It wasn’t only freedom she craved, it was affection and love. She was starved for it.
All he could give her was his body, and that would never be enough for a sweet, romantic lady like Sandrine.
Chapter Eighteen
Never keep secrets or tell falsehoods.
—Mrs. Oliver’s Rules for Young Ladies
“Are you going to meet Lord Dane? Is that what this is about?” Francesca asked.
“It’s nothing like that.”
“Then, why can’t you tell me why I need to cover for you today? Do you have an assignation with Baron Chisholme? I hope not, because he was only supposed to be the one to make Lord Dane jealous. He’s not a worthy suitor.”
“I’m not meeting a man. Trust me, Francesca, I want to tell you where I’m going but I can’t, not yet. I’ll be able to tell you soon.”
“This is all very mysterious. Are you the same timid, naive young lady who arrived in London only a week ago? She would have trembled at the idea of lying to Mrs. McGovern and Miss Hodwell and haring off for a secret assignation.”
“I’m not that girl anymore, Francesca. London has changed me.”
“At least tell me what happened to you at Madam Avalon’s last evening. You were gone for so long, and I was beginning to panic. Roslyn was off with Kenwick somewhere, and Martawas surrounded by a crowd of admirers. I was searching for you the whole evening.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run off like that without telling you. But I was so angry when Lord Dane danced with that other woman. I ran off into the gardens, and then he followed me.”
“Tell me all about it.”
“I’ll tell you soon. I’m off now. I’ll be back later this evening. It might be quite late, but please don’t worry about me. I’ll be very safe. I told Mrs. McGovern I was spending the night at your house.”
“Sandrine, I want you to make me a solemn promise that you won’t do anything truly dangerous.”
“I promise.”
“We Pink Ladies are fearless and free, but we care for one another, and we’ll do anything to protect each other.”
Her grandmother’s carriage was waiting for her on the next corner precisely as she’d said it would be. Sandrine was so excited to learn more about her grandmother, aunt, and cousin. Suddenly her world seemed so much more expansive and filled with possibilities.
The servants were still cleaning up after last night’s festivities at the Silver Palace. Sandrine was ushered into the first conventional room she’d seen in the house, a small, comfortable sitting room with pale blue coverings on the furniture.
“I’m so very glad you came, my dear Sandrine.”
“I’m glad to be here, Grandmother.”
“Call me Ruby, won’t you? How much time do we have together?”
“Mrs. McGovern believes that I’m with her niece, Francesca.”
“And did you tell Francesca you were coming to me?”
“I kept it a secret as you asked me to, though I don’t know why it must be a secret.”
“Dear girl, I am quite notorious in this city, and I wouldn’t want my reputation to taint yours.”
“I don’t care about such things.”
“You say that now, but perhaps it will be best to keep our relation a secret. I want to give you the choice of if and when you will reveal it.”
Ruby poured the tea. “You look so like your mother.” Her hand trembled. “It was fate that brought us together, despite your mother’s best efforts to keep us apart. I’m resolved to be truthful with you and allow you to decide for yourself whether you want me in your life. There are legitimate reasons why your mother doesn’t want you to have contact with me.”