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was a surprise. “Let’s celebrate.”
    “What’s the occasion?”
    “Our adventure.”
    She would join us on the trip to California.
“I’ve had adventure already.” I sat on the bed.
    “So I’ve heard.” She sat next to me. “Your
encounter with the train robber. What was that like?”
    “He stole my engagement ring.”
    Her mouth fell open. “What a blackguard.”
    “He would’ve taken my locket, but I…talked
him out of it.”
    “Rightly so. One should never underestimate
the female power of persuasion. My mother always said I could talk
myself out of a box.”
    There was something trustworthy about her,
and my guard slipped by several degrees. “I had to kiss him.”
    “What?”
    “He made me kiss him. He said he wouldn’t
take the locket, if I kissed him.”
    “What a scoundrel.” She seemed thoughtful.
“Was he pleasing to look at?”
    “Yes.”
    “Was he well dressed?”
    “No.”
    “Did he smell like horse manure?”
    “No,” I laughed. “He was clean. He was
handsome in a sort of reckless way. He certainly wasn’t someone I
could take home to dinner.”
    “How was the kiss?”
    “Very nice.” I clamped my lips together,
realizing that I had said too much. “I mean, he
was…um…respectful.”
    “I hardly believe that. If given the time, he
would’ve seduced you.”
    “Oh, no. I doubt that.”
    Her look was shrewd. “Has Edmund ever kissed
you?”
    “Of course.”
    “But not the mouth?”
    “No.”
    “So he took liberties your fiancé wouldn’t
dare.”
    “Yes.”
    “And you enjoyed them.”
    Panic set in. “You think the worst of me
now.”
    “Not at all. I like you, Sarah. You’re
spirited and lovely. You’re charming and vivacious.” Her smile
fell. “I don’t think Edmund would make you happy. He’s pompous and
droll.”
    “But you would say that. He’s told me how you
don’t get along.”
    Her hand covered mine. “Let’s not talk about
Edmund. He’s not worth a minute of my time. Have champagne. I’ll
wind up the music box.”
    Millie had joined us; her face was pink from
the heated water. “What’s that?”
    “Champagne,” said Isabelle. “Have a glass.” A
pretty melody filled the room. The bedroom was decorated in dark,
heavily carved furniture and flower patterned wallpaper. Isabelle
returned to the bed. “I love champagne.” She downed her drink. “It
makes me happy all over and do things I ought not.”
    I buzzed warmly. “What kinds of things?”
    Her hand brushed against my knee. “Edmund
will be gone for hours.” I glanced at Millie, recognizing the look
in her eye. Pinpricks of pleasure rushed up my spine. “I can keep
secrets. I’m not an angel.” Her touch on my leg grew bolder. She
whispered, “This is what I miss about school. We used to play
naughty games, and no one was the wiser. A woman isn’t allowed to
seek out pleasure. Even if she’s married, she’ll hardly find that.”
Her smile was coy. “But, if you have lady friends, and if things
happen in private. No one needs to know. There’s nothing wrong with
friendship and pleasure.”
    “Millie,” I said, feeling as if I’d just
solved a riddle. “She’s like you. She likes other women.”
    My chaperone nodded solemnly.
     
     

Chapter Seven
     
     
     
    Isabelle smiled. “There’s something about you
I can’t quite place, Sarah. I sensed it when we first met.”
    “My upbringing was unconventional.”
    “Yes, I’ve heard about Africa. Your family is
adventurous. I’ve read all about your grandfather, Author Tennent.
His travels in the jungle are well documented by the Royal
Geographical Society. It’s fascinating how he managed to live among
those fearsome natives. You were there too and survived.”
    “You live with the Indians,” I countered.
“I’ve heard they can be just as dangerous as the Azande .”
    “They’re not to be underestimated. The
Calvary has its hands full keeping us safe. I’ve heard some
things…unpleasant things I