The Price of Pleasure Read Online Free PDF Page B

for dinner, if you’re feeling well enough.”
    “I’d like that very much,” Reed said. “And I would appreciate your help. My arm isn’t much good yet, and I am still a bit weak. But first, I’d like to ask you some questions about Andre, your contact.”
    Antoine gave Reed a wary look. “The countess said you would ask about Andre. Unfortunately, I know very little about the man. I meet him at the local tavern and carry messages between him and the countess. We rarely speak.”
    “What does he look like?”
    He shrugged. “Like anyone else. He tries to blend in.”
    Reed frowned. “Is that all you can tell me about him?”
    “I’m sorry. Our exchanges are usually fast and furtive.”
    Reed sighed. He would have liked to know the identity of the operative working on his behalf. “Very well, you may help me dress.”
    Antoine helped Reed into a pair of homespun breeches. Then Reed slid his arm through a brown shirt that Antoine buttoned over his splinted arm. After, Antoine placed a jacket of the same rough material as the breeches over Reed’s shoulders and stood back to inspect him.
    “You will do,
monsieur.
The clothing will fit better once you gain some flesh.”
    Reed leaned heavily on Antoine as they negotiated the narrow hallway that led to the rooms beyond the bedchambers. In England the cottage would be called rustic. Though undeniably comfortable, it was neither large nor pretentious, nothing to draw undue attention to its occupants.
    Reed breathed a sigh of relief when they reached the large, country-style kitchen. He affected an awkward bow in Fleur’s direction and sank into the chair Antoine indicated.
    “Are you all right?” Fleur asked. “Perhaps you should have remained in bed a bit longer.”
    “I have been better,” Reed said, “but at least I’m alive. Not too many days ago I prayed for death.”
    Fleur’s smile lit up her face. “Thank God your prayers went unanswered, my lord.”
    “Thanks to you, Fleur. Please, call me Reed.”
    Conversation waned as Lisette and Gaston carried in the food and placed it family style in the center of the table. Then they all sat down together.
    Speaking in French, Fleur said, “We don’t stand on formality here, as you can see. We take our meals together as friends.”
    Reed glanced around at Fleur’s friends, grateful to be alive and sharing a meal with them. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he replied in flawless French.
    “Let me help you,” Fleur said as she reached for a tureen of something that smelled delicious. She ladled a generous portion into Reed’s bowl. “I hope you like bouillabaisse. Fish is cheap and easy to obtain in these parts. It may be a bit spicy for your taste.”
    Plying his spoon with his uninjured arm and hand, Reed sipped the soup and rolled his eyes. “Delicious. I’ve never tasted better,” he said as he dipped a piece of crusty bread into the broth. “My compliments, Lisette.”
    Lisette nodded, a pleased smile curving the corners of her mouth.
    “You’ve just made Lisette’s day,” Fleur said. “She’s determined to fatten you up.”
    “I promise to eat everything Lisette sees fit to serve me.”
    Dessert proved just as delicious as the main course. Reed devoured every bite of the flaky pastry filled with fruit. After the meal, he was more than ready to return to bed. The act of eating had exhausted him, even though he had thoroughly enjoyed every morsel, as well as the convivial company. But he could feel weakness creeping up on him.
    “Antoine will help you to bed,” Fleur said after glancing at Reed’s sagging body.
    Reed nodded, even though he wasn’t yet ready to part with Fleur. The woman intrigued him. Despite the danger to herself and her friends, she stalwartly forged ahead, helping England to the best of her ability. But he was worried about her. When he returned to London, he intended to speak to Porter about the dangerous assignment Fleur had been given. The thought of