Rouge (17 page)

I touched Freddie’s arm. “Your father’s right. We should consider the future.”

“Perhaps we can talk to this Gavin fellow and see what he knows.”

My body was tense, but I smiled and nodded. If Gavin had gotten me this far, I had to trust he’d get me to the end.

“Well, he’s told me as much as I need to know,” Freddie interjected, and the warmth in his eyes reassured me of his plans for us. Now it was just a matter of hastening him along.

Once again, my feelings for Beau raged in my chest, but I fought them down. I’d shed my tears for him at a later date, when everything was settled and we were safe. And I was alone.

The waiter appeared with small plates of that same dark green and purple salad, and the conversation thankfully moved away from me.

“Where do we stand with Fontenot?” Mr. Lovell asked his son as he stabbed the bitter greens.

“We don’t,” Freddie answered in a sharp tone.

I’d never heard him speak that way, and I glanced up to see his steel-gray eyes clash with his father’s.

“What?” Mr. Lovel’s voice was stern. “He’s got 500 oyster bottoms in
Calcasieu
alone, and he promised—”

“Lies,” Freddie interrupted. “He fabricated the whole thing, and if it weren’t for Landry’s investigation, we’d have lost thousands.”

Mr. Lovel sat back and pressed his fingertips together. Then he stretched one hand forward to retrieve his coffee cup, which he again raised to his lips. “Good man, that Landry.”

“He’s very good,” Freddie said. “And I’m disgusted at the level of deception in this city. It’s as if everyone doing business is in some form of graft.”

I cringed, but thankfully the waiter blocked my view of Freddie as he removed our salad plates. I was sure my own guilt was evident on my face as it flashed across my mind, but our entrées distracted their attention.

We were each given large servings of white fish crisped golden brown and accompanied by a pinkish-orange sauce. Beside it was a mixture of yellow corn, green peppers, red tomatoes, and black beans, and Mr. Lovel’s eyebrows rose as he lifted his long fork and began to eat. The delicious aroma made my stomach rumble, but my feelings at Freddie’s words had closed my throat.

“What of his holdings in Port Eads?” Mr. Lovel asked between bites.

“We didn’t go that far,” Freddie said, also lifting his fork. “I refused to engage the imposter. He’d lie and then produce three others to back him up.”

His father nodded, but didn’t respond. My stomach was in knots, and all I could think about was how many were involved in backing up my deception.

“This is why I need you here,” his father finally said. “I’m too old to be tracking down everyone’s stories.”

“This is why we need to be in steel,” Freddie countered. “We can easily keep tabs on it from
Paris
, and steel is the future. The sooner we’re out of this city, the better.”

Mr. Lovel glanced at me and smiled. “I’m sorry, dear. I’m afraid we’ve spoiled your lunch with our discussion.”

I smiled back at him despite the tension in my neck. “It seems to be an important discussion.”

“Father’s right,” Freddie said, covering my hand with his. “These things can be handled in the office. We shouldn’t bore you with them here.”

The men finished their plates, and our waiter appeared with a boy to sweep all three settings away. In their place, small ramekins of a dark chocolate soufflé were set before each of us, and the rich smell drifting from them convinced me I might have an appetite after all.

“What business was your father in, Miss Ferrer?” Mr. Lovel took a small bite before turning to me.

I had lifted a small spoon of the rich dessert to my mouth, but I paused. “I’m not sure, sir.”

I didn’t know what would be considered a good occupation for a gentleman, or what Gavin might’ve said my parents did.

“Why, it just occurred to me,” he continued, glancing at Freddie and then back to me. “Perhaps Landry could help us track down your family. Presuming there’s anyone left.”

“Oh, lord, no!” I almost dropped my spoon. “I mean, I-I’m sure, well. It sounds as if you’ve far better use for him than my personal concerns.”

“That’s not a bad idea, Father,” Freddie turned to give me a warm look. “After all, darling, our personal concerns will soon become one.”

I struggled to keep the panic from registering on my face as I returned the spoonful of dessert to my bowl uneaten. “Of course.”

“Well, I confess,” Mr. Lovel said, placing his utensil next to his now-empty dish. “I had my doubts about you, Miss Ferrer.”

“Father,” Freddie warned.

“No,” he continued. “A singer from the
Vieux Carré
does not inspire confidence, but I should know by now to trust my son. You’re very charming, my dear.”

I tried to smile as Freddie squeezed my hand.

“And I’d rather see you happy with a lady of unknown origin than in an arranged marriage with some pedigreed Parisian who leaves you as cold as day-old bread.”

His words were meant to cheer me, I was sure, but I was fighting to hide my fear. Mr. Lovel stood and Freddie with him, pausing to help me from my seat. We made our way to the exit, and once outside, Mr. Lovel lifted my gloved hand to his lips. This time when he kissed it, I wasn’t sure what to think about my future.

“I also approve of this café,” Mr. Lovel noted, surveying the entrance. “With those offerings, they should do very well. It’s too bad we won’t be their oyster distributor.”

Freddie shook his head and smiled, then he lifted my hand to the crook of his arm. He seemed amused by his father’s words and oblivious to my level of discomfort. He even whistled one of the tunes from our show as he escorted me down a few short alleys to
Decatur Street
. The fresh air that greeted us as we walked did little to ease the tension in my shoulders, and I renewed my commitment to finding out what Gavin had said about my parents. Even if it did mean confronting him directly.

As we approached the flagstone courtyard of the cathedral, artists again crowded
Jackson Square
, but I resisted looking for Beau among them. Teeny hadn’t mentioned another art lesson, but I couldn’t be concerned about that now. The Lovels would see to it that we never had to worry about shoes or anything ever again.

“Philippe’s is just here,” Freddie said, holding the door open to the small shop. “And don’t worry, this won’t take long.”

