By Fire and by Sword (11 page)

Kenna smiled and stole a quick glance in Josette’s direction, expecting even as she did that her gaze would be met with a glare of hatred, and the knowledge that she had made an enemy for life.

“Well done, little Scot!” Josette said, a genuine smile relaxing upon her lips as she came toward Kenna. “You have more than proved your mettle and thereby you are fully deserving of my respect. I salute you,” she said, and brought her foil straight up, in a vertical line across the center of her face, the blade almost resting
on her nose, and her thumb against the curve of chin below her lip.

“Excellent, my dear
mademoiselle
, most excellent. You displayed superb skill and tremendous mental agility that is a true accomplishment in one so young. Fencing is a sport of mind and body, and few can excel in both areas.”

Jupiter himself was turned into a satyr,

a shepherd, a bull, a swan, a golden shower,

and what not for love.

—Robert Burton (1577–1640),

English scholar and churchman.

The Anatomy of Melancholy
(1621).

“
P
or Dios
, Montgomery, I have never seen you act so ridiculously besotted. She is only a woman, after all, and not some shrine to worship. This is fast turning into a pilgrimage,” Alejandro said.

Colin gave him a knowing smile. “Oh, really? I happen to remember a certain
señorita
in Argentina, and how you led me across forested hills, humid pampas and flamingo-coated salt lakes. I almost killed myself drinking
maté
with gauchos beneath the shade of
ombú
trees, and nearly drowned in the River Paraná, and all because you…”

“All right. All right, point made. Forget what I said,” Alejandro grumbled.

It was late afternoon and the sun was beginning its descent when Colin and Alejandro had their first glimpse of the lofty, pencil-shaped turrets that rose from the castle to dominate the hilltop.

After a rather steep ascent, they rode through a park filled with chestnut trees, and spotted a few deer from the road, before they reached the château.

“That,” Alejandro said as they rode through the gates, “is a magnificent example of a feudal castle.”

“When do you think it was built?” Colin asked.

“Its architecture suggests both the Romanesque and Gothic periods. The trefoil windows especially suggest Romanesque, with heavy Byzantine influence.”

“‘A heavy Byzantine influence’…you don’t say! When did you become such an expert on castle architecture?”

“My family has lived in a castle for centuries, and my father made certain all of his children knew, not only its history, but that of many other well-known structures as well. He was a great historian, who had a particular interest in architecture. His designs were used to build several castles.”

“Why did you never tell me that?”

“You never asked me.”

“What else are you keeping secret?”

Alejandro laughed. “I shall not reveal all my secrets, for their power lies in the keeping of them. I prefer to divulge them one at a time, when the occasion calls for it. Otherwise, they would only serve to bore you.”

They dismounted and handed the reins of their weary horses to a groom, before they climbed the stone steps to address a footman, in formal livery of blue, white and gold.

“Is the Comte Debouvine in residence?” Colin asked.

“
Oui, monsieur.
Do you have an appointment with the
comte
or his secretary?”

“No, but I would like you to give him this letter of introduction, and ask if he could receive the two of us.”

With a click of his heels, the footman disappeared through the massive double doors. He returned a short time later and said, “Although the
comte
has no recollection of having had the honor of meeting you, he will receive you. Please, if you will come this way.”

They entered a cavernous, flagstoned entryway, brightly lit by three chandeliers. Beneath the middle one stood a massive circular table, and in its center sat a large silver urn filled with greenery.

They followed the footman through an assortment of hallways and apartments before they came to a closed door, which the footman opened in a grand and flamboyant manner, and announced Señor Calderón of Spain, and Captain Montgomery of America.

They stepped into the
comte’
s large and impressively appointed library. A fireplace, alive with blaze and crackle, burned behind him. Shelves of books mingled with precious tapestries hung with gilt chains, and richly brocaded drapes were drawn back from leaded windows that gave a splendid view of the gardens. A fine Persian carpet threw rich splashes of color across the floor.

The Comte Debouvine sat behind a marquetry writing desk with bronze decorations, which was covered with neatly stacked letters and papers. The gray streaks in his dark hair were illuminated silver by twin candelabra gleaming with wax candles.

At the sound of the door opening, he looked up and dismissed his secretary, who, anticipating more work, had picked up his pen when Colin and Alejandro entered the room. “That will be all for now, Fornier. I will send for you later.”

