Chapter 4
"Did you have a good time?" Florian asks anxiously as Ray drives them home from the theatre. It's late and the air is damp but they are both enjoying the ride.
"Not bad." Ray gives Florian a grin and pats his jacket pocket where a brooch and three bracelets are hidden.
Florian groans and shakes his head. "I meant: did you enjoy the play?"
"I didn't fall asleep, unlike the old guy in the next box."
"Count Faulle. He was always slipping off to the library to sleep whenever mother had one of her parties. I've heard his wife even talks in her sleep."
"Well she certainly didn't stop during the play." Ray shakes his head. "We won't be making this a habit."
"No," Florian laughs. "But tonight was nice. Thank you for going with me. I... didn't want to go by myself."
"You might ask Laila sometime. She might enjoy it. You can reserve a box in my name."
Florian smiles happily and presses a hand against Ray's arm. "I'll do that. Thank you, Ray."
Ray smiles back and wonders when he became a complete sap.
XXXXX
"Miranda," Florian bows low and kisses her hand. "You look lovely."
"Thank you, Florian. It's wonderful to see you."
"I'm sorry you weren't able to attend the play. It was amusing."
"Couldn't be helped. But never mind that, your Count is waiting."
"Is Mademoiselle Agnes joining us tonight?"
"She's a little under the weather so I'll have the honor of two escorts if you don't mind."
"Not at all," Florian assures her as he helps her up into the carriage. He climbs in after her and Ray signals the driver to move on.
"Have you ever met the General?" Miranda asks both men. They both shake their heads, no. "Well he's a bit difficult to understand as he has a tendency to mumble, but he tells wickedly funny stories." She leans closer to Ray who is seated across from her. "Especially if he doesn't realize there are ladies in the room."
Ray smiles at Florian's nervous laugh. For someone two years older, he can be adorably innocent. Ray takes pity on his charge, however, and changes the subject. "Are the new security measures in place at the museum?"
"Thankfully, yes. The staff and the police have been very kind. I just hope the thief isn't willing to risk an assault on a building that is so well guarded."
"Did the police have any information they haven't shared with the press?" Ray asks with casual interest, ignoring the look Florian gives him.
"Not, really, although there are strong suspicions that it is a youth rather than an adult. Apparently the window the thief used to gain entry is very small. They also think that the name card is intended to misdirect them into thinking it is a professional thief. In actuality, the police believe it was the work of an amateur - perhaps a young aristocrat in search of attention."
"I'd wondered as much," Ray says dismissively. He sits back and watches as Florian shifts beside Miranda and tells her about the play. That carries them the rest of the way to the hotel where the General is staying and into the ballroom where the party has already started.
"Madame Harrison," The general takes the ladyfs hand in his own, covering it with the other hand in lieu of kissing it. He's an older gentleman and a bit unsteady on his feet. "I greatly enjoyed your collection. It was more than kind of you to share it. I've got a few pieces myself, but nothing so impressive. My wife prefers her jewels you see." He gestures to the woman standing a few feet away. Pinned to her dress is a brooch with a red jewel the size of a hen's egg.
"Breathtaking," Miranda replies. "It's red, but I've never seen a ruby like that."
"And you won't, my dear. It's a red emerald. 'Heart's Blood' it's called. Quite rare I understand, but Emmaline fell in love with it on first sight."
"Understandable, General. Your wife has exquisite taste."
"Thank you, young lady." The General leans forward and places a light kiss on Miranda's cheek. "Now go back to your lad. Young Rochefort is a good sort - fine family. A pity what happened to his mother. Don't you listen to what any of those old wags say about him or his Count. I know men of good character, I do, and you're safe with them."
"Thank you, General. And a happy birthday to you." Miranda takes her leave of the General and returns to Florian and Ray who have already been through the line.
"He likes you," Ray teases, handing Miranda a flute of champagne. "I thought he was going to steal you away from us."
"Nonsense," Miranda responds primly. "He was just telling me that you were both men of fine moral character. Although his eyesight may be going."
Florian laughs and tries to cover it by taking a drink of champagne. Ray glares at him.
"Don't kill him until we've danced, Count Courland. The wolves are starting to circle."
Ray notes a few gentlemen directing more than passing attention at Miranda. He grins and offers her his arm. "Then allow me the honor before Florian claims you for the evening."
"Why Count, you do continue to surprise." Miranda hands her glass to Florian and allows Ray to escort her out to the dance floor.
XXXXX
Florian is almost disappointed when Ray leads Miranda off the dance floor. He greets the couple by handing them glasses of champagne secured from a nearby servant. "I was afraid I'd lost my dance partner," he teases Ray, looking directly into the younger man's eyes. Ray meets the gaze steadily his eyes telling Florian who he'd really like to dance with.
"A pity Agnes couldn't join us." Miranda's words break the men's silent connection. Florian turns to her with a charming smile.
"It is a pity. Please give her our best wishes for a rapid recovery. I'm looking forward to seeing her again at the museum on Friday."
