Charlotte had become more than a maid, she was now Amelie's friend.

Every day since the four young men had returned to the prison at Bourg she had gone there to see her father for an hour or so.

During these visits nothing was talked of but the prisoners, whom the worthy jailer, royalist as he was, pitied with all his heart.

Charlotte made him tell her everything, even to their slightest words, and later reported all to Amelie.
Matters stood thus when Madame de Montrevel and Sir John arrived at Noires-Fontaines.

Before leaving Paris, the First Consul had informed Madame de Montrevel, both through Josephine and Roland, that he approved of her daughter's marriage, and wished it to take place during his absence, and as soon as possible.