by Linda Sole
‘Do not be so afraid of what you want,’ Moraven whispered huskily. ‘I wish that I might stay but I fear my journey is urgent. If my informants are correct something is being planned that could destabilise Europe. Unless we want another return of Bonaparte’s followers I must be on my way.’
‘I must not stop you…’
Constance felt a tearing regret as he left her and went into the hall. He was caught up in a dangerous mission, far more complicated and serious than she had yet guessed. Renard was his enemy but was he also an enemy of France – of the King?
Constance was aware that the feeling in France was mixed. Some had welcomed the return of the French King, others secretly resented the rule of the Bourbons, which they felt had been imposed on them. For those people – and they were found in all ranks – still loyal to Bonaparte a return of the emperor was something to be desired. Napoleon had been a great leader in many ways, but his rampage across Europe had led to his defeat, much of his army destroyed in his later campaigns. If he were released from his island prison there would be another uprising in his name across France.
How deeply was Moraven involved in matters of State? The English government supported the French royal house of Bourbon and if the marquis was here to protect the King from an assassination attempt, his own life was surely in jeopardy.
How had he ever found time to protect her and the nuns? She knew he was a ruthless man – but perhaps his work had made him that way. If Renard was an enemy of France he would die as a traitor if he were caught.
The troubled thoughts and unanswered questions went round and round in her head as she left the house and set out for her meeting with Sister Helene. Her friend was not short of money now – so why had she sent word that a meeting was urgent?
Moraven walked silently at her side; he too seemed caught up in his own thoughts and they did not speak until the nuns’ house was reached.
‘I would come in with you,’ he said, ‘but my business is urgent. I have my own personal men watching over you so you should be safe until I return – but ask Pierre to escort you home just in case.’
‘Please be careful,’ she said. ‘You have become a friend. I should not want to lose you.’
‘A friend?’ He smiled oddly. ‘You honour me, lady. Do not fear. I bear a charmed life and shall return before you have time to miss me.’
Constance shook her head but did not answer. Impossible to tell him that she was already missing him as he turned away and began to walk up the narrow street. Blinking back her foolish tears, she knocked at the door and was immediately welcomed into the house.
Sister Helene came down the stairs instantly and Constance knew at once that something was wrong. Her friend had been crying, something she seldom did.
‘What has happened?’
‘It was as we slept last night,’ Sister Helene said. ‘The doors were locked, as always. I saw to it myself, but someone broke in and three of the children have gone. Lucille awoke and started screaming or I think more would have been taken…’
‘How could it have happened? The marquis promised that one of his men would watch the house. I do not understand…’
‘We found a man in our garden. He was bound round the ankles and the wrists and he had a wound to the back of his head. One of the boys hid and saw what happened; he told me that four men broke in last night. The marquis’s watchman could not fight such odds. We bound his head and gave him food but he was most upset by our news. He said his captain would have his guts for garters and vowed to discover where the children had been taken.’
‘I pray that he will do so but the damage has been done. The children will no longer feel safe. Lucille was beginning to recover but this must have set her back.’
‘Yes, I fear it has,’ Sister Helene said. ‘This was intended as a warning, Constance. Andre Renard is showing us that we are powerless against him. We manage to save a few children but he has so many more trapped in a life of enslavement – and now he has taken Ella, Suzette and Jeanne. How can I persuade the children they are safe with us if this happens?’
Constance touched her hand in sympathy. ‘I can think of only one thing to be done, sister. We must find another house somewhere outside of Paris. This must be used as a halfway house until they can be sent on to the new home.’
‘If he found us here, what is to stop him finding us again?’
‘You must not despair. I am certain the marquis will think of something.’
‘Is he with you this morning? Shall you see him later?’
‘He walked here with me but now he has gone. He has other business…’ She saw the look of defeat in the nun’s eyes. ‘No, you must not think he has abandoned us. He will return, I know he will. He will be angry at what has happened here and I am certain he will bring more men to guard you and the children – or make other arrangements.’
‘If we leave Paris…I do not know if my order will allow me to carry on caring for the children.’
‘Perhaps there are others who could take your place?’ Constance suggested. ‘If you rescue the children from the streets there must be other women who would care for them – women whose lives are not dedicated to Christ and their order.’
‘Yes, I dare say.’ Helene attempted a smile. ‘I am a simple woman. Without your help this house would never have lasted as long as it has. I have tried to do it all myself with two other nuns – but I see now that we must be prepared to send the children on to a place of safety.’
‘When the marquis returns I shall ask him to find somewhere for you. I could take the children to their new home once it is in place – and we will find a new safe house in Paris.’
‘Yet while Renard lives we must always fear him.’
‘Yes, that is true.’ Constance was silent. Perhaps Moraven would solve their problem by disposing of their enemy but she did not think Sister Helene would care to hear the words even though she might welcome the relief in her heart. ‘As soon as the marquis returns I shall tell him what has happened.’
