“I took them off the streets. Danielle, the oldest, was working in the kitchen of a brothel, but as she grew older, she was getting unwanted attention and ran away.”
Louis listened quietly as he drank his tea.
“Etienne and Antoine, I found living on the streets. I knew they would have died without me. I would take in more if I could, but my home is small, and I do not have enough money.”
If she had her way, Colette would find a home for all the children of Paris. They were innocent, at the mercy of a fate they had not chosen. None of them deserved to freeze and starve.
“That is a very noble cause. Perhaps one day I can assist you in helping more children.”
“Do not patronize me, monsieur.” She stood so fast she nearly lost her balance. How dare he belittle her emotions. Him, a man who lived with all this wealth and never wanted for anything. How could he ever understand?
Louis stood and put his arms out. “I am sorry if you took offense. I meant none by it. Even though I am well off, I try to help where I can. I have a network of people throughout the city, and we assist those in need.”
She remained silent. Perhaps there was more to Louis than she had first thought. It appeared he was a man of many faces. She wondered if she could trust a man who had so many secrets. But then again, she had secrets of her own.
“We should get back to the matter at hand. You insist on refusing to let me know where the children will be taken?”
“I am sorry, but I must insist. Surely you understand the finer points of blackmail. I need some way to assure your cooperation.”
Louis had cornered Colette with her own conditions. She had not thought he would take the children completely away from her. But they would be safe, and that was her main concern. What alternative did she have? As much as it irked her, she had no choice but to agree.
Her cold gaze met Louis’s. “Very well. You leave me little choice. I will agree to your terms.”
“Have them ready tomorrow morning. My most trusted man will take them out to the country. They can run around and enjoy themselves. You have my word they will be completely safe.”
“Thank you.”
“Not at all. Besides, if we are to carry out my plan, you will be here, in my home, most of the time.”
“What?” Colette did not like where this conversation was headed. “What reason would I have to stay here?”
“You will be posing as my mistress.”
**********
The expletives that came forth from Colette’s mouth made Louis wince. He had not imagined the young lady could know so many colorful words. Evidently, she was not thrilled about the idea. He had given it some thought last night and this morning. He needed a way to find out who the Fox was while keeping an eye on Colette to make sure she did not double-cross him. Although he had little doubt she would agree to work with him, once he had promised to whisk the children away, he knew better than to completely trust her.
Louis put his hands up in supplication. “Please hear me out.”
Colette crossed her arms in front of her chest, her anger barely contained.
“As I said last night, you can tell your boss, Jacques, that Galle introduced you to me, and that I want in. But you do not trust me—how could you? I am a stranger. So, you say you had the idea to pose as my mistress so you can watch me. Besides, it will also make it easier for me to protect you.”
“You mean make sure I do not give you over to the Fox? Fear not, monsieur. I have my own reasons for helping you.”
Ah, more secrets. He would have to be careful. A woman with too many secrets was dangerous, but a woman out for revenge could be lethal. It was the only probable explanation. Why else would she put herself in such a precarious situation, working for the largest criminal in the Paris? It had to be for revenge. The thought made Louis uneasy.
Louis needed to make some things clear. “I think we need to set some rules for how business will be conducted. You will go to Jacques today with the proposition. Tell him I can get him the information he wanted from Galle and more, if he wants. Then tell him I can help recruit others of high social standing into the Fox’s network.”
Colette listened intently, biting her lip. For a moment, Louis was sidetracked, watching her. He wondered how those lips tasted. Good heavens, where had that idea come from? The last thing he needed to do was take up an affair with the woman. He would not make the same mistake twice. No, this relationship would be purely business. He turned his attention back to Colette and waited for her response.
At last, she answered. “I don’t know if Jacques will take the bait. I have never tried to recruit someone myself. He might find it suspicious.”
“Jacques would be a fool not to be a little suspicious which is precisely why you will tell him you had the idea to pose as my mistress. You are also leery of me and want to personally see that our business arrangement works out. It will show Jacques and the Fox that you are dedicated. As far as you recruiting me, if you are as trusted as you say, would it not be the natural progression to want to have more responsibility? Your instincts have gotten you this far in life so Jacques should trust your judgement regarding me.”
She nodded her head in agreement.
“Good. Now, collect the children and prepare them to leave by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, I will go to the Ministry and gather the information the Fox requested.”
Colette’s eyes widened. “You are going to steal the information?”
“No, I will speak with my superiors, and we will decide which cargoes we can do without. I cannot jeopardize the entire war for one man. Some shipments will get diverted, but we will have to lose a few, otherwise the Fox will know he has a mole.”
“Very well.”
Colette still looked unsure. A strong urge to reassure her came over Louis. He went over and tilted her chin upwards. The proximity allowed him to see that her eyes had specks of brown dotted throughout their green depths. Conflicting emotions crossed her features, the last of which looked like apprehension. Was she uncertain about him or the entire crazy plan he had concocted? Whatever the case, she had agreed, and he would see it through, for both of their sakes.
