Aimé laughed at her question, surprised by it and generally humoured by the irony. "Oh, Madam, that is quite the reason. There is a rebellion, an uprising from below and if one has a title, or lands, or something to ally you to the monarchy you are very much in danger."
"A merchant? Do you know by any chance if he knows of a man named Mercedes Dupont?" Aimé asked, unable to help himself. "He is a merchant, quite a good one too. I am sure he and your husband must have met at some point. He did spend some time in India for a while."