OWNER'S CABIN ON THE APHRODITE
Derek Welkirk leaned against the back of his specially designed desk chair which was bolted to the deck of the owner's cabin on his flagship,The Aphrodite. He'd received a lot of good-natured teasing over giving his newest ship such a name since he seemed to worship at the feet of beauty, what with not one, but five mistresses. However, he'd let his detractors scoff, because what few people knew is that the goddess Aphrodite is actually a protector of seafarers and maritime trade as well as a ferocious beauty and proponent of love.
His old nemesis at cricket when they were students at Eton, Col, sat across from him. Both men sipped at fine French brandy his servant had just brought them in fine crystal glasses.
"I never knew a ship owner and builder lived like a nabob aboard his vessels." Col gave him a mocking salute with his own glass.
"What's the point of owning beautiful things if you can't occasionally enjoy them?"
"I suppose that explains why you maintain five mistresses."
Derek tightened his grip on his glass and glared at one of Bow Street's most sought-after runners. "My relationship with those women isn't like that."
"Like what?" Col set his drink down on the glossy mahogany desk, similarly bolted to the cabin deck. He leaned forward, his gaze intense.
"They stay under my protection of their own free will. I'm not some monster who keeps them caged for his own selfish purposes."
Col relaxed and leaned back, crossing his booted feet at his ankles. He held out his hands, palms up. "So how does this 'saintly' arrangement of yours work in practice?"
Derek bristled at the insinuation in spite of his determination to remain calm. "Why is this any business of yours?"
"You've asked for my help. Remember?Youcame tome. I can't get to the bottom of who might be blackmailing you and why if I don't know what the hell goes on behind closed doors in this Grosvenor Street, um, harem of yours."
Derek decided to let the 'harem' comment slide. "I divide my time equally and fairly amongst my mistresses."
"You did say you take two days off per week. Which ones would that be?"
"Sunday and Monday." Derek downed his remaining brandy with a single gulp.
Col pulled out a piece of paper and a well-worn stub of a pencil. He whetted the lead with his tongue and gazed expectantly back at Derek.
"And then...Tuesday belongs to Margo and Gabrielle, I spend Wednesday with Saida, Thursday with Lily, Friday with Adrienne, and Saturday with Sophia."
"Wait--. MargotandGabrielle?" Col's mouth dropped open for a few seconds. "I thought you had onlyfivemistresses?"
Derek hung his head and murmured a few words in a near whisper.
"I'm sorry. I didn't hear your explanation for havingtwowomen at one time whilstfourother women patiently await your ministrations. Framlingwood, your domestic set-up beggars belief."
"All right. Margot and Gabrielle hate to be separated...for any reason."
Col shook his head hard. "Are they twins? Or is Gabrielle afraid you're going to harm Margot if she's not there?"
Derek turned and peered out of one of the cabin portholes for several long seconds before turning back. "Les amoureaux," he said simply.
"Lovers?"
"Yes, the two women are devoted lovers." Derek flushed from his neck to his ears.
Col sat back and steepled his hands beneath his chin. "This case has become so convoluted, I may have to call in an expert adviser."
"No--." Derek nearly jumped across the desk in anger. "No one else can know any of this. That's why we're meeting on my ship. No blasted gossiping servants around."
"Charlotte," Col said, extending a calming hand toward Derek, "is my fiancé and an expert on Margot and Gabrielle."
Derek's eyes widened. "What could she possibly know about these women?
"Margot and Gabrielle were Charlotte's close confidantes and shared a house with her in St. John's Wood for a number of years."