“I promise you, Colette, that I will keep you safe. At the first sign of trouble, I will send you to where the children are and get you all out of the country. I will not allow any harm to come to you.”
The statement seemed to snap her to her senses. She whipped her chin out of his grasp and straightened her shoulders. “I do not need words of reassurance. I have been taking care of myself for a long time, and I do not need a man’s protection.” She took a few steps away from him. “I will have the children ready as you asked.”
The woman had courage, that was for sure. He respected that.
“Colette.” He said her name as she turned to leave. “Do not forget you will be staying here starting tomorrow.”
“Just so we are both clear, the mistress role will be in name only.”
He nodded his head in agreement.
Now he had to put the plan into action. He had his carriage readied and rode to the Ministry of Defense. Although it took Louis a while to explain the rationale, his superiors were still unsure of allowing the Fox to get even one shipment. After much debate and reviewing shipping manifests, they agreed to which cargo and ships could be intercepted with the least impact and which must go through. They wrote up new ledger sheets, which Colette would deliver as proof of Louis’s willingness to help.
This was by far the most daring action that had been taken to apprehend the Fox. It was a leap of faith by the military to allow Louis to intentionally divert needed goods to a known enemy. He prayed all the risk would pay off in the end.
By the time Louis returned home later in the evening, he was exhausted. He hated the politics behind every decision. He was a man of action, like his friends in England. They were the reason he had decided to help with the war effort.
His three friends, Phillip Cres
twood, Ethan Norris, and Hugh Fitzsimmons were all spies for a secret agency in London. They had enlisted his aid a few times over the years. He loved both the adventure of spy craft and knowing he was doing a service to his country. Over the years, he had built a network of businesses in France that supplied information to both his allies across the channel and France’s own Ministry of Defense.
Louis had spent his childhood days in private schools, enjoying the distractions that only the upper class and nobility were privy too, both in England and France. Over the years he had become bored and felt guilty that he had so much while others had so little. As Louis grew more successful in his endeavors, he found new opportunities to assist those less fortunate.
After his marriage to Michelle, Louis had helped other orphans, children who had a similar background to hers. She had told him of the hardships both at the orphanage and on the streets. They had opened houses around the city for women and children who needed protection, a safe place to stay. Even after Michelle’s death, he continued to visit every few weeks to check on them. No one knew he was the silent benefactor of those establishments. It was the best way to honor Michelle’s memory.
When he returned home, the butler notified him that his godfather, André Pascal, was waiting for him in the study. André had raised Louis from a young age after his parents had died from the influenza. The older man had guided him into adulthood, and they were now business partners in varied investments. Although André was not a blood relation, Louis still called him Uncle since he was the closest thing he had to family.
Louis entered to find André lounging with a glass of brandy in his hand. The older man did not look his sixty years. Although his hair was thinning and streaked with gray, his trim figure and fluid movements spoke of a man a decade younger. His mind was also as sharp as a whip.
“Ah, Louis, my boy. I was on my way home and thought I would stop by. Have I come at a bad time?”
“No, Uncle, I was just returning from a meeting.”
The older man chuckled. “You work too hard for a man your age. You need to relax. I am told you do not stop at the clubs as often as you used to. You are turning into a hermit. I understand at first it was a way to deal with your wife’s death, but it has been years now. You are young, and you need to live. I can have Pierre get you some tickets for the theater.”
Pierre Corbin was André’s secretary and was never far from André’s side. Louis was surprised he was not lurking in some corner. Even as a child, Pierre had made him uneasy. He reminded Louis of a caricature, with his large head and tall lean body.
“I will give your offer some consideration. Thank you.”
What André said was true. After Michelle’s sudden death, he had resorted to anything to dull the pain, and work had been the least destructive option. But the idea of spending time with Colette intrigued him. Besides the few times he had aided his friends over the last year, this was the first endeavor he had looked forward to in a long while.
He joined André for the glass of brandy. The warm liquid made him drowsy. It had been a trying day. He still had to arrange for Henri to escort the children to his estate in the south tomorrow morning. They spoke of some business matters before André stood to take his leave.
“Perhaps I will take you up on that offer for theater tickets.”
André paused as he reached for his hat. “Excellent. I will have Pierre make the necessary purchase. How many will be in attendance?”
“Just two. I have a new female companion who I want to introduce around. It will be the ideal place.”
A large grin spread over André’s face. “Now, that sounds like a splendid idea. You need some fun in your life, a little distraction. I hope I get to meet the young lady at some point.”
“Perhaps. For now, I wish to keep her to myself.”
“Of course, I understand.” André sipped his drink. “I must have a party, and then you can introduce us properly. Now, if you will excuse me, I am expecting a delivery at the house.”
“What type of delivery?”
