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

by Laura Shipley

  “Alas, I cannot. We are expected at the Duc of Fronsac’s ball tonight.” He skimmed over the papers and signed at the bottom. “These all look in order.”

  “Perhaps I will see you there. I will be in attendance as well. Mayhap I can meet your enchanting lady.”

  “I would like that very much. We will see you tonight.”

  The two walked out, and Louis noticed the crates being set in the parlor, no doubt so André could look over his purchases. The trip home was short, but Louis had to hurry to prepare for the festivities of the evening.

  As soon as he walked in the door, a footman informed him that Henri was waiting in his study. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. What was Henri doing here? Did it have something to do with Galle?

  Louis went into the study and found his friend seated on a chair, waiting for him. Henri stood. “I know you have an engagement tonight, but I received news regarding the Duc of Fronsac.”

  “What?”

  “I have been informed that the Duc is in league with the Fox and may have communications in his possession implicating their connection.”

  “How do you know of this?”

  Henri pressed his lips together. “It is anonymous.”

  Louis threw his hands up in the air. “Do you not know, or are you simply not telling me?”

  “I do not know. I found the note on my desk. I did not recognize the handwriting.”

  How much more could happen in one day, Louis wondered. Since last night, it appeared that his life had suddenly become a series of misadventures. He could not bear another disappointment.

  “I know you are going to the Duc’s ball tonight and I thought you should know so you could investigate if you wished.”

  Louis stared at his friend. They had known each other for many years, but he could not get out of his head the image of Henri speaking to Galle. He lowered his head for a second then met Henri face on. “You would not betray me, would you?”

  At the accusation, Henri squared his shoulders and met his gaze unflinchingly. “You are my oldest friend, Louis. I would never betray our friendship, not for anything nor anyone.”

  Before today, Henri had never given Louis reason to question his loyalty. He could not let one incident overshadow their years together. “I believe you, my friend. I will try and find a way to sneak into the Duc’s study tonight.”

  “I would not lead you astray, Louis. You have to believe me.” Henri put on his hat. “Now, I will let you get ready for tonight.”

  Henri took his leave, and Louis went to his room to prepare for the evening. This day was getting better by the minute. Lord knew what was in store for him and Colette tonight.

  CHAPTER 12

  The silk dress fit perfectly. The seamstress had recommended a green hue to compliment her eyes, and she had been correct. When Colette gazed in the mirror, her eyes sparkled. But perhaps it was not just the new gown. The thought of being with Louis made her blush in anticipation. They would dance together. He would hold her close, demonstrating to all the supposed intimacy of their relationship.

  All day she kept replaying in her mind the intimate scene from last night, that moment when she had thought Louis would kiss her. If the orchestra had not played and brought her out of the haze, would she have succumbed to Louis? Part of her had been disappointed, but the practical side told her it was better this way.

  What was coming over her? At times, when she was around the man, all sense seemed to leave her. If only those damn smoky eyes did not make her knees go weak when they fixed on her. She had never felt any romantic inclination to a man in the past, but Louis was different from other men she had encountered.

  The maid had finished with her hair when a knock sounded on the door. It was Louis, and he carried a box.

  "I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  “No, we were just finishing.” Colette rose from her dressing table, allowing Louis full view of her gown. His eyes grew wide as he took her in. The green dress had slits in the sleeves where bursts of gold peeked out. The gown was just off her shoulders and came to a “V” in the front to accentuate her cleavage. The bodice on top set off her curvy hips and the crinoline underneath her skirts gave the material shape and movement. Dainty white gloves covered her hands. Her hair was a pile of curls, each carefully placed by the maid to frame her face. Louis’s gaze raked over her body.

  “Do you like it?”

  Louis swallowed the lump which had formed in his throat. “You are the most stunning creature I have ever seen.” He stepped closer.

  Her pulse quickened. As if suddenly remembering why he had come, Louis opened the box he held. Inside was a diamond-encrusted necklace. The chain had small teardrop diamonds around the front framing a large emerald with smaller diamonds surrounding it. It was the most exquisite piece of jewelry she had ever seen.

  “Oh, Louis.” She put her hand out but hesitated, afraid to touch such craftsmanship.

  “It’s been in my family for generations. I wrote the seamstress and asked the color of your dress so I could find something to match.”

  Colette’s heart did a flip. He had gone to all that trouble, just so he could find jewelry to compliment her wardrobe. No one had even been so considerate toward her.

  “Thank you.”

  Louis put the box on her dressing table, removed the strand and placed it around her neck. His fingers lingered on her skin a moment longer than necessary. Then he turned her around to see how she looked. A smile crossed his face.

  “There are earrings and a bracelet as well.”

  Colette put on the other pieces. Marguerite returned with Colette’s cloak and draped it over her shoulders. As they walked outside to the carriage, Louis told her there had been several developments during the day. During the ride he told her about his trip to the munitions factory after receiving the mystery note.

  “It is odd. Why would someone send me to that warehouse? I am missing something.” Louis leaned back in his seat.

  Colette sat across from him. “Do you still have the note?”

