The spell was broken a moment later when chatter from the shop owner and the assistant brought them around. Louis shook his head and put on a sheepish grin just as the assistant came in behind him.
“Oh, monsieur, you startled me,” the proprietress said.
“Apologies, but my lady was in distress and needed assistance with the removal of her gown. Of course, I had to come to her aid. Thank goodness you came when you did. Who knows what else I would have removed?”
The last part had the desired effect on the young assistant, who giggled as she picked up the gown.
“I will let you ladies finish.” With a flourish, Louis closed the drapes.
He did that so well, Colette thought. Louis could change his countenance with a snap of the fingers. She would have to be careful. How would she know which was the real Louis? Why should it be of any consequence to her? It was not as if they would have a true relationship. As long as she got her revenge on the Fox, that was all that mattered. Her mind on the task she had set for herself, she slipped into her old dress.
After a rest in her room that afternoon, Colette joined Louis for dinner. During the meal Louis outlined what the next night at the theater would entail. He outlined the names of government officials and upper-class families, including nobility, who might be present.
“I thought all noble and hereditary titles were abolished after the revolution.”
“The hereditary titles were restored in 1852. Even with the titles in place, some old sods are nearly bankrupt but still have their pride. I carry the hereditary title of Comte, but it means nothing to me. Although, I will admit, having the title does allow me to gain entrance almost anywhere I please, and in my line of work that is useful.”
“Do you wish to be a commoner?”
He opened his mouth to answer, but closed it, as if rethinking his response. Louis pursed his lips, lost in thought. Finally, he spoke. “I wish to be a man of worth, regardless of my lineage. I do not believe our lives should be shaped by the circumstances of our birth. I have worked with men from all walks of life over the years, and I have known many poor men who had more pride and courage than dukes. They are my equals, which is why I choose to not throw my title around. I want to earn a man’s respect by my own deeds and nothing more.”
Louis was turning out to be a more complex character than Colette had originally thought. At every turn, there was something new uncovered.
Their conversation was interrupted when a footman came in with a letter for Colette. Puzzled, she took the envelope. Her hand shook when she saw Jacques’s handwriting. She glanced at Louis, who gave a slight nod, so she broke the seal on the letter. After she scanned the contents, Colette put the paper on the table.
Louis waited.
“He says the Fox was most pleased with your information. They succeeded in taking the first ship last night. Jacques has enclosed a list of names. We are to find out anything of interest about those named.”
“Anything information in particular?”
Colette’s throat had gone dry. Her next words were almost a whisper. “Information that may be useful in the future for blackmail or, if we are confident enough, to recruit these men to our cause.”
“So it appears the Fox and Jacques have taken the bait.”
“What if it’s a trap?”
Louis furrowed his brow. “Why would it be a trap? They know nothing of our plan.”
“I do not know, but I feel as if we are being tested.”
“That’s exactly what it is, my dear. The Fox wants to test our loyalties—both of us. This test is just as important to you as it is to me. If we fail, it will be both of our lives at stake.”
“I have dealt in blackmail in the past, but how do you ask someone if they want to work for the largest criminal in France?”
“That’s where I come in. I know these people, and I can already tell you a few who would jump at the opportunity. That is why the Fox needs us: because we can do what he cannot, move freely in high society and see who is ripe for the picking. But let me be clear, Colette. You are not to do anything that could put you at risk of discovery.”
The sincerity in his voice touched her.
“Your job is to be another set of eyes and ears and to keep up a convincing correspondence with Jacques. If they believe we are making progress, they will have no reason to be suspicious.”
“Very well.”
“May I see the list?”
She handed Louis the letter. It was an impressive list which included a navy admiral, two counselors from the Ministry of Defense, and several others with whom she was not familiar. It seemed the Fox’s agenda was to get his fingers into every part of the government.
“Hopefully, some of these men will be at the theater tomorrow. It is opening night of a new show, which always draws a crowd.” Louis placed the paper on the table. “Shall we go into the parlor?”
“I think I will retire early. It was a long day. Thank you for providing such a lovely wardrobe for me, Louis.”
“Of course. I will see you in the morning. Good night.”
“Good night.” Colette watched Louis disappear down the hall. Her head throbbed, and her thoughts were scattered in a hundred directions. As soon as Marguerite had helped her undress, she asked the maid for a cup of tea.
Even after spending an hour sitting by the fire with her tea, Colette remained restless. Perhaps a book would distract her. She put on her dressing gown, grabbed a candle, and went to the library.
The room was massive. Shelves lined the walls on opposite sides with ladders reaching to the ceiling. At the far end a fire burned in the hearth with chairs set invitingly near the flames. She had learned to read in the orphanage and had even stolen some books just for the pleasure of reading. It was a gift she had bestowed on the children. Colette knew that with knowledge came power, and she wanted the children to have the best lives they could.
Her eyes roamed the sizable room. She strolled over to the shelves on the left and studied the titles. After some consideration she chose a book of poems, not a favorite of hers, but she hoped it would be enough to put her to sleep. As she turned to leave, she heard footsteps, and a moment later Louis’s frame came through the doorway.
