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

by Laura Shipley

  Madam Chabot was the first guest to arrive. The lady was in her early fifties, but wore clothes made for a woman half her age. Her husband was one of the most prominent bankers in France. Per Louis, the banker had his fingers in various enterprises around the city, some legal and some not.

  The other ladies arrived shortly afterwards. There was Madame Gobeil, whose husband worked closely with the Minister of Finance. Another worthwhile conspirator for the Fox to have in his pocket. Monsiuer Gobeil had access to how the funds for the country were dispersed and the avenues to divert the money.

  Madams Marion and Renault both had husbands who were politicians in the French government. Finally, there was Madame Lesage. She was an interesting character, Colette thought. She was a widow and lived with her deceased cousin’s husband, Monsieur Paulin, a prominent businessman. The story circulated was that she had cared for her dying cousin. When Madame Paulin had died, Madame Lesage had stayed on and was now rumored to be Monsieur Paulin ’s mistress.

  Once the ladies were seated, Colette poured the tea, and the guests helped themselves to food.

  “Thank you for the invitation,” Madame Gobeil said between bites. “It was so nice to see Monsieur de Coligny out in public. The poor man keeps to himself too much.”

  “Unless he has been preoccupied lately?” Madame Marion implied with a pointed grin at Colette.

  “Monsieur de Coligny and I have been enjoying each other’s company.”

  Madame Gobeil giggled. “My dear, I do not think there is anyone in this room who would blame you. He is a handsome man.”

  The rest of the company agreed. A pang of jealousy hit Colette. Had any of these women slept with Louis? Madame Gobeil was young enough to catch Louis’s interest, as was Madame Lesage. A woman who would have an affair with her dead cousin’s husband could certainly have no qualms about having other partners.

  “How did you two meet?” asked Madame Renault.

  Colette recited the story she and Louis had agreed upon. “We met through a mutual friend a few months ago.” They had decided to keep things simple. Too many details and there was the risk of being caught in the lie.

  “It appears you are benefiting very well from the friendship,” Madame Chabot chimed in. “Your gown last night was stunning. You must tell me who is your seamstress.”

  Colette smiled in acknowledgement. “Madame Gobeil, I believe your husband and Louis have been acquainted for several years.”

  The young lady put down her teacup. “Yes, they went to school together. I only married Arthur two years ago, so I do not know Monsieur de Coligny very well. I am hoping we can remedy that in the coming future. My husband mentioned possible joint business ventures that may be lucrative to both parties.”

  Was she referring to working for the Fox? Colette would have to tread carefully. “Well, in that case, I am sure we will be seeing more of each other. I support Louis in all of his endeavors.”

  “We all have a stake in our partners’ futures, wouldn’t you say, Paulette?” Madame Marion asked Madame Renault. “As the wife of government officials, we are extensions of our husbands.”

  “I agree,” Madame Renault answered. “At times, I have counseled my husband on important affairs. A wise man will appreciate a smart woman by his side.”

  “I could not agree more,” Madame Chabot said.

  Madame Lesage spoke up. “Some men underestimate how useful a good woman can be.”

  “Are you speaking from experience?” Madam Chabot asked.

  Madame Lesage narrowed her gaze on the older woman. “I no longer have a husband to order me about and, therefore, I am able to make my own decisions.”

  “You are like me, madame,” Colette leaned toward the lady. “We are independent, enterprising women who chose our own paths in life.”

  “At last, a kindred spirit.” Madame Lesage draped her arm over Colette’s. “My dear, I hope we get to see more of each other. I believe you and Monsieur de Coligny are of a like mind to me. My deceased cousin’s husband, Monsieur Paulin, can be apprehensive when it comes to new partnerships. At times he needs some convincing.”

  “Well, I am sure I can help persuade the gentleman if there is ever a need.” Colette said in a soothing tone.

  So far, the conversation had proven fruitful. Colette would advise Louis that they should center their efforts on Madams Lesage and Gobeil. It would be preferable to limit the number of people they focused on at one time. But she would not rule out the other ladies’ husbands in the future.

  The women continued to chat amongst themselves. At one point, Madame Lesage led Colette over to the veranda windows where they had some privacy.

  “May I call you, Colette?”

  “Please do.”

  “Then you must call me Marie. I want to extend an invitation to you and de Coligny to dine with us on Thursday. I believe there are issues that would be best discussed in a more intimate setting.” Madam Lesage’s gaze swept over the other guests.

  “I am sure Louis will be happy to accept your invitation.”

  “I assume you know about my exact relationship with Paulin.”

  Colette had to decide how to handle the woman. She seemed intelligent and would probably not like her beating around the bush. “Yes, I am aware.”

  “Then a word of advice to you, Colette. Do not fall in love with de Coligny.”

  It was not what she had expected to hear. “I am not in love with Louis. My plan is to use his power and influence to better my lot in life, as any independent woman should do. When I have gotten all I can, then I will move on.” Colette spoke the words, but in her heart, she knew it would be difficult to leave Louis once their mission was complete. After their encounter last night, she knew part of her heart was already lost to him.

