'I see I should have spoken more plainly,' said Laurent. 'When I said he sought more of my Uncle's personal attentions, I meant his bed. Not that my Uncle would consent to a colt when he could ride a foal,' Laurent continued, his full mouth pinched in revulsion.

'Guion allowed it. It would have been around the same days that my Uncle took Nicaise into his - ' Laurent's nostrils flared. 'Care.'