The Price of Pleasure (30 page)

Reed awakened in a dark, cold place, a place where pain and the specter of death vied for his attention. He attempted to move and found his arms and legs shackled. He gnashed his teeth and waited for the bite of the lash.

“You can release him now.” The voice bristled with authority.

Suddenly his arms and legs were free. Fearing he would find himself in hell, Reed forced his eyes open. He smelled her unique scent before the mist clouding his eyes cleared enough to see her.

Fleur.

“What happened?” Reed groaned.

The hand that touched his face was cool and reassuring. “John Coachman found you near the stables,” Fleur explained. “He heard a shot and went to investigate. You were lying on the ground, blood seeping from your temple.”

“Nothing serious, my lord,” a male voice intoned. He turned toward the voice and recognized Doctor Freeman, the family physician. “Whoever shot at you missed the target,” the doctor continued. “The bullet grazed your temple; lots of blood and some pain but not fatal. Once the headache passes, you’ll be as good as new, except for the shallow wound along the right side of your head.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Reed said, testing his arms and legs to make sure they still worked.

“You fought the doctor while he tried to patch you up,” Fleur clarified. “Two servants had to hold you down.”

She searched his face. “Where were you just now? You struggled so fiercely.”

Reed glanced at the circle of people surrounding him. No one was close enough to see him shudder or hear him whisper, “I was in hell. Will I never escape that horror?”

“What did you say, Reed?” Violet asked, pushing Fleur away to reach his side.

Reed waved her question aside. “Nothing of importance, I assure you.”

“I was so worried about you,” she said, clasping her hands against her heart. “Why would anyone want to hurt you?”

Reed would like to know the same thing.

The doctor cleared his throat. “We should allow Lord Hunthurst to rest.” He motioned to the footmen. “Help his lordship to his bed. I’ll be up in a moment to give him something to ease the pain.”

Reed started to protest, but the sharp pain in his head when he sat up made him more amenable to following the doctor’s orders.

“Please listen to the doctor,” Helen urged. “I’ll send a message to Gallard. He will be such a comfort to us while you’re recuperating.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Reed bit out. He wasn’t going to lie abed for long, not with a would-be assassin on the loose. He leaned heavily between two footmen while he was helped up to his bedchamber. Though it was Fleur he wanted with him, he resisted the urge to ask her to accompany him. It wouldn’t be seemly. He made her aware of his feelings, however, by the look he sent her before he quit the room.

Fleur worried her bottom lip as she watched Reed being carried off. Once again, he could have been killed. Fleur silently vowed to renew her efforts to find those responsible. It was the least she could do for Reed before disappearing from his life.

Fleur debated all night about abandoning Reed and moving to the townhouse as planned. But when she found Reed sitting in the breakfast room in the morning, calmly eating, she realized he wasn’t seriously hurt, making her decision to leave easier.

“Are you well enough to be out of bed?” Fleur asked as she filled her plate and settled in a chair next to Reed. Since they were the only two at breakfast, she felt she could speak freely.

“I feel fine,” Reed said. “Doctor Freeman said to keep the bandage in place for a few days, and so I shall.”

“Who do you think did this to you?”

“I wish I knew. I plan to call on Porter this morning to report the incident. I am beginning to believe that I am, indeed, the target of an assassin. The reason behind the attacks leaves me puzzled, however.”

“Perhaps I will learn something when I go riding with Monsieur Barbeau this afternoon. He’s to call for me at two. Tomorrow, Lisette and I shall move to the townhouse.”

“I don’t want you to leave,” Reed said. “I like having you here.”

Fleur stiffened. Of course he liked having her here. She was on hand to slake his lust. What could be more convenient? “I cannot stay here. Living in the same house with you raises suspicion and hinders my investigation.”

Reed slammed his hand on the table. “Porter had no right to ask you to place your life in danger.” The effort must have cost him, for he rubbed his right temple with the pads of his fingers.