I walked inside and stepped over to a small, round table holding a rainbow of assorted silk ties as Freddie walked to the display of hats. Everything in the shop was outrageously priced, and I glanced up as a young gentleman walked toward us to assist Freddie. My heart stopped when I heard his voice.

“What size would you need, sir?”

My head jerked, and I stared wide-eyed at Beau. As I expected, he looked amazing in a gray jacket and dark gray pants. At his neck was a light blue striped cravat that made his eyes glow when he turned them on me.

I swirled around, facing the street through the front window, my heart racing. Regardless of my fears or my commitment to Freddie, all I could think of was my week with Beau and his ideas for taking care of us. Here he was, following through. An image of him smiling and catching my neck for a kiss as I trotted onto the stage twisted an ache of longing in the center of my chest.

“I was considering this one,” Freddie replied, not even recognizing him. My back was still turned when he called to me, and I fought for control. “Darling, I need your opinion. Is it all wrong for me?”

“Just a moment,” I said in an uneven voice as I pressed my palm into my stomach trying to slow my breathing. I couldn’t let Freddie see me so shaken.

After a few moments, I felt calmer and turned back around. Thankfully Beau had his back to us and appeared to be sorting through the ties. Freddie was smiling, the grey hat perched on his head.

I cleared my throat and smiled. “It’s very nice.”

Freddie’s eyes narrowed. “You seem distracted,” he said. “I’m not sure I believe you.”

“I’m sorry, darling,” I said wishing with all my heart Beau wasn’t standing there, hearing my words. “You look wonderful. Very dashing.”

At that Beau turned his head and looked at me again. I couldn’t avoid his gaze, and I was sure my struggle was plain on my face. Freddie turned away unaware and began looking at overcoats. Beau stepped toward me, between me and my soon-to-be fiancé.

“See anything you like?” He said in a low voice. Then he smiled, but I looked down, shaking my head.

“I didn’t expect to have a choice.”

He reached forward to run the back of his finger across my gloved hand. “You didn’t?” He asked softly. His touch would’ve been imperceptible if not for my reaction. My hand quickly turned, and he slid his fingers through mine. That familiar warmth flooded my chest.

“Yes, darling,” Freddie spoke, breaking the spell. Beau continued moving past me, his hand slipping away as quickly as it had appeared. “Do you see anything you like?”

I looked around, cheeks burning. “I’m not very good at shopping.”

Freddie smiled, walking to me. “We’ll have to remedy that situation.”

I nodded, feeling like I might collapse from the tension. He patted my shoulder and then walked to where Beau was waiting at the counter beside a shiny, bronze cash register. They settled the transaction as I lingered at the front window, watching Beau’s every move from afar, his hand holding the pencil, lifting the hat, passing the box across the small counter. All of it hurled my seemingly settled future into a tailspin.

We left the shop and Freddie held my arm as we walked slowly back toward the theater. I’d made up another rehearsal excuse.

“I do hope my father’s words didn’t offend you, darling,” Freddie said as we got closer to my secret home. “He’s blunt, but he doesn’t mean any harm.”

I shook my head, ready for our outing to be over. “Your father only wants you to be happy.”

“I think he likes you.” Freddie patted my hand. “Now, what are you working on tonight?”

I looked up at the darkening sky and thought about the birthday gathering Roland had planned for me this evening. So much like the one we’d shared for Evie not too long ago. I wondered who all might attend, whether Roland had invited Beau, whether Beau would come.

“Just some minor changes this time, and then I’ll be finished,” I said.

“I do wish he’d let me stay and watch. I adore hearing you sing.”

We were back at the theater and I turned to face him. “Eventually it won’t matter anymore. My singing days will be through.”

“Yes,” he nodded. “Although I will miss hearing your beautiful voice. Will you sing for me when we’re married?”

“I’ll do whatever you like when we’re married.”

He smiled and leaned forward, pressing our lips together in a gentle but brief kiss.

“I think of nothing else,” he said.

I stepped into the dark lobby and my thoughts drifted to the rooftop three hours from now. Had anything changed? Had everything changed? It wouldn’t be long until I knew.

Evie was the first person I saw when I stepped out onto the roof. A breeze was blowing, and I was glad I’d brought my wrap. The twilight sky was a mix of pink, amber, light blue, and purple, and the fall night was crisp and smelled of sweet wood fires and the smoky gaslights below.

“Happy birthday, darling,” she said as she rushed across the space to embrace me. She was wearing an expensive burnt-orange taffeta gown with long, narrow sleeves that I recognized from one of the boutiques I’d passed on my walk earlier with Freddie. A beige chiffon shawl was draped across her shoulders and tied with a black satin bow at her chest. I’d seen the ensemble on a model in the window of Celeste’s Couture, and though I didn’t know much about fashion, I knew that Celeste’s was the most expensive boutique in the city.

“You’re beautiful,” I said.

Evie had always been so plain, but somehow in the dim light, in the shimmering gown, she seemed to be part of the setting sun. She smiled and looked down at her dress.

“I’m not sure that’s true, but thanks,” she said. “I
am
glad
Paris
has declared the bustle
passé
.”

We giggled and clasped hands as she led me across the rooftop to where Teeny was waiting with
Rosa
, and Roland was fiddling with a champagne cork. I smiled when I saw him and made a brief scan of my little party, which also included Mary, Frank, and Carla. I tried not to be disappointed. Beau was not present.

Teeny ran toward me and put her arm around my waist. “How was Freddie’s father?”

“Not bad,” I said, wrapping my arm around her. “Frightening. But I think our worries are behind us.”

A popping noise came from where Roland stood, and everyone cheered and clapped as he began pouring glasses for each of us. He walked over and draped an arm across my shoulders, handing me one. Teeny released me and walked away with Evie.