Bewitching Kisses (Bewitching Kisses Series) by RainyKirkland

he thought to be on the receiving end. Knowing the threat not to be an idle one, he nodded and hastily left the study.
    In the foyer, Wadsworth stood ready with his cape and hat. Danvers glanced about the hallway with envy in his eyes. An imported vase filled with fresh flowers stood on a table by the wall and he knew its cost would have paid his expenses for a year.
    Stepping outside, Danvers squinted in the sunlight. The month was only April but already the spring heat was growing. He watched an open carriage stop and Madame Rousseau, the dressmaker, descend. Danvers tipped his hat as the Frenchwoman passed. She was certainly going to have her work cut out for her. The girl might look beautiful, but blood would always tell.
    Danvers took several steps and felt his heart quicken as a new thought prevailed, Agatha Beaumont had many spies; maybe he could work a deal. If he played his cards close to his chest and distributed bits to several different sources, Agatha would get her information, he would get his money, and Nicholas Beaumont would have no one on whom to lay the blame.
    Whistling a tune as he left the mansion, Danvers felt his head grow light as his plan began to take form.

Chapter Four

    Nick rose as the French couturiere entered his study. “Ah, Madame Rousseau, how good of you to come.”
    “But of course, monsieur.” Charlotte Rousseau smiled as Nick executed a courtly bow and then kissed the back of her hand. “You know you have only to send for me and I am at your service.” She didn’t mention the two customers she had shooed from her shop or the appointment she had canceled. If Nick Beaumont wished her presence she would be there, for there was a debt between them that had nothing to do with money.
    Charlotte accepted the julep Nick offered. “Ah, my favorite.” she sighed, taking a sip of the sweetened rum drink. “And what can I do for you , mon ami ?”
    Nick set his own glass aside and wondered exactly where to begin. “I have a guest in my home, Madame, who is in dire need of clothing.” He watched Charlotte’s pale gray eyes grow wide as he quickly shared the story of Sarah’s kidnapping. “So you see,” he concluded, “in order to protect her reputation, she needs a – “
    “She needs a wardrobe worthy of a guest in the Beaumont household, does she not?” Charlotte interrupted. “I can certainly do that. But Nicholas, what of your grandmama? Surely you do not think to fool her with this crazy plan of yours. She would certainly remember if she had met your Sarah’s family and with but one false word all would be lost.”
    Nick rose and began to pace, uncomfortably with the easy way Charlotte had labeled Sarah as his. “I shall handle my grandmother. I need only know if you can provide the necessary garments in a timely fashion.”
    Charlotte nodded and rose to stand before him, wishing, not for the first time, that she was ten years younger. “I shall help you, mon ami , but your grandmamma is going to make your life living misery when she finds out that you have deceived her.”
    Nick took her hands and squeezed gently.“I am thirty and three, madame, I love Gran dearly for all that she has done for me, but my gratitude does not run so deep that I can allow her to dictate my life. The price is simply too high. Besides,” he winked, “if all were calm, she would have nothing to complain about.”
    Charlotte shook her head and reached for her sketchpad. “Enough,” she chided, “or you’ll have me believing you are doing this for your grandmama’s benefit. Now where can I find this petite enfante who you have rescued?”
    “Madame, you are a dear friend.” Nick smiled as he opened the door to his study.
    Charlotte Rousseau looked back over her shoulder. “You won’t think so, cher ami , when you get my bill.”

    Less than half an hour later, Charlotte again found Nick in his study. “She is indeed enchanting, Nicholas, but I fear we have a small