“Does your head hurt? You should have rested another day or two as the doctor advised.”

“My head feels fine,” Reed snapped from between clenched teeth.

Fleur finished her breakfast and rose. “Do you mind if I borrow your carriage? Lisette and I wish to move some things to the townhouse.”

“I was about to offer it to you. In fact, I’ll go with you. I need to speak with Updike and the rest of the staff. When do you want to leave?”

“Ten o’clock, if that’s agreeable with you.”

“Ten o’clock is fine. I’ll meet you in the foyer.”

Fleur returned to her chamber to make sure everything was packed and ready to go. Peg had matters in hand so Fleur went in search of Lisette. She ran into Helen and Violet in the foyer.

“Reed said you’re leaving tomorrow,” Helen said. “It’s for the best, you know.”

“Indeed it is,” Violet agreed. “People are beginning to talk about you. Most assume you are Reed’s
chère amie
.” She smirked. “They are not far off, are they? It’s no secret you’ve been sleeping with him.”

“I’ve no time for this conversation,” Fleur replied, turning on her heel.

“Wait!” Violet called after her.

Fleur stopped but didn’t turn around.

“Do you deny that Reed is moving you into his townhouse so he can visit your bedchamber without interference?”

Fleur didn’t dignify Violet’s question with an answer. A good part of her assumption was correct. Fleur
had
been sleeping with Reed, but she didn’t intend for it to continue. One day soon she would move to the country and forget Reed.

No, not forget him. That wasn’t possible. But she wouldn’t see him again. Reed had to produce an heir, and she wasn’t capable of giving him one.

Fleur found Lisette, and at precisely ten o’clock they met Reed in the foyer. Their trunks were being loaded onto the carriage as Reed handed both ladies inside and joined them.

“It really isn’t necessary for you to come with us, Reed,” Fleur pointed out. “The servants at the townhouse know we are coming and are capable of taking care of us. Don’t you have business with Lord Porter?”

“I do. After I drop you off and speak with Updike, I shall continue on to Whitehall. I’m not really up to riding today.” As if to prove his words, Reed winced and touched his temple when the carriage jerked forward and rattled off down the street.

Fleur made a clucking sound in her throat. “You shouldn’t be out of bed. Your visit to Lord Porter can wait.”

That blasted dimple appeared in Reed’s cheek. “Don’t fuss over me, love. I’m fine.”

Fleur knew Reed wasn’t as fine as he professed, but she ceased berating him. Reed being Reed, he would do what he pleased. He had suffered far worse and survived.

“We’re here,” Reed said as the carriage rolled to a stop. He stepped down and handed the ladies out. Two footmen rushed out of the house and began unloading luggage. Up-dike held the door open for them.

“Welcome, my lady, my lord,” Updike greeted.

“Thank you, Updike,” Fleur replied.

“Why don’t you and Lisette direct the unpacking?” Reed suggested.

Fleur knew Reed wished to speak to Updike in private, so she nodded and went upstairs after Lisette and Peg, who had arrived earlier.

Reed waited until they were gone to speak. “I need a private word with you, Updike. Shall we retire to the study?”

Once inside the familiar room, Reed found the brandy in the usual place, filled two snifters and handed one to Updike. “Sit down, Updike.”

The valet settled into a chair and sipped his brandy. “What’s on your mind, my lord? Everything is in readiness for the countess and her companion, just as you asked.”

Reed sat behind his desk, warming the brandy between his hands. “I’m appointing you, Peg, and the entire staff as Fleur’s watchdogs. She’s on a dangerous mission and could encounter people who do not have her best interests at heart. Therefore, there are some instructions I wish you to impart to the staff.”

“I understand,” Updike replied. “What do you wish us to do?”

“Make sure Fleur is accompanied wherever she goes. I want to know with whom she goes out and for how long she is gone. She is to accompany an émigré today on a carriage ride through the park. Send someone you trust to follow on horseback and provide help should she require it.”

