The Secret to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 4)

by Laura Shipley

  “If you are not sure, why are we doing this?”

  “Because it is the closest I have gotten to trapping the Fox. I must try. So, you will take these copies to your boss and explain your plan to him.”

  “When do you want me to go?”

  “Today—as soon as possible. We have tickets to the theater for the day after tomorrow. We will have to go shopping tomorrow for appropriate clothes.”

  “Very well. I had better leave.” Colette took the papers and tucked them in her bag then started down the street.

  “Wait,” Louis shouted. “Take my carriage.”

  “It would look suspicious, and Jacques is always on guard. I will be fine.”

  “Very well. When you are done, return here. I will have the carriage waiting to deliver you to my home. I will take your trunk now and have the carriage return.”

  “Thank you.”

  Without another word, she strolled down the street. Her steps were a little faster this time. Normally she dreaded going to see Jacques, but she wanted the deed done. She just hoped he would take the bait.

  Colette hurried to the warehouse Jacques called his office. One of Jacques’s cronies showed her right in. Not wasting time, Colette got right to the point. Like she and Louis had rehearsed, she told Jacques how Galle had introduced her to Louis and of Louis’s position in the Ministry of Defense. She laid out the offer Louis had made and showed the papers as proof. Finally, she told Jacques of her idea to watch Louis by posing as his mistress.

  The old thief leaned back in his chair. “Why does this gentleman suddenly have an interest in causing anarchy?”

  “He owns some munitions factories. If supplies are stolen, the demand for his product goes up. He makes a profit. It’s quite simple—money is always a very powerful motivator. He also wants to expand his enterprises into England, and he hopes the Fox can give him lucrative connections to do so. Like any man, he is all about money and power.”

  “You’re certain about this, poppet?”

  She hated when Jacques called her that. It was the nickname he had given her when he had first found her and Elle. He only used it when he was skeptical of something—or someone.

  Colette sighed. She had to sound convincing. “I’m not completely certain, which is why I want to keep a close eye on him.” She placed her hands on the desk and leaned toward him. “Think of all the possibilities—the allies we could gain. We could run the country. How could Le Renard say no to such an opportunity?”

  Jacques chewed his lip as he contemplated the proposition. Colette knew Jacques would not pass up a chance to get in better with the Fox. At last, he answered. “All right, my dear. We will go ahead with the plan. I’ll see that these papers are delivered. Where will you be staying?”

  “On the Rue de la Paix, number 20.”

  Jacques nodded. Taking that as a sign that their meeting was over, Colette returned home in time to meet Louis’s carriage. As she traveled farther from her own house, she noted the gradual change from dirty, cramped buildings to the wider, cleaner streets of the wealthier quarters. Colette suddenly felt anxious, but why should she? She had been among the rich and noble before; she knew what to expect, except from Louis. The thought of her handsome partner in crime caused liquid heat to spread through her body. She had to be careful, or else she might end up like her friend, Elle.

  **********

  Louis was in the study reviewing documents when the butler announced Colette’s carriage had arrived. Thank goodness. Since Colette had left, he had worried something might happen to her. He kept reminding himself she was a resourceful woman. A part of him had been nervous that her boss would not take the bait and may even stop her from coming back.

  He looked up when Colette entered the room. Each time he saw her, he was struck by her beauty. It was not just her loveliness but also her courage. He wondered what had made her turn to a life of crime. Well, they would be together for the foreseeable future. There would be plenty of time to find out more about the alluring woman who was to share his home.

  Not wanting to be rude, he rose to greet her. “I hope you will be comfortable here, Colette. I can show you around the house, or if you would prefer, I can show you to your room. You may go wherever you wish, and please do not hesitate to ask if there is anything you need.”

  “Thank you, monsieur. I appreciate it.”

  “Please call me Louis.” He took her hands in his. “Since we will be playing the part of lovers, it would seem odd if we addressed each other so formally.”

