The Price of Pleasure

by Connie Mason

  Fleur scowled. “I don’t recall ordering so many gowns.”

  “You didn’t, but I did.”

  Fleur frowned her displeasure. “I shall repay you every last farthing. I want to open a bank account today, if it can be arranged. It’s time I purchased gowns and accessories for Lisette.”

  “I believe that can be arranged. Shall we plan on it after luncheon? I need to leave the house for a bit but shall return in time to take luncheon with you. If you need anything, just ring.”

  Lisette decided to stay and help Fleur and Peg unpack the boxes of new clothing. Lisette exclaimed over the fine silk stockings, filmy shifts, silk nightgowns, warm dressing robes and more gowns than Fleur remembered ordering. Included were a riding habit and boots, even though Fleur didn’t own a horse, and bonnets and slippers to match nearly every outfit.

  After, Lisette and Peg left to eat luncheon with the servants. Fleur freshened up and made her way to the dining room.

  Reed was on his way home. It was nearly time for luncheon and he had promised Fleur he’d join her. He was riding Ebony down the street when he heard a coach behind him, approaching uncommonly fast for such a busy thoroughfare. At first Reed thought nothing of it. When he heard people cursing and shouting, he looked behind him and saw the coach bearing down on him, people, riders and conveyances scattering in its wake. A milkmaid leading a milch cow was forced off the road. The crowded street allowed scant room for maneuvering.

  “Out of the way!” Reed shouted as he kneed Ebony into a gallop. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the coach sideswipe a dray and send it crashing onto its side. And still the coach raced toward him. It was obvious now that he was the target of another unprovoked attack.

  The coach was nearly upon him. He knew intuitively that people could be hurt and even killed if he plowed forward without a thought for life or limb. His mind searched frantically for an escape route. Looming ahead was a crossroad. Without a second thought, Reed veered to the right onto the less-crowded street. The coach followed. Then he saw it, a narrow alley wide enough for a horse but not a coach.

  Reed did not hesitate as he reined Ebony into the maw of the alley. Aware that the coach could not follow, he slowed Ebony to a walk and picked his way around the garbage strewn in his path. He exited onto another street. Glancing over his shoulder, he noted with relief that he wasn’t being followed. It took but a moment for him to get his bearings, and then Reed continued on to Park Avenue.

  Fleur greeted Reed with a smile as he entered the dining room. “Have you been waiting long?” he asked, returning her smile.

  “Not too long.” She frowned. “You’re out of breath. What happened?”

  “Nothing at all.” He sat down and shook out his napkin.

  “I don’t believe you. You may as well tell me. You know I’ll hound you until you do.”

  “It’s nothing really,” Reed insisted, brushing her question aside. “Merely a little mishap on the road.”

  A footman placed a cold luncheon before them.

  “Was another attempt made on your life?” Fleur demanded.

  “I suppose you could call it that. It was nothing I couldn’t handle. Forget it, Fleur. Where is Lisette?”

  “She’ll be ready to leave when we are.” She bit into a piece of smoked salmon, chewed thoughtfully and swallowed. She decided to change the subject. “I will need the money you received for my jewels. I want to deposit it in the bank along with the bank draft Lord Porter gave me.”

  “That was one of my errands this morning. I had left your money in the safe at my townhouse and went to retrieve it.”

  They finished their lunch in silence despite the questions Fleur wanted to ask. Reed appeared distracted, so Fleur didn’t prod him for answers. Lisette was waiting for them when they arrived in the foyer.

  “I brought your bonnet, ma petite,” she said. “I’m ready to leave when you are.”

  “The carriage is waiting,” Hughes said.

  Fleur was relieved when Reed entered the carriage behind her and Lisette. He didn’t seem to realize his life was in danger. Or if he did, he wasn’t doing anything to protect himself.

  The shopping expedition was a success. Fleur opened a bank account, deposited her money and placed an order for a new wardrobe for Lisette with Madame Henrietta.

  The following day found Fleur at loose ends. Because Helen and Violet made her feel unwelcome, she spent as little time as possible with them. Gallard Duvall had become a permanent fixture at the mansion. He had stayed for dinner last night and didn’t leave until Reed made broad hints about the lateness of the hour. It seemed to Fleur that the Frenchman was far too interested in Reed’s comings and goings. Fleur didn’t like him.

  It was only by accident that she learned her bedchamber connected to Reed’s. No wonder Helen had wanted her to have the green room instead of the charming rose room she now occupied. Fleur hadn’t noticed the adjoining door until she was preparing for bed that night. Curiosity got the best of her, and she opened the door to see where it led. It didn’t take her long to realize she was in the master suite. It was twice the size of her chamber, decorated in dark colors with a huge bed against one wall and massive furniture situated around it.

  “I wondered when you’d notice the door,” Reed said from across the room. He had appeared suddenly from a small alcove Fleur assumed was a dressing room. He was wearing a robe, loosely belted at the waist. His feet were bare and his hair tousled from his bath.

  “No wonder Violet objected to the sleeping arrangements. Why did you give me the chamber adjoining yours?”

  Reed reached her in three long strides and pulled her into his arms. “You know why. Besides, Violet has no say in what I do or don’t do.”

  “Any fool can see she’s jealous of me.”

  “She has no reason to be. I’m not interested in Violet.”

  “She can give you the child you desperately need.”

  “I’m in no hurry to wed.” His arms tightened around her.

  Fleur pushed him away. “There’s a matter I wish to discuss with you, and now is as good a time as any.” She dragged in a steadying breath. “I believe that Gallard Duvall may be responsible for the attacks on you.”

  When Reed opened his mouth to speak, Fleur placed a finger against his lips. “Do not deny you had another close call yesterday.”

  “I wasn’t in any danger. Forget Duvall. I am convinced my betrayer is one of Porter’s agents.” He reached for her again, but Fleur avoided him.

  “I do not trust Duvall. He has ingratiated himself with Helen for a reason.”

  “Of course he has. He is a relative, after all. Helen says he was a big help to her during Jason’s illness and after his death, when she was left adrift.”

  “Doesn’t it seem odd to you that he showed up at your country estate just after your disappearance?”

  “He’s an émigré. They show up in England all the time. I helped a few escape myself.”

  “But . . . I still think . . . ”

  “You think too much,” Reed said, dragging her against him. His kiss chased everything save his taste, his scent and his touch from her mind.

  Fleur didn’t leave Reed’s bedchamber until he carried her to her bed shortly before dawn.

  Fleur’s dreamy expression, passion-glazed eyes and swollen lips gave ample proof of what had taken place in Reed’s bed when she appeared at breakfast the next morning. Unfortunately, Violet noticed and took exception.

  “Reed is mine, do you hear?” she hissed into Fleur’s ear. “You cannot have him.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Fleur thought she had misheard, but when she glanced at Violet, she knew she hadn’t been mistaken. The woman’s feral look was too virulent to be mistaken.

  Ignoring the remark, Fleur filled her plate, carried it to the table and sat beside Lisette. Snubbing them, Helen and Violet began chatting together about the latest gossip.

  “Watch out for that one,” Lisette whispere
d, nodding toward Violet. “I heard what she said.”

  When Reed entered the breakfast room a few minutes later, Violet gave him her full attention, coyly batting her eyes and touching his arm. Fleur turned away, more than a little disgusted by the blatant flirtation.

  They were still in the breakfast room when Gallard Duvall was announced.

  “Though it’s a little early for visitors, you are welcome to join us, Duvall,” Reed drawled.

  “Forgive me, mon ami,” Duvall said, “but I have some interesting news to impart.”

  “Please do join us, Gallard,” Helen invited. “You are family, after all.”

  “Indeed,” Reed concurred. “Fix yourself a plate. There’s always room for one more.”

  Duvall didn’t need a second invitation. He filled a plate from the sideboard and took an empty seat beside Fleur.

  “What is your news, Monsieur Duvall?” Fleur asked. “Good tidings, I hope.”

  “I just learned that the dowager countess of Hunthurst is holding an afternoon soirée for my countrymen who fled the Reign of Terror and are now living in London. She has great sympathy for our plight.”