Updike frowned. “Do you believe Lady Fontaine to be at risk? Is there nothing you can do to prevent her from endangering herself?”

“The woman is too stubborn to listen to me.”

“Might I inquire about the bandage you’re wearing?”

“Another failed attempt on my life,” Reed drawled. “It’s not important.”

“I should say it is important,” Updike objected. “Perhaps my time would be better spent protecting you.”

“No! I can take care of myself, Updike. Fleur cannot.”

“As you say, my lord,” Updike said with a hint of sarcasm.

“Is that mockery I hear in your voice?”

“Indeed no, my lord. If anyone can foil would-be assassins, it’s you.”

Reed’s lips twitched with amusement. “Just so we understand one another.” Updike rose to leave. “One more thing; I’m keeping a key to the front door.”

“If you think it’s necessary, my lord. However, a footman will be stationed at the door to admit you when you visit.”

Reed’s lips twitched again. “Let me phrase that another way. Everyone, including the servants, will be abed when I visit.”

“But why would you . . .” Updike’s brow rose as comprehension dawned. “Oh, I see. That’s the way the wind blows.”

“That’s precisely how it is. I must be on my way, Updike. Follow my instructions and all will be well.”

Fleur returned to the mansion in time for luncheon and to change her clothes for her carriage ride with Monsieur Barbeau. Peg helped her into a blue silk confection with short sleeves, a square neckline and high waist, embellished with embroidered rosebuds and trimmed with lace. Before she left the bedchamber, Peg handed her a matching bonnet and draped a silk shawl over her shoulders.

“Enjoy your ride, my lady,” Peg called after Fleur as she left her chamber. “The weather is perfect for an outing.”

Barbeau arrived at precisely two o’clock. His admiration was evident as he watched her descend the stairs. “You are a vision, Countess.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

Fleur smiled and placed her hand in the crook of Barbeau’s arm. They breezed past a footman, who held the door open for them. Barbeau handed Fleur into the carriage parked at the curb.

Fleur’s smile slipped when she saw Count Dubois sitting on the seat opposite her. What was he doing here?

“Count Dubois expressed a wish to join us,” Barbeau said. “I didn’t think you would mind.”

“Not at all,” Fleur said, greeting Dubois with a forced smile.

They made small talk until the carriage entered the park and headed down the Serpentine. Then Fleur inquired, “Did both of you manage to escape the turmoil in France with your families?”

Barbeau and Dubois exchanged significant glances. “I am not wed and have no close relatives,” Barbeau replied. “Count Dubois was the only one of his family to escape death.”

“I’m sorry,” Fleur said, patting Dubois’s hand. “Shall we talk of more pleasant things?”

“Indeed,” Dubois said, seizing the initiative. “I understand you will be moving to Hunthurst’s townhouse soon. Did Lady Helen tire of your company? Or was the decision Hunthurst’s?”

“Actually, it was my decision to leave,” Fleur replied. “I had imposed long enough and felt it was time to find a place of my own. Lord Hunthurst was kind enough to lease me his townhouse.”

“How convenient for you,” Dubois said in a tone dripping with mockery.

“Is Lord Hunthurst in good health?” Barbeau asked.

The question startled Fleur. Did he know about the latest attack on Reed’s life? “Fine, why do you ask?”

Barbeau shrugged. “No reason. I understand the Bonhams are holding a soirée tomorrow night. There’s to be music. Will you attend? If you require an escort, I’d be happy to come for you in my carriage.”

“I’ll give you my answer if you will answer a question for me.”

“Anything, Countess.”

“Why are you so interested in Lord Hunthurst?”

“Gallard Duvall is a friend,” Dubois answered in Barbeau’s stead. “He speaks of Hunthurst often. He told us that attempts have been made on the earl’s life. We are concerned about his well-being. Does he have enemies, Countess?”

“Not that I am aware of, but I know little of his lordship’s affairs. I am merely an acquaintance of his sister-in-law.”