The Caged Countess

‘He never mentioned you either, until he feared that your safety had been compromised. I am come in his stead to warn you.’

Unnerved by the news as much as by the man before her, Claudine had to make herself think. The story seemed genuine. It was very much in keeping with Alain’s character that he would seek to warn her somehow. If he had chosen Duval to do so it was because he trusted him. It went against the grain to be beholden to anyone, but she had perforce to acknowledge herself obligated.

‘I am grateful, monsieur. You took a risk.’ Then the rest of what he had said filtered through the chaos of her thoughts. If Alain was being watched did Fouché’s agents know who his other contacts were? Did they know about her? Were they just waiting for the right moment to spring the trap?

As if he had read her thoughts Duval went on, ‘It is a matter of conjecture as to how much Fouché’s men have already discovered. What is certain is that Alain will eventually be made to talk. It is too dangerous for you to remain here.’

‘I can’t just leave him to his fate.’

‘There’s nothing you can do to help him now, except to make his effort count. You must heed the warning and get away while you still can.’

That went against the grain too, but she knew he was right. ‘I must return to my apartment. There are things I …’

‘You can’t go back there. It’s the first place they’ll look. We must leave at once—tonight.’

Claudine’s chin lifted. ‘We?’

‘I gave Alain my word I’d get you to safety. There’s a carriage waiting at the end of the street.’

Having no intention of putting herself in the power of this stranger, she shook her head. ‘I can take care of myself.’

‘A woman alone? I think not.’

‘How do you think I got here in the first place?’

‘It’s easy enough to fall into a trap,’ he replied, ‘but a lot harder to get out.’

‘I have my own contingency plans for leaving France. The matter need not concern you.’

‘It does concern me, in every way.’

‘I can manage. You have done your part, monsieur.’

‘My part is just beginning.’ His hand closed on her arm and drew her towards the door. Feeling her resist he frowned. ‘We don’t have time to argue.’

‘I said I wasn’t going.’

‘Don’t be a fool.’

The cutting tone and accompanying look raised her hackles at once. She stopped, swinging round to face him. ‘How do I know that this isn’t a trap?’

‘If it were you’d be under arrest already.’

In spite of her protests, Duval threw open the door and drew her with him along the passage towards the staircase. Madame Renaud was waiting on the landing. She started to speak but the words were drowned out by heavy fists pounding on the door below. Then a man’s voice called out.

‘Police! Open up!’

Before anyone could say more they heard the unmistakeable order echoed from the rear of the premises. Claudine’s stomach lurched. Duval swore softly. Then he looked at Madame Renaud.

‘Is there another way out of here?’

Madame shook her head. The banging on the door intensified. She leaned over the balustrade and called softly to the flunky below.

‘Wait another minute and then open it, Raoul.’ Then she turned back to her companions. ‘Come with me. Quickly.’

They needed no urging and moments later found themselves back in the room they had so recently vacated. Claudine looked round in bewilderment. The only way out was the window but they were on the first floor. Even if they weren’t seen by those outside, such a leap meant a broken leg at the very least. It was crazy. She saw Madame look at Duval and knew that some silent message had been passed and understood.

‘What?’ she demanded.

‘Take your clothes off and get into bed,’ he replied.

Madame nodded. ‘I’ll delay them as long as I can.’

With that she was gone.

Chapter Two

Claudine stared after her in stunned disbelief. Then she turned to speak to her companion but the words died on her lips for he had already thrown aside his cloak and was shrugging himself out of his coat.

She regarded him coldly. ‘What are you doing?’

‘What does it look like I’m doing?’

‘You can’t be serious.’

‘Come on. We haven’t much time.’

‘If you imagine I’m going to …’

He paused, fixing her with a fierce glare. ‘You have a better plan?’

‘Well no, but …’

‘Then do it or, by heaven, I will! This tardiness is like to get us killed.’

She knew he was right but that didn’t make things any easier. She had never undressed in front of a man in her life. Reluctantly she unfastened her cloak and let it fall.

Seeing her comply, Duval continued undressing; coat and cravat joined his cloak and he sat down on the bed and began to tug off his boots. From below came the sound of raised voices. The police were in the hallway. Claudine fumbled with the fastenings of her gown. Her companion tossed his boots aside and dragged off his shirt. She had a swift impression of a hard-muscled torso and savage scars down the left arm and shoulder, and then looked hurriedly away resuming her struggle with the buttons.

Duval sighed. In two strides he was across the room. Strong hands turned her round and lifted her hair aside. In seconds the buttons were undone. Warm fingers brushed her skin as he slid the gown off her shoulders and, while she struggled out of the sleeves, unfastened the petticoat and stays beneath. It was accomplished with the smooth ease of one completely familiar with women’s clothing. Moments later she was standing in chemise and stockings and his fingers were unfastening the pins that held her hair. Glossy curls tumbled in disarray about her shoulders.

Booted feet sounded on the stairs and she could hear Madame Renaud’s angry protests. Then a man’s voice barked orders.

‘Search every room! The woman’s here somewhere.’

Claudine’s heart thumped painfully hard. It was her they meant. Alain must have talked. The poor man would have had no choice. She could only imagine what methods had been employed to break him. If they caught her she could expect the same. For a moment cold terror replaced rational thought. Her companion crossed to the bed and pulled back the coverlets.

‘Get in.’