Colette jumped, startled to see him. He appeared just as surprised. While she was in her dressing gown, Louis still wore his dinner clothes except for his jacket. He gave a quick bow. “I apologize if I scared you. I wanted to fetch a book for the night. I see you had the same idea.” He motioned to the book in her hand.
At last Colette found her voice. “Yes. I could not sleep. I’m hoping this poetry will help.”
“Do you like poetry?” He stepped closer.
“Not really, which is why I chose it.”
“You do not enjoy reading about love everlasting, damsels in distress and the knights who rescue them? All those tales of chivalrous acts?” His tone gave away nothing.
“Poems are written by fools, people who do not wish to see life for what it truly is, cold and cruel. How can a person write about beauty in death, or that unrequited love is better than no love at all? What nonsense. The only people who like poetry are young, innocent girls who live sheltered lives in houses such as these. Poetry is for the naive and gullible.”
Colette had seen first-hand how cruel and unforgiving the world could be. She had seen death, and it was filled with neither dignity nor beauty; it was bitter and void of light. Only the rich could afford to exist in a world of such ignorance.
She looked down at the book and felt silly for choosing it and even more foolish for displaying such vehemence. When she looked up, Louis had moved closer, only a few steps away. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing the light-colored hairs on his chest.
Louis’s proximity made her hot and flustered. Her palms became damp, and the book slipped from her grasp. As she bent to retrieve it, Louis did the same. Their hands met on the book, a thousand bolts of lightning racing between their f
lesh. Colette almost gasped from the sensation. Louis’s expression grew heated as his lips parted.
He put his other hand on her arm and helped her stand. Colette closed her eyes for a moment to collect her bearings. By the time she opened them, Louis had released his hold. Her skin felt scorched where he had touched her. Neither of them said a word as Colette walked past him and returned to her room. Sleep would likely elude her tonight because Louis’s d ark, penetrating gaze would haunt her dreams. No man had ever affected her this way. It made her feel scared and excited at the same time.
CHAPTER 10
What in the hell had he been thinking? He had almost kissed Colette, and still, hours later, he yearned for a taste. Louis spent the remainder of the night in his room with a raging erection. He did not take care of the issue but instead let it resolve itself. Even though he wanted nothing more than to take himself in hand, he felt it would be an insult to Colette.
After his promise to be a gentleman, a simple touch had almost made him take leave of his senses. His reaction was likely, in part, because it had been almost year since he had bedded a woman. It was not for lack of interested partners, but rather his preference not to partake. With a restless night before him and another tedious day ahead, Louis rang for a bath. He had business to attend in the morning. With any luck, he could take a short rest in the afternoon before they had to prepare for the theater.
Louis would be a fool not to admit he was nervous about tomorrow. They had already discussed a story regarding the beginning of their acquaintance since the question would no doubt arise.
Tomorrow would be the first test of their ability to work together. Colette was like him, accustomed to working alone. She could be stubborn at times, but he hoped she would take his lead at the theater. Colette might have been on the fringes of high society, but tomorrow, she would be thrown to the vultures, and she needed to survive, for both of their sakes.
Louis ate breakfast alone the next day but left a message for Colette. He had meetings in the morning and would be back by the afternoon. The first stop he made was to the bank to have additional funds sent to his estate where the children were staying. Next, he met with the editor of the newspaper he owned.
He was on route to his next errand when he encountered Henri.
“I was on my way to your home,” his friend said. “I ran into Pierre, and he gave me the theater tickets you requested.”
“Thank you.” Louis put the tickets in his jacket pocket. “Tonight is our first foray into public view with our scheme.”
“Do you need anything from me?”
“No, it should be simple enough, socializing and introducing Colette. She received a list of potential people to recruit, so we will be keeping an eye on who makes an appearance tonight.”
Henri nodded his head. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
“Thank you, my friend. Will you be visiting the warehouse site today?”
“Yes. Since you and André signed the contract, we are finalizing the details. They should be able to break ground next week.”
“Excellent. Keep me posted.”
The friends parted ways. Louis filled the rest of his morning with business then made a short stop at the Ministry of Defense. Since Louis worked with the Ministry in an unofficial capacity, he could come and go as he pleased. He had a private office at one of warehouses he owned, where he, Henri, and the rest of his staff conducted daily affairs. At the Ministry, Louis did not tell General Lochte about the list of names—the fewer people aware, the better. Besides, if Galle had been blackmailed into leaking information, that meant everyone was vulnerable. Best to keep his cards close to his chest, for now.
The day passed and night arrived. Louis dressed in his formal evening suit, complete with black jacket and trousers, a starched white shirt and black cravat. A navy-blue vest was the only hint of color. While he waited for Colette, he put a finger under his collar. The room felt warm. Damned fire was burning too hot, he cursed silently.
