Chapter Twenty-Five

“Lady Kaitlyn Montrose, is it not?” Lady Brighthope inquired as she wandered closer to Kat, her voice equally as beautiful as her face, with a slight European lilt gracing her accent. If it was put on to add allure to her overall impression, she was doing a very good job of it. The woman smiled at Kat and her brown eyes sparkled with an inner merriment that was almost infectious.

No wonder the woman was so sought after; men would be unable to resist such a combination of feminine wiles and playfulness, Kat was certain. “It is,” she answered, wondering how the woman knew who she was. “Lady Brighthope, I take it?”

The woman grinned widely. “You know who I am, too. Good. That will simplify matters.”

Lady Brighthope had matters to discuss with her? How odd. “What matters would those be?”

The woman’s soft laughter floated through the space. It was equally innocent and seductive all at once. How did one do that? Kat shook her head. Clearly, there was a lot to be learned about being a courtesan.

“I’m glad you’re as forthright as your reputation would suggest,” Lady Brighthope said. “I saw you in Westwood’s box and I knew I had to speak with you.”

Kat raised her eyebrow. “You followed me out here? I’m intrigued.” A courtesan wishing to speak with an earl’s daughter was unusual, even for Kat.

Lady Brighthope grinned. “I have information for you about the Chameleon.”

Kat was able to keep her expression free from any surprise, even though inside she was reeling. How did a courtesan, whom she had never met, know about the Chameleon? And even more importantly, how did the woman know Kat was after him? “The Chameleon? What an odd name for someone.”

“Now do not be coy, Lady Kaitlyn, for it does not suit you,” Lady Brighthope tittered. “You’re hunting the Chameleon and I fully intend to help you find him.”

“Let’s pretend for a moment I knew what you are talking about,” Kat said. “Why would you want to help me?”

A dark light seemed to burn in the woman’s eyes. “Because it is time for the Chameleon to die. The assassin is responsible for the death of the only person I have ever truly loved.”

“Lord Brighthope?”

The woman shook her head and then laughed lightly. “Oh, you are delightful. No, not Lord Brighthope. My late husband was not someone I loved. He was a means to an end, and unfortunately unbeknownst to me, had gambled away our fortune before falling down the stairs at our residence while drunk. The fool broke his neck, and though I was happy about that part, I was not happy to learn the estate was penniless.”

A situation she and Daisy had very nearly faced, too.

The woman shook her head and continued, “That was why I was forced into my current occupation. I had to maintain the lifestyle I was used to, you understand.” She smiled at Kat. “It’s amazing what men will pay for the privilege of my company.”

Kat was not sure how to respond. She’d never spoken to a courtesan before, let alone had such an in-depth conversation with one, about such a topic either. “Actually, I hadn’t considered such a thing before.”

“No woman does, until it becomes a necessity.” Lady Brighthope shrugged. “In any event, when Lord Danbury let slip earlier tonight that you and Westwood were chasing the Chameleon, I knew I could help, and in some small way obtain justice for my love’s death. I must say I was impressed to hear that a lady was doing such dangerous and potentially ruinous endeavors. It’s heartening for all us women to hear.”

Kat frowned. Marcus would be livid to discover Danbury had revealed such information. After all, the Secretary of War should know better than to discuss such matters with his paramour. “How did you think to help?”

The woman pursed her lips. “I have information regarding the list of targets I believe you are after.”

“Danbury told you of the list?” Was there nothing the man hadn’t told Brighthope about?

“Yes, he mentioned it last night in bed. Men will talk about practically anything once they’re satisfied. A rather useful thing, I’ve found.” She grinned.

An interesting thought. Perhaps she should try it on Marcus?

“And in light of Burton being murdered the other night,” Brighthope continued, “I knew I had to talk to you. You see, one of my more recent clients is a man with a great deal of influence and resources. When I get such a client, I always find it prudent to know as much about him as possible. To do so, I often take the liberty of looking through his discarded clothing while he slumbers.”

“Risky but clever.” If Kat had been in the same profession she would have done so too.

“Inside this gentleman’s jacket pocket was an envelope.” She paused and leaned even closer to Kat. “And within that, there was a list of names along with several thousand pounds in bank notes. I recognized all but two of the six names. It wasn’t until last night when Danbury disclosed that Lord Burton’s murder was being attributed to the Chameleon, and that Danbury himself was one of several on a list to be assassinated, that I realized the significance of the list I’d seen.”

“How so?”

