When Strangers Marry (Vallerands #1)(58)

Before Max could reply, Lysette answered Burr in his own language. “Your facility with words, monsieur, is quite impressive. But of course that is no surprise.”

Burr looked at Lysette with warming interest. As most Creole women spoke nothing but French, he had not expected her to understand what he had said. “May I offer my compliments on your English, madame? You speak it quite well.”

Lysette gave him a nod of thanks. “That is my good fortune, Colonel, as I was able to listen to your speech at the Place D’Armes last week without requiring translation.”

“Did you enjoy it, madame?”

“Oh, yes,” she replied without hesitation. “You are a gifted speaker, and the speech was quite rousing. I was even tempted to clap at the parts that I didn’t agree with.”

Burr laughed so heartily that half the room strained to pay keen attention to them. “I must know, madame, what parts you did not agree with.”

Lysette responded with a provocative smile. “My opinions are insignificant, Colonel Burr. My husband’s views are the ones you should take note of.”

“And so I shall,” Burr said with a chuckle. His gaze focused on Max’s expressionless face. “Your wife is not only lovely and accomplished, but also clever. You are a fortunate man, Monsieur Vallerand.”

Although Max did not respond to the comment, Lysette sensed his jealous bristling. He changed the subject abruptly. “How do you find the climate in New Orleans, Colonel?”

The question caused Burr to smile. “I believe you are referring to the political climate, are you not? I find it very pleasant, Monsieur Vallerand. We had quite an agreeable journey down here, as we encountered many unexpected friends.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“Is it true that you own a shipping business, monsieur? That is rare for a man of your background, I believe. Don’t Creoles as a rule consider anything mercantile to be beneath them?”

“As a rule, yes. But I seldom follow the rules.”

“Neither do I,” Burr said agreeably, and gave Max a speculative stare. “I have been meeting many gentlemen in the community, monsieur, most of whom belong to the Mexican Association. Do you happen to subscribe to it?”

Lysette recalled what Max had told her of the Mexican Association, a group of prominent citizens who desired the liberation of Mexico, and all the attendant trade benefits it would give to the merchants of New Orleans. Anyone who belonged to the group was certain to sympathize with Burr’s cause.

“No, I do not,” Max replied. “I have found that belonging to organizations of any kind invariably results in unwanted obligations.”

“Interesting,” Burr commented, his eyes alight with the enjoyment of a challenge. “I would like to have an opportunity to try and persuade you otherwise, monsieur. Shall we talk at a later date?”

“That might be arranged.”

Soon Colonel Burr’s attention was claimed by others who wished to be introduced, and Max drew Lysette away.

“What is your impression of him?” he asked.

“Dangerous,” came Lysette’s blunt reply. “I don’t think Colonel Burr would be so confident if he didn’t have good reason. It is likely that he has persuaded many men to join his cause, Max.”

“I think so, too,” he said ruefully.

Alexandre approached them after having delivered Irénée to her friends, who were clustered at the side of the room gossiping. “My lovely sister-in-law,” he said to Lysette, “dance with me, s’il vous plait.”

Lysette took his arm. “Do you have any objections, Max?”

Her husband shook his head, but gave his younger brother an ominous frown. “Do not leave my wife unattended.”

“I hope that I have better manners than that, monfrère,”Alexandre said indignantly. He pulled Lysette along with him, and stopped at the edge of the crowd. “Do you see the girl in the green gown?” he asked her. “The one with the dark hair?”

“No, I do not see—”

“She is tall. There are yellow ribbons in her hair. The blond man dancing with her is her cousin. See her? That is Henriette Clement. I want to attract her attention. Make certain you look as if you are enjoying yourself. Laugh as if I am saying something witty.”

“I’ll do my best.” Lysette smiled and placed her hand in his. “Do you intend to court her, Alexandre?”

Alex looked over her shoulder and scowled. “I want to,” he admitted. “Very much. But her family doesn’t approve of me.”

“Does Mademoiselle Clement have an interest in you?”

“I’m not certain. If only I could spend some time with her… but every time I am within ten yards of Henriette, the entire Clement family descends on me like a pack of bloodhounds.”

“If you are to talk to Mademoiselle Clement, you will have to enlist the help of her tante.”

“Her tante is a dragon,” Alexandre said morosely.

“Well, you’ll have to put some work into charming her. If you make the tante like you and plead your case well enough, she may be persuaded to help you meet with Mademoiselle Clement. Alors, go find the tante and be nice to her.”

“Now?” Alexandre asked blankly. “But you are not to be left alone. Max will turn me inside out if I don’t stay with you.”