  Reed set his fork down and pushed his empty plate away. “Grandmamma is sympathetic to émigrés because of our French connections on Father’s side of the family.”

  “Nevertheless, I wanted you to know I will be attending and hope to see you there.”

  “You know,” Helen said, tilting her head thoughtfully toward the Frenchman, “I see no reason why you shouldn’t live here with us as you used to in the country. You are Reed’s cousin, no matter how distant, and you are renting a room in one of the less desirable sections of London.”

  “Oh, non, I could not . . . ”

  “Of course you can. Isn’t that right, Reed?”

  Lisette and Fleur exchanged glances, communicating without words their feelings about Duvall moving into the mansion. Fleur didn’t trust Duvall, and apparently neither did Lisette. Fleur couldn’t explain her distrust, except there was something about the Frenchman that didn’t ring true.

  Reed sent Helen a speaking glance that was more censure than approval.

  Duvall, however, solved the problem. “Non, non, I have no wish to intrude. My quarters are sufficient for my needs, and I am among my own kind. But thank you for your kind invitation. I came to ask the ladies if they require my escort.”

  “Since I am attending Grandmamma’s soirée, they will have my escort,” Reed said.

  “C’est si bon. Remember, I will be available if you need me.” Duvall wiped his mouth with his napkin and rose. “And now I must bid you good day.” Reed stood. “Non, non, do not rise, Cousin. I will show myself out.”

  Reed waited until Duvall left the room before addressing Helen. “You had no right to invite someone to live in my home without first consulting me.”

  Helen shrugged. “It was my home before it was yours. Besides, I happen to enjoy Gallard’s company.”

  “Then enjoy it on your own time. If he needs monetary aid, I will help him because we are related, but that’s as far as my hospitality extends.” He pushed back his chair. “Excuse me, I have an appointment.”

  Good, Fleur mused, Reed was no more trusting of Duvall than she was. “Be careful,” Fleur warned as Reed paused at the door and glanced back at her. Then he was gone.

  “What was that all about?” Violet asked.

  Fleur shrugged. “I merely wanted him to take care. Two attempts have been made on his life and the next one might succeed.”

  “Reed can take care of himself,” Helen said, waving her hand dismissively.

  “But I will take even better care of him when I become Reed’s countess,” Violet purred.

  “I know your aspirations, my dear,” Helen replied, “and I’m sure you will gain what you most desire.”

  “Excuse me, Violet,” Fleur interrupted. “Does Reed know you plan to marry him? Shouldn’t it be his decision?”

  Though Violet sent Fleur a hostile glance, it was Helen who answered. “Men rarely know their own minds. Reed’s grandmother is anxious for him to wed and produce an heir, and we all know she is partial to Violet. My sister has the proper bloodlines and a generous dowry; she is perfect for Reed.”

  Fleur didn’t bother answering. She had no place in this conversation. Excusing herself, Fleur rose and left the room. Lisette followed her out the door.

  “Which gown do you intend to wear to the soirée?” Lisette asked as they climbed the stairs to Fleur’s chamber.

  “I thought the bronze silk might do since it’s an afternoon affair. What will you wear?”

  “The pale pink, I believe. It was delivered just yesterday.”

  The hours sped by with uncommon haste. While Lisette chattered away, Fleur’s mind wandered to Reed. She hoped he was taking care of himself wherever he was. Fleur knew it was silly to worry about him, but she couldn’t help it.

  After Lisette left, Fleur wandered out to the garden. The weather was especially fine, and the sun felt good on her uplifted face. English weather was not always so pleasant.

  Reed found Fleur sitting on a bench in the garden when he arrived home. “I’ve been looking for you,” he said.

  “Have you been home long?”

  “No, I just arrived. Neither Helen nor Violet seemed to know where you were.”

  “Nor do they care,” Fleur added. “They consider me an interloper.”

  He sent her a smile that warmed her heart. “I don’t, and I’m the only one who counts. It’s almost time for luncheon. We have a guest today.”

