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During the following week, Raoul met twice with Louise Wickes, each time during a break from her duties at Madame Swaebe’s. They met at a coffee shop on New Burlington Street on the Wednesday after their first dinner.
“I have requested a trinket from Earl Badgely as a token of his affection,” she said. “He has promised to bring one to me the next time we meet. Thursday evening.”
Raoul felt dirty, and he wasn’t sure if it was because of the smoke in the coffee shop or the transaction he was participating in. But he said, “That’s very good.”
“And what of an arrangement for me?” Louise asked.
“I spoke of that with Monsieur Morvan. He spoke with the man who effected your introduction, who is an importer of wine from France, like your late husband. He has need of an assistant who is fluent in French and English, and has a knowledge of wine. After you have completed your assignment, Morvan assures me that this man will hire you, at a salary much greater than you achieve from Madame Swaebe. And he will also see you clear to a payment of one hundred pounds. That combination should adequately compensate you for the risks you are taking, and the loss of Earl Badgely’s companionship.”
One hundred pounds was more than Raoul’s annual salary, so he was sure she would accept the offer, and she did, though reluctantly. “I do like the man,” she said. “Above and beyond his generosity to me. I find his loneliness affecting.”
“Well, let him cure that feeling by returning to his wife,” Raoul said.
Louise’s countenance hardened then. “How will I pass you the bauble, once I receive it?” she asked.
“Morvan will send you instructions. I may receive it from you, or the earl’s son may be given that task. He has yet to make a decision, but he will arrange to have a message sent to you with specific details.”
He met with her once more, mid-morning on Friday, to confirm that she had been given a pair of earrings. “Morvan told me that he will send you a coded message telling you where and when to meet Lord Therkenwell. There will be a naval term, a reference to history, and a connection to birds.”
He leaned close. “I can tell you the substance, but in absolute confidence. I have been given a copy of the message to pass on to Lord Therkenwell.” Then he told her what to look for in the message.
“This is a difficult time for us both,” he said. “I hope that everything works out so that all involved can move on safely.”
Then he left her to return to his office.
