~ Twelve ~
BEL’S HEAD ACHED FROM HIS convivial evening, but one thing stood out amongst all other thoughts. He wanted to look in on Letty and see how his madcap was doing. He was conscious of the fact that he missed her company.
Charles had gone off early, but came into the lobby just as Bel entered it, and he hailed his friend, “Bel, where are you off to?”
“I have a notion to look in on your Aunt Fanny,” Bel said lightly.
“Good, thought you might. Fitz has a hackney waiting for us outside. Come on then,” Charles said, going forward.
Once inside the hack, Charles leaned forward and said, “There is something I forgot to tell you last evening. Bumped into the beauty Lady Liz Broadhurst yesterday afternoon when I was off fetching m’aunt.”
They had nearly arrived at their destination and conversation was thus cut short, though a hard glance was exchanged between Charles and Belfort before Bel breathed out slowly, “Did you now.”
A few moments later, they alighted the hack and went through her ladyship’s front gate, up the stone steps, and pulled the knocker, whereas Lady Marling’s English butler, Topley, appeared. Heckson stood in the central hall and hurriedly advised Fitz he had attended to all his requests and that his morning had been quite blissful as he ordered Lady Marling’s French servants about, and had them attend, as per her ladyship’s instructions, to the arrangements of rooms for them. He smiled happily and advised them that each one’s needs had been seen to in their chambers, and their things from the hotel would be delivered in short time.
Bel turned to Charles. “Did you know Lady Fanny would have us installed here?”
“Of course,” Charles answered, brushing off an imaginary particle from his sleeve.
“Indeed,” Fitz stuck in. “Much better than the hotel arrangements.”
“And where is our little Max?” Bel asked, looking around, not wanting to immediately ask after Letty.
“He is, I believe, enjoying the garden while Lady Marling and her…guest, Miss Rochdale, are out shopping,” Heckson said.
Charles led his friends to the library, where a warm fire was burning, and refreshments awaited. Bel, however, was pensive. He had been looking forward to seeing his Letty, and was disappointed she wasn’t at home. However, no doubt she would soon return.
Bel sipped his coffee and eyed Charles. “What did our fair Liz have to say?”
“You know what she said, or rather, asked,” Charles returned caustically. “She was interested in you, Bel. I suppose this part of your mission will be quite pleasant, so no need to put on a face.”
“Blister it, man!” Bel snapped. “I don’t trifle with women’s feelings, and I certainly will not do so with Liz. Good sort of woman, and besides that, she is too crafty by half. She is bound to see that I am after something. Why don’t we just take her into our confidence and be done? I am certain she can be trusted.”
“Indeed, I agree to some extent. As to being taken in by you, stuff and nonsense. As you say, she is too crafty by half. Tell her only what you must,” Charles said quietly.
“Don’t like this,” Fitz stuck in. “Dangerous woman, Lady Liz. Don’t want to get on the wrong side of her.”
“Aye,” Bel agreed. “I don’t mean to. Now, her address.”
A few moments later, Bel was on his way to No.91, and discovered a warm welcome as he was shown into Lady Broadhurst’s morning room.
A petite French parlor maid scurried off at the wave of her mistress’s hand, which she then gave to Bel.
He bent low, and because she was lovely, had no trouble complimenting her in earnest. She laughed and asked, “Why are you here, Bel darling?”
“For many reasons. I have only just learned of your direction from Charles, but never mind, we shall catch up,” Bel attempted lightly.
“Tell me, who holds your…interest now?”
“Truthfully, no one, but I hear Bourriene holds yours!” he returned adeptly.
She laughed loudly. “Bourriene is such a funny little man. Yes, it is true he dotes on me. We are seen everywhere together.” She snapped her fingers. “But there is nothing in that. You are the only man who ever came close to unfreezing my heart.”
He was saved a rejoinder by a knock at the door. Her ladyship called out irritably, “Entrez!”
Her maid chirped in hurried French that Monsieur Bourriene was waiting impatiently to see her.
Lady Liz looked momentarily annoyed, but managed to stifle an unladylike oath and told her maid to show him in at once.
Bel made his way to the fireplace, where he placed an arm negligently at the mantle’s corner. Here was Boney’s secretary and comrade.
Bourriene came in, and Bel had a moment to survey him. The Frenchman was average height, no more than thirty or so. His features were nondescript, and his hauteur quite grand.
He went directly to Liz, momentarily unaware of Bel’s presence, and clasped her hands, pulled her up off the sofa and into his arms.
Lady Liz pushed him off and said hastily, “Louis, I am pleased you have come to call this morning, for I am now able to present a very dear friend who has just arrived from London…the Viscount Tristen Belfort.”
Obviously startled, Bourriene turned to face the viscount. He quickly recovered his poise and bowed graciously, advising Bel, with all the sincerity he could manage, he was overjoyed to make his acquaintance.
Bel quipped much the same in French, and Bourriene looked surprised as he said, “Allow me to commend your French. I would not have detected an Englishman was speaking had I not known.”
The viscount thanked him and begged to be excused.
* * * * *
Both Liz and Bourriene watched him depart, each with their own thoughts. Bourriene turned back to Liz, who he had been attempting to seduce to his bed for weeks without success. Once again, he reached for her, but she moved away and sat in a ladies’ chair.
He was nearly driven to distraction, and had given over to boasting about his position with Bonaparte as of late. He had to have her, and her seduction was a higher priority at the moment than good sense.
“My pigeon—always you fly. Do you not know how I need you, how very much I adore you?”
She laughed. “My dear Louis, I most certainly know how much you desire me. Dearest, while I find you an excellent escort, you are not in a position to take liberties with me simply because you adore me.”
He frowned as he noted once again, the beautiful Englishwoman was no fool. Still, he tried. “My darling, I do not lie to you. Napoleon has made me his aide. It is ridiculous to suppose I should trifle with an important and lovely Englishwoman in such a way. Only this morning I was involved in a very important deal with the United States. In fact, only Talleyrand, myself, and Napoleon know of it. Do you think such as I would engage in lying to you?”
“Ah, Louis, would you not?”
He went into an ecstasy of denials that Lady Liz waved off with a sigh and pursed lips. He feverishly kissed her knuckles and declared his undying devotion.
* * * * *
Liz chuckled appreciatively, and it suddenly occurred to her, because she was very bright, that Belfort’s visit to Paris had nothing to do with pleasure. Why would he come at the end of the Paris Season? She was herself making plans to return home. Indeed, he was here because of the Home Office! No doubt Bel meant to enlist her help?
“Louis, allow me to inform you that I do not climb into bed with every man I flirt with. I am far more circumspect.”
He gasped. “I think no such thing.”
She laughed and waved him off. “Louis, I am so very sorry, but I must say good-day, as I have a pressing appointment.”
He had no choice, and she knew it. He clicked his heels together and bent his head over her extended hand.
“Until later, my love,” he whispered before he took his leave. “And know this. I have not put in so much time and effort to only give up. No. I will not give up so easily. I have given you fair warning.”
Liz found his tone menacing, and was convinced she should go ahead and make plans to return home.