Triana recalled that this woman liked a straightforward approach, so after draining the rest of her glass for some liquid courage and setting it aside, she said, “Very well. I do confess to having my own motives, although I’m not sure you will think it all that noble.”
Constance simply said, “Try me.”
So Triana plunged forward with the sordid truth. “Until recently, I was simply a name among society. A woman no one bothered to truly get to know, unless it was through a satirical article in the paper. So when I dared to take a risk with someone I knew was not meant for me, I was ridiculed, ostracized, and even betrothed to a man I absolutely loathe in spite of it. But I wouldn’t change a single moment of my time with him — even if the opportunity arose to do it all over — because he gave me the courage to believe in myself when no one else did. While I may not ever experience lasting love, I can say I held it in my grip for a time and was better because of it.” She took a deep breath, and concluded, “That, Constance, is why I approached you at the opera and why I came here today. After all this man has done for me, I feel that I owe him this, at least.”
Constance regarded her thoughtfully. “Hmmm.” It was all she said before setting aside her glass and lifting a delicate brow. “You are aware of the danger you are putting yourself in by associating yourself with me and the things I might tell you, and yet you are willing to do so anyway?”
“I am.” Triana lifted her chin. “I don’t care what happens to me. My brother and this man — they are what matter.”
“Tell me this, Triana,” Constance said quietly. “Are you prepared to die, all in the name of love?”
“If that’s what it takes,” Triana admitted. “Then yes.”
“I see.” After a brief pause, the other woman gave a decisive nod. “Well, I suppose that answers my question. I just hope Chiltern realizes how lucky he is to have such a devoted woman for his cause.”
Triana’s eyes widened. “How did you… .?” But she shook her head and answered her own question. “I suppose it’s not really a secret.”
Constance shrugged. “You would be shocked at all the things in society that reach my ears. Things people don’t want circulated.” With a coy smile, she said, “But let’s get back on track, shall we? You wished to learn about the smuggling.”
Triana hesitated, her mouth twisting with amusement. “Does that mean I passed the test, even though my only excuse is that of a hopeless romantic?”
“My dear, is there any other kind?” Constance gave a light laugh that Triana found herself joining. “But I’m telling you my secrets because there are so few women in society worth their salt, and I see a kindred spirit in you. It’s for that reason, and no other, that I am willing to comply with your request.”
“I feel honored that you trust me,” Triana said sincerely, feeling she’d been given the ultimate compliment.
The courtesan’s green eyes shone suspiciously, and she glanced to the side. “I do believe we might have been true friends in another life,” Constance said softly. After a moment, she was composed once more. “I was with Captain Reginald Hildegard for nearly thirteen months. At the time of our original association, he was simply a ship merchant by trade — anything illegal would come later. I found him agreeable, naturally because he was a satisfactory lover and liked to spend money on me, although he always promised that once his finances improved he would take me abroad.” With a light roll of her eyes, she added, “I know never to hold my breath when it comes to any sort of vow made by the male species, so I simply ignored his ramblings as just that — until he started to change.”
Her eyes became unfocused, and Triana realized that her mind was flooded with memories. “He became more withdrawn and irritable about a year into our relationship. I started to wonder if perhaps he might be having an affair, although I never found any evidence of it. That’s when I stumbled onto more than I’d bargained for.” She paused meaningfully.
“I’d stayed abreast of any rumors from the underground, and I began hearing talk of a smuggling ring. Of course, no one knew any particulars about it. It was only when I overheard Reginald talking to his cohort, Captain Spalling of theClaraBelle, that I was able to put two and two together.” She shrugged. “He said he was doing it for us, that the payoff would be worth the danger, but I didn’t see the benefits of tying myself to a man who would likely be convicted of treason and end up swinging from the end of a rope, so I ended the affair and moved on to Huntington shortly thereafter.”
Constance picked up her glass again, her face showing none of her true emotion, although Triana noticed the subtle tightening around her mouth and the haunted look in her eyes, and she knew the woman’s heart had been truly bruised.
“I’m sorry,” Triana said quietly.
Her companion gave a sad smile. “He made his choice, and he’ll have to pay the consequences for it. I’m just thankful I won’t be there to share in his downfall.”
For a moment, Triana allowed the silence to envelope them, having been caught up in the poignant tale, but now she asked, “Do you know where the exchanges are taking place?”
Her expression was now wiped clear, any ill effects having been firmly pushed aside. “Reginald meets with Spalling’s ship at a designated rendezvous point along the coast, but it’s different every time. Something to do with a set of codes.”
Triana knew that Ridge was already working on the codes, so she moved on. “What about the smuggled cargo? How are they getting it loaded onto theEvening Starundetected?”
“His ship is merely a diversion from what’s going on behind the scenes.” Constance stated matter of fact. “There is a French spy who carries messages and cargo back and forth from theClara Belleto theEvening Swanon land. But it’s all just an illusion.”
Triana frowned. “For what?”
“The larger operation that is taking place before the vessels even dock in the harbor.”
“But that doesn’t make sense. Surely, the…”
Abruptly, realization dawned, and it was enough to make her sick.
Madame Corressa shook her head almost sadly. “Surely you didn’t think this was just a small operation with only two or three ships involved?” She sighed. “There are hundreds.”
“The East India Company,” Triana whispered. “They know.”
“Oh, yes.” Constance concurred. “They are most certainly aware and are actively involved.”
