When Strangers Marry (Vallerands #1)(64)

“You are known as a most enterprising man, Monsieur Vallerand. I would value your political support. And frankly, you are so wealthy that I could not afford to overlook you.”

Max smiled, actually liking the man’s bluntness. “Perhaps you haven’t taken my rather blemished reputation into account, Colonel. That could be a great liabililty to any politician who chooses to associate with me.”

Burr shrugged negligently. “I’ve heard the rumors about you, but I do not believe they would interfere with my plans.”

“Which are?” The two words seemed to charge the air with tension. For a moment there was silence.

“I think,” Burr finally said, “that you already have an idea about that.”

“Not really,” Max lied smoothly.

Refusing a drink, Burr sat in a deep leather chair and pursued a seemingly idle line of conversation. Looking handsome and mysterious, sitting outside the direct pool of light cast by a lamp, he lazily plied Max with questions about New Orleans, his family, his politics.

Max understood Burr’s dilemma perfectly. Burr had to risk revealing enough information to gain Max’s support, but not give away enough to endanger his plans. The former vice president explained that he intended to use New Orleans as a base from which to conquer Mexico and wrest the Floridas away from the Spanish— if, of course, war happened to break out between the United States and Spain.

After Burr had finished talking, Max smiled with maddening indifference. “And this will be done for whose benefit?”

As Max had expected, Burr refrained from confessing that he planned to be the sole ruler over his new empire. “Let us say that the entire Louisiana Territory will profit.”

“And your fortunes will improve as well, n’est-cepas?”

“So will yours,” Burr replied, “if I can count you among our group.”

Max let the moment draw out to its fullest before replying. “I find it impossible to pledge support to a cause with such nebulous outlines. Unless you can provide more details…”

Burr frowned, clearly surprised at Max’s lack of enthusiasm. “I have provided all the information I can for now. In my view, you have little reason not to join me.”

Max spread his hands slightly, palms up. “I have certain loyalties, Colonel.”

“Loyalties to Claiborne?”

“To the United States as well.”

“I’m afraid, Vallerand, that I don’t understand your allegiance to a country that has refused to grant your people citizenship. You should consider the interests of the territory— and those of your family— more carefully. It is clear that your loyalties are misplaced.”

“That may be proven in time. However, for now I will keep to the course I’ve already chosen. I have enjoyed our talk, Colonel, but I think it is time for you to leave.”

Burr replied with barely controlled fury. “There will come a day when you will regret aligning yourself with my opponents, Vallerand.”

After Burr left, Max released a slow sigh. He reflected that it was possible Burr would accomplish all he planned, and New Orleans would someday be part of a new empire separate from the United States. If Max had chosen unwisely, he could lose a large portion of his wealth and property. Burr was known to be a vindictive opponent.

“He’s not very convincing, in my opinion. He doesn’t give a damn about the territory or his so-called friends. He wants power for himself.”

Hearing Lysette’s voice, Max turned with a questioning look. She stood a few feet away, wearing a lacy white pelisse that was buttoned from the neck to the floor.

“You listened,” he said wryly.

She didn’t bother to deny it. “Voices carry very easily from this room, even with the door closed. If you desire privacy, you should try the other parlor.”

Max laughed shortly. “I’ll remember that.”

Lysette frowned. “Is it possible that the colonel will succeed? Could he actually create his own empire, and make New Orleans part of it?”

“I may be underestimating him,” Max admitted. “I don’t think anyone could have anticipated his popularity, after his journey through the West. Recently Burr was heard to say that he expects that a king will someday sit on the throne of the United States. No doubt he’s already had his head measured for a crown.”

“A king? Doesn’t he believe in democracy, then?”

“No, petite.”

“Do you, Max?” she asked, knowing that many Creoles had grave doubts about the American system of government.

Max grinned and reached for her, swinging her slight body up into his arms. “Everywhere but at home.”

She persisted in questioning him as he carried her upstairs. “Do you think you may come to regret not siding with Monsieur Burr?”

“I suppose I might, if he succeeds in taking over Louisiana.”

Lysette wondered why Max didn’t seem more concerned. “If he does, you could stand to lose a great deal, couldn’t you?”

“I’ve made provisions for any circumstance,” he said, giving her a comforting squeeze. “Don’t forget, the territory has changed hands many times before, and the Vallerands have weathered it quite well. Do you doubt my ability to take care of you?”

“No, of course not.” Lysette curved her hand around his shoulder, and with her fingertip traced a line from his ear down the side of his neck. “Max… you never told me what you and Bernard argued about, the day of the Seraphiné ball.”