Pearls

by L. M. Pruitt

  “I hope you find your time in the district educational.” Widening my eyes and raising my brows, I said, “Was there anything else you cared to discuss, my lord?”

  “I understand Gaston paid you a visit this afternoon.”

  I blinked. Common gossip was the last thing I would have expected from the Vicomte. “Yes, the Prince was here for a few hours.”

  “I would ask if he had signed one of your infamous contracts but I know you far too well to think you’ll betray your precious confidentiality.” The Vicomte continued to smile, a sort of unholy mischief shining in his eyes. “I suppose a person in your position needs all the allies they are able to collect.”

  “And what position would that be, Arnaud?” The Duke glided in to the room, still far too pale for my liking but with clear eyes and an easy smile. Coming to a stop next to my chair, he inclined his head, waiting a beat before continuing. “Please, enlighten us.”

  “Oh, I don’t think that’s necessary.” He stood, straightening his waistcoat. “I’m sure Lady Saint-Laurent is more than aware of the true nature of her social standing.”

  “Far more aware than you are of your own, it seems.” The Duke squeezed my shoulder gently, holding me in place when I would have stood as well. “You have not even begun one exile and already you seek to gain another.”

  “And I suppose you think such a thing would be easy to accomplish, given your close, personal relationship with our liege.” The Vicomte didn’t quite sneer—even in anger, he was too dignified for such an expression—but the twitch and curl of his lips came very close. “Enjoy the warmth of our monarch’s embrace while you are able. You will not always have such privilege.”

  The Vicomte delivered a short, sharp bow before spinning on his heels and exiting the room at a brisk pace. I waited until I heard the front door slam closed before turning to the Duke. “What did he mean by that? Is there something amiss?”

  “No, Marguerite.” Stroking my cheek, he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “You know Arnaud enjoys nothing so much as stirring the pot in an effort to cause dissent.”

  “Yes.” I exhaled slowly, reaching up and wrapping my fingers around his wrist. “I suppose you’re right.” Forcing a smile, I said, “How is your head, dearest?”

  “Much better, my little fishwife.” He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, lingering for a moment before straightening. “I thank you, both for your loving care and for putting up with my curmudgeonly self.”

  I laughed as he pulled me to my feet, shaking my head. “Dearest, you are far from a curmudgeon.” Threading my arm through his, I leaned my head against his shoulder as I steered him toward the door. “You’ll join us for dinner?”

  “Of course, my sweet.” He chuckled as we made our way down the hall to the dining room. “I am most curious about this student of yours who is perfect for Gaston.”

  “So perfect he has already signed a contract.” I smiled up at him, giggling when he stared at me, slack-jawed. “I’ve told you before, I am very, very good at this sort of thing, Your Grace.”

  “Yes, you are.” He started to laugh. “You most definitely are.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Again, please, Harriet.”

  She clenched her jaw but turned, crossing the room with slow and measured steps. She made it to the halfway point before the book resting on top of her head wobbled, slipped, and toppled to the floor. Stomping her foot, she whispered, “Damn it, damn it, damn it!”

  “Remind me to begin teaching you French.” I glanced up from my paperwork, using the end of the fountain pen to scratch my nose absently. “For one, it’s used quite routinely by the Prince and I would assume by the members of his household as well.” When I caught sight of her aggrieved expression, I bit back a chuckle. “It is also considered a somewhat more acceptable language in which to curse.”

  “I don’t know what I’m doing any of this for.” She kicked at the book with her kid slipper, sending it sailing across the room. It was hardly the first time that particular book had been subjected to such treatment and I doubted it would be the last. Planting her hands on her hips, she stomped her foot again. “It’s walking. I know how to walk.”

  “You know how to walk, yes. The wife of a Prince is expected to be above such pedestrian things.”

  She stared at me, her mouth shifting in to something between a frown and a pout. “I don’t know what that means.”

  “You must learn how to glide, to float.” When she continued to stare at me in confusion, I sighed and rose to my feet. “Like so.” Back straight, hands clasped together loosely at my waist, I crossed to where she stood, the skirt of my dress barely moving around me. Stopping directly in front of her, I lifted my brows. “See?”

  “Yes, but I still don’t know why it’s so important.” She started to cross her arms only to roll her eyes and stomp her foot when I clucked my tongue. “If I marry the Prince--.”

  “When you marry the Prince, Harriet.” I didn’t remind her of the contract she had signed very willingly yesterday afternoon. Something told me she was not in the mood to deal with practicalities. “As you were saying?”

  “The only people who will be more important than me or the Prince are the King and his family and his favorites.” When I nodded, she crossed her arms, smiling in—false—triumph. “So how I walk or talk don’t matter.”

  “Leaving aside the absolutely appalling concept of basic grammar you just now exhibited, I regret to inform you that every aspect of your behavior matters, as it reflects not only on my school and myself but on the Prince.” I paused a beat, lifting both brows. “Now, do you really wish to spend your married life constantly embarrassing your husband?”

  “No.” Her shoulders slumped forward, her entire body nearly curling in on itself. “He’s too nice.” She peeked up at me through thick lashes, smiling shyly. “You, too. Even if all this stuff is stupid.”

