Page 27 of The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire
Armed with the information she needed, Rosamund reminded herself to remain genteel at all times. She was going to put the French woman straight on a few things, and she doubted anything she had to say would be recommended byThe Lady’s Guide.
As soon asher mother nodded off, Rosamund slipped out and made her way down the passageway, counting the doors until she reached that of Madame Florian.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked firmly.
“Entrez.” The voice within had an unmistakably seductive lilt.
Stepping inside, Rosamund was flustered to find the French woman in a state of undress. Her dark mane tumbled over her shoulders and she wore an alluring peignoir of black lace.
“Oh, it is you.” With an air of dismissal Madame Florian turned back to her dressing table. Picking up a bottle of perfume, she dabbed some upon her wrist.
Rosamund resolved to be brief. “I want you to stay away from my mother. All this foolishness you’ve been feeding her—first with your séance and then reading her cards! I can’t think what satisfaction it gives you to upset her, but I won’t allow it!” Aware of her fingernails digging into her palms, Rosamund folded her arms before her.
Madame Florian shrugged. “Such melodrama! And they say we French are ruled by our passions. Calm yourself,chérie.”
Swivelling on her heel, she faced Rosamund with glinting eyes. “I know why you are here, and it not for the sake of your dear Mama, though you act the dutiful daughter. You see I am having my feet already under the table and you think to take my place in the duke’s affections! But I tell you,you are out of your depth.”
Madame Florian placed her hand provocatively upon her hip. “You are a girl, while I am a woman. Your virginity is enticing to him only in a passing way. All men wish to plant their spade where no one else has dug, but there is nothing more.”
Her peignoir was draping open a little, revealing a glimpse of well-rounded breast. “Caring nothing for what others may think, His Grace is free to choose as he likes, and what he likes is me.” Madame Florian gave a cat-like smile.
“He is a man of certain tastes, which I am prepared to satisfy—but you know nothing of this, do you, little virgin.” Throwing back her head, Madame Florian gave a throaty laugh. “Ah! If you did, you might not be in such a hurry to claim him.”
The French woman took several steps, shooing Rosamund backwards. “Go and find that milksop boy. He is raw about the gills, and should be easy enough to entice. More your style,chérie—and I am sure the duke will raise his nephew’s allowance if he takes a bride. Live modestly, and you will be content.”
Finding her mouth gaping, Rosamund shut it promptly.
The woman was a pure adventuress. A hussy! Playing a part to win the duke’s good favour, and a chance of being the next duchess.
The French woman was a minx.
But, the heated constriction in Rosamund’s chest had nothing to do with jealousy, nor indignation. If Madame Florian was a trollop, Rosamund was no better, pursuing the duke for her own selfish ends.
The evening did not pass pleasantly.
Rosamund had little more appetite for food than her mother. She read to her for a while but, within the first pages, Mrs. Burnell was gently snoring.
The wind whipped around the abbey, rattling the windows, moaning and whistling. In bed, Rosamund tossed, so that the sheets tangled round her legs. Meanwhile, Pom Pom whined, frightened by the stormy weather outside.
Drifting into sleep, Rosamund dreamt that she was not alone. A shadowy figure crossed the room, pausing at the bedside to look upon her and touch her hair, before moving away once more. From the depths of slumber, she heard the click of the closing door.
Chapter 11
Rosamund was determined notto be subdued by Madame Florian. If she wished to do battle, Rosamund would don her gloves and the best woman would win.
The duke had been devoted to his last duchess. On that basis, he’d surely offer his new bride a degree of tenderness, if not the same abiding love.
With Bessie’s help, Rosamund dressed hurriedly in a simply cut two piece of navy wool and went through to the adjoining room.
Happily, her mother appeared well-rested. The laudanum, at least, had allowed her to sleep through the night’s lashing wind and rain.
“You’re looking more lively this morning, Ma.” Rosamund plumped the pillows, helping her sit upright. “Will you come downstairs, today?”
Mrs. Burnell sipped her tea thoughtfully, her hands only shaking a little.
“I do feel rather better, my darling, but I’ll keep to my room another day, if you think Lord Studborne won’t be too put out.”
“Of course.” Rosamund did her best not to let her disappointment show. “The weather has been rather miserable but there’s a break coming in the clouds. You won’t mind if I take Pom Pom out for a while? The poor thing has been too much stuck indoors.”
