A Gentleman's Prerogative (Unedited Version)

Chapter 30

Marioselle had no trouble finding the girl Nannette. In fact, the tall brunette may as well been wearing a sign, as she stood out among the other girls quite brazenly. She was definitely not your average looking prostitute. Marioselle would know, as she had been around many when she and her mother were forced to live on Londons seedier side. This young woman was absolutely stunning. She wondered how someone with Nanettes face and breeding ended up in a house of ill repute. She could have been a paramour with her beauty, or at the very least a modest man's wife. Something bad must have befallen the young woman, to bring her here, she thought.

As she approached her and took her aside, she realized just what that something was, or should she say who?
After Nannette took the coin she handed her, she thanked her profusely then ran over to the other girls tell them of her good fortune. It was through that conversation that she learned Marie was Nannettes child. She smiled as she watched the young woman hug each of her friends and then rush off in the other direction. She was so lost in thought, she hadn't noticed that the blonde woman had approached her until she cleared her throat. Marioselle turned her attention her way. She almost jumped in suprise but managed to keep her composure. Any sign of weakness could cause these women to balk for fear of the Marquis

"Pardon mous," She replied. "I'm afraid I was wool gathering." The girl waved her comment off. Not to be rude, but most likely because she didn't understand the English phrase.

"You are 'ze girl 'oo will be taking Nannettes place tonight, oui?"

"Oui. Did she explain everything to you?"

"Oui, milady. She did. I must warn you 'owever, it will not be pleasant should you be discovered. The Marquis 'e 'iz not a kind man."

"Thank you, for your comcern. I shall be careful as I am well aware of the Marquis' deviant nature. So, please, believe me when I say that I have no intention of being caught. I promise, I will be careful and not just for myself but for all of your well beings."

"Do not worry about us, milady. We know 'ow to take care of ourselves. We 'ave been dealing with the Marquis and his disgusting friends for many years. 'E will not 'arm us, at least no more than we are used too. 'Owever, we must go now, the carriage iz 'ere and the marquis will not be 'appy if we are late."

"Unfortunately he will not be happy if we succeed tonight. Should every thing go as planned, I am afraid the Marquis will not be in the best of sorts. Here, I want you to take this. It is a letter to my grandpiere with the details of tonight's events. He will help you all should you find it necessary to run. You must promise me that you and the other girls will do this."

"Oui, milady. We will do as you say. Now come, we must 'urry."

********

Sean and U Aung followed the driver as they walked through the darkened streets keeping to the shadows. He brought them back out to where they had previously started. However, this time there was an enclosed, unmarked carriage sitting in front of the Mansion Le Chabanais, Madame Lee's brothel. Phillipe quickly pulled them back into the alley way.

"We must 'urry. The girls will be down any minute now. Tonight is the Marquis' annual celebration. 'E 'as sent a hired coach for Lee's best girls as 'e always does. If you gentleman can remove the driver and 'is 'elper, then you will be able to change places, oui? This will get you close. They will not be expecting you."

Sean grabbed the old man impulsively and kissed each one of his round, rosy cheeks with gusto. "Phillipe you are a genius!" He exclaimed. Now go back to your lovely wife and keep her safe. We will take it from here. Wait! One moment my friend. You must give me your assurance that if you sense any trouble, any at all, you will go directly the Eclipse. You will find it at the Port of Harfleur. Tell the captain I sent you. He will see that you are taken to safety should anything wrong. La promesse?"

"Oui, Monsieur. La promesse. Please be careful and tell Li that we love her." He said as he turned and made his way back home. Sean watched him hurry away and prayed he would get the chance to relay the old man's message.

He looked back towards the carraige when he heard Aung whisper his name.

"Sean! You may relieve the footman, while I'll go around and remove the driver from up top." Sean nodded in response and casually walked out of the alleyway towards the footman. "Excuse me old chap, parlez-vous Anglais?"

"Oui, Monsieur, 'ow can I 'elp you?"

Just then a noise came from atop the coach causing the footman to look up. Sean used the moment of suprise to render the man unconscious. He caught him by the arms a pulled him towards the alley. Aung followed right behind him carrying the driver over his shoulder. "What should we do with them? If they awaken they may raise the alarm."

Sean looked around for a second and found the perfect solution. He removed the mens coats and caps and handed one of each to Aung who proceeded to put them on. Then he smiled and tossed the footman over his shoulder. "Follow me," he said, as he began walking to the back of the brothel.

There next to the homes back door sat a large vegetable bin. He opened it and tossed the unconscious man inside. Aung did the same and then locked the lid. That would hold them, he thought. At least until morning, which would give them plenty of time. No one would hear them should they shout as the brothel was quite noisy at this time of night. They then hurried back to the coach and took their places. Aung would drive and Sean would act as the footman. As Sean climbed up onto the back of the carraige four women stepped outside the brothel door. One of them in particular caught his eye. He shook his head in disbelief. "It couldn't be?" He whispered to himself.