The door to the parlor opened, and Colette entered. Her dress was a dark violet silk which played well against her smooth, cream-colored skin. The amber highlights in her hair seemed more pronounced in contrast to the rich deep-purple material. Her hands were sheathed in delicate white gloves. Her locks were artfully piled on her head and fastened with a bejeweled comb. For a moment, he stood speechless.
After a moment he found his voice and his manners. “You look lovely, Colette.” He took her gloved hand and kissed it. He could swear a slight blush tinged her cheeks.
“You are most kind. The gown is beautiful.”
“It merely sets off the gorgeous woman wearing it.”
Another rush of color stole into her cheeks. She may have professed last night that love was for fools, but she clearly found enjoyment in his flattering remarks. The butler entered with Colette’s cloak, and the spell was broken. Louis put on his hat, and they were out the door.
During the ride, Louis took the time to collect his thoughts. Tonight was not for pleasure but for establishing his relationship with Colette and introducing her to his acquaintances.
He glanced at Colette, seated next to him. She chewed on her bottom lip as she peered out the window and fiddled with the edge of her cloak. Louis placed his hand over hers. The gesture made her jerk her head around to face him. Louis perceived a hint of worry in her eyes. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance and smiled.
“All will be well. Do not worry. I will be with you every moment tonight.” He rubbed a thumb over her gloved hand. “Besides, haven’t you done this before? At Laurent’s house party, you were quite confident. I distinctly remember you flirting with me at the ruins.”
The mention of their first meeting seemed to ease the tension from Colette. Her hands stilled. Louis laced his fingers through hers.
“That was different. At those parties, I am no one. In the blink of an eye, I am barely a memory. Now, I am someone with a past, a fixture, for the time being, in people’s lives. I cannot afford to make a mistake. Plus, I am not used to people paying much attention to me. Being noticed does not help most thieves.”
Louis could not help himself and grinned. “My dear, I don’t think anyone will be able to look past you tonight. You are too lovely for people not to take notice. Plus, it is rare that I come to the theater, let alone with a companion, so we will be the subject of much scrutiny and speculation this evening.”
“I am sure the ladies will ogle you. You cut a fine figure in your evening wear.”
“Is that a compliment?”
Colette pursed her lips. “I am merely stating a fact.” She sighed. “Besides, I am sure you do not need me to point out the obvious.”
“Well, I appreciate it nonetheless. Thank you.” He raised her hand and kissed it. “And I will say again, you look stunning in that gown.”
“I do not need any compliments, sir. I am aware that my features are quite plain and common.”
“My dear Colette. A man would have to be blind not to notice you. You are more attractive than you realize. Any man would be honored to have you by his side. Thankfully, for now, you are mine.” Louis leaned forward, the blood thundering in his head.
Before he could do anything rash, the carriage pulled up in front of the theater. Colette pulled her hand away from his. Louis stepped down and then turned to assist Colette. They ascended the steps, not stopping until they entered the building. Once inside, the cacophony echoed in the spacious lobby. Louis wanted to get to his box as soon as possible and guided Colette through the crowd.
They had just made it up the grand staircase to the boxes on the second-floor balcony when an old school acquaintance, Gerard Marchal, stopped them.
“Louis, how surprising to see you here tonight.” He extended his hand.
Louis shook Marchal’s hand. “I thought it was time for a change of scenery. How are you, my friend?”
“Well enough. My wife and children are at my country esta
te, so I thought I would join some friends here for the evening.” His gaze finally fell on Colette. “And who is this enchanting creature?” Marchal took Colette’s hand and kissed it.
“This is Mademoiselle Colette Dubois. She is a close friend of mine,” Louis said with a sheepish grin. “Colette, my darling, allow me to introduce Gerard Marchal. We went to school together.”
“The pleasure is all mine, mademoiselle.”
“Thank you, monsieur.” Colette gave a short curtsy.
Marchal examined Colette. A shot of possession swept through Louis. He wanted to put himself between Marchal and Colette and rip his eyes out for leering at her so unabashedly.
“Well, my dear, if you find yourself bored with Louis, I am sure I could find some ways to entertain you.”
Without batting an eyelash at the comment, Colette cocked her chin and met his ogling stare. “I assure you, Monsieur de Coligny has been keeping me quite satisfied. I have never before met a man who has measured up to Louis’s . . . standards.” Her eyes dropped toward Marchal’s groin. “I am certain you would not as well, Monsieur. Now if you will excuse us.”
Together the couple walked down the hallway to their designated box. Louis did not say a word until they were seated. “Good Lord, that was incredible. You were wonderful. Did you see the look on Marchal’s face? I swear his jaw dropped to the ground.”
“I was too busy trying not to punch the pig in the face.” She put her hand on her chest to slow her breathing.
“You handled yourself well enough—brilliantly, in fact. If there were any doubts about us pulling this charade off, you just pushed them to the wayside.”
“Are you certain I was not too rude?”
Louis burst into laughter. “It was perfect. Marchal knows I would never have a quiet, timid mistress. You played the part splendidly. I’m proud of you.”
The Secret to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 4) Page 8