With a dignified nod, Fornier put down the stylus, closed the lid on a gold-and-crystal inkwell and left the room.

The
comte
rose from his desk to greet them. “Please, gentlemen, do sit down and tell me the nature of your visit.”

The
comte
was dressed in dark blue velvet and a cream shirt with splendid ecru lace that fell in layers from the neck, and Colin was glad Alejandro had advised him to dress more formally than he normally did as a ship’s captain.

“Monsieur le Comte,” Alejandro said, “I have the honor of presenting myself, Alejandro de Calderón, and my good friend, Colin Montgomery, Captain of the American ship
Dancing Water.
”

“Welcome to France, gentlemen.” He glanced toward the footman, who was still waiting by the door. “That will be all for now, Quirion. You may return to your post.”

The footman departed.

“Now, gentlemen, I am eagerly waiting to hear what
has brought the two of you from Spain and America to Paris and my château.”

Colin took over at this point, and explained their purpose for coming, how they had met and assisted Lady Kenna Lennox when she was desirous of leaving Scotland, and how he wished to speak with Lady Kenna, to hear how she fared on her journey from Edinburgh.

“So, you wish to pay a social call on Lady Kenna Lennox, based upon a chance meeting, at which time you chose not to help in any way other than to foist her off on the captain of a Danish ship?”

Colin was quick to reply. “You make it sound more callous than it was,
comte
, and I am certain if you inquire of Lady Kenna as to the nature of our encounter, she will speak favorably of us and agree to grant us a few moments of her time.”

“Please continue on, Captain, for I have heard you wish to see how Lady Kenna fared on her journey, but man to man, is that the only reason you have gone to such great lengths to come to Paris?”

“I am sure you know that it is not the only reason, Monsieur le Comte, just as I am certain you know, man to man, what that other reason is,” Colin said. “In all honesty, I was quite captivated by her, and her obvious distress and fear of some element unknown to us. In the time that has passed since seeing her last, I have oft wondered about her, and the reason she fled her home at Christmas, carrying nothing but two small traveling bags, and quite determined to keep her identity a secret.”

“Which brings me to my next question,” the
comte
said, “and that is, how did you learn her name and how did you discover her whereabouts?”

Colin related how he arranged for Captain Fischer to take her to Calais and to arrange passage for her to Paris. “Later, we discovered Captain Fischer’s ship was anchored in Copenhagen when we arrived. I paid him a call and asked for the details as to where he arranged for her coach. He recalled renting it at the posting station. Luckily, he remembered the driver was the son of the proprietor. Once I reached Calais, I found the driver and learned the address where he dropped her in Paris. It turned out to be the home of Madame Guion, who gave me her name and told me of the letter of introduction she had to the Comte Debouvine.”

“And that is it?” the
comte
asked.

“Yes,” Colin replied. “I feel certain if you were to ask Lady Kenna, she would verify all I have said.”

“There is no need,” said the
comte
, “for Lady Kenna told me about you and Señor Calderón shortly after her arrival.”

The Comte Debouvine came to his feet. “I have decided to send for Lady Kenna and see if she wishes to meet with you, and I do so for one reason only, and that is, you chose not to tell me that you advanced this Captain Fischer a considerable amount of money, and requested he secure safe passage for lady Kenna to Paris, which you paid for, and that you also requested she have the coach to herself. And now, if you will excuse me, I will have someone take word to her that you will be waiting for her in the Rose Salon.”

After the
comte
departed, the footman returned to take them to the Rose Salon. A short time later, accompanied by the
comte
, Lady Kenna swept into the room in a green silk gown, her luscious red hair perfectly curled and coiffed.

Her eyes seemed to light up when she saw them. “Alejandro and Captain Montgomery, how good it is to see you again. I have wished many times that I would one day have the opportunity to thank you for all you did. Captain Fischer went beyond himself to make a journey taken for the direst reasons as pleasant as possible. I wish there was some way I could repay you.”

“To see your face and the happiness displayed there is gratitude enough,” Colin said. “We have had you in our thoughts constantly, and when we encountered Captain Fischer a week or so ago, we were quick to inquire about you. It is both a pleasure and a relief to see you looking well and happy, in such luxurious accommodations. I am glad your journey was a successful one,” Colin said.

