The Adventuress by Mira Kanehl

Author:Mira Kanehl
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781386912750
Publisher: Mira Kanehl

A FEATHERED ASSOCIATE

Jean woke to the sound of splashing water, shot up and stared out the window to see Gaudins and a slave running to the river, shouting. Had they spotted Gilbert? He couldn’t see the river from this room, what with all the bushes in between. He imagined Gilbert’s grinning face on the river as Jean slept, dreaming of the loot as it passed under his nose. Grunting, he slid his hand under the pillow to find but soft linen. Where had he left his musket?

As he paced through the hallway, he saw Whiteman pouring a cup of wine. “Where are the weapons?” Jean rubbed his eyes, the grit from sleep poking the inside corners.

Whiteman looked up and shook his head. “It’s a crocodile, got one of his sheep. I advised him not to let them past the levee, but you know monsieur Gaudins.”

Jean exhaled and slumped into a chair. “What is taking Gilbert so long?”

Whiteman handed him a cup, eying him. “He’ll show up.”

Jean let the fruity wine wake his senses. The cup thumped onto the wooden table and he grabbed an apple and bit into its crunch and rich-flavored juice.

“Captain,” Whiteman said, “if I may be blunt, the presence of your woman affiliate is rather unsettling.”

“I am well aware.” He swallowed. “Yet she does not listen.”

Whiteman cut an apple in half with a butter knife. “Is her endeavor truly for money? She appears …” He placed the knife on the ceramic plate with a soft clink. “Passionate.”

“I cannot say.” Jean sat upright. “But one thing is certain, I will not allow her to accompany us again.”

Whiteman gave him a curt nod. “A wise decision.”

“For now,” Jean said, pouring another cup of wine and swirling the sweet aroma under his nose. “Will you ensure her safety?”

“Oh …” Whiteman focused on his plate as a pink color crept over his cheeks.

“I am asking as one gentleman to another.”

“I see.”

“But I warn you,” Jean said leaning forward and lowering his voice, “Stay a gentleman and say nothing of consequence.” He shot a glance at the door. “Trust me, she will use it against you.”

Whiteman’s brows shot up, and a smile forced onto his lips. Now realizing he had given Whiteman the impression he had passed trade secrets to a woman—or worse, indulged in behavior not suitable for a gentleman—he said, “I haven’t spoken a word, and she even uses that against me.”

Whiteman burst into a laugh. “They’re a passionate folk.”

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