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“Ours will be a marriage of convenience. Two venerable houses aligned.”
“An antiquities dynasty. The archaeologist and the fortune hunter.”
“I hear you have a bust of Cleopatra in your collection,” said Indy. “How do you know it is she?”
“I am quite the Cleopatra enthusiast. I have paintings, sculptures, coins with her likeness. I have one remarkable painting where she’s holding the asp outstretched and its head is nearly touching the point of her breast. I do love afemme fatale.”
He kept staring at her breasts. And his conversation was insufferably lewd and familiar.
The hairs on the back of her neck were now attempting to pluck themselves away from her skin. She didn’t know how much longer she could pretend to be fascinated by this conversation when what she wanted to do was slap him.
“I’m sure the duke would find your collection most appealing,” she managed to say.
“If it’s true that you and he are not exclusive in your affections, I would be most honored to invite you to come and see my collection.”
That wasn’t the plan. She was supposed to entice Le Triton into inviting Raven to his home.
“Well,” she said. “I suppose we must wait until after we’re married to cast our glances elsewhere.”
“Too bad. I was looking forward to showing you my antiquities.”
What was she supposed to do now? The necklace was supposed to have been Raven’s entrée into Le Triton’s fortress. But he’d just invited Indy to view his collection. Alone.
“I am so very curious,” she said hastily. “But I’m not sure how the duke would feel about my going alone to a stranger’s home.”
“Does he appear concerned for your welfare?” he asked.
She glanced back toward where Raven and Miss Delacroix had been standing.
“Where have they gone?”
“I have several private chambers for the use of guests on the floor above us.”
The man was goading her, poking at her to make her angry.
It was working.
She gripped her champagne glass. “Might I have more champagne?”
“Of course. Anything the lady desires. Anything at all.”
She didn’t have to feign her pique. “Perhaps I will accept your invitation, after all, monsieur.”
He bowed over her hand. “I’d be happy to show you my collection tomorrow. Though you must promise to come alone.”
“Don’t worry, I will.”
“Excuse me, Madame, this note just arrived for you.” An attendant handed her a note. She broke the plain red wax seal and read the brief note. It was from Lady Catherine.
“Is something wrong?” Le Triton asked.
“I afraid I must leave. Please donate my winnings to a worthy charitable concern.”
“Are you sure you must leave so suddenly? We were just beginning to become better acquainted.”
“We can resume our conversation tomorrow.’
Indy left hastily. She had to find Raven to tell him about Lady Catherine’s note.
