The Alchemist of Paris
Page 19
“Yes. I’m glad too. How is the house?”
“The restoration work is almost complete. Your garden is waiting. And of course we have other things to plan.”
“Yes,” Ellie touched the ring on her finger and tried to smile.
“I will see you at the end of the week.”
“Good night Jean-Louis,” Ellie said. She stared at the photograph of the green silk book and her head ached.
* * * *
Ellie looked over the list of items she had to send to Paris. She tried to return to her work, but her concentration was broken. She rose from her seat and crossed to the window. The wind was colder now. The sky was turning deep purple. A few stars glittered through the haze.
The electric streetlights glowed. The paving stones below were neat and scrubbed. A young couple walked along the street, speaking French. For centuries, London had been a city of foreigners and exiles, the crossroads of the world. And now for the second time it was the crossroads of her own life. She had forgotten the past until it had found her again recently. Suddenly the past did not seem such a terrible place.
But just as a new future beckoned, a wizened past was tapping her on the shoulder.
If only she had thrown the green book into the Thames that evening. The river was ready and the current would have taken it far out to sea. She couldn’t do it, even though it was her duty to protect the book. And now that doubt which had ebbed and flowed like a stream over the years, flooded through her veins.
Tonight there was no current on the river. The Thames moved slowly, unruffled by the wind. Along the Embankment, the wind rustled the leaves of a huge tree. She thought of other trees and a lawn that stretched down to a flowing river on an evening much like this one, under a sky just as clear. An English sky, although far from London.
She was ready to move to Paris, but perhaps she had to close a chapter in London first.
She must ensure the book and its secrets were safe, once and for all.
It had all happened so unexpectedly, so long ago...
To continue reading The Alchemist of London, pre-order your copy here (release date 17 April 2020).
About the Author
M.C. Dulac lives in Sydney, Australia, where she daydreams far too much.
For information about other books and upcoming releases, follow the author on:
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http://mcdulac.wordpress.com
The Alchemist of Paris Series
THE ALCHEMIST OF PARIS
THE ALCHEMIST OF LONDON (Available 17 April 2020)
THE ALCHEMIST OF ROME
Short Reads by M.C. Dulac
MIDNIGHT IN DUBLIN
THE WARY TRAVELER
IN THE TIME OF THE FOREST
THE BERLIN PICTURES
THE HOUSE OF LOST SHADOWS
FOUR GHOST STORIES
http://mcdulac.wordpress.com/e-books/