The Price of Pleasure

by Connie Mason

  He turned her around to reach the tiny buttons on the back of her gown.

  “I’m going with you tomorrow night,” Fleur said stubbornly.

  Reed’s fingers stilled. “Like hell you are! You’re going to stay home where it’s safe.”

  “Don’t shut me out of this, Reed. Let me help you. What if Dempsey has set a trap for you?”

  “If it’s a trap, I want you out of it. I can take care of myself.”

  “You’ve suspected Dempsey all along, haven’t you?”

  “Hmmm,” he mumbled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

  Her gown fell away, then her shift. Reed lifted her and sat her on the edge of the bed while he peeled off her garters, hose and shoes. His gaze remained intent upon her as he shed his own clothing. When he stood before her naked, Fleur reached for him. He shifted away and pushed her down on the bed so that her legs hung over the side. Then he knelt between them.

  “We’re not through talking yet,” Fleur resisted.

  “We are as far as I’m concerned. Open your legs, my love, I want to taste you.”

  When Fleur didn’t obey fast enough, he grasped her legs and draped them over his shoulders. The sight of her lush feminine folds sent a shaft of raw lust spearing through him. He bent his head to her. Fleur’s last thought as Reed’s tongue, mouth and hands worked their magic on her, was that somehow, some way, she would save Reed’s life, even if she had to risk hers to do it.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Fleur awoke with a smile on her face, recalling every sensual moment of the night before. Her smile lasted until she realized she was in bed alone. Reed had left without awakening her. It didn’t take a genius to realize he had sneaked off before she could pester him about his meeting with Dempsey. He knew she wanted to accompany him and that she trusted Dempsey no more than he did, but he was being stubborn about involving her.

  When and if Fleur saw him later in the day, she promised herself she would convince him that he needed her. He wasn’t invincible; everyone needed someone. Why did Reed insist on meeting Dempsey in an unsavory place when he knew he could be walking into a trap?

  Fleur scooted to the edge of the bed and started to rise. The moment her feet hit the floor, a wave of nausea struck. It happened so suddenly she barely managed to pull out the chamber pot in time. Peg entered the bedchamber while Fleur was still retching.

  “Oh, my lady, you’re ill!” She rushed to fill a glass with water from the pitcher and handed it to Fleur. Fleur took it gratefully and rinsed out her mouth.

  “Shall I send Gordon for a physician?” Peg asked anxiously.

  Fleur sat back, relieved that the nausea had already passed. “No, that won’t be necessary. I feel much better now. It must have been the salmon I had for supper last night. Is anyone else ill?”

  “No, my lady. Cook made the salmon especially for you because she knows how fond you are of it. Madame Lisette doesn’t like fish; she ate boiled beef along with the help.”

  “Oh, well, whatever it was seems to have passed.”

  Peg’s gaze swept over Fleur; a troubled look wrinkled her brow. “As you say, my lady, but I would eat lightly this morning if I were you. Dry toast and tea sounds just the thing. My sister often found it helpful.”

  The hint passed right over Fleur. “I shall do as you say, Peg, thank you.”

  While Fleur prepared for the day, she began to make plans. Whether or not Reed wanted her help, he was going to get it.

  Even as Fleur was making plans concerning Reed’s meeting with Dempsey and the informant, Reed was finalizing his. On the walk home after he left Fleur, he decided against involving Porter at this point since he was convinced he could handle the situation on his own.

  It was just past dawn when Reed let himself into his mansion. The servants were just beginning to move about. Reed climbed the stairs to his chamber and reached for the bell pull. Hughes appeared a short time later, exhibiting surprise at the early morning summons. Reed ordered a bath.

  Reed lolled in the hot water, recalling the love he and Fleur had shared the night before, every erotic moment. He smiled inwardly, pleased that Fleur had finally agreed to marry him.

  When the water grew cool, Reed stepped out of the tub and dried himself. Then he dressed in the clothes Hughes had laid out for him. Reed laughed when his stomach growled. He had worked up an appetite last night and hoped breakfast was ready and set out on the sideboard for him.

