Emerald_Shadows by Emerald Shadows (epub)

Author:Emerald Shadows (epub)
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-11-23T07:29:03+00:00

Chapter 9

Simon’s Invitation

Blake grabbed her firmly as their home came into view. Annoyed by the tightness of his grip, Claudette shot him a look.

‘Really Blake, I’ve had just about enough of this paranoid nonsense!’

‘Look!’

She followed his pointing finger. A man was standing on their doorstep in conversation with their mother. Claudette stiffened – could Blake’s wariness be justified? Had The Bane found them? The man took his hat off and though his face remained hidden, Claudette’s recognised his tousled blond locks.

‘Simon!’ She exclaimed happily.

‘Praise be,’ Blake said, drily.

‘You sound disappointed. Would you rather The Bane?’

‘Perhaps mother would,’ Blake said. ‘Judging by her expression, she’s none too thrilled to have one of the most notorious bachelors in the city at her door. Can’t imagine why?’

Ignoring the slight, Claudette rushed across the street.

‘Simon, what a wonderful surprise,’ she said, slightly out of breath. Her grin faltered when she saw her mother’s barely disguised scowl and tightly crossed arms.

‘My dear, Claudette,’ Simon said, taking her hands. ‘I do hope you pardon this rude intrusion.’

‘There’s nothing to pardon, I’m delighted to see you.’ She turned to her mother. ‘Mother, this is my friend, Simon –’

‘Indeed, we’ve met,’ her mother said. ‘I was just expressing my surprise to young Master Fontellier that the two of you are such warm friends. I do not remember you mentioning his name to me? That’s not to say I didn’t know it.’ She arched an eyebrow at Simon. ‘Your reputation precedes you.’

Simon grinned as if she were paying him a compliment and not a thinly veiled insult. ‘Unfortunately, my family’s wealth and stature tends to make us fodder for the gossip mills. I assure you I have nothing but honourable intentions towards your daughter.’

’So you say.’

If Claudette could have struck her mother dead through sheer will power alone she would have done so. How dare she speak to Simon in this way!

‘Might I borrow your daughter for a brief conversation?’ Simon asked, maintaining his composure admirably considering the circumstances.

‘If you must.’

Claudette’s mother remained standing in the doorway with her arms crossed, watching them with naked suspicion as Simon lead her down to the base of the steps somewhat out of earshot. It was there, Claudette noticed the bruise beneath his left eye. For a moment she forgot her boiling rage towards her mother.

‘Simon - your eye!’

She went to touch it, and he gently pushed her hand away. ‘Oh yes. It’s nothing really.’

‘What happened?’

He glanced away from her. ‘Er...well, the other night when you failed to meet me, I made the ill-advised decision to visit the gambling halls. I had not been for some time, but required some...distraction.’

Claudette felt herself colour in shame. What had she driven him to do?

‘Anyway, you can imagine how it went – I had a little too much to drink and said the wrong thing to the wrong man. No doubt I deserved this and probably worse still.’ He gestured to his bruise.

‘Oh Simon, I’m so sorry. I had every intention of joining you. It’s just that –’

‘Please, you don’t need to explain yourself.

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