  “It only seems stupid because it’s something different than what you’re used to and you’re having difficulties mastering the skill.” Stepping behind her, I grasped her shoulders, pulling them up and back until they once again formed a straight line. I did the same with her waist and then her hips before returning the book to the top of her head. “Now, you must remember to keep everything above your hips perfectly still. The only part of you which is truly mobile is your legs.”

  When she took a single step forward, the book wobbling on her head, I stopped her and righted the tome. “Do not hurry. Take all the time you need with each step. People will wait on you if you make the waiting worth their while. Try again.”

  Inhaling slowly, she shifted forward a bare half inch. The book stayed in place but I still clicked my tongue against my teeth. “Do not shuffle your feet. I promise you, even in a room full of music and chatter the King will be able to hear the very undignified scrape of your slipper over the carpet.”

  Her hands clenched in to tiny fists at her sides but she took another step forward, this one small and quiet and, finally, perfect. I let out the breath I’d been holding and nodded, even though she could not see me. “Good. Continue in that manner.”

  As she continued her agonizing journey from one end of the room to the other, I returned to my own seat, and more specifically to the various bills. Although it had been many, many years since money had been an issue, I was still unable to prevent the knot of worry which settled in my stomach every time I dealt with accounts. Although the Duke did not approve of the minute strain to my health, he also knew the reason I would not appoint the task to someone else.

  It was far easier to lose a fortune than to gain one and the easiest way to do so was by not being aware of the state of one’s own household.

  I had finally finished dealing with the butcher and was just beginning work on the vintner when the parlor door opened. Victoria glided in, her movement so smooth the precariously balanced blue-black curls balanced on her head did not so much as shiver. “Madame, it is time f
or the beginning lessons.”

  “Damn it all to hell.” Sighing, I straightened the papers to the point where I would be able to make some sense of them the next time I was able to devote an hour to the work. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Harriet attempting to stifle a giggle and I shot her a mock scowl. “As I said, it is more acceptable to curse in a second language. That does not mean restraint is necessary in every situation.”

  “The students are already gathered in the second story classroom, Madame.” Victoria clasped her hands at her waist, the snow white starched lace encircling the hem of her sleeve crackling with the movement. As usual, her dress was more appropriate for a state funeral than for a house in the pleasure district but it was her preference. “If you have no further need of me, I would like to retire to my rooms for the reminder of the afternoon.”

  “Yes, of course.” I took a moment to study her face, her features as calm and serene as ever. The only indication anything was amiss was the widened red rim around her dark blue irises. “Is your leg troubling you today?”

  “Some, Madame.” Panic flickered in her eyes, the tiniest flash, but evident all the same. “It usually does this time of year.”

  “I’m so sorry it slipped my mind.” I rested my hand on her shoulder, both of us choosing to ignore her minute flinch. Much like the panic in her gaze, it was far too instinctive for her to control and far too heart breaking for me to feel offended by. “I’ll handle lessons for the next few days. I’ll see if the Duke is able to assist me today; if not, I’ll ask Rosalie and Alain to demonstrate.”

  “Thank you, Madame.” She dipped a brief curtsey before walking stiffly toward the hydraulic lift. The iron gate clanged shut behind her before the otherwise silent machine ascended to the third story.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Harriet’s question seemed unnaturally loud and I pressed a hand to my chest in an effort to control my too fast heart. When I glanced over at her, she flushed and swallowed. “I didn’t know vampyres moved all hurt like.”

  “First, it is beyond rude to inquire after someone’s health when you do not have a sufficient relationship to do so.” I waited until she stammered out an apology, her face somehow managing to flame even redder, before continuing. “Second, while vampyres can and do heal a variety of injuries, they cannot heal all injuries, especially those inflicted with a combination of fire and holy water.”

  “But the people at the orphanage said--.”

  “Third, and perhaps most important, it is considered quite tiresome to provide nothing to a conversation but questions.” I tempered my reprimand with a slight smile and a gentle squeeze of her shoulder. “Curiosity, while vital to a wide and varied education, is not to be indulged in polite conversations.”

  “Yes, Madame.” She fell in to step next to me, her gait less smooth than before but a definite improvement over the near galloping she’d exhibited since her arrival. After a few minutes, she cleared her throat. “What sort of lessons take place in the afternoon?”

  I chuckled and patted her hand. “Most informative ones.”

  “If you would all be so kind as to take your seats.” I waited until the nervous chatter died away and most, if not all, of the students were facing forward attentively. “I hope everyone enjoyed the morning excursion to the art museum.”

  I smiled at the chorus of exclamations, so similar to those uttered by Sophie while recounting her afternoon at the zoo. After a few minutes, I held up a hand, the single gesture cutting through the noise. “I’m very happy to hear that. Now, I’d like to inform you of the topic of this afternoon’s lesson.” I studied the sea of faces, some eager, some scared, some confused. “The kiss.”

  One of the older boys raised his hand, his voice strong and clear when I nodded at him. “Forgive my impertinence, Madame, but some of us have already had this lesson. Multiple times.”

