CHAPTER FOURTY-ONE Whispers of Revolution

The sheen disappeared, and instead of a bedroom door, Lily saw the old stone wall opening to a cobbled road; the haze rising from the ground mixed with the stench of smoldering. Next to her, Haji Alexander tipped his cap, studying the view around, his eyes shining with curiosity. ” “Paris,” he whispered, his eyes narrowing down. As for the fashions, I would venture to suggest that this is the last third of the 18th century. Just as Alexander could gather his thoughts to reply, a tremendous ruckus arose from a side street nearby. In one scene, a young woman emerged nervously trying to cover herself with her ripped dirty dress while two ill-mannered men chased her. Together, Lily and Alexander immediately responded to the threat without any second thoughts. Alexander put himself in front of the pursuers, his large frame effectively protecting the couple; Lily led the terrified woman to the exit. “Thank you, thank you,” the woman panted, gripping Lily’s arm. I am Élise de Montfo