Diamond (33 page)

‘Does she have much to learn?’

The question, phrased in a low, ironic voice, diverted James’ attention immediately to his female guest.

‘Please, take a seat,’ he invited, pulling the spindle-backed chairs away from the desk and offering them to the woman and his uncle. He sat himself on the edge of his bed, the only other available place.

‘Thank you.’ She was perfectly economical in her movements, he noticed, as she tucked her black skirts neatly behind her and lowered herself into the chair. Her spine was straight, her shoulders set a little back, her chin raised to display a slender neck.

The face, with its heart shape and quiet grey eyes, possessed an ageless quality – a stillness. James felt he could look into it endlessly and not tire, like looking out to the
silver expanse of a calm sea. He supposed himself to be ten years her junior, or more, but she could be anything from twenty-five to forty-five.

‘Excuse me,’ he said, standing again and holding out his hand. ‘I don’t believe we have met. James Stratton.’

‘Yes,’ she said, failing to reciprocate his gesture. ‘Your uncle told me your name.’

‘And might I ask …’

‘You might ask, but I’m afraid I cannot tell you my name. If you wish, you may address me as “Madame”.’

He looked at his uncle for any clue as to what the purpose of this meeting might be.

‘Let me explain,’ said Madame. ‘Please, sit back down, Mr Stratton.’

He subsided back on to the bed, watching her keenly.

‘I am here on behalf of my mistress. She is a wealthy single lady, a client of yours.’

‘A client?’ For a moment, James could not imagine what she might mean. ‘You cannot intend to tell me that … a lady … commissions my work?’

‘I intend to tell you precisely that, Mr Stratton. Furthermore, this lady has formed a desire to make your acquaintance.’

‘To make … my … acquaintance?’

James looked between his uncle and Madame, increasingly bewildered.

‘Before I extend any invitation, I must impress upon you the requirement for absolute discretion. Nobody should ever be told of this visit. You must sign a document swearing secrecy. Do you agree to these terms?’

‘I, er, well, yes. Yes, I think I do.’

‘You must do more than think,’ she said severely.

James, by now thoroughly itching with curiosity, simply held out a hand again.

‘Give me the document. I will sign it.’

She took from her reticule a small folded paper and gave it over to James, who read it at the desk.

It was clear and simple enough. He, James Stratton, would never speak of what occurred tonight, the 27
^th
inst., to a living soul, the details to include the location of the meeting, the persons met and everything that should transpire.

With a pleasant sense of embarkation on adventure, he signed with a flourish and presented the paper to Madame for her approval.

‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘You will present yourself on the corner of this street and the Strand at eight o’clock this evening, where My Lady’s carriage will be waiting to convey you to her place of residence. Do not be late. And dress properly.’ She frowned at his shirtsleeves and loosened neckcloth.

‘Oh … of course,’ he said, tightening his collar straight away.

The lady wasted no more time in pleasantry but excused herself, Uncle Thomas Stratton bowing and scraping all the way like a human comic aside.

Also by Justine Elyot:

In the backstreets of London in 1865, James Stratton makes his living writing saucy stories for anonymous clients. But then he receives an enquiry of a far more personal nature.

Lady Augusta Heathcote is blind and has lived a very sheltered life, overseen by her watchful companion Mrs Shaw. But Augusta has a yearning to experience the intimate pleasures of dominance and submission and she makes James an offer he finds impossible to refuse…

Also by Justine Elyot:

A sizzling collection of linked short stories by the highly acclaimed author of the ebook sensation,
On Demand
.

They include the actress/director of a new production of
Kiss Me Kate
discovering the fun of a real life ‘taming’, a sizzling BDSM ménage, an innocent’s first day at a private fetish club and a very kinky encounter with a famous screen star.

Also by Justine Elyot:

I have always been drawn to hotels. I love their anonymity
.

The hotel does not care what you do, or with whom
.

The Hotel Luxe Noir is a haven for sensual pleasures. But as young receptionist Sophie Martin witnesses the hedonistic liaisons of the staff and guests can she also learn to master her own desires…?

Also available from Black Lace:

Wicked
showcases some of the best erotic writing, bringing together a collection of unashamed, wildly entertaining tales of sensual holiday encounters. This is the perfect sexy summer-reading collection and includes ‘Magic Fingers’ by the international bestseller Sylvia Day, author of the
Sunday Times
bestseller
Bared to You
. It also includes stories by favourites such as Primula Bond and Alison Tyler, among others.

Also available from Black Lace:

Alexa Lavelle is engaged to a man who doesn’t truly excite her. But on holiday in Barbados she experiences a mind blowing sexual awakening courtesy of a sexy doctor and the devilishly handsome Drew Kendrick.

Back in London Alexa is determined to keep her newfound passions alive, especially after she runs into the enigmatic Drew…

Also available from Black Lace:

Jillian and Cameron will do anything to save their marriage, even if it means experimenting with a little bondage.

Meanwhile Cassandra answers an ad for a female submissive, ready to surrender to her body’s deepest yearnings. Finding love is the last thing she anticipates…

And finally journalist Maggie expects her interview with a sensual extremist to be business as usual. Instead she finds herself submitting to the dominant desires of a handsome stranger…

This ebook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s and publisher’s rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

Version 1.0

Epub ISBN 9780753550533

www.randomhouse.co.uk

1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

First published in 2014 by Black Lace, an imprint of Ebury Publishing A Random House Group Company

Copyright © Justine Elyot, 2014

Justine Elyot has asserted her right to be identified as the author of this Work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

This novel is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner