He kneeled beside her. “Colette, what's wrong? You’re crying. Are you hurt?”
“Who is she?” She motioned to the last picture in the gallery.
“That is my late wife, Michelle. Why?”
At his acknowledgement of what she already guessed, another wave of grief and guilt set in. She was powerless against the agony that threatened to consume her. The shock was too much. She bent her head and sobbed again.
“Come, let’s get you somewhere where we can talk.” Louis aided Colette to her feet, and they went to the library. After he saw her seated, Louis went to the bar and poured two tall drinks. He placed one in her hand. Instinctively, Colette wrapped her fingers around the glass. After waiting a few minutes to compose herself, Colette took a sip. The strong liquid cleared her mind. She coughed from the effects of the alcohol hitting her stomach.
“I knew your wife.” The words were barely a whisper across her lips, her throat raw from crying.
“What!” Louis exclaimed. “How?”
Colette met his gaze with her blood-shot eyes but quickly averted her stare. “I knew her as Elle.”
Louis ran a hand through his hair and paced. “I don’t understand. How could you know Michelle? She mentioned no friends, no family. She grew up in an orphanage.”
“We grew up in the same orphanage.” With those words, all the memories came flooding back. “Elle was tiny for her age, delicate. She needed someone to watch out for her, and that is what I did. We became thick as thieves.” Colette grinned. “Funny how we turned into actual thieves in the end.”
“Michelle never told me much of her history. Just bits and pieces. I assumed she was trying to protect herself—or others.” Louis took the chair opposite her. “Tell me about your acquaintance with her, please.”
She had never spoken about her childhood, not even to the children. It was a part of her life that Colette wanted to forget. She had done things to survive that she was not proud of, but when she saw the pleading look on Louis’s face, she knew it was time to share the story of Colette and Elle.
“When we were fifteen, we ran away from the orphanage. It was a cold, harsh place where beatings were a regular occurrence. There was nothing to keep us there. We wanted to make our own way, so we found jobs as servants in a wealthy house. It was nice. We had a roof over our heads and three meals a day. One day, a young footman mentioned that if we stole some of the mistress’ trinkets, we could get money for them. We thought he was mad, that we would get caught for sure.”
“But you tried anyway?”
“Yes. We were taken to one of Jacques’s underlings who paid us. Elle worked her way up to lady’s maid. When she went to other houses, she stole from them as well. Who would suspect such a quiet creature?”
Louis chuckled. “It was her greatest asset, being so unassuming.”
“Well, Jacques caught wind of what we were doing. The man we sold the items to mentioned us to Jacques, after about a year. Since he was making a pretty penny off us, he asked us to work for him directly. He already had quite the operation before he joined the Fox, but when the Fox took over, things changed.”
“How so?”
An icy chill swept through Colette as she recalled those early days. The way they were paraded, herded like lambs to the slaughter. “The girls were brought in for inspection, I guess you could call it. Jacques was told to choose the girls capable of more delicate jobs. Elle and I were part of the selected group. We were picked for various reasons: beauty, intelligence, a light hand, or other talents. They took us to a house. I am positive it was a courtesan’s home. She taught us how to dress properly, converse in polite conversation, comportment, everything we would need to succeed, both in and out of the bedroom.”
“Good lord, the Fox was teaching you all to become courtesans? In a way, it is brilliant. I use a similar tactic.”
Colette’s eyes widened. “You do? In what way?” Jealousy reared its ugly head.
He leaned forward. “I own some brothels and other establishments in town. I pay the women who work there for any information they may get from their bedfellows. It is up to the girls to share the intelligence if they want to. I’m sure you are aware that some men will tell a great deal to a beautiful woman. My friend, Phillip Crestwood fell into such a snare.”
“What happened?”
Louis sighed. “He fancied himself in love with an actress in Paris. She turned out to be an informant—for whom, I never found out. He was imprisoned and tortured for information. I discovered his whereabouts and rescued him. The man was a broken shell for a while.”
“He is the friend who married the young lady he helped, yes? The ones who stayed here a while back?”
“The very same.” He smiled. “They are quite happy together.”
“I am glad they found each other. You are right. A lot of men will wag their tongues just to get a woman’s attention.”
“It’s the perfect trap. Most men would not expect it.”
“Yes, I know. Elle was one of the best. As you know, I never did well with that side of things. I could always find other avenues to get what I needed.” Feeling restless, she stood and walked around the room. “Over the years, we were asked to gather more sensitive information. It was no longer simple blackmail or thievery. When it started to involve politics and international affairs, we knew we needed to get out. But the longer we stayed, the harder it was to leave.”
The plan had been to save enough money to leave for the countryside. They had wanted to open a boarding school for girls like themselves, who had no place to go, and teach them a trade. In the harsh world, most girls who were forced to live on the streets turned to using their bodies for survival, and they wanted to provide a chance at a better life. Everything was going as planned until the day Elle told Colette she had met someone. She glanced over at Louis and the wave of shame swept over her once again. Refusing to give in to her emotions, she took a steading breath.
