Chapter 19
Dusk had fallen by the time Cosette stood at the entrance to Medmenham Abbey. She wasn’t sure if there was a certain rule to follow when it came to gaining an audience with a member of the Order, but she was rather confident that she would be allowed entry when she told whomever was in charge that the Duke of Blackburn was her protector.
‘Fais ce que tu voudras.’
She read the inscription on the stained glass above the door, moments before it was opened. A man wearing a white robe stood there. A hood covered most of his face. For a moment, Cosette’s courage faltered, but whenever she thought of Davien and the reasons she was here, it was recovered. “I’m here to speak to the Abbot.”
She thought she could sense the man’s surprise, but he didn’t speak as he stood aside and waved an arm for her to precede him. Cosette found herself in a cavernous room. “Wait here.”
His deep voice echoed through the hall, causing a shiver to run up Cosette’s arms. She stood and looked out the window at the Thames beyond. As night began to fall, the river looked like a twisting serpent, slithering through the fields toward the city. It might have been a rather morbid comparison, but considering what she was about to do, it rather suited her mood.
“You’re either courageous or very foolish for braving the den of the lion,” came a smooth voice from behind her.
She turned to find a man cloaked in red. He also wore a hood, but he removed it to show off a head full of dark hair lined with bits of silver. “For extreme diseases, extreme methods of cure, as to restriction, are most suitable.”
Cosette was surprised when the man smiled. “A lady who quotes Hippocrates. Very intriguing.” He waved a hand toward a wooden table. “Would you care for a drink?”
She shook her head. “That’s not necessary. I’m here on business, not a social call.” A sudden, ear-piercing, female moan split the air, along with a guttural male cry. And then a second. Her cheeks instantly warmed, knowing what was transpiring beyond the closed door on the opposite side of the room, but she added, “Or what you consider social behavior.”
The man opposite her chuckled richly. “Then you won’t mind if I imbibe.” He poured himself a drink and sat down. She remained standing. “You have spirit. Tell me, what is your name?”
This was the moment of truth. “It’s Cosette du Bouir. I am the mistress of the Duke of Blackburn.”
Instantly, the dark eyes before her lit with new interest. “Ah, indeed.” His gaze raked her body unabashedly. “So you’re the filly who has been monopolizing all of our Brother’s time.” He took a slow drink, looking at her over the rim. “I can’t say that I blame him.” He smiled slowly. “So tell me, what is it that you desire? Is Blackburn not doing his job to please you, for I can guarantee you will find enjoyment aplenty here.”
“Of that I have no doubt,” Cosette returned. “But I’m afraid that isn’t why I’m here. I have a proposition for you.”
She hesitated, so he waved a hand. “Go on.”
She took a deep breath. It was time for another truth. “I understand that you have a girl imprisoned here by the name of Charlotte Kingsbury. She was a tavern maid at The Lion’s Share. She’s a young Scottish woman with red hair and a heavy accent. There’s no mistaking her.”
He rubbed the tip of his index finger around the edge of his glass. “Where did you come by this information? Did Blackburn tell you?”
“I can assure you he did not, but my source shall remain anonymous.”
He grinned. “How valiant of you.” He clasped his hands over his midsection and regarded her in all seriousness. “So what is it that you want? Shall it be money for your silence?”
“No.” A dark brow lifted at her denial. “But I do propose an exchange. Me, for Charlotte.”
His indifferent demeanor had returned. “I’m afraid negotiations within the Order are not so easy, m’dear. I know the woman with whom you refer, and she is part of the initiates for our spring ceremony. I’m afraid that I can’t part with her.”
Cosette knew she was losing him. Her chance to free Charlotte and contain her personal demon behind these stone walls was slipping away. “I’m afraid I must insist.”
“Do you now?” His voice deepened. “Taking another man’s mistress is rather frowned upon among gentlemen. Blackburn will be difficult to deal with if I were to agree. However,” he added, “if I were to reconsider, what would you give me for my generosity?”
Cosette knew he was expecting some sort of lewd offer, but she had come prepared. If she knew anything about the gentry and nobility alike, they enjoyed their coin as much as their . . . pursuits.
She tossed a bag of guineas on the table between them. He didn’t even glance at it, but narrowed his eyes. “You’re rather persuasive, Miss du Bouir. Tell me, how did you come by so much coin?”
“It was a loan.”
“From?” he prodded.
She crossed her arms. “A friend.” In reality, she had taken it from Davien’s coach. She knew that he kept extra coin under the seat for emergencies. She’d heard him discussing it with Quinn one day when they thought she wasn’t around. She thought the information might come in handy someday.
“So you are willing to trade yourself for Miss Kingsbury, as well as pay for her release in the bargain?”
“That is correct.”
