Valierre is with child

"I came to enquire about a mutual acquaintance," Emily Flint told Arthur Jermyn.

Her companion Mr. Murdock gave his best one-eyed glower from the other chair in Jermyn's eyrie. The windows of the little office shut out the sounds of the chandlery warehouse below.

"We are both well-known to our joy and sorrow, Captain," Jermyn said. "Of whom would you speak?"

"Miss Valierre has risen to the ownership of The Pink Flower since I last called," Emily said. "Is she keeping well?"

Jermyn smiled broadly. "Well enough," he said. "'It's good to be queen,' she says. And that is not the only news concerning Madam Valierre."

"Do tell?" the captain asked.

Jermyn was well-bred enough not to dart a glance at Mr. Murdock. Bodyguards and confidential secretaries were hardly unusual in Port Ruby. Instead he paused for a breath, looking up to the side.

"One... that is, a gentleman with both delicacy and experience of the world," he began. "Finds there are certain signs to be recognized. In the complexion, the inner warmth, the glow and swell, the fragrance of Woman."

Emily avoided screwing up her brows, since Jermyn's disquisition did not seem to be personally aimed in her direction, despite his ever-so-polite leering. She must have shown some sign of unease, since she felt Murdock's toe tap her boot as a caution. Jermyn continued, unfazed.

"Signs often hidden by the Arts of Woman," he said. "Paint, powder, padding, and perfume, to be plain. But signs clear to one of intimate acquaintance."

His sly smile insinuated clearly what intimacies he meant. Emily was more amused than irritated. Her fellow admirer of Miss Valierre no doubt shared her joy in many of the same aspects of the courtesan's beautiful, lively person that Captain Emily Flint did, in particular the sweet juices of and tender folds of Miss Valierre's own personal pink flower. Perhaps whatever Jermyn thought he had sniffed out would have some bearing on the mysterious direction Solomon Roth had given her and the assassin who had been hovering over his shop. Clearly her business and her parcel were known to more than just her friends. What would Valierre ask to surrender her prize to Emily?

"One of the occupational hazards of Miss Valierre's profession," Jermyn drawled. "I'm surprised at one so fastidious would find herself so."

Emily's brows quirked. Was he drawing her on about Miss Valierre having the pox? There was gossip, and there was cruelty.

Jermyn laughed. "But perhaps she has her reasons for remaining with child," he said. "Perhaps Miss Valierre is in love? Or waiting upon the father's more earnest suit? Or she simply wishes to settle into her new rôle as house mother in all respects, and withdraw from a more direct hand in the business. But whatever her reasons, she is still accepting my appointments."

The front of Jermyn's breeches left no doubt as to his pleasure in anticipating Miss Valierre's continued solicitous attentions. Emily wondered if his swelling rogerwood was blinding him to some other reason for Valierre's pregnancy. Perhaps the father was blackmailing her upon some matter related to her new position as mistress of The Pink Flower?

"I had booked a double engagement with her this very afternoon, on behalf of myself and one of my best customers. Unfortunately my guest is indisposed and unable to attend. But Captain, you are a better customer of longer standing, more than deserving of such an invitation. I would be pleased and flattered if you would join me as my guest," he said. "It would no doubt be a pleasant surprise to Miss Valierre, who has not seen you in some time. I would not say that she sings your praises in so many words, but when I have visited her in your wake, Captain, I have found her more joyful, warm, and readily satisfied."

Emily's ears felt hot. Fortunately her hair was pulled back loosely to half cover them, so Jermyn might not notice their colouring up. Perhaps Jermyn's invitation would allow Emily to catch Valierre by surprise? Though she was not sure she wanted Jermyn to know she had business as well as pleasure in mind for Miss Valierre.