  “It’s not unusual to have Duvall here for both luncheon and dinner. Helen quite dotes on him.”

  “It’s not Duvall; it’s my grandmother.”

  Fleur’s heart sank. As Helen had pointed out, the dowager favored a match between Violet and Reed.

  “Shall we go inside?” Reed asked, offering his arm.

  Before she could place her hand in the crook of Reed’s elbow, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

  Fleur should have recognized the mischievous glint in his silver eyes, but she didn’t have time to absorb its meaning before his mouth claimed hers, delving deep with his tongue, setting her body on fire. She savored his kiss a brief few moments before pulling away.

  “Stop it, Reed! Anyone looking out the window could see us.”

  A dimple appeared in his cheek. “You’re right, of course. I can’t seem to control myself around you.” He extended his arm. “Shall we?”

  They found the dowager in the drawing room, holding court. She greeted Fleur warmly. “I’ve come to extend a personal invitation to my soirée for French émigrés Saturday next. Reed can provide escort.”

  “I am not precisely family,” Violet ventured. “Am I still invited?”

  The dowager sent Violet a fond smile. “You, my dear, as you well know, head the list of women I’d be happy to welcome as Reed’s countess. You are perfect for him in every way.”

  Fleur went still, her heart plummeting to her toes. Daring a glance at Reed, she wondered why he wasn’t objecting to his grandmother’s choice of bride for him. Did he intend to wed Violet? Did he have an understanding with her? Had Reed already proposed? What in God’s name was she doing living in Reed’s house, sleeping in his bed, when he already had a bride picked out?

  Fleur leaped to her feet. “Excuse me, I don’t feel well.”

  As she headed toward the door and the safety of her chamber, Violet called after her, “Perhaps something didn’t agree with you.”

  Fleur didn’t need to be reminded that she was an intruder, living with a family who cared nothing for her or her feelings. Never had it been driven home so clearly that she didn’t belong here. She had become Reed’s mistress, no matter how much she wanted to deny it. It was time to leave. She needed to concentrate on her assignment without the kind of distraction Reed provided.

  Immersed in her thoughts, Fleur wasn’t aware that Reed had entered her bedchamber until s
he heard him whisper her name. She whirled, surprised to find him standing behind her. “Go away.”

  “I never proposed to Violet,” he said.

  “Not yet, perhaps, but you will. If not Violet, then someone like her. It’s time I left, Reed. Lisette and I will move to a hotel tomorrow.”

  He reached for her. She whirled away. “Be reasonable, love. I want you here. I’m not ready to wed anyone yet, no matter what Grandmamma says.”

  “Yet you want a mistress, and I’m convenient.”

  “It’s not like that.”

  “What am I to you if not a mistress? I cannot bear any more of this, Reed. I’m leaving; don’t try to talk me out of it. I wish you and Violet joy.”

  Reed reached for her again, and once again she eluded him. “No, don’t touch me. You’re not going to seduce me into changing my mind. I’m leaving, and that’s final.”

  Reed realized Fleur meant it. Nothing he could say or do would change her mind. He could, however, offer her a safe place to live.

  “If I cannot convince you to stay here, where you will be safe, then let me offer you an alternative.”

  “Alternative?” Fleur repeated suspiciously.

  “Just so. My townhouse is unoccupied at the moment. It would be perfect for you and Lisette. And I’ll even include the servants who were there when you arrived. Updike, Mrs. Peabody, Cook, the footmen and housemaids. They are superfluous here, anyway.”

  “If, and I stress if, I accept your offer, I fully intend to pay rent and not just a token fee.”

  “Agreed,” Reed said. He mentioned a price that seemed reasonable, that wouldn’t stretch the limits of her income. He held his breath while she contemplated the offer. “The rent covers the salaries of the servants,” he added. “That’s how rentals are usually handled.”

  Fleur looked skeptical. “Are you sure? I’m not looking for charity. I have enough money to live comfortably. Once my assignment in London is completed, Lisette and I will repair to my aunt’s manor in the country.”

  “I’m not offering charity. I need to find a renter or buyer for my townhouse; it’s as simple as that.”