He froze at her laughter.
“Your arrogance, my dear young comte, is of continual amusement,” Giovanna said. She appeared to eye him thoughtfully. “I do not mean to criticize, my dear comte, but your arrogance also leads you to believe that women find pleasure with you if you but toss a few soft words and thoughtless caresses. It is not the case, you know.”
“You prefer the king, madame? He is nearer your esteemed age.”
He was surprised that the contessa only smiled at him. “The king is very earthy,” she said. “He enjoys a woman’s body, and not just for his own pleasure.”
“You disgust me.”
“Does Arabella Welles disgust you as well, Gervaise?”
The comte twisted about to face her. “Arabella Welles? Why the devil do you mention her? I barely know the girl.”
“How interesting,” Giovanna murmured. “I thought she was lying to me. Of course you are not her lover.”
“What did you say?”
Giovanna shrugged. “Naught of anything, really. I have made you rich,” she continued, “though I cannot claim to have improved your skills as a lover.”
He heard mockery in her voice again. He clenched his hand into a fist, but he couldn’t strike her. He knew she was guarded by at least a half-dozen men, well-hidden, to be sure, but close by.
“You have served your purpose, Gervaise,” she continued, smiling at his obvious anger.
“Purpose.” He turned to her, his face flushed. “What does that mean?”
“I mean, caro,” Giovanna said gently, “that you should consider leaving your band of patriots and returning to your homeland and your emperor. It is likely that the queen’s secret police will shortly discover that the rich cargoes you have been selling to your fellow countrymen were never yours to sell. They were not mine to give you, you see. You have played your role, my little man. If you do not leave Naples soon, you will find yourself rotting in chains.”
Gervaise bounded to his feet. “You have used me,” he shouted down at her. “You have betrayed me.”
“Please do not act the outraged little boy, it ill suits you. Now, the queen’s secret police will also suspect that you are responsible for the disappearance of Arabella Welles. I am not betraying you precisely, comte. I am giving you warning.” She shrugged. “If you wish to warn the other members of your dissolute club, it is up to you.”
“You are crazy, you old hag. If anyone comes for me, they will come for you within the hour.”
“I told you, Gervaise, I will not be here. Besides, caro, to implicate a simple woman is not at all gallant, and the king and I are close, you know. No, were I you, I would not attempt such a thing. I have really treated you quite well, Gervaise.”
He could only stare at her, stunned. “What have you done to Arabella Welles?”
“I have sent her to Algiers, my dear comte, to Oran, to be exact. I believe she will do quite well there as a slave.”
Giovanna swung her legs over the bed and reached for her dressing gown. She slipped her arms into the wide brocade sleeves and sashed the belt at her waist. “As much as I enjoy your body, caro, I would suggest that you take your leave now.”
Gervaise reached for his scattered clothes, trying desperately to think. He was aware of the contessa’s eyes upon him as he dressed. When he had shrugged into his coat, he turned to face her. “You speak of revenge, Contessa. It is a two-edged sword.”
He turned and strode from her bedchamber, her laughter in his ears.
A placid-faced servant ushered Adam into Lord Delford’s library. Lord Delford rose from his chair upon Adam’s entry. He did not look happy.
“Sir?” Adam said, striding toward him. “Your man told me you wished to see me on a matter of grave importance.”
“It is your sister,” the viscount said without preamble. “She rode out before noon, spurning a groom, I might add, and she has not returned.”
“And it is nearly five o’clock,” Adam said.
“A groom brought me this letter a short time ago from the Contessa di Rolando.” The viscount handed Adam a folded piece of paper.
The words were stark and short—Arabella had not kept her luncheon appointment. Perhaps, the contessa wrote, Arabella decided not to visit her, but nonetheless, she felt it her duty to inform the viscount. She closed with, “I trust Lady Arabella is not indisposed. As I am leaving Naples shortly, I will be unable to further our acquaintance.”