“Monsieur Gauvreau.” Commissioner Yves Tondreau motioned to the chair before his great desk.
“Merci, commissioner.” Jean Pierre took the seat and placed his gloves and tricorn hat on his knees before him.
He surveyed the typical civil servant’s office. It was decorated in dark woods with little light, and piles of papers surrounding the large man. There was a bottle and glass at his hand, along with a dirty quill pen and half a bottle of black ink.
“How may I assist you? This is an unexpected visit,” Commissioner Tondreau replied smoothly.
“Yes. I received an unexpected visit myself and would like to remedy the situation,” Jean Pierre began.
The commissioner’s brow furrowed and he asked, “Indeed? What situation is this?”
“Inspector Vennard. I believe he is under your jurisdiction. He visited my home intent on pursuing the identity of a writer of pamphlets,” Jean Pierre supplied.
The Commissioner nodded. “Yes, I recall I gave him leave to pursue any inquiries he felt might lead to the true identity.”
“Not in my home,” Jean Pierre said softly.
“You think he is on the wrong track?” the commissioner asked.
“Most assuredly. I employ a maid, and have an elderly mother and young daughter. Do you think any of these women would seek to write a pamphlet criticizing the monarchy?” Jean Pierre asked.
“Perhaps. Perhaps not.” He poured himself another drink and sipped it while Jean Pierre watched his slow movements.
“Perhaps you will talk to him and explain that this is not the right path. He should seek his writer elsewhere.” Jean Pierre spoke, but implied it was not a request.
The commissioner nodded. “Yes. The writer cannot be in your household. It would not make sense. A woman benefits from the very life she publically criticizes?”
“You understand,” Jean Pierre said, nodding.
“I will speak to Vennard.”
“We understand each other. Good day to you, commissioner.”
The commissioner nodded in return. “Monsieur.”
***
“I don’t understand,” Alain said to the commissioner. “Why should I stop all investigation with the Gauvreau family?”
“Because I am your superior and I have told you to cease all investigation,” Yves said heatedly.
Alain shook his head. “Has someone spoken to you? Placed pressure on you?”
“Absurd! I answer to no one!” Yves said, flushed.
Alain knew his commissioner was old and settled. He would not want to upset the apple cart so there was no need to press the man further. He would play the game. He nodded in compliance. “It will be as you wish.”
The commissioner nodded. “Bon.”
Alain closed the door to his superior’s office and almost snarled. Sophie was the key to his plans and he would not let anyone get in his way. He would stay the course he was on, but in secret.
***
The newlyweds dined with Sophie’s father and grandmother, and after dinner over brandy, Jean Pierre relayed his conversation with the commissioner to Sebastian.
“What prompted the meeting?” Sebastian asked, curious.
“He’s an upstart. I don’t like strangers meddling in my affairs. To have that inspector come to my home and accuse my servants, my family, is a disgrace and an injustice. The man should be out seeking the true culprit. He needed to be reminded of his duty.”
Sebastian was quiet. “I agree. Your home, your family must be protected.” It was the very reason he had married Jean Pierre’s daughter.
Sebastian wondered if maybe now the inspector would finally leave Sophie alone and the marriage could be annulled sooner than they had both anticipated. An annulment. It left an ache in him. He didn’t want it annulled. He wanted Sophie as his wife.
***
As Sebastian entered the foyer of their home, he relayed the conversation he had with her father.
“Really?” she said, surprised.
“Yes. Your father was quite angry at the invasion of his family’s privacy. He has spoken to the commissioner who oversees the inspector.”
Sophie felt a wave of relief flood through her. “He will stop his investigation?”
“Apparently.”
“Do you think he will?”
He looked into her warm, hazel eyes and couldn’t lie. “I don’t know, Sophie. A man like that could easily investigate certain things while hiding it from others.”
“Yes. I suppose he could. I was thinking if he does stop, the annulment could happen sooner than we originally thought.”
“Are you so anxious for it?” he asked.
“No. I hadn’t given it much thought. My life hasn’t changed at all since we married, except where I sleep.” She motioned to the house around her.