Read Online Patricia Rice by Moonlight an Memories - Free Book Online
Authors: Moonlight an Memories
Ads: Link
firmly for her. "Eavin, ma chère , since this will soon devolve into a business discussion, why don't you go check on Jeannette or something?"
For a brief moment Eavin contemplated what it would be like to be someone like Francine, with all the wealth and background to do anything she liked. At this moment she would very much like to bring a plate of rice down over this arrogant monster's head. As it was, she merely lifted her skirts and beat a hasty retreat, much as his black mistress had earlier.
Once she was out of hearing, Jeremy returned to his seat and glared at Nicholas. "Can't you leave your hands off any woman who comes in reach? My word, Nick, Francine's scarce been gone four months."
Nicholas lifted his lips in small amusement. "My taste would have to have changed dramatically to offer carte blanche to an Irish mouse. We annoy each other, that is all."
"She cannot deserve what those angry wives will make of her should you introduce her to society. Have some pity for a change, Nick. If you want to flout society, do it with someone better able to fight back. She couldn't be more than a child."
" Au contraire, mon frère . Mrs. Dupré has the calculating mind and sharp tongue of an adder. She is capable of setting a few clacking tongues back in place. She was quite admirable when Reyes and Brown appeared here."
Jeremy remained dubious. "I still think it unfair of you. She has no defense against the fact that she is living here with you without chaperonage. Where in hell is Madame Dupré?"
"One could only hope she is in hell," Nicholas replied with feeling. "I sent her packing after the funeral. And I don't need any more females clacking about the place, so don't push me on this, Jeremy. Eavin is the child's aunt. That is it and no more."
"You would have done better to send them both with your mother-in-law. If Reyes should ever get wind of your other occupation—"
"Shut up, Howell, you talk too much." Rising abruptly, Saint-Just stalked from the room.
Eavin had no intention of returning below for the rest of the night, but sometime after she heard the front door slam, the sound of boots on the stairs warned Nicholas wouldn't leave her in peace. Standing over Jeannette's cradle, she was too far from her room to run toward its safety. She tucked a straying strand of hair over the infant's ear.
"Howell's gone. You can come out of hiding now."
Eavin straightened and glared at the shadowy figure in the doorway. "I am quite content right here."
"Are you?" The shadow leaned against the door frame. "That's most extraordinary. You have no friends, no one to talk to but a man you despise, and you consider yourself content. You cannot have led a very pleasant life, Mrs. Dupré."
"You used my name with enough familiarity earlier, why do you hesitate now? I did marry Dominic, you know. I have the papers to prove it." Against her better judgment Eavin moved toward the doorway. This was no place to hold an argument. It would give Jeannette nightmares.
Nicholas politely moved into the hall, out of her way, then appropriated her arm and led her toward the stairs, not slowing when she balked. "I have no doubt that you got precisely what you wanted, Irish. You are a very determined woman. Under your gentle auspices I have acquired a daughter to raise for the next twenty years and a nursemaid who does not always hold her tongue. To be fair, I've also been rescued from certain imprisonment because it did not suit your needs. I think it is time we get to know each other better."
"I think I know more than enough about you already. I fail to see why we should know each other at all."
"Because circumstances have thrown us in each other's way. Quit being so damned recalcitrant, Eavin. We don't have to be enemies." He threw open the door of the petite salle and escorted her to her chair.
"I think I would prefer just being Jeannette's nanny," Eavin said stiffly as she sat down.
"Then I would have to send you away in a few
For a brief moment Eavin contemplated what it would be like to be someone like Francine, with all the wealth and background to do anything she liked. At this moment she would very much like to bring a plate of rice down over this arrogant monster's head. As it was, she merely lifted her skirts and beat a hasty retreat, much as his black mistress had earlier.
Once she was out of hearing, Jeremy returned to his seat and glared at Nicholas. "Can't you leave your hands off any woman who comes in reach? My word, Nick, Francine's scarce been gone four months."
Nicholas lifted his lips in small amusement. "My taste would have to have changed dramatically to offer carte blanche to an Irish mouse. We annoy each other, that is all."
"She cannot deserve what those angry wives will make of her should you introduce her to society. Have some pity for a change, Nick. If you want to flout society, do it with someone better able to fight back. She couldn't be more than a child."
" Au contraire, mon frère . Mrs. Dupré has the calculating mind and sharp tongue of an adder. She is capable of setting a few clacking tongues back in place. She was quite admirable when Reyes and Brown appeared here."
Jeremy remained dubious. "I still think it unfair of you. She has no defense against the fact that she is living here with you without chaperonage. Where in hell is Madame Dupré?"
"One could only hope she is in hell," Nicholas replied with feeling. "I sent her packing after the funeral. And I don't need any more females clacking about the place, so don't push me on this, Jeremy. Eavin is the child's aunt. That is it and no more."
"You would have done better to send them both with your mother-in-law. If Reyes should ever get wind of your other occupation—"
"Shut up, Howell, you talk too much." Rising abruptly, Saint-Just stalked from the room.
Eavin had no intention of returning below for the rest of the night, but sometime after she heard the front door slam, the sound of boots on the stairs warned Nicholas wouldn't leave her in peace. Standing over Jeannette's cradle, she was too far from her room to run toward its safety. She tucked a straying strand of hair over the infant's ear.
"Howell's gone. You can come out of hiding now."
Eavin straightened and glared at the shadowy figure in the doorway. "I am quite content right here."
"Are you?" The shadow leaned against the door frame. "That's most extraordinary. You have no friends, no one to talk to but a man you despise, and you consider yourself content. You cannot have led a very pleasant life, Mrs. Dupré."
"You used my name with enough familiarity earlier, why do you hesitate now? I did marry Dominic, you know. I have the papers to prove it." Against her better judgment Eavin moved toward the doorway. This was no place to hold an argument. It would give Jeannette nightmares.
Nicholas politely moved into the hall, out of her way, then appropriated her arm and led her toward the stairs, not slowing when she balked. "I have no doubt that you got precisely what you wanted, Irish. You are a very determined woman. Under your gentle auspices I have acquired a daughter to raise for the next twenty years and a nursemaid who does not always hold her tongue. To be fair, I've also been rescued from certain imprisonment because it did not suit your needs. I think it is time we get to know each other better."
"I think I know more than enough about you already. I fail to see why we should know each other at all."
"Because circumstances have thrown us in each other's way. Quit being so damned recalcitrant, Eavin. We don't have to be enemies." He threw open the door of the petite salle and escorted her to her chair.
"I think I would prefer just being Jeannette's nanny," Eavin said stiffly as she sat down.
"Then I would have to send you away in a few
Similar Books
