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considerate,” Rhea said, ignoring the man’s leering wink. “My mother and I have always been most pleased with our purchases from Madame Lambere’s. We have never had reason to complain,” Rhea said, the remark sounding quite innocent, especially so accompanied as it was by a sweet smile. “Madame Lambere has surpassed herself where this gown is concerned. ’Tis truly magnificent.”
    â€œMadame will be most pleased to hear your praise. Of course, m’lady has excellent taste. And, if I may be so indiscreet to say so, I knew the moment m’lady walked into madame’s that this gown could be for none other than her. In fact, madame had quite often confided in me that the Duchess of Camareigh is her very favorite client. And, if I may be so bold, one of the most beautiful ladies in all the realm, as indeed is her daughter. How very fortunate a man His Grace is to have two such beautiful women gracing his home. Ah, and could there possibly be a more perfect setting for such unequaled beauty than the lovely perfection of Camareigh? To quote madame, C’est magnifique !” the young man exclaimed and kissed his fingers to his lips. His accent was atrocious, despite the eloquence of the gesture.
    â€œMadame has told me how extraordinaire an estate Camareigh is. I believe madame traveled to Camareigh just last year to sew many new creations for Her Grace and m’lady? Yes, indeed, His Grace is a most fortunate man,” he added, his eyes lingering on Rhea’s décolletage as if his fingers itched to take in a tuck or two along that entrancing curve of seam.
    â€œVery perceptive of you to have noticed, m’sieu , but as I am the gentleman being billed for these garments, and not His Grace, you will in future kindly address any such remarks to me,” Dante’s cold voice interrupted the tête-à-tête and left the young gentleman from Madame Lambere’s with little hope that his lordship would be generous about a tip. Indeed, as he risked a glance at the notorious captain of the Sea Dragon , he wondered if he might consider himself lucky to be leaving the room in one piece.
    He was in fact edging toward the door with that very goal in mind when one of the serving girls let out an ear-piercing scream that must surely have raised several of the dead. Then, her tray of china scattered across the floor in shards, she fled the room, her cries of terror echoing along the corridor. Her squealing companion was not far behind.
    The two young men were frozen in their tracks, denials of their guilt, whatever the offense may have been, quivering on their lips when Dante began to laugh. And since there was no apparent reason, his laughter did little to set either young man’s mind at rest. Neither had any trouble envisioning Dante Leighton standing on the bloodied deck of his pirate ship, his demonic laughter ringing out while he urged some poor soul to walk the plank.
    The lady, oddly, did not seem concerned. She glanced around the room, and then suddenly her gaze halted and she stared in fascination at the mound of blue velvet on the bed. It was moving like some beast awakened from slumber, its pale green eyes blinking open and glowing wickedly with firelight.
    Each young man, although neither would admit to it later, felt the hair on the back of his neck rising.
    â€œJamaica,” Rhea Claire murmured softly, her expression one of indulgence as a streak of orange bolted from hiding and landed in her outstretched arms. “Here you are, silly billy,” she chuckled, scratching the cat on the back of his head until his purrs could be heard clearly across the room.
    â€œThank your mistress for delivering these gowns so quickly. And here is something to compensate you gentlemen for the fright you’ve had,” Dante said, counting out a more than generous tip for both bemused young men. Their gushing thanks barely said, they disappeared from the