  Reed needn’t have worried. His staff was efficient if nothing else. Apparently his valet had alerted the cook when he had called for a bath. A footman stood nearby to pour his tea, and he helped himself to a heaping plate of eggs, ham, kippers, tomatoes and toasted bread.

  “Are the ladies still in residence?” Reed asked the footman. He’d been so busy of late he hadn’t paid much attention to their comings and goings.

  “Lady Helen and Lady Violet requested that their luggage be carried downstairs this morning. I believe Mr. Duvall is to call for them later and take them to their new abode.”

  “Thank you,” Reed said as he turned to the morning paper lying beside his plate. He really didn’t have time to dawdle this morning; he wanted to be tucked up in his study before the ladies came down. He wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation right now.

  Luck was with Reed. He finished his breakfast and went directly to his study, leaving orders with Hughes that he not be disturbed. Reed delved immediately into his plans for tonight’s rendezvous with Dempsey and the informant. He had no intention of seeing Fleur before the meeting. He knew she would try to talk him into taking her with him, and he was adamant that it wasn’t going to happen. It was best that he stay away from Fleur today.

  It was nearly eleven o’clock when Reed asked Hughes to summon the head groom and John Coachman to his study. Some ten minutes later, both men appeared before him.

  The two were burly, strong and capable of taking care of themselves. They were also good, faithful men whom he trusted.

  “Do either of you know how to handle a pistol?” Reed asked without preliminary.

  John Coachman stepped forward. “I do, my lord. I’m quite handy with a gun.”

  Bates, the head groom, shook his head. “I’ve not had enough practice to hit anything I aim at. But I’m right handy with a cudgel, if I say so meself.” He held up his beefy fists. “And me own two fists are as good as any weapon.”

  “Are you both willing to help me with a situation that could become dangerous? Before you answer, know that I’ll be armed and that I’ve had plenty of practice with pistol, knife and sword.”

  “You can count on me,” John Coachman replied.

  “Me too,” Bates echoed. “Tell us what you want us to do, my lord.”

  “I’m to rendezvous with two men tonight at ten o’clock. We’re to meet at the Crow’s Nest, a rather unsavory saloon near the docks. The meeting is vital to me. It concerns information I’ve been seeking for some time.”

  “We’re yer men, my lord. How can we help?” Bates inquired.

  “I want you both to accompany me and lend a hand should I need it. Once we arrive, you are both to hide in the shadows near the front door of the saloon and remain out of sight. If I come out and look like I’m in trouble, your help will be greatly appreciated.”

  “You can count on us,” John said.

  “We will all wear dark clothing. When I come out of the saloon, wait for my signal before acting. John, bring the carriage around at nine-thirty.”

  Reed opened a drawer and handed John a pistol and several bullets. “Load and prime the weapon beforehand so it will be ready should you need it. Can you find a cudgel, Bates?”

  Bates grinned. “Aye, my lord, I’ve a thick one tucked away in my quarters.”

  “Any questions?” None were forthcoming. “Very well, I’ll see you both tonight.”

  Shortly after the men left, Hughes announced Monsieur Duvall. Sighing, Reed told Hughes to show him in.

  “I’ve come for the l
adies, Hunthurst,” Duvall said importantly. “I hope you have no objections to my helping them move to their new townhouse.”

  “No objection at all.”

  Duvall seemed disinclined to leave. “I’ve become fond of Lady Helen and her sister.”

  “How fortunate for them,” Reed mocked.

  His sarcasm rolled over Duvall. “I will take good care of them. Someone in the family should take responsibility for your brother’s widow. I am more than happy to assume the duty that should rightfully be yours.”

  Reed stiffened. Had Duvall just insulted him? “Be careful, Duvall; my good nature can be stretched only so far.”

  “I meant no insult, Hunthurst. We are cousins. Until you produce an heir, I am the next in line for the earldom.”

  Reed’s eyes narrowed. “I wondered when you were going to bring that up. Just so you know, Duvall, I have no intention of putting a period to my life just yet.”

  Duvall backed off immediately. “Non, non, you mistake my meaning. I want us to remain on good terms.”