  “It is in my study at home. Why?”

  “I may recognize the handwriting.”

  “Good point. Why didn’t I think of that?” Louis grinned. “But that wasn’t the end of it. I saw Henri speaking to Galle today.”

  “Isn’t Galle under arrest?”

  “No, but he is being watched at all times. I cannot think of a reason for Henri to have to speak with Galle. They shook hands when they finished their conversation. Then, just before I arrived home, Henri said he received a tip that the Duc of Fronsac may have communications from the Fox. So, we will want to try to search his office tonight, if the opportunity arises.”

  Louis had had a most eventful day, Colette thought. He was right, there were key pieces missing from the puzzle.

  “I almost forgot the last bit. When I went to visit my godfather today, he spoke of some recent artwork he purchased. One piece was by the sculptor, Gauguin.”

  Colette’s ears hummed. It was one of the names she had heard last night. “Do you think there is a connection?”

  “I am not sure. Tomorrow I am going to have one of my private investigators ask around about any missing or stolen artwork and check the south side of the docks. It is the only idea I have come up with so far.”

  “Do you suspect your godfather is in possession of stolen goods?”

  Louis shrugged his shoulders. “André did not make the purchase—his secretary, Pierre, did—but he has always been a bit odd.”

  “Your godfather?”

  “Pierre. He’s been around ever since I was a young boy. He always seems like a specter, looming in the corner. He does not speak much, but I am sure he notices everything. It could merely be a coincidence.”

  “I think we have more questions than answers at this point.” Colette sighed in frustration. The longer they plodded along on their mission, the more convoluted things became. Now, they had to find a way to sneak into the Duc�
�s study during one of the biggest parties of the season. It would not be impossible, but it would take some planning. Once they got inside, Colette could better assess how to sneak away. She had done it before at events, but with her elaborate gown, she would be hard to miss, which might be problematic.

  They arrived fashionably late at the Duc of Fronsac’s home and entered a ball already in progress. Dancing couples filled the floor while bystanders stood scattered around the outskirts and overflowed into adjoining smaller rooms. The crowd was a sea of color. Ladies dressed in extravagant gowns of silk and lace wore enough jewelry to make any thief’s fingers twitch in greed. Strains of music drifted from the orchestra set up on the balcony. Colette recognized a few guests and nodded in greeting. She had met them during her years working for the Fox.

  She slipped into character; it was second nature at this point. Louis introduced her to some of his colleagues. Even though Louis introduced Colette as his friend, the gleam in the men’s eyes showed they understood it was more than just friendship. Thankfully, in France, it was acceptable to bring a mistress to social events. Louis was a known widower, so what harm was there if he wanted to have some fun?

  After a while, Louis guided Colette onto the dance floor. It was a waltz. He placed his arm around her waist and pulled her so close that Colette felt his warm breath against her neck as the music began. They twirled around the floor to the rhythm. She had never fancied dancing much in the past, but then she had never danced with Louis.

  When the dance ended Louis escorted her over to the refreshment table. They were nearly there when an older gentleman hailed them. He looked to be in his fifties with graying hair and a welcoming smile. Louis moved away from Colette to embrace the gentleman then gestured for her to join them.

  “Colette, allow me to introduce you to André Pascal, my godfather.”

  She curtsied. “It is a pleasure to meet you at last, monsieur.”

  “I can say the same thing about you, my dear.” André placed a kiss on each of Colette’s cheeks. “Louis has mentioned you from time to time, so I have been most eager to meet you. I must say, you look absolutely radiant.”

  “Thank you, monsieur. You are too kind.”

  The trio fell into amiable chatter. André amused her with tidbits of gossip regarding certain guests. The man was charming. It was easy to see that André cared a great deal for Louis. The music started for the next dance, a Mazurka.

  “May I have this dance?” André offered his hand to Colette.

  She grinned widely. “It would be my pleasure.”

  They lined up with three other couples. The first notes sounded, and the couples began the practiced steps. For a moment Colette fretted that she would stumble, but as they progressed through the song, her confidence increased. She was surprised how spry André was for a man his age. The dance ended and they rejoined Louis.

  “She is a gem, my boy,” André said to Louis, “and a wonderful dancer.” He turned to Colette and bowed over her hand. “Thank you for indulging an old man, my dear.”

  “The honor was all mine, monsieur. You are a very skilled dancer.”

  “Well, I will let you two mingle with the younger crowd. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

  “Have a good night, Uncle. I will talk to you in a day or two.” Louis shook André’s hand.

  The couple was left alone.

  “Your godfather is very kind.”

  Louis nodded his head. “He is the best man I know. He taught me everything, raised me as a son. I would not be where I am without his guidance.”

  Colette wished she’d had someone to love and care for her growing up. She had never known her parents, and in the orphanage, the nuns had been cruel and distant. Not the type of environment to encourage any child to flourish.

  “I did not know my parents either.”

  “It seems we are both orphans.” Louis held her hand.

  “But at least you had André.” She had to stop this depressing train of thought. They were here for a reason. “Have you thought about how to gain entrance to the Duc’s study?”

