“There, have a good cry,” said Lady Arlington as Marie dabbed a tear from her eye. “It must be difficult being here all alone, and you with all your special skills.”

“What do you mean?” said Marie.

“Well, speaking many languages, obviously, and whatever you do to accompany your husband. Those bags look rather heavy to carry,” said Lady Arlington.

“I do a bit more than that,” said Marie.

“Do you?” said Lady Arlington. “Gosh you must tell me about all your adventures. I have so little company now and, well, never company of such talents.”

“Well, we have investigated, you know, many things,” said Marie. “Ghosts and werewolves and… things I don’t even have names for.”

“Gosh, that must be exciting watching Sir John solve all those mysteries,” said Lady Arlington. “He must appreciate your er… well whatever it is.”

“I… he needs my… he needs me,” started Marie, stumbling over her words.

“Of course he does,” said Lady Arlington. “A man of those talents… I bet he gets distracted easily… you bring him back to earth I expect.”

“No I mean… ah … c’est impossible” said Marie and threw up her hands then looked down at her lap.

Lady Arlington looked on at her with a warm smile on her face.

“Maybe you have some secret you aren’t telling me?” she said and winked. “Never mind, it is yours to keep. All ladies must have some secrets.”

“Do you have secrets?” said Marie. 

Unseen by Marie, Lady Arlington winced.

“Only the terrible burden of this house and my husband’s poor state of mind,” she said. “I think that’s enough for now.”

“How long have you been here?” said Marie, quietly.

“Oh I don’t know…” started Lady Arlington.

“Since you were married?” said Marie.

“Yes naturally,” said Lady Arlington.

“What year was that?” said Marie.

“Does it matter?” said Lady Arlington. “It’s you that matters, and what we’re going to do about you.”

“How do you mean?” said Marie looking up.

“Well I mean, in this cold country, following this man around, carrying his bags, no friends, no family… need I go on,” said Lady Arlington.

“I… I’m very happy,” said Marie. “I’m not a problem to solve.”

“Of course not,” said Lady Arlington, “I just mean, well, things could be easier for you.”

“And for you n’est-ce pas,” said Marie. “It’s kind of you to be so considerate given all that has befallen you. Surprisingly generous in fact.”

Lady Arlington winced again.

“Well that’s me, always trying to help,” she said.

“Help who?” said Marie.

“Sorry?” said Lady Arlington.

“You said you have no real family, and friends aren’t to be trusted. Who are you helping?” said Marie.

“Well you my dear,” laughed Lady Arlington. “You’re the person here, asking for answers, aren’t you. I’m helping you.”

She smiled at Marie who looked confused.