"Thank you, I'll tell her." Miranda gives Ray a cat-like smile. "She was most disappointed that she wouldn't have your company this evening, Count. She was quite taken with your charming manner."
Florian half-chokes on his champagne and Ray thumps him on the back - perhaps a little harder than necessary.
"I'm all right," he finally manages to sputter, giving Ray a narrow-eyed glare before extending his hand to Miranda. "My apologies. Please, would you join me for this dance?" He shoves his half-empty glass at Ray and leads Miranda away. She laughs and waves to Ray as they depart.
"He's got an appointment in the cellar," Ray mutters to himself as he watches Florian go. The threat has no sting. While Ray has no problem using his whip on others, he hasn't used it on Florian since they returned from Morocco. After everything Azura did to the gentle blond, Ray can't imagine whipping him. Not that it saves Florian from punishment entirely, but the threat of a few hours chained in the cellar is usually effective enough to keep his impulsive Amethyst in line.
Ray claims another glass of champagne and settles into a comfortable chair with a good view of the dance floor. People pass around him, laughing and talking, occasionally giving him a nod of greeting as they go. There's no one gossiping about him within earshot for which he is grateful. Overall it's peaceful if a bit boring and Ray lets his mind wander.
"Am I disturbing you, Count?" Lady Emmaline is standing next to him, midnight blue satin gown filling half his vision.
"Not at all," he insists, rising smoothly and motioning for her to take the empty seat beside his. "I'm just enjoying the music."
"And the dancing?" she replies placidly, accepting a drink from a passing servant. "It's a pleasure to see you and Florian here this evening. I wasn't sure you'd attend. We rarely see either of you."
"I travel a great deal. Florian often accompanies me."
"Of course. He must be a great asset to you. He's a fine young man. My husband was very fond of his father. We were quite distressed when we returned to Paris and learned of his mother's death and that unfortunate scandal with his uncle." She leans a bit closer and lowers her voice, aware of ears around them. "I understand you were instrumental in clearing up that bit of unpleasantness. Imagine, that dreadful man killing his own sister and burning her mansion then framing his nephew for the deed. Horrible thing, gambling. It's ruined better men than him, unfortunately. But to leave poor Florian penniless and without a home." She shakes her head, as if unable to imagine such a situation. "No matter, it's clear he's being well looked after thanks to you, Count Courland. If it means anything, you have the gratitude of my husband and myself."
Ray nods, uncomfortable with this line of conversation. His gaze finds the Heart's Blood brooch and he has to force himself to look away. Emmaline laughs lightly and touches the jewel.
"You needn't be so modest, sir. Heart's Blood catches everyone's eye." She looks down at the large jewel, set in gold and pinned above her left breast. For a woman nearing sixty, she is still slender with masses of silver hair piled high on her head and a youthful complexion that she painted lightly with powder and rouge.
"It's a monstrous thing, isn't it? And what a name - Heart's Blood. Makes me shiver to think of it, but my husband was determined I should have it. He tells everyone I wanted the thing but I much prefer my diamonds." She stands and leans down slightly, adding in an undertone, "Although I understand some people favor Amethysts."
Ray stands, kissing her hand before she pats his cheek and glides off to join a nearby group of guests. He shakes his head a bit as if to clear it and turns his eyes back to his favorite jewel, who is still dancing Miranda around the floor. He's harder to pick out now with so many couples dancing, but Ray finds him and notes that he looks relaxed and happier than he's been in a while. Perhaps he should make an effort to get Florian out more often. But only if the idiot doesn't get carried away and make himself sick again.
Ray digs out a cigarette and settles back into the chair to wait and watch, ready to claim his Amethyst as soon as he shows signs of overexertion.
XXXXX
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Florian insists as Ray shoves his coat at him.
"You won't be if you catch a chill. You nearly danced Miranda's feet off."
"Did we keep you waiting too long?" Florian's voice pitches lower and he studies Ray with concern. He's glad that Miranda is a short distance away taking her leave of the general. "It was thoughtless of me. I'm sorry."
"Don't be ridiculous, I'm capable of entertaining myself." Ray grits his teeth as Florian fixes his coat collar. "And dressing myself."
"Then hold still, your collar is turned under." Florian fixes the garment, smoothing it into place. "I did see you speaking to Captain L'Argent. He seemed quite happy."
"Quite drunk, you mean. The man can't hold his liquor at all, fortunately for me."
"He's a customer then?" Florian frowns a little and casts a glance towards Miranda to make sure she's still out of hearing range.
"He is, although his balance is nowhere near as impressive as yours." Ray grins and motions towards Miranda who is working her way past a cluster of departing guests. He loves getting in the last word with Florian, although it doesn't happen as often as he'd like.
Florian gives him a look, then schools his expression before Miranda joins them. He is holding her wrap and helps her into it, being extra solicitous. He takes the lead as they depart, forcing Ray to trail after them to the waiting carriage.
