The Price of Deception by Vicki Hopkins

behind
her, then proceeded to tread heavily down the hallway. Mary
determined not to shed a tear over her irresponsible son. The
consequences of his behavior could very well damage the family’s
position in society.
    In a hurried huff, she stormed upstairs to her room.
“Men and their mistresses,” she spewed loudly, as she passed
Jacquelyn’s suite. It felt good to discharge her frustrations over
Robert. Being the mother of a man with no sensibility or propriety
saddened her deeply.
    Mary’s little outburst brought enormous release; but
unbeknownst to her, it carried to the ears of another. Jacquelyn
heard her venomous complaint when she passed her door.
    Chapter Nine
    Suzette felt the need for a sense of security, so she
rested her head in the corner of Philippe’s shoulder as they lay in
bed. He must have sensed it, because he gently stroked her hair
with the palm of his hand but remained silent. Fear, longing,
confusion—they wrapped Suzette tight in a blanket of
uneasiness.
    Two weeks had passed since the chance meeting in the
park, and Suzette fretted over numerous possible outcomes. Philippe
seemed unscathed by the encounter with Robert and confident nothing
would come of it.
    He’s right, I shouldn’t worry , she thought in
an attempt to allay her fears. A voice from her past resonated in
return. “The man is going to be Duke! He has a reputation to
protect, and he will not acknowledge a bastard child in his
lineage .”
    Perhaps the wisdom of her former maid, Madame
LeBlanc, rang true after all, in spite of the fact she despised the
woman. Certainly, Robert wouldn’t pursue the child, even if he
suspected it was his. It would be impossible to prove, as long as
he thought her dead. It would be Philippe’s word against Robert’s
speculations.
    She had done as Philippe suggested and secluded
herself in their home. The little walks she took with Robert were
put aside, until they were assured Robert had returned to England.
Yet, even with Robert’s return, Suzette knew he would come back to
Paris again. What if sometime in the future he saw her on the
street? It could happen, just like it happened in the park with
Philippe. If Robert discovered her existence, then he could
pressure her for the truth about their son.
    The more Suzette thought of the consequences of her
deception, the more nauseated she became with anxiety.
    “Philippe, is there any way that we can determine if
Robert returned to England and we are safe?”
    “Safe?”
    “I’m afraid he might see me somewhere. Perhaps I
shall stay close to home until we can be assured he has left
France. How horrible it would be if he saw me!” Suzette waited for
Philippe to answer, but she sensed a slight hesitation on his
part.
    “Yes, that is prudent. I’ll make inquiries, if I can,
on his scheduled return to England.”
    “How?”
    “I’ll see what I can find out, Suzette, about his
stay in Paris and schedule. I don’t know how, but I’ll find a way
if it makes you more comfortable.”
    “Well, I’m not looking forward to being a prisoner in
my own home with our son. That reminds me, as well, Philippe. I
think you and Robert should forgo any more strolls in the park? We
should be cautious.”
    “If that is what you wish, Suzette.”
    “I do!” she forcefully replied, leaving no room for
discussion. “I cannot bear to think what would happen should Robert
. . .”
    “I doubt he will do anything, Suzette. Truly I
do.”
    “I hope you’re right.” She snuggled her head again
into the corner of his shoulder. His arm tightened around her. “I’m
sorry I worry about so many things, Philippe. You’re more than
patient with me.”
    “You are a bit of a worry wart,” he said, with a
chuckle. “But I understand your fears. I, for one, do not wish for
him to find out the truth.”
    He released Suzette, sat up and swung his legs around
the edge of the bed. “Will you join me for breakfast?” he asked,
while fastening the tie of his robe