“One day Elle told me she had met someone.” Her stare collided with his. “She did not know who he was, only that they had danced at a party. She was smitten the moment she saw you.”
**********
It seemed a lifetime ago, but Louis could still recall, in detail, the first time he had met Michelle. She had worn a low-cut red gown. Her escort for the night had been some politician. He had asked her to dance. Louis had known there was something different about her. After the dance they had spoken for a while before she had left. A week later, they met at another gathering.
“She was too delicate for the life fate had given her.” Louis spoke. “I figured that out soon enough. She seemed out of place next to the other ladies, but I knew not to trust first impressions.”
Their courtship had been unusual, to say the least. After their initial meeting, Louis had sought out Michelle at every social event he attended. Over the next six months, a bond grew between them. Eventually, Michelle had told Louis the true purpose behind her work but refused to name the people she answered to. She feared retaliation. Michelle had cried when she had confessed to Louis. He knew then and there that he had to find a way to help her.
For a time, they worked together. Michelle assisted him with some of his assignments, getting necessary information through her criminal network. Over the months, Louis’s affection for Michelle grew. He could tell the life of a courtesan was wearing on her, and that was when he decided to marry her.
“Elle did not tell me much about you.” Colette’s voice was flat and distant. “She said you were a wealthy gentleman, and that you were kind and made her laugh. She felt safe with you.”
Louis smiled at the compliment. “I think that’s partly why I married her—to protect her. Why didn’t she ever mention you? I would assume she would have wanted her best friend to come with her.”
Colette paced around the room. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and her shoulders drooped. Louis knew it was difficult for both of them right now. This information was shocking to s
ay the least. He never would have guessed that the two women he loved had been best friends.
Love? Yes, he would admit it. What else could it be? Watching Colette, seeing the strain this revelation put on her, all he wanted to do was hold her in his arms. Even though she had come through worse alone, he did not want her to have to fight her battles alone anymore. Louis wanted to be her partner and confidant.
The beautiful woman before him had somehow stolen his heart in the last few weeks, but he would not tell her, not yet. There were too many wheels set in motion. To make such a confession now would complicate issues. For now, he would keep his feelings to himself.
Louis drew his attention back when Colette spoke. “When Elle told me she was getting married, she asked me to come with her. I told her it would look suspicious, that we would never be free. I didn’t want her to spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder.”
“What did you tell her?”
“I made the plan. I told Jacques she had fallen ill and died. I stayed and continued to work, so no one would be the wiser.”
It must have taken a lot of courage to push on alone, not knowing what the future would hold. “I’m not sure if I should tell you that was very selfless or very foolish.” Louis shook his head.
“The plan worked. Elle and I did stay in contact. We wrote letters and had a delivery system set up so no one would know.”
“How did you know she lived here?”
“I didn’t,” Colette said as she sat once again. “We hired messengers who took the letters to specific locations. All I knew was that my letters were delivered to the laundress at the corner, nothing more. Then one day, the letters stopped.” Her voice trailed off.
Moisture threatened the corner of her eyes. Louis caught the slight tremble in her lips.
“After a few weeks, I guessed what had happened. There was no other reason for Elle to stop writing to me. Even with all our planning, it had not been enough.” She sniffled. “I knew who was responsible, and I swore vengeance on the Fox.” She squeezed her hands into fists. “I even wrote letters to the Ministry of Defense a while back, giving bits of information, anything to make the Fox’s life miserable.”
“That was you?”
“You know about the letters?”
“I was responsible for checking to see if the information was legitimate. Even before we knew each other, it seems we were working together.” Odd how fate threw in little twists and turns. “All because of Michelle. You gave us that information because you wanted to make the Fox suffer. Do you know for certain he killed her?”
Colette shook her head. “No, but who else could it have been? I don’t even know how she died.”
She gave Louis a questioning look. It had to be discussed, eventually. Louis took a breath to steady his nerves then began. “We came directly here after the wedding. I knew some things about Michelle’s past, obviously. She had even helped me with some assignments before we married. I never pressured her. She said it was time to make a change, to help people instead of hurt them.”
“She was the best person I knew.”
“Yes, she was. Even after a year of marriage, she was still on edge. If I had to go to Paris or anywhere else, she stayed here. I knew she felt safer here, away from prying eyes. I let her do as she pleased.”
Michelle had had the run of the Alsace estate, but she had not altered the house or grounds during her years as mistress. She told Louis the place was perfect the way it was. Perhaps she felt there would be no time to do what she wanted. Louis had always believed that Michelle knew her time might be short.
“One morning I woke up, and she was not in her room. She was nowhere in the house. I panicked and had everyone search. That’s when I found her outside. She was lying there so peacefully, like she was asleep.” The images came back, playing so clearly in his mind. Michelle still wore her nightgown. The morning dew had left its mark on her body, the droplets reflecting the morning light. “When I put my hand on her, I knew she was dead.”
