“My dear Marie,” he smiled, “I am certain you know Miss White has transferred her affections.”
Her eyes went wide with innocence. “Surely, you intend to fight for the lady’s love! May I suggest a gift, perhaps, to prove your sweet devotion?”
“Alas,” Ash held a hand to his heart, “when the prima donna met the Russian prince a fortnight ago, I hear it was love, prima facie. I am afraid there is nothing I can do.”
“Well.” Madame arched a brow. “I cannot blame Madame Bianci. A woman likes to be wanted.”
Ash should have been insulted. His cold reserve, however, was legendary. And, she was right. Women yearned to be wanted.Heyearned to be wanted.
A yearning that had never been truly satisfied.
“Water under the bridge, Marie. I wish the newly minted couplesouchastiye.”
Marie lifted one shoulder in an uncaring shrug, but the knowing did not fade from her gaze. “You have come for a reason, non?”
“I am here to buy the debt of the late Admiral Stone.”
Marie’s start revealed her surprise. She recovered quickly. “If you are looking to obtain the graces of the countess, paying the admiral’s debts will do no such thing. The countess has sworn never to look at another man.”
“I’ve heard.” Ash returned her knowing gaze. “I’ve also heard the countess is in debt to every shopkeeper in London. And being an excellent businesswoman, you undoubtedly sought relief elsewhere.” He adjusted a mirror atop the counter so he could keep one eye on the door. “I have it on good authority that his widow is expected here within the hour. Lady Stone comes, I understand, quarterly. Always on a Tuesday, between six and half-past. She leaves without making a purchase.”
“Perhaps I havesought relief.” Marie’s mouth pinched. “Silks are not free, your grace.”
“No, indeed.” He inclined his head. “Nor have you any reason for raised hackles. Your collection strategies are none of my concern. I am offering to pay the admiral’s debt.”
“And in return?”
“A quarter hour of privacy in your dressing room. I wish to speak with Lady Stone.”
Marie’s eyes went wide.
“I intend nothing untoward.” At least not here. Not yet. “I wish only to personally express my condolences.”
Marie’s expression cleared. “If you wish it, it will be done.”
“My thanks.” A mask of indifference concealed the pace of his heart.
He was So. Damn. Close.
“I will send the Admiral’s bill to your secretary.”
“You needn’t mark it as the admiral’s debt.”
“Of course not, Your Grace.” Marie’s eyelids swept down. “This way to the dressing room, if you please.”
Paying debts Octavius accrued in pursuit of the countess may have been unfair, but watching the numbers decrease gave Alicia a sense of satisfaction. She’d always suspected Octavius’s accusation thatsheoverspent had been false. Now she had proof. She could economize. She hadn’t much, and, if the countess took the income from Octavius’s estates, she’d have even less, but she had proven she could live within her means. And she could do it while decreasinghisdebt.
Her freedom had been hard-won—the expense, Octavius’s life. Octavius had only been thinking of his country, of course, but she vowed not to take his sacrifice for granted.
She thought of the funeral procession and shivered. She did not wish to think of that day. She especially did not wish to think of the handsome stranger who had witnessed her at her most vulnerable, and then offered his assistance.
She silenced her thoughts and concentrated on following Madame Marie to her dressing room. For the first time since she began making payments, Marie had requested she wait. A gossip-inclined client was to arrive any moment, Marie explained. Lady Stone did not wish to make known her husband’s debts. And, of course, her presence could only cause speculation.
Alicia reluctantly agreed.
“I will be with you as soon as possible.” The modiste hesitated, her gaze moved toward the far end of the room. “And if you need anything, I will hear you call.”
Alicia frowned at Madame’s back. Curious to be asked to wait, and more curious still, to insinuate she may need assistance.