  The blush that tinged her cheeks did not go unnoticed. So, she was not immune to his charms. He would have to be careful, or he might find himself attracted to the woman.

  “I do have one question. When we met, you said your name was Colette Durand. Is that your real name? I need to know how you want me to introduce you since we will be attending social functions.”

  “Dubois. Colette Dubois.”

  “It is a very nice name.”

  “Thank you, Louis. I think I would like that tour, and then a rest might be good.”

  Louis escorted her through the first and second floors. He introduced the servants, including Marguerite, who would be Colette’s lady’s maid while she stayed with him. The tour ended at her room.

  “I will let you settle in and rest. Marguerite will come to help you dress for dinner.”

  “Thank you again for your hospitality.”

  “It is my pleasure.” He brought her hand to his lips. It was a light caress, but a fluttering started in his stomach.

  Louis retreated to his study. He tried to distract himself with the mundane task of reviewing plans for a warehouse scheduled to be built later that month. When that did not work, he resorted to reading military reports. It was no use. Nothing could take his mind off the woman who now shared his house. Finally admitting defeat, Louis went for a stroll around the neighborhood and did not return until it was time to dress for dinner.

  After changing his attire, he waited for Colette in the parlor. For some reason, he felt anxious. Lord knows why. He was just having a meal in his own home. But his dinner partner was a thief and a traitor whom he found attractive, and who had agreed to his harebrained scheme to pose as his mistress. Nothing he could not handle, but the parallels between this and years ago with Michelle gave him a pang of guilt. Here he was again, dragging a woman into a web of lies and deception, but unlike last time, Colette would live.

  The door to the parlor opened, and Colette entered. She wore a simple forest green gown, which, although plain, hugged her body in all the right places. His cock stirred in response.

  “I hope the room is to your liking?”

  She directed her gaze at him. “It’s lovely. It is the finest room I have ever seen. I was afraid to sit on the bed.”

  It pleased him that she was comfortable. “Well, tomorrow we will go to the shops and buy you some proper clothes. We will attend several social engagements, and I need you looking your best.”

  A frown crossed Colette’s face at his last comment. Damn, he had not meant it to be insulting.

  “Forgive me. I did not mean to imply that you are inadequate as you are . . .”

  She put her hand up. “I understand what you mean. A man in your position requires the right sort of companion on his arm. My wardrobe will not suffice, I am aware of that. After all, I need to dress the part of a wealthy aristocrat’s mistress.”

  Louis could not help himself. He went up to Colette and swept a finger down the side of her face. “I think you would be lovely in whatever clothes you wear.”

  Colette cocked an eyebrow. “Are you practicing for your role as my lover?”

  He chuckled. “I do not need practice, madam. Ask any lady of Parisian society.”

  “Is there anyone in particular I should ask, or are they all aware of your prowess?”

  Louis enjoyed their banter. Before he could answer, the butler announced that dinner was served. Acting the gentleman, Louis offered Co
lette his arm. She graciously took the proffered arm, and they entered the dining room. That morning Louis had asked his chef to prepare something special, and he had not disappointed. The table was laden with fish in a caper sauce, roasted lamb with root vegetables, turtle soup, and other fare that made his stomach growl in anticipation. At the end of the table was an assortment of cream pies, pastries, and sugar cakes.

  He pulled out a chair for Colette. She was seated to his left as he took his place at the head of the table. “I hope you are hungry.”

  “We could live off this for a week.”

  “I did ask my chef to cook something special, but I was not expecting so much. I suppose he wants to impress you.”

  “I am overwhelmed.”

  “Well, we must not let this go to waste.” The footmen served them, and soon their plates were overflowing.

  They ate in silence for a while, each focused on their meal. It did not help the awkward silence that the footmen were in attendance. After he saw there would be no further need for the servants, he had them dismissed so they could speak in private.

  “How did your meeting go with Jacques? Do you think he believes our story?”