  Colette was about to say more when the parlor door opened, and Louis entered. Her breath hitched at the sight of him. His hair was ruffled, and a slight flush touched his cheeks. Had he been drinking this early? The cut of his clothes was impeccable, as usual, and showed off his masculine physique almost too well.

  All the women greeted him, and some even went over to him. In that moment, she resented having the ladies present. He could have his pick of any woman in the room, young or old. The idea made her queasy. When she looked up, Louis's gaze was only on her. He walked over, never breaking eye contact. Of their own accord, her legs had her going over to meet him. They met, and he planted a quick kiss on her cheek.

  “How are you, my darling?”

  The endearment caught Colette off guard, but then she remembered it was part of their charade, nothing more. She smiled and replied, “We are doing well, my dear. Would you care to join us?”

  “I do not know if I can be trusted around so many beautiful women. Do your husbands know you are here?”

  He was rewarded with squeals of laughter as he shamelessly flirted. Louis took a finger cake from a plate and popped it into his mouth, then sat next to Colette. The heat of his thigh up against hers was like a brand. Then he placed his hand on her leg, and it took everything in her not to lean against him. He was driving her to distraction.

  “I was just speaking to Madame Renault about the country, monsieur, and how it would be so nice to get away from the bustle of the city. This war has everyone in a panic. To be away from it all would be heaven,” Madame Chabot said.

  “You have a country estate, do you not, Monsieur de Coligny?” asked Madame Gobeil.

  Louis sipped his tea. “I do. The estate is in Alsace.”

  “It must be lovely this time of year,” Madame Marion chimed in.

  “It is beautiful. The gardens are in bloom, and the air smells so sweet, it's almost intoxicating.”

  The ladies sighed at his every word. He was quite charming. The guests continued to converse for the next half hour.

  “Monsieur, you must consider a house party,” Madame Gobeil implored. “It would be one of the most sought-after invitations of the season.”

  “I wi
ll think on the notion, madame. Give my regards to your husband.”

  The ladies said their farewells to Colette with promises to meet again soon. Madame Lesage reminded her of their dinner engagement later in the week.

  After the door closed on the last caller, Colette saw Louis’s expression change. He set his lips in a thin line and folded his arms across his chest. “Now that your guests have left, my dear, do you mind telling me where the hell you ran off to this morning?”

  How quickly he had switched from charming gentleman to interrogator. Well, he would not intimidate her. Colette squared her stance and put her hands on her hips. “Where I go is none of your concern.”

  “Like hell it isn’t. You are under my roof, and I will be told where you are at all times,” he said with a sharp tone.

  “May I remind you, monsieur, that I am not your property. I have agreed to assist you and play out this ridiculous farce of an affair.”

  “And may I remind you, mademoiselle, that you are only here out of my good graces, and that I can have you arrested at any time.” His voice rose in ire.

  How dare he! It was more than Colette could take. She pivoted on her heels and went to leave the room. Before she could get there, Louis’s hand wrapped around her waist. He pulled her into his arms. A moment later his lips were on hers, asking, begging for entrance. Without a thought, her mouth opened in welcome. He swept his tongue into her mouth and infused her with his taste, a mix of cigars and brandy. She looped her arms around his neck, as much for support as for needing to be close to him again. The kiss was over before it began, but it left them both reeling.

  Louis pressed his forehead to hers. “Please forgive me. I should not have said such harsh words. I am a fool. When I was told you had left this morning, I was insane with worry. It was horrible not knowing where you were, or if you were safe.”

  The anger ebbed out of her. Colette was not used to having someone care about her wellbeing. “I went to see Jacques.” She pulled back to look at Louis. “I can take care of myself. I have been for a long time.”

  “I know.” He let out an audible sigh. “That’s what I told myself. You are more than capable of looking after yourself, but it did not make me fret any less.”

  “Where you afraid I would run off or turn you over to the Fox?”

  “No,” his voice grew quiet. “I feared something would happen to you, and I’d never be able to forgive myself. I will not allow another woman I care for come to harm while they are under my protection.”

  She should not have let his statement affect her so much, but it did. It was the first time Louis had verbalized that he had any feelings for her. She would hold onto the sentiment and analyze her own emotions later. For now, she had to update Louis on her meeting with Jacques.

  “Jacques said the Fox wants more information.”

  “What does he want now?”

  “He wants reports on English vessels. Why does he want to know about the British shipping fleet?”

  “There are times when we transport our troops or other cargo on English ships. He must have people in England working for him. I will write letters to my friends in London to see what they can uncover. The bastard is getting greedy.”

  Louis sprang into action and headed for his study. Colette followed as he settled at his desk.

  “Louis, what can you do? It is too much to ask. It would be impossible to switch cargoes on British vessels as you have done here. No one has that much power.”

  “You do not give me enough credit, my dear. I have friends in England who work for a secret branch of their government. They can make the impossible possible, trust me.”

  “What type of friends do you have?” Once again, she had discovered a new facet Louis’s life.