  “If my memory is correct, the hallway there, across the room, leads to the study and parlors. It has been some time since I was here, but I am reasonably certain. I will enter the study, under the pretense of meeting the Duc for a quick, private meeting.”

  “I think I should be the one to go and search.”

  Louis wrinkled his forehead. “Absolutely not. What if someone catches you? What excuse will you give if you are found?”

  While Colette appreciated Louis worrying about her well-being, she had completed missions like this one in the past. “I will be quite all right. Besides, I am good at finding where things are hidden. I can pick a lock with one of my pins, and I have my dagger hidden on my person.”

  At the last statement, Louis arched his brows in surprise. “Dare I ask where it is hidden?”

  “That is for me to know. Do not worry, I can take care of myself. If someone walks in, I can say I was waiting for you. No one will think anything of it. If you leave, someone might notice.”

  He shook his head. “And do you not think people will notice you, in that ballgown, wandering through the house?”

  Really, Louis could be insufferable at times. It reminded her why she worked best alone. There was no one else to worry about or argue with. She had to reassure Louis that she knew what she was doing.

  “I will not go right away. I will mingle through the crowd. You introduced me to some of the men on our list. Well, I want to speak to their wives and try to get us invitations to other events. Once I get close enough, I can just stroll down the hallway.” She squeezed his hand. “I have done this before. I know what I’m doing.”

  Louis stood there, contemplating her plan. He was like most men and probably thought a woman was not cut out for this type of life. How many times over the years had she proven people wrong? Colette had been in situations more dangerous than this and had come out unscathed. Louis had to let go of any misconceptions he had about women and their frail constitutions.

  “Very well,” Louis answered. “I will let you search, but I will not be far away. If you cannot find anything in ten minutes, I want you to get out of there. Promise me.”

  “I promise. I will be fine, Louis. I can take care of myself.”

  “I know, but I am still going to worry. I’m the one who involved you in this mess.” His gaze pierced her heart. An ache started in her chest. He cared. There was nothing she could say. “Shall we dance?” Louis gestured toward the center of the ballroom.

  They joined the crowd and did one last turn before they went their separate ways to socialize. This was one of the areas where Colette felt most comfortable. When her mask was in place and she was playing another character, she could blend in anywhere. She conversed with a group of ladies, some of whose husbands where on Jacques’s list of potential conspirators.

  Colette laughed and gossiped. She was quite animated and earned the admiration of her fellow guests. Even though she was at the party as Louis’s mistress, the wives still treated her with respect. Colette knew she was not the only woman in attendance who was not married to her escort. A handful of the ladies were so bold as to point out their husband’s mistress, if she were present. They took the infidelities in stride, so long as they got what they wanted in return.

  She extended an invitation for a select group of ladies to join her for tea the following afternoon. It would give her an opportunity to get to know them in a more intimate setting.

  At last, she neared the hallway where the study was located. She smiled and ended her conversation then slowly glided along the wall until she came to the corridor. There were doors on either side. She opened the first door. It was a small closet. The next door held a music room.

  Colette glanced over her shoulder periodically to make sure she was not being followed. Maybe the study was on the other side of the hallway. The next door she opened, she found it, a spacious room with a
spacious desk at the far and bookshelves built around both sides of the fireplace.

  Wasting no time, she approached the desk and began sifting through the papers on top. Finding nothing of value, she searched the drawers: stationery, envelopes, calling cards, all worthless. Of course, if someone were corresponding with a known criminal, they would not keep the letters in the open.

  After she searched the desk, Colette turned her attention to the bookshelves. Her back was to the door when she heard it creak open. She turned around to see two men standing in the doorway. They were not dressed in evening clothes—clearly not guests at the party—nor were they wearing servant’s livery.

  No doubt they were hired men of the Duc’s. Her gaze darted around the room. There was a set of windows on the opposite end of the room. She would have to get past both brutes before getting to them. She scanned the desk and surrounding area for a weapon. The dagger she carried was hidden under her skirts. The only other possibility was to try to talk her way out of the situation.

  She squared her shoulders, trying to appear more confident than she felt. “May I help you gentleman?”

  “What are you doing in here? This room is off limits to the guests,” the first man said. He was average height and had a scar just above his right eyebrow.

  Colette smiled sheepishly. “That is why I am here. I was waiting for my lover. We needed someplace quiet to meet, away from the other guests, without fear of . . . interruption.” She slowly came around to the front of the desk.

  “It looked like you were snooping around.” The second fellow spoke up. He had a cap on his round head and stood a few inches taller than his partner.

  “I was admiring the Duc’s collection while I waited.” Her hands brushed over the small bronze statue that sat on the desk. She grabbed it and hid it behind her back before sauntering toward the men. “I am sorry if I alarmed you gentleman. Alas, it seems I will not have my romantic interlude this evening after all. What a pity. I will take my leave and cause you no further alarm.”

  Colette was just about to pass the first man when he grabbed her arm. “You aren’t going anywhere. We need to ask you some questions.”