Read Lies Told In Silence for Free Online

room and her ability to follow. Looking around as other couples dipped and swayed, gliding with the music, skirts billowing with every turn, she saw her mother partnered with a man in uniform.
    “Is the man dancing with my mother a German officer?” she asked Francois.
    After their next turn, he answered, “Yes. Definitely German. I wonder who he is. I don’t recall Maman inviting anyone German except the ambassador, and they had to ask him because of my father’s duties. I remember a fierce discussion one morning at breakfast when Maman said she could not abide the thought of having Germans at Gabrielle’s wedding. Perhaps the ambassador brought him along. Odd though, you’d think he would have brought his wife.”
    “And why is my mother dancing with him? She even looks like she’s enjoying herself. You know Papa is sending us away because he thinks Germany might attack Paris.” Francois nodded. “What do you think? Is your father worried?”
    “He is. He frequently talks about what might happen, but as a diplomat, he’s always searching for solutions involving compromise. I think he hopes compromise will prevail.”
    “You’re lucky he’s not sending your family away.” Helene’s frown was quickly replaced with a smile. “Papa said he would reconsider in a few months.”
    “An extended holiday, then. That’s the way to think of it.”
    * * *
    Standing with Paul Delancey and German Ambassador Wi lhelm von Schoen, Henri observed Captain Heldbrigg escorting Lise off the dance floor with his hand beneath her elbow. As soon as his wife reached him, Henri tucked her arm into his and glowered at the German, who had been arrogantly boasting to Paul and Henri about his country’s military strength prior to dancing with Lise. He could tell Lise would prefer to extract her arm from his but knew that she would not embarrass their hosts with a display of marital discord, especially not at Gabrielle’s wedding, so they remained standing together like a devoted married couple.
    “Captain,” said Henri, “you haven’t told us what brings you to Paris. We don’t see very many German officers these days.”
    “An officer always obeys orders, Monsieur. I’m here at the request of General Moltke. Ambassador von Schoen has kindly put me up in his home.”
    “Are you gathering information, Captain? Details that would offer some advantage to your country?”
    “Of course not, Monsieur Noisette. Our countries are at peace. Germany doesn’t spy on its neighbours.”
    Henri knew the man was lying. Heldbrigg and others like him regularly stayed with the German ambassador, spending their days in innocuous activities and their nights pumping a network of individuals with information to sell. France did the same, as did Austria, Russia and Great Britain. Probably the United States too, although he had yet to hear any specifics. Under the guise of diplomacy, all countries gathered information.
    Lise tugged on his arm to indicate that such conversation was inappropriate, but Henri ignored her.
    “On the contrary, Captain, just last week one of your compa triots was caught with highly classified information. We have him in custody as we speak. But I’m sure you are already aware of the circumstances. Must have been careless, your man.”
    Paul Delancey stepped into the conversation. His look was pleasant, but Henri could see the warning in his eyes. “Henri, perhaps we should allow Captain Heldbrigg the courtesy of enjoying Gabrielle’s wedding. Ambassador von Schoen, are you taking a holiday this summer? If I recall, you travelled to the south of France last year.”
    The ambassador was about to reply when Captain Heldbrigg interrupted, his cheeks flushed, his back and shoulders stiff with anger. “Just as we have one of yours, Monsieur Noisette.” The captain’s mouth twisted in a sneer. “Witless fellow.”
    “So you admit to spying, Captain Heldbrigg. And you think it fitting to enjoy Monsieur Delancey’s