Free Temptress in Training by Susan Gee Heino Page A

things and was already inside it.
    She was. The still-stunning Madame smiled coyly when Lindley pulled open the door and peered inside. Even in the dark of night her creamy complexion and dazzling teeth glowed. The evocative scent of exotic perfume tinted the air around her. It was a temptation Fitzgelder surely could not resist.
    â€œI say, Fitz! Look who’s come ’round to visit,” Lindley said, as if surprised at finding her there.
    â€œI heard things were getting a bit dull for our lively Mr. Fitzgelder,” she cooed in that warm, sultry voice she’d long ago perfected. “I was hoping I could help out.”
    Fitzgelder’s shameless gawking and the leering anticipation in his eyes announced plainly that he was convinced she might be able to do just that. “I do believe this night might not prove a total waste, after all. Good evening to you, Eudora.”
    He climbed into the carriage and situated himself beside the alluring woman. Then he motioned for Lindley to join them on the bench opposite.
    â€œCome, Lindley. Madame can surely make room for both of us.” Then he laughed at what, apparently, he thought was a most humorous double entendre. “Though not at the same time, I daresay! Although I bargain we could both work at parts of her together. What do you say? The three of us, old man?”
    Never in a million years! “Not tonight, I’m afraid. I’ll meet you at the house.”
    Fitzgelder laughed again. “Need time to recuperate from that little seamstress, I take it?”
    Lindley cringed. Eudora’s eyes went just the slightest bit rounder. “Seamstress?”
    â€œThat little doxy I took from your place,” Fitzgelder explained. Damn him. “She’s been running me a merry chase, too. Somehow Lindley got her alone tonight. Bloodied my lip, the bitch did, but it would seem Lindley’s got a better way with females like that.”
    â€œYes, I’ve noticed he does have an eye for seamstresses,” Eudora said.
    â€œMy carriage is waiting,” Lindley said, ignoring Madame’s comment. “I’m sure you won’t miss my company at all.”
    Fitzgelder laughed. This was all just a game for him, wasn’t it? Others might suffer—hell, he’d pegged his own cousin for murder—but yet Fitzgelder could laugh. No vengeance could come swift enough, as far as Lindley was concerned.
    Still, he had to be patient. Eudora would help. She knew how to keep the man occupied tonight, although it pained Lindley to think to what ends she might have to go. Best not to think of that, he decided. Besides, no one forced Eudora to do what she did not wish—though it did seem the woman wished quite a bit.
    Lindley, however, did not. Justice would be the only thing on his mind when he made his appearance at the house where Fitzgelder’s revels would continue tonight. And no one would even notice that Lindley chose not to participate in the sordid events in Madame’s exclusive rooms. He would have ample time to arrange things as needed to suit his own purposes.
    Wishing Fitzgelder had at least waited for Lindley to shut the carriage door before he pounced on Eudora, the earl was finally rid of the man. The carriage clattered off and Lindley made his way back to his own carriage that waited nearby. His man Feasel stood beside it.
    â€œDo we follow, milord?”
    â€œNo. I’ve got something else for you, Feasel.”
    â€œAnything.”
    â€œA young couple should be coming from the house at any moment. They will be trying not to be seen. I need you to follow the girl—the one in the dress, that is—at all costs. You’ll recognize her. It’s Miss Darshaw.”
    His man nodded. “Ah, so she’s finally leaving this place, is she?”
    â€œYes. Report back where she goes, who she meets.”
    â€œAnd the young man?”
    Feasel didn’t even bat an eye when Lindley