“There is a lovely caffè within walkingdistance.” Juliette smiled. “They remain open late and many of usdine there after performances.” Juliette would already know most ofthe people in the caffè and hoped none of them would tellMaman.
He seemed to think about her suggestion andthen nodded. “It would be my pleasure to take you both to supper atthis caffè.”
Juliette and Genviève lifted their cloaksfrom the hooks attached to the wall and Acker came forward. “Allowme, if you please.” He took the cloaks and assisted each ofthem.
Juliette shared a look with her sister. Theyhad never really encountered gentlemen and those at the theatretreated them indifferently, as if they were all part of one bigfamily. It was rare for someone to help them don their cloaks.“Thank you,” Juliette muttered, embarrassed by how special she feltat his assistance even though he had probably done the same thingfor dozens of women before.
He opened the door and stood back, allowingthe sisters to pass. Juliette glanced quickly over her shouldertoward Hélène, who had remained concealed behind the costumes. Ithadn’t been their plan for her to hide but when the knock came tothe door, Genviève insisted so that someone could observe and aidin assistance if necessary.
Once they entered the alley, Acker offered anarm to each woman and they began to walk in the direction of thecaffè. This was a new experience for Juliette as well. Though oftenin the company of men when they supped late, none had ever escortedher in this manner as the group leaving the theatre usuallynumbered ten or more. Was this what if felt like to be treated likea lady? Or did Acker have mistress in mind?
No doubt that was his intention and though hewas handsome, she would not follow in maman’s or arrièregrand-mère’s footsteps.
Acker was rather silent. Should she be theone making conversation? Several times he glanced over his shoulderand he seemed tense. Was he waiting for someone? Should she beworried about his intentions? Had his plans been to get her alonein a carriage and now he wasn’t sure how to proceed?
“Is something wrong, Lord Acker?”
Acker lowered his head and spoke quietly. “Ibelieve we are being followed.”
Juliette and Genviève stiffened.
“Don’t look,” Acker hissed. But Juliette andGenviève were already glancing behind him as he spoke. Julietterecognized Hélène, dressed as a man, cap pulled low over her head.She knew her sister could change her appearance whenever shewished, but this was even quick for Hélène. “Oh, that is simplyour—”
“—Brother.” Genviève answered quickly.
Juliette shot her a look. Why would hersister lie?
“He is just keeping watch over us.” Genvièveshrugged.
As if Hélène could be of any assistance,Juliette nearly snorted.
“I am sure he will sit with his friends oncewe reach the caffè,” Genviève assured Acker.
Acker simply nodded but seemed to relax asthey rounded the corner. Light spilled from the caffè as did thenoise of the crowd gathered this evening. Acker escorted thesisters inside and found a table in the back. He held their chairsbefore taking a seat himself. Hélène slid into a place at a tablealready crowded with those from the ballet. No doubt she would paycloser attention to what was occurring with Juliette than theconversation at her own table.
Acker wasn’t sure what to say or how to beginthe conversation. He had never been at a loss for words. He was abloody diplomat and conversational skills were necessary to hisposition. Yet, being in the presence of this beautiful young womanleft him tongue-tied and this would never do. He needed to make theright impression.
He had wanted Juliette before, when he hadonly seen her on the stage. Now, being in her presence, the beautyof her face and those emerald green eyes only made him want hermore. He wasn’t sure how Juliette Mirabelle would fit in his life,or what she would be to him, but he was drawn to her like no other.One simple supper would not be enough. He needed to learneverything he could about her. He desired her, but it wasn’t thatsimple. Something about this young woman pulled at him and he hadnever experienced the like before.
A servant stopped and placed a basket ofbread and bottle of deep red wine on the table. The caffè had onlya few offerings this late in the evening which included a chickendish and various salads and cheeses. Acker didn’t really care whathe ate as long as he was with Juliette.
He reached forward and poured wine for bothwomen. Though he wished to have Juliette to himself, he didn’t mindher sister, Genviève joining them. In time he would find a way forhim and Juliette to be alone.
He glanced from one woman to the next beforehe spoke. “Where are you from?” They were not Italian, as he hadoriginally assumed.
“Why do you ask?” Genviève countered.
His eyebrows lifted. “Your accent is French,is it not?”
Juliette laughed. “We were raised in Franceuntil six years ago.”
“What brought you to Milan?”
It was probably none of his business but hecould think of nothing else to say and he wanted to know everythingabout this ballerina.
Genviève shot Juliette a narrow-eyed look.Apparently she did not like being questioned.
“Maman thought it was time for a change andthat there would be more opportunities to dance,” Julietteanswered.
What of a father? Did they not have one? “Wasyour mother also a dancer?”
“No,” Juliette quietly chuckled. “I had notwanted to leave France but she decided it was best and it hasworked out well.” She graced him with a lovely smile.
Acker glanced up to find the brother watchingthem. He was smaller in height, as well as thin and lanky. Therewere also several feminine qualities about him from the way hecrossed his feet at his ankles and the delicate way he gesturedwith his hand and wrist. Even his facial features were prettywithout a hint of stubble that plagued so many men this time ofnight. Perhaps his mannerisms were from living in a home with threefemales. Or, he could just be a young pup who had not come into hisown.
“Your father did not mind moving?”
“No,” Genviève answered.
Juliette looked at her oddly. Had Genvièvelied? Did the man not appreciate being uprooted?
At least it established that Juliette alsohad
