She was slim and small of stature, but something in her carriage gave her a commanding air of height and importance. She had high, sharp cheekbones, silver-streaked hair piled high on her head and accented by glittering diamonds, and eyes that were a clear, summery blue.
“I see you’re admiring my portraiture.”
“Did you paint these?” Sandrine asked. “They’re very handsome.”
Marta snorted. “She likes that one in particular.”
“Ah, yes, one of my most popular portraits. I’ve painted several replicas on special order for ladies who wished to remain anonymous. I could make one for you, if you like.”
Sandrine swallowed. Wouldn’t her mother justdie if she arrived home with this nude portrait in tow?
“Have you ever painted the portrait of a military gentleman, Madam Avalon?” Marta asked.
“They tend to like to keep their uniforms and medals on at all times.”
“Such a pity. Perhaps I can persuade one of my beaux to pose for you.”
“In a sash covered in medals and nothing more,” Roslyn suggested with a wink.
Madam Avalon gave a silvery laugh. “I have a new portrait that might interest you ladies. I’m still putting the finishing touches on, but it’s nearly ready.” She ushered them to the window where a canvas draped with linen sat on an easel. She pulled back the covering to reveal another tall, imposing man. This time there was no fig leaf.
Roslyn sucked in her breath. “Kenwick, as I live and breathe!”
“Do you know him?” Lady Avalon asked.
“Everyone knows the Earl of Kenwick,” said Roslyn with a breezy laugh. She studied the portrait. “Have you flattered him, or is this to scale?”
“Very much to scale. He’s been blessed, has the earl.”
Roslyn devoured the portrait with her eyes. “This is highly enlightening.”
“That’s what this salon is all about, my dears. Enlightenment. I make my paintings for women to gaze upon. I upend the normal social standards of what is an acceptable subject for a painting. Or an acceptable subject for a womanto paint. And I’m condemned for it. But this salon is a safe place. I have a feeling that you are young ladies who would not like your identities revealed.” She held up a hand. “You don’t need to confirm or deny anything. Please know that the attendants I’ve hired this evening will pay special attention to your safety. You should leave before the stroke of midnight, for it is after that hour that the more... scandalous activities begin. Do I have your promise?”
The ladies nodded their agreement. They’d planned to leave early.
“Very good. Now, we should make haste because the evening’s glittering spectacle is about to begin!”
They followed her down the hallway and through a set of doors into a spacious antechamber lit by crystal chandeliers and filled with the scent of the hothouse flowers garlanding the walls. “Enjoy yourselves this evening, ladies. I’ll have my eye on you to see that you do.”
“I’ve already enjoyed myself immensely,” Sandrine said, thinking about the portrait of Dane.
“As have I,” Roslyn agreed.
“She’s very glamorous.” Francesca watched Madam Avalon drift through the crowd, stopping to bestow a kiss or a whispered word among the guests.
“Are you ready, Lady Sapphire?” Francesca asked Sandrine.
“As ready as I’m likely to be, Lady Flame.”
They wandered through a series of chaotic, gorgeous rooms filled with richly garbed revelersreclining on velvet cushions, drinking champagne, conversing, and laughing merrily. Sandrine kept close to Francesca, attempting to appear sophisticated and blasé about it all, though when she glimpsed what appeared to be two men and a woman all kissing one another, her heart began to gallop.
When they entered the ballroom, Sandrine saw Dane immediately. He’d made no attempt to conceal himself. He wore a simple black silk mask and his customary black attire. She met his gaze across the floor. There was no flare of recognition, only a flicker of interest as he studied her face and gown. His heated gaze was almost a physical weight on her body.
She shivered, imagining his hands, his tongue, following the same path down her body.
She’d come here to do something secret and scandalous.
She’d come here to bring Lord Dane Walker to his knees.