass on. They have plenty, I think.”

“You will start a dynasty.”

I laughed as he led the way up some stairs and threw open a door of a room. The curtains were still at the windows and in the center of the room was a large four poster bed. “Bourdon family heirloom,” he said.

“It’s very grand.”

“The velvet of the curtains is a little worn. The pile has rubbed away over the years.”

“You will be taking that away, I suppose.”

“I daresay my mother will not want to let it go.”

He sat down on it and took my hand so suddenly and firmly that before I realized what was happening I was sitting beside him.

I must have looked alarmed for he said: “Are you just a little uneasy?”

“No,” I lied. “Should I be?

”Well... perhaps. Here you are in a house alone with a man whom you know to be a bit of a sinner. After all, he has not really made a secret of the fact, has he?”

I attempted to rise, but he held me back.

“You are a little idiot in some ways, Rebecca,” he said. But I adore you.”

“Mr. Pencarron will be here at any moment. Don’t you think this is a strange way to behave? You apologized for your impertinence before and I accepted your apology.”

“I do not like apologizing very much.”

“No one does but there are times when it is necessary, so please do stop behaving in this foolish manner.”

His reply was to grip me hard and hold me against him. He bent his head and kissed me on the lips.

I was really frightened then. I tried to free myself but he was stronger than I. ,, , “It’s time you stopped being a little innocent, Rebecca, he said.

“You ... you monster!”

“Yes, I am, am I not? I meant what I said the other day when you were so outraged.

It is time someone taught you a lesson. “I do not want lessons from you.”

“That is where you are wrong. You need lessons … from someone as charming, practiced and understanding as Jean Pascal Bourdon.”

“I think you are behaving in a ridiculous manner. “You would. You are so conventional. Don’t hang on to your conventions, Rebecca. For once do what you want to ... what your instincts tell you to.”

“My instincts tell me to slap your face.”

“You might try,” he said, imprisoning my hands. “What do you think you are doing?”

“You know very well what I am doing.”

“I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Then you are not thinking very clearly. I told you what you need. You must know the world. You need to jive a little before you tie yourself down to a dull existence. “I think you are mad.” ..

”I am rather ... at the moment. You are so deliciously innocent. I am fond of you. I’ve wanted you for a long time.

I was just waiting for the opportunity to show you what fun life can be if you will stop being prim. Let yourself go. Throw away your principles. It will be worth it. It will be an experience you need. Have ... what do you say? ... a little adventure, a fling? ... and then you will settle down with your memories ... to a dull existence in the country.”

“Do you really think I would dally with you? You must be out of your senses. A lecherous man who contemplates seducing every woman he sets eyes on and is so conceited that he imagines he only has to offer himself and she will fall swooning at his feet.”

“I think if you and I became friends ... really friends ... you would find it a pleasurable experience.”

“Take your hands off me.”

“I can’t. The temptation is too great.”

“I never want to see you again.”

“Don’t be so prim. I assure you it will be most enjoyable ... irresistible ...”

“When Mr. Pencarron comes ...” I began.