“Captain Montgomery, I am well aware of how much gratitude I owe you,” she said. “Captain Fischer made certain I knew that it was not his largesse that made everything possible. He told me you gave him the money to pay the expenses for my passage to Paris. I am indebted to you. Please accept my inadequate but heartfelt appreciation.”

“My pleasure, Lady Kenna.”

“Lady Kenna,” the
comte
said, “if you are content to continue your visit with these gentlemen alone, I am expecting a visit shortly from the Duc d’Avignon, and
do not wish to bore any of you with his company, for the man has but two topics, himself and the weather, and I am sick to death of both.”

When the laughter died down, the
comte
said, “Gentlemen, it has been an esteemed pleasure, and if you are so inclined, I invite you stay to dine with us tonight.”

“That all depends,” Alejandro said, “on whether you intend to invite the Duc d’Avignon.”

Another round of laughter, and this time, when it faded, Kenna looked from Alejandro to Colin. “I promise to spare you that as well.”

“In that case, we look forward to it,” Colin said.

“Then it is settled,” the
comte
said. “Until dinner, then.” He was almost at the door when Kenna said, “Would you ask Josette to join us?”

“An excellent idea, my dear…an excellent idea indeed,” the
comte
replied.

When the
comte
was gone, Alejandro asked, “Who is Josette?”

“I prefer to let you discover for yourself,” Kenna said.

His brows formed two dark slashes over his eyes. “Ah, a mysterious woman.”

Kenna laughed. “You have no idea, but I will give you a hint. Think of sad songs, fiery dances, heavy drinking and then smashing the glasses in the fireplace.”

“An exotic creature… I think I am in love,” Alejandro said.

“Worse things could happen to you,” Kenna said.

“Alas, I am a confirmed bachelor,” he said.

Kenna smiled coyly at Colin. “What married man has not sworn himself to that single state?”

They settled into conversation and managed to cover two topics before they heard the
tap-tap-tap
of someone coming down the passage. With a click, the door opened, followed by the faint rustle of crisp silk, as Josette entered the room. She looked slim and sleek in a fiery red gown, drawn up and bustled in the back. Her hair was pulled back, the black coils smooth and lustrous.

Colin and Alejandro rose to their feet immediately. When she noticed the two of them, Josette stopped, and with her accustomed solemn dignity, gazed upon the two newcomers who stood watching her.

“The
comte
sent word that I was to join you here,” she said to Kenna, without averting her gaze. “No one mentioned you had guests.”

Colin could see by Kenna’s expression that she was a trifle annoyed by Josette’s cold and cautious words. “Do come in and join us, Josette. I asked the
comte
to send for you. I wanted you to meet the gentlemen I told you about—don’t you remember?—the ship’s captain and his friend from Spain, who helped me with my passage from Edinburgh?”

Josette looked each of them over with an indifferent but guarded expression as Kenna made the introductions, which Josette acknowledged with a bow and a cordial, yet brief, “A pleasure, gentlemen.”

She came farther into the room and seated herself.

“I can see Lady Kenna has withheld information
from us, for she failed to mention she had made the acquaintance of such a lovely lady,” Alejandro said.

Josette ignored his flattery. “What brings you to Paris, gentlemen?”

“A desire to assure ourselves that Lady Kenna arrived at her destination safely,” Colin replied.

“Now that you have seen the proof of it, how long will you remain in France?”

“A few days” was Colin’s reply.

Alejandro laughed. “Are you the official timekeeper,
mademoiselle
?”

Kenna spoke quickly. “The
comte
has invited them to stay to dinner. They have traveled all the way from…” She paused and directed her gaze toward Colin.

“We came from Copenhagen, Mademoiselle Revel. Have you been there?” Colin asked.

“No,” she said, in a curt, dismissive manner.

“You should go there sometime,” Alejandro said, in his jovial manner. “It reminds me of you…beautiful but cold.”

Almost immediately, Kenna leaped from her chair and grabbed a salver of macaroons from the
comte’
s table and thrust it in Colin’s face. “A macaroon, Captain?”

Colin fought back a grin as he gazed into her lovely eyes. He took a macaroon, while he continued to fight the overwhelming urge to laugh. He recognized all the signs of a man walking dangerously down the path of the hopelessly besotted, something he had sworn never to do.