Today's Reading
Ellie turned in surprise as "Henri Bonheur" appeared from behind a nearby pillar, dimples on full display.
"But you've only just—"
He didn't let her finish. He clasped her shoulders and pressed a firm kiss to both of her cheeks, in the French manner, as if they were old friends, then turned to Bullock with a disarming smile, hand outstretched.
"Henri Bonheur, Comte de Carabas."
Bullock was not immune to his magnetic charm. He shook hands automatically. "William Bullock."
"I see you've been making the acquaintance of my associate, Miss Law."
Bullock's brows lowered in confusion. "Associate?"
Bonheur leaned in, just as Ellie had done earlier, and, much to her annoyance, she couldn't prevent herself from bending forward, too, to hear what he was about to say.
"Indeed," he said with an air of mystery. "I can see you're a man of above common intelligence, Mr. Bullock—"
Bullock's chest expanded again.
"—and it has come to my attention that you've been asking to meet Mr. King."
"I have."
Bonheur lowered his voice to a whisper. "In that case, allow me to inform you that I am the man you seek."
"What?! No!" Ellie burst out. "What are you—?"
Bonheur sent her a glance that managed to be both laughing and chiding at once. He shook his head. "Now, now, Ellie. I appreciate your sterling efforts to keep my secret, but I've decided to take Mr. Bullock, here, into my confidence."
He slapped Bullock's shoulder, and the older man visibly preened.
"I trust we can be assured of your utmost discretion in this matter?"
"Of course," Bullock blustered immediately. "Absolutely. A hundred percent. Does this mean you'll take my case? It's just a straightforward theft, not the sort of thing you usually deal with, I know, but your reputation is second to none, and I want the best."
"For five hundred pounds? Of course I'll take it. But we can't discuss it here. You may call at my office, at number seven, Lincoln's Inn Fields, tomorrow at ten o'clock sharp."
Bullock straightened and smoothed the front of his waistcoat over his belly. "Thank you, sir. Thank you. I shall see you tomorrow, then." He nodded toward Ellie, and the look he gave her was only slightly condescending. "Good evening, Miss Law."
Ellie managed to contain her ire until Bullock was out of earshot, then she whirled back to "Henri" and pinned him with a look that could have pulverized rock.
"What on earth are you playing at?" she hissed. "You are not Charles King. In fact, I very much doubt you're Henri Bonheur either. Explain yourself, sir!"
CHAPTER THREE
The scoundrel's lips curved upward at her fury.
"We can't talk here. Come on." He caught her elbow and steered her gently through the crowd.
Ellie went willingly, but as soon as they reached a quiet corridor beyond the ballroom, she tugged her arm from his grasp and whirled around to face him.
He shook his head, silently indicating a group of women still to their left who were talking and fanning themselves as they took a break from dancing.
"Still too many people."
With a growl she marched along the corridor, opened a door at random, and stepped into a small study. The elegant furniture, pale pink walls, and proliferation of porcelain figurines suggested it was a room favored by the lady of the house.
Ellie turned to face her tormentor as he closed the door behind him with a click.
"Of all the outrageous, presumptuous, dishonest—"
His laugh made her stomach somersault. "You have an excellent vocabulary, Miss Law, Are words with three syllables your favorite?"
This excerpt ends on page 14 of the paperback edition.
Monday we begin the book The Enemy by Sarah Adams.
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