Colette slipped her hand inside his and gave a small squeeze.
“She was carrying our child.” He spoke the words with no emotion.
Colette covered her mouth in horror. “Louis, I’m so sorry.”
“There was nothing near the body that I could see. No footprints, no evidence that anyone had been with her at the time of her death. Everyone figured it was a suicide, although why anyone would believe Michelle would kill herself is beyond me. I immediately suspected foul play. That day, I swore to find the Fox, to discover the truth and exact my revenge.” Anger edged into his voice. “He is mine, Colette. You will be nowhere near him when the time comes.”
Colette’s hand tensed. She stood, pulling her hand away. “And why not? Do I not have just as much right to see him pay?”
Louis knew she would get upset. “It’s out of the question.”
“I do not answer to you, Louis. I can do as I please.” Her sharp tone cut through the words.
He pulled her to him. “I will not allow another woman I care for to go near that maniac. If anything happened to you, Colette, I would never forgive myself. I won’t lose you, too.”
The words seemed to get past her anger. Her features softened. “Did you love her?”
“Yes, but it was not a grand passion. We loved each other in our own way. Even though I had money and position, there was always one thing missing—the one person to make my life whole. When I saw Michelle, she was the first woman to accept me for who I was, all of me. She knew my secret life working at the Ministry and did not care. She accepted every part of me. I considered myself lucky. So yes, I loved her for what she gave me. In return, I gave Michelle the secure and peaceful life she had always wanted.”
Colette nodded her head in agreement but stayed silent. Surely, Louis thought, she had to know that he cared for her differently. The love he felt for Colette was more passionate, it made his heart swell each time he was with her. When he had been with Michelle, it had been tender caresses and slow lovemaking, but with Colette, lust consumed every part of him. When he touched her, he wanted to possess her and show her they were equals in everything, including their sexual appetites. He needed to kiss her. Louis bent his head, but just before his lips brushed hers, Colette pulled away.
“I’m sorry, Louis. I can’t. I need some time.” Without another word, she rushed out. She left him standing in the middle of the room. A dark chasm of uncertainty loomed ahead of him. Would this new twist be too much for Colette? The guests would arrive tomorrow. He had to make sure Colette would follow through with their plans. Louis knew if things started going awry, it could spell danger for all those involved.
CHAPTER 21
Colette spent the remainder of the day in her room. Emotions ran rampant in her brain, jumbled and raw. It was the first time she had spoken about Elle to anyone. The flood gate of memories, both good and bad, had opened. All the decisions she had made throughout her life came rushing back. Could she have done something different that would have saved Elle? Past regrets gnawed at her nerves.
Elle used to say their fates were written the day they were born. Perhaps that was why she took everything in stride so well, whereas Colette had fought every step of the way.
If she had taken a different path, she would not be where she was right now. She would not be with Louis. At the remembrance of him, her blood heated, and longing filled her heart. Somehow, she had fallen in love with her best friend’s husband. Would Elle say it was fate? Colette did not feel less guilty about the situation. What did it matter? After they caught the Fox, she and Louis would part ways.
So why should she not accept the cards fate had handed her this time? She should enjoy her time with Louis and part with sweet memories to keep her company on the long, lonely nights ahead. Louis was smart and would not make the same mistake twice.
Starting tomorrow, the house would be filled with guests. She had to focus, or she might slip. There was no room for error. Colet
te spent the evening alone and had dinner sent to her room. Later, after she changed into her nightgown, she settled into bed and tried to read.
Just as the clock struck nine, there was a knock on the door. Louis stood on the other side. For a moment she forgot to breathe.
“May I come in?”
Colette stepped aside to allow him entrance. This was unwise, she chided herself. The day had already drained her emotions, and she was not sure if she could take another confrontation.
Louis turned to her. “I wanted to make sure you were all right. When you did not come to dinner, I worried. The maid assured me you were well when she returned your tray.”
“That was kind of you, Louis, but I am fine. I just needed time to get things straight in my head. It has been quite a shock.”
“No doubt. It has been a day of discoveries for both of us.”
“Again, I am grateful for your concern. I promise you I will be fine when the guests arrive tomorrow.”
His brow wrinkled. “Is that why you think I came up here? To make sure you would be ready for tomorrow?” Louis came right up to her. “Colette, I do not care about tomorrow, or the entire week. If you do not wish to do this, I understand. I can do it alone.”
Part of her wanted to tell Louis he need not be alone, ever. She would be by his side if he wished. Colette was tired of being alone. Before meeting Louis, she had never realized how comforting it was to have someone to lean on, someone to help when the burden became too great. All these years she had been carrying the weight on her own shoulders, but now with Louis, the strain was lighter. She could not go back. She feared she would not be able to bear the solitude.
“Colette.” He whispered her name as he cradled her face between his hands. “I came here tonight to let you know that I care for you. No matter what you might think, you are different from Michelle. My feelings for you are not what I had for her.”
The Secret to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 4) Page 17