Page 51 of Lord Ramsey's Red-Headed Ruin
“She has been away from Paris since mid-March,” Gus said with anger and a harsh note of despair. “Of course she has not worked.”
“When we heard that you both were looking for us in Reims, she considered returning. But doing so only if she were still invisible to Vaillancourt.”
Kane looked at Gus. “The man is relentless in his pursuit.”
Ram nodded. “And Amber is determined he will not stop her.”
“And you agreed?” Kane asked.
“Only if I were her companion. Yes, we live together. We have developed a trusting relationship.” Ram looked at Gus. “I hope I do not offend you when I admit that your friend and I are intimate?”
Gus smacked her lips. “No. Amber would not do anything unless she believed it to be right. Will she remain incognito? Indefinitely?”
“She says she will. I encourage it. Three of the deputy police chief’s men found us at various points along the roads. They are ruthless creatures. I do not want Amber in public. They would take advantage at their chief’s command. I think him capable of anything.” He looked to Kane. “I will keep her by my side for as long as is necessary. No one will hurt her.”
Gus let out a shaking breath, gazing at Ram with sad eyes. “So I conclude, then, that I will not see her.”
“I came alone. I will go out with her on her journeys and I will not come here again. She congratulates you on your marriage and hopes you are very happy.” He turned to Kane. “I bring you my own fond regards for a happy life together.”
With a nod, Kane accepted Ram’s kind words. “Ramsey, we fear Vaillancourt’s orders to do anything to find you both and take Amber from you.”
“That is not news. Amber has told me the same for weeks.”
Gus whispered, “He wants her to reveal her network.”
Ram held his breath. Gus knew so much about Amber’s activities. She even called it a network.
Gus continued, agonizing over her words. “Perhaps he wants more than that.”
“He does,” Ram replied. “But he will have her over my dead body.”
Gus stared at him. He remained silent as she absorbed the full meaning of that statement.
A knock at the door came, and Kane called to hismajordom, Corsini, to enter. The man had a tray filled with cakes, glasses, cups and saucers, a teapot, and a carafe of brandy.
“Would you like any refreshment?” Kane asked Ram.
“None for me, thank you.”
Corsini took his cue and drifted away, closing the door behind him.
Ram got to his feet. “And so if you will forgive me the brevity of my visit, I return home to Amber.”
“You will let us know how and where you are, I hope?” Gus pressed him.
“I would like to say yes, my lady, but I cannot. To come here taunts the devil. It took me hours to change course and defy anyone who might have discovered me. I return now by different routes.” He took Gus’s offered hand and bent to kiss it. “No news will be good news.”
Kane said, “I will walk to the orangery with you. Pardon me, my darling. I will have a few words with Ramsey.”
Ram had a few things to divulge to Kane, too.
*
“Listen to me,please, Ram,” Kane said when they stood amid the fragrant orange trees in the warm room at the back of the house. “I have men here to help you. If you need assistance, I can send them to you now. Also, if you need money, I have that too. Scarlett was more than generous. So whatever you may want—”
“I have men enough, Whit. Money is a challenge. If you can deposit an amount with mymajordomin my house off rue d’Orleans, that would help.”
“I gather you are not pleased to return to Paris.”