  “They are wealthy, titled gentlemen, like myself, who want to see an end to this war and serve their country. Nothing they do is illegal, merely under the notice of the government. A fellow by the name of Sir Darnley is in charge. We have aided each other in the past. They will make sure, just as we have here, that some shipments are re-routed, but not enough to draw the Fox’s suspicion.”

  He made it sound so easy. How could he be so calm when there was so much at stake? In the past, Colette had only had to worry about herself and the children. Now the lives of innocent sailors and soldiers might be in jeopardy if these plans were not executed properly. The idea made her sick to her stomach.

  “I think I will lie down before dinner.” She left the room without a word from Louis.

  Later that evening, after dinner, they sat in the parlor. “I have been thinking about what the ladies said this afternoon about a house party. I think we should do it,” Louis said.

  Colette stared with her mouth agape. “What?”

  “It should not be difficult to arrange. I will write to my staff at Alsace. They can have the house prepared for visitors in, say, two weeks. We will keep the guest list small, only people who are top priority as prospective conspirators.”

  “You want to host a party for people who want to commit treason against France?”

  “Precisely.” Louis grinned widely.

  It was the most insane idea she had ever heard. He must have seen her mouth open in astonishment.

  “Think of it, Colette. These people will let their guard down with enough champagne and entertainment. It’s the perfect setting to ensnare them. Then later, we can arrest them for the act of treason, if things get that far.”

  “And then what? Will you kill them?”

  Louis was taken aback by her question. “No, just scare them enough that they never think again of betraying their country. Some wealthy men think they have all the power and cannot be touched by the law. They need to be shown they are just like everyone else.”

  No one knew that better than Colette. She had worked in enough affluent households to know how they acted. Nevertheless, she l felt guilty about playing a role in their demise. Lord, she must be going soft. She reproached herself. In the past, she would have jumped at a chance to see the entitled wealthy get knocked down a peg, to feel fear for once in their lives. Now she had doubts.

  She said nothing for a few moments and had not noticed Louis take a seat next to her. “I promise no harm will come to these people. Most of them are bored and want some excitement in their lives, although committing treason is not the best way. Remember, we must make it appear that we are gaining allies for the Fox’s cause. They are a means to an end.”

  He meant revenge for his dead wife and for Elle. It would also mean an end to looking over her shoulder the rest of her life. Yes, she would do what was necessary, as long as no innocent lives were lost.

  She cocked her head to the side. “All right, I will come with you to Alsace. But Louis, I do not know the first thing about hosting a house party or planning such an event.”

  “No worries.” He planted a quick kiss on her lips. “We can rely on my housekeeper at the estate. She has organized them in the past and knows what is required. We can work on a list of guests tomorrow and send out invitations. It will be fine, I promise.”

  The warmth of his smile and the brush of his lips soothed her nerves, if only for the moment.

  CHAPTER 16

  The days flew by as preparations were made for their departure to Alsace. They planned to arrive two days ahead of the guests. Twelve people were invited. Louis figured with a limited number, it would be easier to speak to people in a more intimate setting. Most were couples, so Colette would see to entertaining the ladies.

  Louis was at the Ministry of Defense almost daily. After sending letters to his friends in England, authorities had moved swiftly to restock and reroute the English vessels. A select handful of supplies were allowed to fall into the hands of the Fox.

  One afternoon, Louis was in his study with Henri. Louis had informed his friend that he would be leaving for Alsace in the next few days, but he had not told Henri the true reason for the trip. In the back of Louis’s mind there remained the
nagging suspicions about Henri. It ate him up inside to doubt his associate’s loyalty, but he could not be too careful, not until this scheme was over.

  “Well, I believe everything is in order. I will make sure all runs smoothly while you are away. I hope you enjoy yourself.” Henri placed a sheaf of papers into his satchel.

  “It will not be a long stay. There are some urgent matters on the estate that require my attention. It will be nice to get away for a few days.”

  “Will Colette be going with you?”

  “Yes. I do not want her here by herself.”

  “Afraid she might get into mischief?” Henri chuckled.

  “Or go back to her boss while I am away.” He had to throw out the possibility of her betrayal. At this point, he trusted Colette more than Henri, but he wanted to make it appear that he was still cautious of her.

  “I don’t know how you do it.”

  “Do what?” Louis leaned back in his chair.

  “How you can keep so many ventures going at once. There is your private life, your businesses, plus the work with the Ministry and now Colette. I would go mad having to organize so many things at once.”

  “With the right amount of support, from the right people, anything is feasible.” Louis waved his hand in the air and met his friend’s stare.

  “Yes, well, I still think it is damned upright of you to take on so much.”

  “We must all do our part.”

  Louis had toyed with the idea of having one of his investigators follow Henri while he was away but had thought better of it. His men were spread out over Paris and would keep guard of all his establishments in his absence.

  “I will post these letters tomorrow morning before I leave,” Henri stated.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I am visiting family. I will be back before you leave for Alsace.”

  “Have a safe journey.” He saw Henri to the entryway. Just as he was about to close the door, Louis heard his name being called. It was Colette. She was coming up the street with an armload of boxes.