Chapter 12

Cécile

“You’re out late.”

I jumped, my mother’s voice acidic in my ears. She stood next to the roaring fire, face cast in shadows, a glass of brandy in her hand. “Feeling a bit dramatic this evening?” I asked, hanging my cloak on a hook. “Besides, aren’t you supposed to be dining with Julian?”

She took a sip of her drink. “He was otherwise occupied.”

“At least he’s recovered from your announcement,” I said, flopping into a chair. “I was more than a little concerned he’d quit the company for spite.”

“Quitting isn’t an option for him.”

There was enough venom in her voice to make me re-evaluate the severity of the situation. I’d long known that Julian was enamored with her, but surely the emotions were not reciprocated? He was the same age as my brother. “Did he say something to you?”

She took another swift drink. “He said a good many things.”

I grimaced, knowing that if he’d repeated what he’d said to me to her, she would not have taken it well.

“Enough of Julian.” Setting down her glass, she drifted across the carpets, coming to a stop in front of me. “Where were you this evening?”

“Here and there.” She had never cared where I was before, other than to suggest I spend more time entertaining subscribers after performances.

“Here and there,” she parroted my words back, and I knew I was in trouble. “Perhaps I need to be more specific, Cécile. Why were you in Pigalle?”

I gaped at her, my mind scrambling for a lie even as it raced for a possible explanation of how she knew.

“Don’t bother trying to squirm your way out of it, my dear,” she snapped. “Your brother was here, which would have been a shock in and of itself, but he insisted on giving me an earful about letting you run wild through the slums. What could possibly even interest you in that trash heap they call a quarter?”

I had no good answer. There was nothing in Pigalle that should appeal to a girl like the one I was supposed to be. But if I didn’t give her an answer, she’d go hunting for one, and the absolute last thing I needed was Fred telling her the whole truth because he was angry with me. “I…”

“You…?” Her cheeks were flushed with alcohol and anger. Why, tonight of all nights, did she have to start taking an interest in where I spent my time?

“I was getting my fortune told.” The words came out in a tangled rush. “Some of the girls were talking about it, and I wanted to see what my future held.”

She straightened, her head tilting slightly as though considering whether I might possibly be so foolish as to lie. “No one can see the future.”

“I know,” I blurted out, getting to my feet because I couldn’t sit still. “It was all nonsense. I’m sorry I went. It won’t happen again.” I wanted to go upstairs to my room, to hide and let this day be over, but she stepped into my path.