  “Keep the ladies out of my life and I shall be forever grateful. Marry Helen if you wish; you have my blessing. Or if Violet is your preference, she is yours for the taking.”

  Duvall beamed. “Thank you, mon ami. I will collect the ladies and be off. Adieu.”

  Reed remained thoughtful after Duvall’s departure. What made Duvall think he cared what Helen and Violet did or did not do? True, Helen was Jason’s wife, but both she and her sister had interfered in his life. If Helen were dependent on his largesse, it would be different, but neither woman lacked funds.

  Reed worked at his desk another hour, then asked Hughes to serve luncheon in his study on a tray. He didn’t want anyone bothering him while he went over his plans for this evening’s rendezvous. He wanted to be prepared for a trap should that be Dempsey’s intention.

  Tonight would either prove or disprove whether Dempsey was a traitor to the Crown. If he were the guilty party, the reason for the attempts upon Reed’s life became clear. Dempsey knew Reed was tracking a traitor and that the trail might eventually lead to him. But who was his partner? That part presented a mystery. While either Dubois or Barbeau could be French spies, that didn’t necessarily mean they had a reason to want him dead. He was no longer a threat to France. The puzzle wouldn’t fall into place until he had all the pieces.

  Fleur paced the drawing room, angry that Reed had forbidden her to go with him. She squared her shoulders. He left her no alternative. Just because he didn’t want her involved didn’t mean she had to obey him. She summoned Updike and Gordon, filling them in on Reed’s plans, aware that of all his employees they were the two he trusted most.

  “Gordon and I will attend to his lordship’s safety,” Up-dike said firmly. “You can trust us, my lady. Give us his lordship’s direction.”

  “I will give it to you before we leave. Reed insisted upon doing this alone; that’s why I’m enlisting your help without his knowledge. I don’t trust the men he’s dealing with.”

  “The traitor, you mean,” Updike sniffed. “I am quite aware that his lordship was betrayed in France. Gordon, here, knows what’s what. Don’t worry, we’ll arm ourselves and be on hand should his lordship need us.”

  “Thank you, I knew you’d want to help. I think we should arrive at the rendezvous before his lordship. We can park the carriage nearby and see what develops.”

  “If you’ll pardon my saying, my lady, you won’t be accompanying us,” Updike maintained. “I don’t believe his lordship will walk into a trap unprepared. He’ll have a plan in mind; you can depend on it.”

  “A plan that doesn’t include me,” Fleur argued. “Either I go with you or no one goes. Only I know where Reed is to meet Mr. Dempsey.”

  Updike eyed her narrowly. “His lordship doesn’t want you involved with good reason.”

  Frustration gripped Fleur. “Do you want to help or not? I’m fully prepared to go it alone. I can handle a pistol as well as any man.”

  Gordon and Updike exchanged speaking glances. “Very well,” Updike agreed. “What time do you wish to leave?”

  “Nine o’clock. That will give us a head start on Reed. Bring a weapon if you have one.”

  The men nodded and departed. Lisette joined her a short time later, her face set in determined lines.

  “Mortimer told me about your plans. You’re not going. Let the men handle this.”

  “I have to do this, Lisette. Don’t try to stop me. Reed’s life may be in danger.”

  “Very well, if you insist on this folly, I’m going with you.”

  “No, Lisette, you’re staying here. Involving too many people is not a good idea.”

  “Do not do this, ma petite,” Lisette begged. “I’m sure Lord Reed can handle things on his own. He will be angry if you interfere.”

  “I’ll have to take that chance, Lisette. I love Reed too much to let him walk into danger alone.” She held up her hand when Lisette opened her mouth to argue the point.

  “That’s enough, Lisette. My mind is quite made up.”

  The day passed too slowly for Fleur’s peace of mind. Eight o’clock came and went, then eight-thirty. Updike and Gordon left to collect their arms and prepare the carriage. Fleur slipped her own pistol into her pocket, donned her cloak and bonnet, and waited in the foyer.

  Moments later, Fleur heard a pounding on the door. Since the butler and footman were in the carriage house, she answered the summons herself. Surprise scarcely described what she felt when she saw Duvall standing on the doorstep. He was highly distraught and appeared nervous.