“My agent in the Orient has sent some pieces back. Pierre told me just before I came here that the shipment had arrived. I’m excited to see what he sent back.”
André had one of the finest private collections of art and relics in the country. He donated select pieces to the museums, but the rarer items he kept for himself, always enthusiastic at the prospect of new discoveries. Louis had his own collection of art at his country home in Alsace, some gifted from his godfather. He bid André good evening with the promise to meet again soon.
Next, he wrote out instructions for Henri and the family who would care for Colette’s orphans. He had a small land holding near the coast. The caretakers of the property had no children of their own, so Louis knew they would be overjoyed to take care of the children. He would also make sure they were compensated for their service. Before retiring for the night, Louis had a footman deliver the orders to Henri and make sure two carriages were prepared for the following morning. One carriage would carry the children to their new safe house, and another would bring Colette back to his home. The notion of Colette under his roof, alone with him, caused a faint stirring in his chest.
CHAPTER 8
On the way home, Colette considered how to tell the children they would be leaving in the morning. Etienne was young and would probably see it as an adventure. The older children would be suspicious of the trip’s true purpose. She thanked the coachman and entered the house. Three sets of eyes were on her as she stood in the doorway. Best get it over with, she thought.
“Is something wrong, Colette?” Danielle asked. She was the most sensitive of the group, always knowing when those around her were troubled.
“I have some news I must tell all of you.”
They sat around the table. Etienne climbed onto Colette’s lap. She hugged the young boy close. She loved them all dearly, and it pained her to send them away, but it was for their safety. “Tomorrow you will all be going on a trip.”
Etienne gasped. “Are we going on a holiday? Where are you taking us?”
“I am not going with you, mon cher. I must stay in Paris.”
“Then who is taking us?” Danielle inquired.
“And where are we going?” interjected Antione.
This would not be easy. For all three children, living with Colette had been the first stability they had ever experienced. Now she was telling them they had to leave her and their home. It was understandable they would be upset.
“You will be going to the country, out of the city. You will have lots of space to play and have fun, but I expect you all to continue with your lessons.” She met each of their stares. “I am leaving you in charge, Danielle. You are the oldest. Look out for Antoine and Etienne.”
Tears welled in Danielle’s eyes. “So, you are just abandoning us? Why?”
“Don’t you love us anymore?” Etienne’s eyes rounded, and he frowned.
“Of course, I love you, my darling.” She hugged the boy tightly. “I love you all, which is why I have to send you away.” Colette sniffled. “I have to be away from the house for a while, and I do not want to leave you alone. It is not safe.”
“Are we in danger?” Antoine fixed his stare on Colette.
“I need you to trust me. I would not send you away if I did not have to. There will be a carriage coming in the morning to fetch you. So, tonight, I say we have a feast. Danielle, let’s see what we can come up with.”
The children seemed to understand there would be no more discussion. Danielle and Colette worked together making the special dinner. Colette even sent the boys to the bakery for some confections for dessert. That night, she spent time with each child before going to sleep.
The next morning, just as the sun rose, the carriage arrived. Henri exited the coach.
“Colette?”
“Oui.”
“My name is Henri Fontaine. I work for Louis. I am here to escort the children, as promised. Louis
asked me to give you this as well.” Henri handed her a sealed letter.
Colette had the children collect their belongings for the coachman to load. There were some tears and lots of hugs and promises to see each other soon. Colette watched the coach round the corner and managed to return inside before shedding a few tears. She had almost forgotten about the note Henri had given her. It was from Louis, saying he would arrive at ten. It would give her time to pack and compose herself.
Right on time, she heard a knock on the door. Louis had arrived. Their charade would begin.
His devilish good looks still unnerved Colette. If she were a young, innocent girl, she would blush at the way he smiled at her. But she was just as well trained in deception and knew it was a facade—a disguise to put her at ease.
“Spare me the pleasantries, monsieur. This is a business deal and nothing more.”
The smile vanished from Louis’s face. “I thought we could at least be cordial to each other. We will have to work on your attitude since you are supposed to be enamored of me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Believe me, I can put on a very believable act when required.”
“No doubt.” Louis crossed the threshold into the house. He noticed the small trunk by the door. “This is all you are bringing with you?”
What had he expected, that she would have tons of dresses and other finery just sitting around? “I’m sorry if my sparse wardrobe is not too your liking.”
Louis shook his head. “It does not matter. We will have you outfitted with some gowns. You must look the part. For now, I have something for you.”
For a split second, Colette thought he might have brought her a gift. Her heart sank when he withdrew some papers from inside his coat pocket.
“Here are the promised papers for your boss. We made some changes to the shipments, but it should not raise any suspicions.” Louis sighed. “You have no idea how long it took to make those old codgers realize that in the long run, it would be worth it to lose some supplies and weapons. I hope it was the right decision.”
The Secret to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 4) Page 6