“I specifically remember that Lord Burton’s name was at the top of the list, then Sir William, then Lord Newtown. But my gentleman started to stir, so I didn’t read the rest, but I did retrieve the list and hid it while I occupied the man again until he was satisfied.” The lady shrugged with a look of smugness on her beautiful features. “What can I say, except I’m extremely good at what I do. In any event, when he was dozing again, I summoned my maid and told her to copy the thing and then return the paper to the envelope inside his pocket, while I made certain he wouldn’t need to dress for some time.”

“Who is this client of yours?”

Affront screamed across the woman’s face. “I can’t reveal my client’s name. If word got out my services were not completely confidential, I’d be ruined. Besides the fact that my life would be at risk if he found out. He’s powerful and does not forgive.”

“How do you know your client is not the Chameleon himself?”

“He’s not,” Lady Brighthope replied. “But I think he may be employed by him.”

“Then this client of yours knows who the Chameleon is. You must tell me his name.”

“I’ve told you I can’t.” Lady Brighthope crossed her hands over her chest. “But I can get a copy of the list my maid copied and give it to you at Newtown’s house party this weekend. I assume you and Lord Westwood will be there, considering Newtown is on the list.”

“Danbury should’ve kept his mouth shut.” Kat was furious with the man. She hadn’t known Newtown was hosting a house party, but she certainly would be going if he was.

“Darling, it’s my job to ensure their mouths open, amongst other things.” The lady appeared amused by her own words. “So, will you be in attendance?”

“Probably.” She’d have to get Marcus to secure them an invitation, and she’d need to get a chaperone to go with her. Daisy, perhaps, although she rarely liked to travel and leave Samuel. Maybe the Dragon Duchess felt like a trip to the country? She’d proven herself as an excellent chaperone of late.

“You do realize I’m putting myself at great risk talking to you about this. And for me, that’s not something I would normally even contemplate. But vengeance is a funny thing.”

Yes. It certainly was. “I do appreciate your gesture, and I hope you will stay mute on the subject when talking to others.”

Lady Brighthope arched one of her perfectly sculpted black brows. “Discretion is my middle name. Well, not really.” She laughed. “But rest assured, I have no intention of jeopardizing your hunt for the Chameleon.”

“Good, now are you certain there were only six names on the list?”

Lady Brighthope nodded, the diamonds that were dripping from the earrings she was wearing dancing in the moonlight with the movement. “Yes. Danbury mentioned seven, but I still thought it too much of a coincidence that the three names I read on my list are also names on the list Danbury spoke of.”

Kat couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Good Lord, is there anything Danbury didn’t tell you?”

“I doubt it.” Lady Brighthope grinned. “The man will tell me anything to get me into his bed.” Her sigh was long and drawn out. “But I did overhear something I found interesting. My other client, only the other night, was discussing the matter with one of his servants. Something about Morriset being the key and he had to be found…” She shrugged. “I don’t know what he meant, but he mentioned something about how the list must be followed in the order given.”

“In the order given?” That was interesting. As was the discrepancy in the numbers. Particularly, as there were seven in the ledger Fullbrink had decoded.

“Yes. Burton was first, Sir William next, followed by Lord Newtown.” The lady shrugged. “I hadn’t even thought of the list since finding it the other week. But now I’m curious as to who the three after them are.”

“Are you positive you will not tell me who this client of yours is?”

“Absolutely certain.” The woman was firm and there was steel in her tone. “There are many other things I could tell you, about a great number of other influential gentlemen, but if this particular one found out I told you anything, I would wind up in the Thames. Truly, what I’ve already told you is enough to ensure a ride there.”

“The Thames seems to be a frequently mentioned method of disposal lately.”

“Goodness knows what’s down in that murky abyss.” She turned up her nose with the thought. “It would be a perfect place to dispose of a body, wouldn’t it? Though it’s not a place I would wish to end up.” The woman grinned wickedly at her. “It may well be my resting place, considering all of the secrets I’ve amassed over the years in my occupation.”

The woman’s words were intriguing. After all, once the Chameleon situation was sorted, Kat could resume her quest to ensure dishonorable bachelors were exposed, and Lady Brighthope in her unique career involving influential gentleman could prove useful. “Yes, I would imagine you find out all sorts of intriguing information in your position…”

“Most intriguing. You’d be amazed at what I have learned over the years. I could tell you some fascinating things…”

“I believe you could.” Perhaps the lady could prove to be a good source of interesting facts for the Gazette.

“Kaitlyn.” Marcus’s deep voice carried across the night breeze, interrupting her before she could even broach the subject. “I’ve been looking for you.” He stood in the doorway, a definite frown marring his brows as he glanced between the two of them.