  “Monsieur Duvall, what brings you here at this time of night?”

  “Lady Fontaine, forgive me for intruding, but a terrible thing has happened.”

  The blood froze in Fleur’s veins. What terrible thing brought Duvall here in such a state? “What is it, Monsieur Duvall? How can I help you?”

  “It’s my cousin, Hunthurst.”

  Fleur’s hand flew to her mouth. “Dear God, has something happened to Reed?”

  “I went to Hunthurst Manor tonight to fetch some things Lady Helen left behind during her move. Hughes let me in. Hunthurst appeared on the gallery and leaned over the railing to see who had called. Mon Dieu, I do not know how something so tragic could have happened.”

  If Duvall didn’t get to the point soon, Fleur feared she would throttle him. “Tell me, monsieur, and leave nothing out.”

  Duvall wrung his hands. “As Hunthurst leaned over the railing, I heard a crack, and suddenly the railing gave way. Hunthurst plunged to the floor below.”

  “No!” Fleur cried.

  “The entire household is in a dither,” Duvall continued. “A physician was summoned and Hunthurst was carried up to his chamber. I followed, of course, willing to do anything I could to help. He was bleeding profusely from his head and seemed quite out of it. When I heard him mutter your name, I knew you’d want to be with him.”

  “Oh, yes,” Fleur exclaimed. “I’ll go to him as soon as the carriage is brought around.”

  “There’s no time to waste,” Duvall said. “My carriage and driver await us at the curb.”

  “Thank you, thank you,” Fleur cried as she fled out the door past Duvall. Duvall hurried after her. He helped her into the carriage, climbed in after her and shut the door.

  Fleur was so worried about Reed that she failed to notice the direction in which the coach was traveling. Five minutes later, at precisely nine o’clock, Updike and Gordon parked the carriage in front of the townhouse and waited for Fleur to appear. When she did not, Updike went to fetch her. After a thorough search of the house, it was determined that Fleur was nowhere to be found.

  Updike made the decision to find Reed and tell him about Fleur’s sudden disappearance. When he arrived at the mansion, he learned that Reed had already left on some mysterious mission and that none of the house servants knew where he had gone. Since Updike had no idea where or how to contact Reed, he returned to the townhou
se in a state of abject terror. Lisette would have his head for this; he dared not think what his lordship would do.

  At precisely ten o’clock, Reed stepped out of his carriage and glanced about, looking for signs of a trap. He saw nothing to rouse his suspicion, except for an unmarked vehicle parked across the street in front of another saloon much like the Crow’s Nest. The Crow’s Nest itself was as disreputable as any saloon Reed had ever seen.

  “You know what you have to do,” Reed said in an aside to John and Bates. The men immediately melted into the dark shadows.

  Reed checked his pistol, made sure his sword was in position for quick withdrawal and walked into the saloon. Reed spotted Dempsey sitting at a table in the common room teeming with boisterous, tipsy customers. Reed stood just inside the door, getting the lay of the land, so to speak.

  He found it strange that Dempsey was alone when he’d promised to bring the informant with him.

  Aware of potential danger, Reed remained alert, his gaze darting about for signs of covert movement. No one appeared to be paying attention to him. When Dempsey motioned him over, Reed approached his table.

  “Sit down, Hunthurst,” Dempsey invited.

  “You’re alone,” Reed growled as he pulled out a chair and lowered himself into it.

  “Our informer is not a trusting soul. He’s waiting in the alley behind the saloon for us. He fears the traitor might learn of our meeting and seek his death.”

  “You’re mad if you think I’m going out in the alley with you. That’s a perfect setup for a trap. If you don’t produce the man, I’m leaving.”

  Dempsey stared at him, clearly agitated. “Very well, Hunthurst, you’ve forced my hand.”

  “Which hand is that, Dempsey? Is it the one where you reveal your identity as a traitor to the Crown? You’re the one who betrayed me, admit it. Did you think you were above suspicion?”

  Clearly Reed’s words shocked Dempsey. “You suspected me? What did I do to rouse your suspicion?”