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She clasped her hands in delight, her eyes sparkling. “Clara! Are you teasing me? You must tell me everything! Who is he? How did this come about?”
Clara glanced about the room even though they were alone. “I will. But must we do it here? Let us remove to somewhere where we may speak…frankly.”
“How frankly?” Stella raised an eyebrow.
“Would you mind if we spoke withutterfrankness? Will you share with me what you know?”
“About sexual congress, you mean?”
If Stella expected her to blush, she was to disappoint. Clara was beyond that now, and she spoke decisively. “Yes, please. I require details.”
Silence prevailed.
Clara shifted in her seat. She didn’t think her friend looked offended, only unsure. “I don’t wish to cause you discomfort. Nor offend you.”
Stella shook her head delicately. “Offended, no. I only—” Her fingers spread as if seeking something. “I suppose I never truly expected this—for my two lives to collide. It’s…odd.”
“I’m in such a state that it doesn’t feel odd to me. I’m desperate for your help and most grateful for your expertise.”
Stella settled her hands elegantly on her lap, regarding her impassively for some time before speaking. “I understand why you’ve come to me. I do. But I don’t wish to encourage you on a dangerous path, or to be a wicked influence.”
“Oh, Stella.” Her face softened.
Stella’s blue eyes became remote, and though she sat back only a fraction, it could have been a mile.
“Since the first day we’ve met, you’ve exertedquitean influence on me—always for the good. Violet’s pain was most eased by the tinctures you recommended. When I was lonely after her death and looking for an aim, you encouraged me. Why, if not for you, the LLS may well have remained nothing more than a good intention.”
Stella’s eyes dropped to her lap.
Clara continued, undeterred. “Every time we meet, I learn an extra reason to admire you. I know how much you do for Violet House, yet today I was ashamed to learn that you’re here every Friday. I don’t know your schedule precisely. You toil quietly and without seeking attention.”
Stella lifted her chin. “Withoutyou, Violet House wouldn’t exist. It was your idea, and it functions thanks to your generosity.”
A gentle smile lifted Clara’s lips. “I thank you for making my very own point. What we’ve done together, neither could do alone. I’m about to make a choice that, if discovered, would ruin me. I trust you like a sister, Stella, and I need your help. I can’t do this alone.”
Stella stared at her until her eyes shone, and she blinked the moisture away. “I trust you as well. It heartens me to know how you feel, for that’s how I think of you. A true sister.” She smiled, and a teasing glint livened her eyes. “That said, my dear, even without me, I daresay that you and your gentleman would manage!”
Even knowing she was jesting, Clara shook her head. “I don’t need your help because I’m worried that it won’t work. I wish to know more because I’m afraid.”
“Afraid?”
“This man is not a peer. He’s in trade.” She closed her eyes and imagined James Robertson. An unbidden smile stole across her lips; the pace of her breathing sped up. “There is much to recommend him for his part in my secret adventure, yet his decorum leaves much to be desired. He has no manners! He does what he wants, without regard for the rules. He seems used to taking what he wants.”
She shook her head as if disapproving, but she heard the admiration in her own voice.
“And he wants you.” Stella studied her.
“Yes.”
“But you’re worried that…he’s rude?”
“Oh, the man has abominable manners! Not only is he direct in speech on delicate matters, but I entered my parlor to find him wandering about, holding a statuette in his hand!”
“You don’t say.” Stella nodded as if in shared horror, though it was clear she was being facetious.
“You’re patient with my prattling. Disregard the statuette. It’s of little importance. I’m not frightened ofhim. In truth, his boldness…inspires my own. He’s a commercial rival of my brother’s, and they don’t get on at all. This man, let’s call him J.R., put aside his animosity to seek me out.”
Stella didn’t hide her worry. “Are you certain his motivation isn’t nefarious? What if you’re a means of causing harm to your brother?”