  Colette put her fork down. “I know he is suspicious, but my endorsement does help. He said he would deliver the papers.”

  “To the Fox?”

  “I assume so, yes.”

  “Then it will just be a matter of waiting. In the meantime, we can go around playing the besotted couple.”

  “And what does that entail?”

  “You have never flirted with a man before? I find that hard to believe.”

  She smirked. “Believe what you will, but I try to avoid men’s wandering hands.”

  “Well, I promise not to let my hands wander too far . . . unless you wish them to.”

  Colette placed her napkin next to her plate then put both her arms on the table in an unladylike fashion and leaned toward Louis. “What I wish is to be done with this charade as quickly as possible and get back to the children. Then you, monsieur, can get back to whatever it is a rich nobleman does to occupy his time.”

  He put a hand over his heart. A pained expression crossed his face. “Oh, I am cut to the quick. The lady doth protest.” Louis pressed a hand to his brow. “Those are not quite the words one wants to hear from one’s mistress. I might have to reprimand you.”

  “And if you try, you may find my dagger buried in your gut.”

  “I have little doubt of that, my dear.” Louis jumped up from his chair. He had forgotten how much he missed another person’s company. Colette had spirit. He glanced at her and saw the faintest trace of a smile. It appeared she had enjoyed their war of words as well. Something told him she had few chances to be herself. If they had to work together, Louis wanted Colette to have some amusement, even if it was at his expense.

  After dinner, they went into the parlor.

  “Would you like to play a game of chess? I also have cards if chess is not to your liking.”

  “Thank you, but no.” Colette said. “I would like to retire for the evening.”

  Louis took her hand and bowed over it. “Good night then, Colette. Sleep well.”

  “Good night, Louis.” Her hand was still in his. She gave a gentle tug, and he released her.

  After Colette left, he made a mental note of the places they would need to visit tomorrow. She needed a complete wardrobe, and nothing but the best would do. He had a reputation to uphold, and the woman on his arm would have to live up to those same standards. They also needed to agree on a story as to how they met. When they started the social rounds, there would be questions regarding their relationship. It was common knowledge that Louis had not had a mistress nor showed particular attention to any single lady for several years. Tongues would wag. Louis fell asleep considering their long day to come and dreamt of the mysterious Colette as he slumbered.

  CHAPTER 9

  Colette’s room was distinctly feminine. The bed had a white, billowy canopy, as if made of clouds, and crisp, white sheets. Light green wallpaper showcased framed prints of flowers. There were assorted delicate trinkets placed throughout the room which also had a botanical theme. A vase of fresh-cut roses sat on the table next to her bed. The wooden furniture was softened by pillows scattered on the settee and chair. There was a separate adjoining dressing room. When she looked inside, Colette noticed how paltry her wardrobe appeared with so much space to fill.

  Marguerite came in to help her dress for bed. It felt odd having someone assist her with a task she had done herself since childhood. She would have to get accustomed to it. After they acquired her new wardrobe, with all the layers of clothes and fastenings, she would require assistance.

  Already Colette wondered if she had taken on too much. Would she be able to do this? Could she believably act the part of Louis’s mistress? While she had pretended to be a man’s mistress in the past, it had only been for an evening, and she had never shared a home with a man. Most of her assignments entailed a few hours of play-acting, not days or weeks, which was now a real possibility. It did not help that Louis was so charismatic. He could be incorrigible at times. She would have to watch herself around him.

  Surprisingly, she slept well. The events of the last few days had caught up with her.

  The following morning, Colette had breakfast in her room while Marguerite drew her bath then helped her dress.

  “Have you worked long for Monsieur de Coligny, Marguerite?” Colette inquired while the maid brushed her hair.

  “I have been employed for four years. I was here when Madam de Coligny was alive.”

  “She is dead?”

  “Yes. I believe it has been about three years now. The master was heartbroken. He did not leave the house for weeks. He would only speak to Monsieur Pascal. It broke my heart to see the master so dismal.”

