The grin faded, and Francesca looked away. “As for the other . . . I’d just as soon not talk about it. Better for you also if I don’t, girl, trust me. Just remember that confrere knights, whatever their current state, are often young men from the elite of the Empire. So a large purse is not really that surprising. Large enough, at least”—waving her hand about—”for these purposes.”
She shook her head. “But enough of that! I am really so glad that you accepted my invitation,” Francesca continued merrily. “My afternoon is entirely free today, as it happens. I made certain of it.” She gestured at the sofa, chaise, and chairs, inviting Kat to take her choice among them.
Kat gingerly took a seat on the sofa, which betrayed her with its softness as it was intended to do, drawing her into a cushioned embrace. Kat resisted for a moment, then, wearing a sheepish smile, allowed the sofa to have its way with her.
Francesca reclined on the chaise, which bore more than a passing resemblance to an ancient Roman dining-couch. Not only was it an attractive pose, it was supremely comfortable. “Help yourself to the fruit next to you, by the way,” she offered. “If you don’t, it will only spoil—one of my admirers sends it every day, far more than I can eat. Evidently his last inamorata had the appetite of an elephant.” As Kat reached for a grape, she continued. “I’ve already taken some measures to protect you if . . . your personal situation becomes worse. I spoke to the Madame about having a house gondola. Although she doesn’t believe we need one yet—” Francesca emphasized the yet “—she agrees that we could use a very discreet courier for various errands, which could include patrons who for one reason or another would rather not make use of public boats or their own. And she also agrees that I will soon need a private gondolier of my own, in any event. It wouldn’t pay a great deal, but . . .”
Kat let out a sigh. “It would enable me to survive, whatever else.” She tried to look on the bright side. “If nothing else, it’d be safer than what I’m doing now. No one’s going to pester Case Vecchie in a gondola, or a courtesan going to visit one discreetly.”
“That was my thought also, although”—another grin—”I saw no reason to mention your current activities to the Madame. You’d probably want to wear a mask, of course, since I imagine you’d want to keep your identity secret. From other Case Vecchie most of all, since yours is one of the four oldest houses.”
She paused for a moment, allowing Kat to absorb the fact that Francesca had learned she was Montescue. But Kat was neither surprised nor worried. She’d realized very soon after meeting Francesca that the courtesan was far too intelligent for Kat to be able to keep her family identity a secret from the woman for very long. And, perhaps oddly given Francesca’s self-admitted (say better, self-proclaimed) mercenary nature, Kat was not worried about betrayal. For reasons she could not pinpoint, but didn’t doubt at all, she knew Francesca could be trusted completely. In this matter, at least, if no other.
So, she simply returned Francesca’s gaze with a level one of her own. And then, slowly, smiled.
Francesca’s face softened. Her eyes even seemed to acquire—just for an instant—a slight film of moisture. “Thank you for that, Kat,” she said, very softly. “Friendship does not come often, to a courtesan. We treasure it all the more for its rarity.”
But her gaiety returned immediately. “And now—enough of all this gloomy business. Let’s look to a brighter future. Information I promised you, information I have. That’s really why I asked you to come here. So. Let’s trade gossip!”
“Gossip?” Kat asked incredulously.
Francesca laughed. “When women talk, it’s called gossip; when men do it, it’s called information. In either case, it’s an exchange that could profit one or both of the parties. That was our arrangement, wasn’t it?”
“I suppose—” Kat looked dubious now, and Francesca shook her head. “Believe me, dear, men are far worse at holding their tongues in the presence of a woman than a woman is in the presence of anyone. I may know something that you can turn to profit that I can reveal without breaking confidences. But let’s start with you. What’s the current news down on the water?”