Florian chats with Miranda the whole way to the hotel and insists on escorting her inside to the lobby. He takes his time returning to the carriage, claiming the seat opposite Ray when he does.
Ray clenches his teeth around his cigar and blows smoke in Florian's direction. They don't speak until they are in the house, coats off and headed to the kitchen for tea.
"You're lucky I'm tired or you'd be spending your night in the cellar," Ray comments as he settles in at the table while Florian prepares the tea.
"You were bored," Florian exclaims as if he's uncovered a secret. "Next time you should invite Laila."
"Definitely not," Ray replies emphatically. "She hasn't been... odd lately and I don't want to start that again. You and she are getting along, aren't you?"
"Most of the time," Florian replies neutrally.
"Then let's leave it that way. I depend on her, I don't need female ideas causing problems."
Florian shakes his head at this old conversation and sets a steaming cup of tea in front of Ray along with a small plate of shortbread cookies. He gets his own cup and takes a seat across from Ray. They drink in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally Florian looks up and asks the question that's been on his mind most of the evening.
"You're going after Heart's Blood, aren't you?"
"Do you want me to answer that?"
"Not really," Florian admits. "It's just... the General and his wife have always been friends with my family." A tear glitters at the corner of Florian's eye and he blinks it away.
"Would you feel better if you knew that Lady Emmaline dislikes the jewel? She called it a 'monstrous thing'."
Florian brightens a little, but shakes his head, standing and gathering the dishes with quick movements. "Do what you will, Ray. I have no say in the matter, nor should I. Sometimes I forget that I'm only here due to your generosity. I can't repay my debt to you in five lifetimes, let alone one."
"Don't do that," Ray demands closing in on Florian and stilling his movements with a gentle touch. "You earn your keep in this house like everyone else. If the time ever comes when the situation changes, we'll discuss it." He leans closer, his body seeking contact with the blond's. Florian resists for a second, then gives in, letting his head rest against Ray's chest. He looks up just as Ray leans down and their lips meet.
Ray's arms wrap around Florian, pulling the slender form closer, one hand tangling in the platinum blond hair. Florian responds by wrapping his arms around Ray and tilting his head slightly for a more insistent kiss. They pull apart at last, breathing hard, eyes locked.
They're moving in for another kiss when the third stair gives its distinctive squeak. They pull away from each other, faces flushed, and pretend to be busy cleaning their dishes.
"Noir?" Laila blinks in surprise at the pair working together at the sink. She frowns as if sensing something more than she's seeing. "What are you doing?"
"Just cleaning up," Florian replies with forced cheer. "We didn't want to leave a mess for the morning."
Laila shakes her head wondering why leaving a mess never bothered them before. She yawns widely and takes a glass from the cupboard. "I woke up thirsty. I didn't know you were still up."
"I'm headed to bed now," Florian assures her, moving aside so she can fill her glass with water from the tap. "Goodnight Laila, Ray." He hurries out of the room, leaving a sleepy Laila staring at Ray.
"You're not going up too?
"No, I've got work to do." He grins when he says it, finally able to show how excited he is about the prospect of acquiring Heart's Blood. He'd heard about it through his usual channels, but seeing it so close...
Beside him, Laila laughs and grins back, catching his enthusiasm. Her reaction is so different from Florian's. He knows that he'll never really be able to share this with his Amethyst, and some small part of him regrets it. But for now he pushes those thoughts aside and starts making plans.
Laila sets the empty glass down on the drainboard and rubs her hands together. "What can I do?"
Ray smiles and leads her towards the study.
XXXXX
The General and his wife have a suite of rooms on the second floor. Gaining access is child's play and Ray wastes no time locating the locked box where the jewelry is kept while they are traveling. As he suspected, they hadn't taken the time to have it secured in the hotel safe after the party, most likely intending to wait until morning. Instead, they'd hidden it in a trunk.
Ray works swiftly, a few deft movements and the lock springs open. He opens the box, already anticipating the weight and beauty of Heart's Blood. Instead he finds a lavender-scented card inscribed, "Mirage."
Angry and annoyed, he leaves the card and closes the box. He returns it to its hiding place and exits the hotel the same way he entered - by a small window.
He descends a convenient tree and turns only to stop cold at the sight of a shadowy figure leaning against the building near the corner, watching him. He takes a step closer, warily, regarding the slight figure concealed under cloak and mask.
"Mirage?" he demands, not expecting an answer.
A flash of movement and something small and white is tossed in his direction. It falls well short and when he reaches down to retrieve it, the figure dashes away. Whip in hand, he's ready to give chase only to find the figure gone, concealed in one of the many doorways or narrow spaces between buildings. Sounds in the mid-distance tell him someone is approaching, possibly a policeman on patrol.
Noir clenches his fist and feels the item crumple in his hand. It feels like paper, but there's weight to it and something heavy concealed within. Making a quick decision, he abandons his search for Mirage and hurries down an alleyway towards home.