  Louis had been married; he was a widower. She would not have guessed from his demeanor. It appeared they both hid secret pain from their pasts. In a way, it made Louis seem more human, not just the arrogant, self-centered aristocrat, but a person with feelings who had loved and lost. The man had many layers to his character—all the more reason to be on her guard.

  An hour later, she stood at the top of the steps and took a deep breath before descending. Louis waited at the bottom, his gaze never leaving her. She was not sure if he was studying her or whether he, too, was having doubts. Whatever the answer, they had to proceed as planned. If she went back to Jacques and said Louis was no longer interested in their cause, he would certainly suspect something was amiss.

  Louis took her hand. “You look well rested. I hope all was too your liking?”

  “Everything has been wonderful. Again, thank you.”

  He offered his arm and guided her to the waiting carriage. As they started off, Louis spoke. “Now, today is about getting you outfitted. We will go to several shops, since I know ladies need other accessories: shoes, hats and other feminine apparel.”

  She did not answer.

  “I was married, Colette, so I am aware of what ladies require.”

  “I did not know. My apologies.” She lied about her knowledge of his previous marriage. Colette did not want to get Marguerite in trouble for telling her.

  “None needed. I just wanted to put you at ease. We are going to the best shops in Paris.”

  Colette’s stomach churned at the thought of the expense. She chewed the side of her lip. “But I cannot pay for such an extravagance.”

  Louis chuckled. “Not to worry, my dear. I will pay for all of it. You are supposed to be my mistress, after all. When our business concludes, you may do with it what you will: keep it or put it in the charity box. It doesn’t matter to me.”

  Was he letting her keep the clothes as a way to thank her, or did he expect to be paid back in another way? Well, he would not be repaid with anything of an intimate nature. She had promised herself long ago that the next time she would be with a man, it would be one of her choosing. Colett
e refused to be like other girls she had met over the years, who slept with men both for money and survival.

  She stayed silent until they pulled up to the first store front. It was a dressmaker's shop. The proprietress was familiar to Louis and greeted him with a bow. Louis wasted no time listing their needs. The lady took one look at Colette and, without a word, led her to a fitting area in the back of the store.

  The next two hours comprised a parade of dresses and patterns. Although she asked Louis for his approval, he told her he trusted her judgement. Colette requested alterations to some of her gowns. The dressmaker assured them she could have a few ready the next day. She would need an evening dress for the theater the following night.

  After that, they stopped at the milliner’s shop, then another dress shop. Colette was tired of being poked and prodded with pins. All she wanted to do was sink into a warm bath with a cup of tea.

  The dressmaker’s assistant was in the middle of helping Colette out of a gown when her employer called her away. Colette was desperate to be free of the confining garment. She gathered the material and tried to get it over her head, but the bottom fastenings were still hooked. Colette harrumphed in agitation.

  “Is everything all right?” Louis’s voice echoed with concern from outside the changing room.

  “I cannot get this damnable dress off. The girl left me. I swear, they want to torture me.”

  He chuckled. “I can help if you’d like.”

  Before Colette could answer, he had opened the drapes of the dressing area. He paused and caught her eye in the mirror. Colette swore she saw him swallow, as if his mouth had gone dry. Louis seemed to find his sense and approached her. With nimble fingers, he undid the last few fastenings on the gown. He finished so quickly that Colette failed to grab the dress before it fell to the ground.

  Her skin heated as Louis regarded her body. She still wore a crinoline cage, but her drawers and stockings were visible underneath. The corset she was wearing suddenly felt constricting, cutting off her air. She tried to take a deep breath, but she could not fill her lungs. Colette was sure he could hear her heart pounding out of her chest. Never in her life had she been so bare to a man’s perusal. Louis met her stare in the mirror, both of them frozen in place. A tiny part of Colette wanted him to touch her. She wondered what it would feel like if his hand caressed her arm.