“Lord Westwood,” Lady Brighthope purred. “How good to see you again and looking as deliciously robust as the last time I saw you in Vienna.”

There was an underlying familiarity in the woman’s words, much more than Kat would’ve expected, given what Marcus had said earlier about his acquaintance with the woman.

“Lady Brighthope.” Marcus inclined his head toward her. “Danbury is leaving and fretting over your whereabouts. You should get back to him.”

Brighthope pursed her lips as her eyes wandered over Marcus from top to toe. “’Tis a shame you were never in a position to fret over me. I should have enjoyed that greatly.”

Kat’s whole body tensed with her words as Brighthope languorously strolled over to Marcus, the side of her body brushing against his ever so slightly. Then, she trailed her fingers along Marcus’s jacket sleeve.

“Perhaps we still can enjoy each other?” Lady Brighthope smiled coquettishly, batting her ridiculously long dark lashes up at Marcus.

Gritting her teeth, Kat had to make an active effort to stop herself from launching at the woman and wrenching her as far from Marcus as she could.

“Stick with Danbury, Lady Brighthope,” Marcus said bluntly, the woman’s words and touch clearly having no effect. “You’ll have success with him, whereas you never will with me.”

A red flush infused Brighthope’s cheeks as she narrowed her glare at Marcus. “That will be your missed opportunity.” She glanced back over to Kat. “You seem far too progressive, my dear Lady Kaitlyn, to tie yourself to a man with such little adventure or passion in his soul. Nevertheless, we’ll talk again for I sense you and I are kindred spirits.” Then, without sparing them a further glance, Brighthope swept past Marcus and disappeared through the doorway back into the Opera House.

“What were you doing out here with her?” Marcus demanded, his gaze steadily upon her, his words more an accusation than a question.

“I was talking to her. What of it?”

“What of it?” There was a definite hint of mocking in his tone now as he took several steps and stopped in front of her. “Did it escape your notice that she is a courtesan?”

“I’m perfectly aware of her occupation.” Kat fisted her hands on her hips as she glanced up at his eyes. “It’s one of the things she was about to start elaborating on when you interrupted.”

“My timing was impeccable, then, wasn’t it?”

“That is a matter of opinion,” Kat countered. “Regardless, at least she told me some interesting information before you did interrupt.”

Succinctly, she filled him in on the details, including the house party on the weekend. His jaw grew tighter with every word.

“Danbury told her all of that?”

“Apparently.”

“The man is a bloody fool! He needs to be horsewhipped for disclosing such confidential information.”

“Is it true then that men are more inclined to talk after they experience pleasure?” Such a thought was fascinating. Was that how some of her most proficient lady informants obtained their own intelligence? “You’ve never been overly talkative after we’ve been together.”

Marcus grunted. “Most men bloody well fall asleep after coitus, not chat about state secrets.”

“She must be good at her job to get him to do so.” Perhaps Kat could recruit her as an informant for the Gazette.

“If the man had been doing his job right in the first place—” Marcus took a step toward her, bending his head down until his mouth was but inches from her own. “Then they both would have fallen into a satisfied slumber. Didn’t you have good sleeps each time after I satisfied you?”

“I might have,” Kat said, her breath starting to get wispy as she breathed in the fresh masculine scent of his skin.

“I would expect so. You did, after all, experience pleasure multiple times…” Marcus’s voice trailed off, and there was an intense charge of energy crackling between them. “There are still so many things I want to show you. So many things I want to do to you until you scream in pleasure over and over again.”

His words cascaded through her and Kat could feel the heat radiating from his skin against hers in the chill night air. More than anything, right then, she wanted to pull his head down until their lips pressed together, and she could taste him with sweet abandon.

And just as she was about to reach out and do that very thing, Marcus shook his head and cursed. “Damn, you distract me, woman.”

“Distract you from what?” Perhaps she could start her seduction of him here. After all, they were alone on the terrace, and it was dark.

“From why I came to find you. We need to leave now.”

“What’s happened?” She could sense the change in him. Tension, but also a sense of anticipation.

“Sir William has been attacked.”

“Is he—?”

“He’s fine.” Marcus was quick to assure her. “But he might very well have survived an attempt by the Chameleon.”

“He was the target tonight, not Danbury?”

“He was attacked at his house, a half hour ago. I’ve sent Cantfield ahead to ensure he’s safe until we get there.” He paused for a moment and stared at her. “You know what this means, don’t you?”

Kat nodded as the same anticipation she was sure was coursing through Marcus began to run through her. “It means Sir William might be the only person alive who can finally identify the Chameleon.”