Once Upon a Scandal by Julie LeMense

Author:Julie LeMense [LeMense, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Adams Media
Published: 2015-05-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Bashfulness, the flower of female chastity, is of a nature so delicate and tender, as always to thrive best in places the least frequented.— Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women

“It’s a lovely day for a ride in the park,” Sir Aldus said as he greeted her in the hotel’s lobby. “And I am blessed to share it with an even lovelier companion.” He’d obviously taken great care with his attire. His hair wore its customary pomade, but his dark green jacket and fawn trousers fit better than any clothes she’d seen on him previously. Probably because they were a size larger.

“Such compliments, monsieur le baron,” she replied, already regretting the excursion. “You will turn my head.”

“That’s my sincere hope, madame,” he said, eyes gleaming until he noticed Oakley standing behind her. “There’s no need for your maid, surely? I’ve brought my barouche, which is open to the sun, so there can be no question of impropriety.”

“Of course not. But as you say, the day is such a pleasant one. And she, too, is eager to see this Hyde Park. It is very fashionable, no?”

He pasted on a smile. “Indeed. Especially at this time of day,” he said, walking them towards his carriage. It was an expensive vehicle, led by two beautifully matched greys and a liveried driver. Once Oakley had climbed up onto the perch, Sir Aldus joined Jane on the squabs, and they set off.

“We have many such parks in Paris,” she began. “But my favorite is the Jardin des Tuileries, near the Place de la Concorde. Such beautiful sculptures and fountains, with small tents set around the perimeter, offering petit cafes and the most wonderful treats.”

“It has been many years since I’ve been to the city, of course,” Sir Aldus said. “That brief peace at the end of the First Coalition War. You’d have been a young girl then. But there was a wonderful restaurant not far from the Place de la Concorde, just off the Champs-Élysées. It had a two-story pavilion with terraced gardens. Do you know it?”

She swallowed, suddenly ill at ease. Was he testing her? She’d studied countless news-sheets and journals. She and Pierre had even discussed the most popular restaurants, but in that moment, she couldn’t name a single one. “So many wonderful places ... ” she said, with a breezy wave of her hand, hoping that would end it.

“I’m certain it was the oldest establishment in Paris. And very popular. I can’t believe you’d not know it.”

“Perhaps the street name would help?” Something. Anything.

“Come now, madame,” he said, stiffening beside her. “I don’t like to admit my memory occasionally fails me. Save me from the embarrassment of it.”

She’d wager his memory was perfect. And any true Parisian would know the name. Pierre was certain to have mentioned it. Think! Sir Aldus was watching her carefully, his eyes dark.

“Ah yes, but of course!” Thank God. “You are speaking of Ledoyen, on the Avenue Dutuit. How could I not have known it the instant you mentioned the gardens?”

“It is still there then?”

“Yes, indeed.

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