  “It is a foolish individual who would believe they have learned everything there is to know about the art of seduction.” The Duke leaned in to the room, his face angled so only I was able to see his wink. “You do not strike me as foolish, Albert.”

  Albert began to stammer out an apology, although whether it was to myself or the Duke was unclear, snapping his teeth together when I laughed. Crossing to the door, I tugged the Duke further in to the classroom, shaking my head. “Your Grace, I have asked you repeatedly to not terrorize my pupils.”

  “He doesn’t seem terrorized so much as embarrassed.” When the class as a whole started to rise, the Duke waved a white-gloved hand at them absently. “All of the formality is unnecessary, especially in light of the fact I am about to be reduced to a living doll.”

  “I have also asked you to not speak so poorly of me while in the presence of my students.” Sighing more than a little dramatically, I pushed my lower lip in to an exaggerated pout while fluttering my lashes. “I am afraid you have injured my feelings most horribly, Your Grace.”

  “Then by all means, I must strive to set things to rights.” His lips tilted upward ever so slightly, the gentle curve undeniably wicked. “If, of course, you will allow me the chance.”

  “I’m not sure I feel so inclined, Your Grace.” I turned away from him, clasping my hands together as I lifted my chin. Although I had intended to teach only the most basic of lessons, I could not pass up such a perfect opportunity to demonstrate something all the students would need to be skilled at in order to succeed along their chosen path. “As I said, you have injured me most grievously.”

  “Have I, my sweet?” The Duke’s use of such a generic endearment told me he saw through my ruse and was well aware of my intended lesson. If he was truly concerned, he would have addressed me more personally, audience or no audience. The faint rustle of fabric reached my ears a mere second before he rested his hands on my shoulders. “I was not aware you possessed such a sensitive nature.”

  I gasped in mock outrage, wrenching away only to whirl to face him. “Your Grace, if you persist in treating me which such disregard, you will leave me no choice but to ask you to depart.”

  “Disregard, my sweet?” He frowned, his brow furrowing. “I hold you in the highest of regards.” Moving forward, he grasped my chin in one hand, effectively locking me in to one place. “Allow me to demonstrate.”

  I kept my gaze steady on his as he leaned closer, his lips parted slightly. Where I would have normally risen to meet him, I stayed completely still. He was, after all, apologizing to me.

  His lips brushed over mine gently, almost hesitantly. I swallowed down a chuckle at the idea of the Duke being unsure about anything. Instead, I thought of the various merchants accounts I still needed to settle, the preparations which still needed to be handled before Nicolae and his entourage arrived, whether or not Ava would be able to complete a new ball gown for me or whether I would need to contract the work out.

  As a result, when the Duke sank his teeth in to my lower lip with a firm nip, my gasp was genuine. Focusing on him again, I found him watching me with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Drawing back, he whispered, “Do you need more proof of my affections, my sweet?”

  Instead of answering, I once again turned away, something I was only able to do because he released me. Lifting my chin, I said, “I am unconvinced, Your Grace.”

  “Hmm.” He skimmed a single gloved finger down the nape of my neck, the only skin bared with the exception of my face and hands. Like my previous gasp, my shudder was genuine; his low, raspy chuckle even more so. “I must try harder to regain some footing in your good graces, it would seem.”

  I closed my eyes, my chin dropping as he pressed his lips to the same spot where his finger had recently been. “If you think to ply me with your charms--.”

  “No charms, my sweet.” His words were only slightly muffled as he continued to pay homage, his soft kisses lighting every nerve in my body. “Only the purest of affections.”

  Reaching out blindly, I braced my hands against the window sill as my knees started to t
remble. I was unable to hold back a sigh when he brought his tongue in to play, even as I wondered how much longer either of us would be able to continue the charade. “Your Grace--.”

  “Do you desire more convincing, my sweet?” He pressed himself against me, curving his body around mine. If I had needed any proof he was as affected by the game as I was, I needed it no longer. “Only say the word and I will grovel, most willingly, on my knees.”

  The image of him doing just that was nearly my undoing and I sucked in a deep breath as I straightened, the movement putting a few, very vital, inches between us. Turning to face the enraptured class, I cleared my throat before speaking. “And that, my dears, is how one should begin the process of soothing the feelings of your respective partners.” Nodding at the Duke, I said, “I do believe that concludes the practical portion of the afternoon lessons, Your Grace.”

  “Pity.” Taking my hand, he lifted it and brushed a light kiss over my knuckles before once again grinning wickedly. “I believe I would have enjoyed groveling.”

  The childish giggles, so at odds with the glint in the Duke’s eyes, helped dispel the aura of sexual tension in the room. Rolling my eyes, I shook my head before extracting my hand from his and shooing him toward the door. “I thank you to leave me to my students, Your Grace.”

  “If you insist.” Pausing at the threshold, he executed a deep bow before ruining the gesture with a wink. “Until later, Lady Saint-Laurent.”

  Forcing down a smile, I turned back to the class. “As I said, that is only the beginning of the process of soothing and apologizing to your friend, something which you will all need to do at some point or another.” Crossing to the desk, I settled myself in the stiff-backed chair. “Pen and papers, everyone. Pay close attention and take plenty of notes.”