The Mayan Codex

7

Genevieve de Bale, dowager Countess of Hyeres, stood on the steps of the Chateau de Seyeme and watched as her adopted twin sons descended from their taxi. They were the last of her children to arrive, and she was marginally displeased.

‘You were due in at 8.10.’

She leaned towards her personal assistant, Madame Mastigou, who consulted her brooch watch and mouthed the correct time to her.

‘Abiger, you are twenty-five minutes late. I had expected you to join me on the steps to greet your brothers and sisters. You are the new Count now. As I am a widow and you are still unmarried, it would have been proper for you to have welcomed the family at my side. Instead, I have had to stand here alone.’

Abi kissed Madame, his mother’s, hand, and touched it to his forehead. Then he took up position a step or so below her on the stairs. ‘Vaulderie and I had a little business to attend to. You would have approved, I promise. Please forgive me.’

On the opposite hillside, Joris Calque fiddled with his night glasses, cursing the gibbous moon and the clouds that were obscuring it.

The Countess bent over and kissed her eldest son on the crown of his head. Vau hurried expectantly towards her, but was rewarded by a simple one-handed cupping of the face. He gave his brother a ‘nothing ever changes’ look, and hurried inside.

‘Of course I forgive you, my darling.’

The two of them – mother and adopted son – stood staring out into the surrounding gloom for a few moments, as though an invisible cine camera were recording them for posterity.

Then Abi took his mother’s arm and they followed Madame Mastigou back inside the house.