‘I think his men will make him aware of it. Ferdi – for that is the name of the man we found tied up in our garden – told us that he intended to bring two others with him this night. He has promised that it shall not happen again – but as for the girls that were taken…they may well be lost to us.’
‘You must not give up all hope,’ Constance said. ‘I believe in the marquis. He will find and recover them.’
‘Perhaps this time, but we cannot expect him to dedicate his life to their care,’ Sister Helene said. ‘He has already done so much – how can we ask more of him?’
‘I shall ask for you,’ Constance said. ‘Now, I must see Lucille and give her the sweet biscuits I baked for the children this morning. Is she much disturbed by what happened last night?’
‘She would not speak to me this morning, though she has stopped crying. She may speak to you, Constance. Indeed, I do not know what we should have done without you. You brought the marquis to us, though it was God’s hand that guided you – but I fear he will think we are too much trouble.’
‘Perhaps there is a way I may persuade him,’ Constance said.
An idea had come to her – an idea so shocking and daring that she did not know if she could go through with it, but if there was no alternative she would try it as a last resort.
‘It seems your information was accurate,’ Moraven’s contact said, his expression grim. ‘Had the hounds not been in place the assassin would have succeeded in his evil work last night. He was taken as he took aim, his pistol trained on the King’s chest. France and England owe you a debt, Moraven.’
‘I do not care to see Europe in the grip of that madman Bonaparte again,’ Moraven replied with a wry twist of his lips. ‘Had Renard’s plot succeeded, both England and France would have been reeling beneath the blow, giving his supporters their chance to strike. I am glad to have been of service – but you may place the other five thousand francs in my account if you wish to show your g
ratitude.’
‘I am certain my superiors will feel able to comply after this – but tell me, are the funds all for acquiring information? You have never asked for so much in the past.’
‘I have a use for the money. It is expensive to draw Renard out. We have foiled one attempt on His Majesty’s life but the fox will not stop there. Next time he will do the work himself if I am not mistaken and we shall not be prepared for my informants will know nothing. The purpose I have for this money is to draw his mind in another direction. He is a master of disguise and as slippery as an eel. I need to make him angry.’ Moraven’s mouth thinned. ‘I have recently discovered something that makes him more vulnerable. Our friend is about to receive a nasty shock. Coupled with the foiled assassination it should make him angry enough to come after the source of his failure.’
‘Meaning you?’
‘Or someone he may think is important to me. Either way I shall have him. Thus far he has hidden behind others but I believe he must be very angry by now – and after this evening I think he will be seeing a red mist before his eyes.’
‘You wouldn’t care to tell me the details?’
‘I think not,’ Moraven replied. ‘The less people that know of my plans the better. You may be sound, sir – but I cannot vouch for every member of your staff.’
‘You think there may be a traitor?’
‘Renard has not survived this long without help. He knows I’m after him – and that means he knows who you are. I should advise you to watch your back, sir. You would not be the first of my contacts to meet a sticky end.’
‘And yet you survive?’
‘Have you not heard? The Devil looks after his own.’
‘Do you want the hounds?’
‘I think they are needed for other purposes. I have my own men. When I need help I shall ask for it.’
‘Very well.’ His contact inclined his head. ‘You are a law unto yourself, Moraven. They warned me not to try and control you. Go your own way – but we want him alive. We need to question him but he knows too much to come to trial. I’ve been instructed that he must never stand trial in open court. There are those in high places that would be brought crashing down, important people we need even though we may not like them or their morals.’
‘Yet they take Renard’s money and protect him. Why do you not let them take their punishment and clean out the nest of vipers for good?’
‘Politics is a dirty business, Moraven. You should know that we have to trade off good for bad to get the real serpents.’
‘Yes, I’m aware of how murky your world is,’ Moraven said. ‘I’m sick to my stomach of the whole business. When Renard is caught I’m finished with you and your masters.’
‘They know your terms. Just deliver what we need and we’ll see that certain people know the truth about that business in Spain.’
‘It hardly matters anymore. I intend to make a change in my life soon – and I may need a favour. I shall ask if I want something.’
‘We are in your debt after this last affair. What did you need?’
‘I may need someone traced, but I’ll let you know when the time comes.’
‘Very well. I shall wait to hear from you that the fox is in the trap.’
‘Once I flush him out the hounds can finish him – agreed?’
‘Squeamish?’ the other man smiled. ‘It will be their pleasure I assure you. We all had comrades in Spain and yours weren’t the only ones to die because of that devil’s dirty dealings.’
Moraven inclined his head and walked away. Ferdi had sent word about the stolen children but he’d also sent some very interesting information. That evening he and his men would try to snatch the missing children back from the rogues who had them captive, but first he had to speak to Constance. He wanted to apologise for letting her and her friends down…
He had been away three days – three of the worst days of her life. Constance hadn’t realised how much she would miss him if she never saw him again. It was stupid, she knew that, because even if she agreed to his terms, the arrangement would not last forever. One day he would walk out of her life and she would be left with nothing but memories. However, she had made her decision. She was going to offer…
Her thoughts were suspended as she heard the sharp rap at the door and knew instinctively that Moraven was back. Leaving her baking, she flew into the hall, but Heloise was before her. The old woman must have been behind the lace curtains looking out, as she did when she expected Constance home.
