Seeing his bed then, she could not blame him for abandoning the book in such a state. His bed was a massive mahogany four-poster, large enough to get lost in, with spired posts and an ornate canopy. Remi approached it with fascination. She ran her fingers along the ridges of carvings along the posts and footboard, admiring the artistry. No doubt it was the most expensive piece in the room. It was dressed with a golden, tawny duvet, with deep red accents and pillows to match. She pictured Ben beneath its sheets, wondering what it would be like to lay beside him.

Shameful, she thought, dousing the flame that grew in her stomach before it could get too hot.

Remi edged to the window and pulled the heavy curtains aside. It was safer to sit on the cushioned seat that overlooked the garden than to daydream herself into a stupor over his bed. Instead of fantasizing, her thoughts drifted to more somber memories. It was only weeks ago that Leith had found her there and comforted her at Edgar’s wake. He’d teased her then, too. How shocked he would be if he could see her now, hidden away in Ben’s room. Already she could imagine his eyes sparkling with laughter as he prodded her for details.

Tears welled in her eyes knowing that she would never hear him laugh again.

“Remi.” Elise’s voice was a balm. “I’m so sorry.”

Turning to face her cousin, Remi saw in her expression the same sadness. She held out her hands and Elise came to sit beside her on the bench. For a moment, they were quiet.

“This is awful,” Elise finally said. Her voice was thick with sorrow. “I cannot be at odds with you anymore, Remi. You are my sister.”

Remi untangled herself from Elise and sat back against the frame to address her fully. Any reprimands she had for her cousin about her carelessness were forgotten. The worn, worried look on Elise’s face conveyed a sense of culpability, as though she had been punishing herself since Remi’s discovery. With a great sigh, Remi relented. “Neither can I.”

Elise dissolved into tears. “Thank goodness!”

“You’re lucky it was me,” Remi said as she pulled Elise into her arms. “If anyone else had discovered you, I don’t know what might have happened. You must be more discreet.”

Elise sobbed in reply.

“How long has this been going on?” Remi asked.

Elise dabbed at her eyes and straightened. “We have been together since before my engagement,” Elise started. “It all happened so fast, so naturally.”

As she spoke, Remi noticed that, for the first time in years, Elise’s eyes sparkled. She gripped her hands firmly in her lap, listening intently, all the while feeling slightly jealous. What I would give to have a love so passionate.

“What about Hugo?” she asked.

“I tried.” Elise’s eyes welled with tears. “I tried to end it, to give Hugo a chance. I wanted to please Maman, but I could hardly face myself, knowing it was a lie. You know how awful he is!”

“I understand.” She might have been the only person Elise knew who understood what it meant to marry someone she didn’t want.

“I know you do.” Elise reached forward and patted her hands gently.

“So then, where will you go?”

“Guillaume likes the countryside.” Elise looked delighted by the idea.

“I’m pleased he wants the splendor of the countryside and not the overcrowded streets of Paris,” Remi said, smiling.

“Oh, no. He hates Paris. He visited a few months ago on business with Papa.” Elise’s face turned red then. “He told me they went to a bordello deep in the city. Guillaume was embarrassed, of course, but could not turn him down.”

Remi scrunched her nose. “Uncle? In a bordello?”

“Oui.” Elise nodded. “He frequents them on business trips. Guillaume does not approve, but I suppose that doesn’t bother Papa. Men do what they want, no?”

“A few months ago? The last I knew, Uncle had been in Paris only once, and that was in September of last year.” Remi’s stomach churned. One being that her uncle was unfaithful to Beline. She never saw him as anything but a proud, happy husband, despite how ridiculous his wife could be at times.

Elise tilted her head. “I don’t understand.”

“Don’t you remember?” Remi said, suddenly aware of the timing. “When uncle came home, it was only a few days later that he called me into his office to tell me about my engagement.”

“Was it really?” Elise’s mouth formed a perfect ‘o’ as realization hit her. “Yes, you’re right. I do remember that!”

He said my engagement had been blessed, Remi recalled. I did not think so then, but perhaps…

“Do you think he had business with my father?”

Her mother’s letter had come quickly in reply as well, and it had only been a day or so before she had received the pearls. The entire arrangement had caught her by surprise.

“I’m afraid I don’t know, ma cherie.”

It was no surprise if that was the case. How else would she have been able to marry? Her father held all the cards. She knew he was indifferent toward her, but how would her marriage to Edgar benefit him? Then she remembered Edgar’s will—it had been revised to include her.

A will that mentioned valuable land, a home, and a fortune.

Did they know about the treasure?

Their conversation was interrupted by two strong knocks at the door.

“Ladies?” Ben peeked in; his countenance was a welcome sight. “An Inspector Marceau would like a word with Remi.”

Remi perked. “The inspector?”

Her question was answered when the man from the morning of Edgar’s death entered the room. He appraised the space before his blue eyes landed on Remi. He smiled. “Misfortune brings us together again, I’m afraid.”

Remi nodded. “It has.”

“Might I have a word with you alone?” He glanced at Elise, who pulled away from Remi and stood.

Her cousin spared her a concerned look. “I’ll be just outside.”

Both Ben and Elise disappeared behind the double doors, but Remi could still feel their presence. It was enough to give her courage when all she wanted to do was collapse.

“How can I be of service?” Remi said.

Marceau bowed his head, offering his respects. “Madame, I must first offer my condolences on this, your second loss.”

“Thank you,” she replied. “But I’m sure you’re here for more than that, monsieur.”

“Regrettably, yes.” He produced a familiar pad of paper and pen. “I am told you were one of the last people to speak with the deceased. I have already spoken with your staff.”

“Leith was a dear friend,” she said tenderly as his smile came to mind.

“Could you tell me about your last meeting?”

Remi closed her eyes and recalled their meeting as she attempted to hold back her tears.