“That is an excellent idea, Marie. Or perhaps I might ask Lady Agatha Grayson where she purchases her signature scent. Then I could be less embarrassing to my daughter.”
“If you wish to ever be in my company again, you will refrain. I do not love you enough to subject myself to that decaying lilac essence,” Celine added.
I was suddenly exceptionally grateful that I had never been in the woman’s company. I thought Kit had been exaggerating.
After a chuckle at Lady Grayson’s expense, Madame Bosarge turned her attention back toward me. “I am given to understand your business is very successful, Monsieur Hart.”
How was I meant to answer that? How did she even define success? Knowing the dire straits that some gentlemen found themselves in, I could be considered more comfortable than they were. Though I was certainly less comfortable than the likes of Wayland and Ainsley.
But it was very likely I would lose Kit in the coming months to his new role. That would impact my situation in unforeseeable ways. Without him, I would likely have to refer out some of my work. But I would not have to pay him either.
“He does very well, Mama. Everyone who’s anyone uses his services.” Celine caught my hand in hers as she spoke, tangling our fingers together for all to see.
My heart found its way to my throat. This was it. Surely, faced with incontrovertible proof of our affection, Madame Cadieux would voice her objections.
“I did not ask you, I asked him,” Madame Bosarge insisted.
“I—” My voice was hoarse with nerves, and I had to clear my throat before continuing. “My partner and I do well. There may be some changes in the coming months that could impact my situation, but I am well-positioned to weather that.”
“What changes?”
“Kit—Mr. Summers—my partner—his uncle and father recently passed, leaving him an unexpected title and estate to manage. I expect he will take his place in the coming months. His work is far too essential for me to manage on my own. I will have to refer out some of the accounts.”
“Oh, the new Earl of Leighton. That was such a terrible accident. How is he managing?” Madame Cadieux asked.
“He works too hard and has chosen to pretend nothing has changed.” The words slipped out far too easily and unbidden. “That is— He is managing by immersing himself in familiar pursuits.”
“I heard there was a break-in at your office the other day. Was everyone all right?” Madame Bosarge questioned.
How on earth had she?—
“Lilibet?” Celine asked the woman.
“Lilibet.”
At my questioning look, Celine answered, “The maid. From earlier.”
“Right. Yes, there was a break-in. No one was harmed and nothing was taken.”
“Were they searching for something, do you suppose?” Madame Bosarge asked.
“I have my suspicions. Fortunately, what they were looking for was not there at the time.”
“I’m glad all was well,” she said. “Celine, darling, I heard the most interesting rumor about you, you know.”
The woman in question took a hearty swig of her drink. “Falsehoods, the lot of it.”
“Really? So you weren’t seen sitting outside Monsieur Hart’s office every day for nearly a week? And he is not currently living in your residence?”
“How does she always know?” Celine asked her mother.
“I would like some clarification in that regard as well,” Madame Cadieux said.
My mouth opened to offer a pathetic explanation, but Celine squeezed my hand and shook her head.
“He is. His residence is above the office that was broken into. And I was, for reasons that are not for the whole of thetonto concern themselves with, worried about his safety. Also, you absolutely must tell me which of my staff I need to dismiss.”
“The Lord himself does not know all of Lilibet’s sources,” Madame Bosarge mused.
