“Certainly,” Lord Huntington returned heartily. “What say you, Eastbury? How about we let the ladies catch up on their gossip while we do our best to quench their thirst?”
The minute they were gone, Constance let out a weary sigh. “Now that we are alone, Lady Triana, how about you tell me what you want of me.”
Triana’s smile slipped. “I beg your pardon?”
“Come now.” The courtesan’s tone was almost sarcastic. “We’re both intelligent women. I daresay you know who I am and that you wouldn’t even be conversing with someone of my status unless there was a purpose behind it. So again, I ask, what do you want?” She raised a dainty brow expectantly and waited.
Drat. Triana searched her mind for something to say, but her mind had turned blank. What could she say to convince this woman to confide such delicate information to her, if, in fact, she knew anything at all?
“We don’t have much time…” Constance prompted, causing Triana to take a leap of faith. It was either that or admit that she’d horribly failed.
She looked her adversary directly in the eye and stated truthfully, “I shall be frank, Miss Freewater. First, let me begin by saying I’m not here by any malicious intent, if that’s what you think. I’ve witnessed the interest in you this evening, and as one who is also targeted and left to rot by speculation, I find I detest most gossip.”
To Triana’s relief, Madame Corressa’s taunt features actually began to soften. “An admirable speech, to be sure, although I can’t help but think you didn’t come here simply to befriend me over some idle talk.”
Triana had to admire her bold retort. “I won’t pretend that was my only motivation. I do, in fact, need something from you. Information.” She hesitated. “I understand you used to be acquainted with the captain of theEvening Swan.”
“Reginald?” Again that eyebrow shot upward before she gave a rather unladylike snort. “My advice would be not to waste your time on the man. If you’re looking for a protector, I can introduce you to much more appealing men to satisfy—”
“No!” Triana quickly interrupted. “I don’t want a… a… lover.” Her face heated at the idea — until she thought of Gabriel fulfilling that particular role, and then other parts of her body became warm. “What I meant to say is that wasn’t the sort of information I had in mind.”
“I see,” Constance murmured, and Triana hoped she had conveyed the silent message appropriately. The lady hesitated, but opened her reticule and took out a piece of paper and a pencil. Scribbling a few lines, she passed it to Triana. “I must say I appreciate honesty in a person, Lady Triana. I believe it’s a sign of good character. I only hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”
As Huntington and Eastbury took that moment to return with their punch, Triana hastily tucked the note away in her bodice. After a brief conversation, she and Eastbury headed for his box, but she hastily excused herself, confessing a need to use the ladies’ necessary room.
A surge of exhilaration rose up within her as she walked over to a secluded corner of the room and unfolded the slightly rumpled paper:
Meet me this Sunday at Mivart’s Hotel. One o’clock. Room 208. I’ll tell you everything I know.
***
Two days…two days…two days— it was like a continual chant in Triana’s head as she resumed her seat next to Eastbury and counted the hours she’d have to wait until the appointed rendezvous. If it were possible, the anticipation of what was to come made her more restless than this initial meeting had.
Could she truly be holding the key her brother and Gabriel needed to bring down this smuggling operation? While she was doubtful it would be quite that easy, the desire to relay her success to Travell and Gabriel barely kept her sitting still. In the end, she decided that it was time to end the ruse of enjoying the entertainment.
She turned to her escort. “I fear I’m getting a slight headache. Would you mind terribly if we left early?”
Unfortunately, her ploy failed as he smiled thinly. “Drink your punch. It has all the healing benefits you require.”
If healing requires brandy,Triana thought sourly. She’d already ascertained that her punch was laced quite liberally with it. No doubt Eastbury would love to take advantage of her should she become tipsy. Their sleeping dragon of a chaperone would certainly be of no assistance against his groping hands, for even now she was dangerously close to suffocating on that hideous plume every time she snored.
Triana rose. “Then perhaps I shall just take some air.”And to hail down the first hackney I encounter, she silently added.
She would have made an escape, but the earl’s arm darted out and prevented a retreat. Either the man didn’t sense her annoyance, or else he didn’t care, for he said, “Now, what sort of gentleman would I be if I let you leave unattended?” A sly grin appeared. “In fact, I know just the place where we can take a leisurely stroll… undisturbed, if that is your wish.”
“I don’t believe that will be necessary, my lord,” she returned frostily. “I would much prefer to take the terracealone.” Making a point to emphasize the singular, she was further aggrieved when he dared to move closer.
His beady eyes dropped to her bosom and her face flooded with an angry rush of heat. “I have been aching for a taste of your lips. Surely you will deny me no longer now that we are betrothed? It’s so rare that we get a moment to ourselves.”
It was all Triana could do not to grit her teeth at his arrogance. “As we are not yet wed,” she stated firmly, “I assume you can understand the impropriety of such a request.”
“That didn’t stop you from allowing Chiltern to take certain liberties.” He smirked, practically licking his lips as he continued to stare at her chest. “In fact, I might even be able to overlook such a slight on your virtue if you were to reconsider…”
“What I suggest,” she stated clearly, her hands clenched into tight fists as she was perilously close to losing her temper, “is that you let me leave.”
He smiled in a tolerant manner, obviously unconcerned with what he considered an empty threat. “I see that you aren’t denying the rumors about you and Chiltern,” he murmured. “I’ve often wondered how intimate the two of you were, in light of his overbearing behavior and the way he looks at you.” His eyes held more than a hint of maliciousness as he sneered, “I would, however, remind your lover that it isIwho shall soon be your husband and your nights will be spent warmingmybed.”
Triana attempted to free herself from his grasp, but he held her fast. “Let go of me. Now!”