Her mouth suddenly dry, Constance’s heart throbbed madly. He was so large and vibrant; he seemed to fill the hall with his presence. Turning his head he saw her and smiled. Her pulses went mad as she moved to greet him.
‘You are back then?’
‘I told you not to worry. Did you miss me?’
‘No, but I had need of you,’ Constance said, her tone more accusatory than she intended. ‘The nuns’ house was raided and three children were stolen. Lucille woke screaming or it might have been more.’
‘I know. Ferdi sent me word. I am sorry. I should have had more men watching the house at night. I didn’t expect him to snatch the children back.’
‘Why should you? I dare say you have more important things to do.’ Constance returned to the kitchen, leaving him to follow if he would. Her heart was so glad to see him and yet she was angry too. He had no right to come into their lives unless he intended to keep his promises. ‘Sister Helene is grateful for all you have done, but she trusted you when you told her the house was safe.’
‘I am much at fault. I should have done more. My reasons were business I may not disclose even to you – but that does not excuse me. I should have done more.’
‘I know we are asking much of you,’ Constance said and her heart raced. She turned, her eyes seeking his. He looked stern and angry and she thought she had pushed him too far. ‘You told me you wanted me as your mistress…’
‘That has not changed.’ His gaze dwelled on her face, suddenly alert and tense. ‘Have you changed your mind?’
‘I do not like the word mistress, but I might become your lover – if you promise to make certain the nuns are protected even when you leave. We were thinking of another house outside Paris and a different safe house in the city so that Renard cannot find them again – then I would be happy to be your…’ she blushed under his scrutiny and could not continue.
‘My lover?’ Moraven’s mouth curved mockingly. ‘You would have me provide the new house I presume? You place a high price on your favours, Constance.’
‘Is it too much?’ she asked, feeling the colour wash into her face and then fade as his gaze deepened, seeming to see into her very soul.
‘I had it in mind to do as much and perhaps more,’ he said in a voice husky with desire. He moved closer, his hand reaching to her, cupping her chin and lifting her face so that she looked at him. ‘So you would be my love but not my mistress?’
Her heart pounded wildly. ‘For my pride’s sake. Foolish I know but I would give rather think of being your lover than a kept woman.’
His chuckle was deep and throaty and it sent tingles down her spine. She could not help but notice how sensual his mouth was as he tipped her head towards him and took her lips. A sudden heat pooled low in her abdomen and her heart seemed to slam against her chest. Had she been less modest she would have clung to him, letting her body meld with his in every way.
‘You may rest easy in your concerns for the nuns and their charges,’ he said, a smile playing about his lips. ‘I have it in mind to sort out their problems and you need not have offered your honour for their sakes, Constance – however, I am pleased with the bargain you would make. You shall be my lover and I your love, if it pleases you.’
Constance could not speak let alone think of a way to answer. She had resisted him at the start, but his absence these past days had made her realise that she needed him in her life – and not just for the children’s sake.
She swal
lowed hard, trying to hide her uncertainty and her need. ‘Have you broken your fast, my lord? Would you have me make some food for you?’
‘I have business this night,’ he said. ‘We shall eat at four, as we did once before. Some more of your good soup I think – and perhaps a light supper when I return.’
‘Yes, of course, if that is your wish.’
‘So submissive?’ Mischief danced in his eyes. ‘I liked the old Constance well, do not suppress her entirely, my lady.’
‘I was merely trying to please since you have been so good…’
‘No!’ he said seeming angry as he pressed her hard against him. This time his lips were ruthless as they plundered and demanded. ‘I want no gratitude, Constance. Rail at me if I am late, tell me if I displease you – but never be meek and mild, as if you owe me a debt.’
She struggled until he released her. ‘You are a barbarian, sir. I was merely attempting to be what I imagined you wanted but I shall not make that mistake again. Pray be on time for you dinner or I may have to feed Heloise and myself first.’
He laughed. ‘That is better. For a moment I thought I had misjudged you. I like the bold wench that stole my purse – any pretence to be other than that lady would not meet with favour, Constance.’
‘Damn you, Moraven. I am minded to tell you to take yourself off when you have finished your work here.’
‘But you made a bargain, did you not?’ he teased. ‘I know well that you are loyal to your friends. You gave your promise to me, my lady – and I shall keep you to it. For the moment I have work but when ‘tis done I shall take my dues in full…’
Constance trembled inwardly but would not show him her apprehension. He laughed at her, took a freshly baked roll from the rack where it lay cooling and left her. She heard him singing to himself as he walked up the stairs. Feeling flustered and half wishing that she had not offered herself in return for security for the nuns, Constance busied herself preparing the ingredients for a chicken and vegetable soup. It would be thick and creamy with spicy dumplings, more of a stew than a soup really and filling if eaten with fresh crusty bread.
