“I asked around about Mr. Basset. He’s gossiped to be a ladies’ man.”
I waited, hoping for more explanation.
An expression crossed over his even features that I couldn’t read, somewhere between embarrassed and reluctant. “That’s one of the reasons I wanted to come today. You must be prepared to discourage his advances. Given your appearance and the fact that you’re here alone without a chaperone, they will no doubt come.”
“Advances?”
“Of a romantic nature,” he said. “I’m mortified to have to bring it up, but I don’t want you surprised. From what I hear, he can be quite insistent.”
“I don’t know what you mean by insistent.”
“He does as he pleases, whether the woman welcomes it.”
I gasped, horrified. “But why would he do that? It’s most ungentlemanly.”
He would no longer meet my gaze. The flush of his cheeks had now moved to his neck just above his collar. “Because powerful men are accustomed to getting what they want. He’s known for making careers.” He coughed. “In exchange for their affections, that is.”
“I see.” My stomach roiled, queasy. If only Papa hadn’t left already. This would be reason enough to cancel my lessons with the acclaimed Mr. Basset. I dipped my gaze, examining the tips of my shoes. Why had I come to Paris? This had been a mistake, and now I was stuck here. “Gabriella will be here at the apartment. Will that provide some protection?”
“I’m not sure. I would be happy to offer my assistance and be here during the lessons.”
“That’s too much to ask,” I said. “You have business of your own to attend to, surely?”
“I am at your service,” James said. “Perhaps see how he conducts himself today and we can discuss it tonight?”
“Yes, that’s fine.” I paused, searching for the right words. “Do his pupils mind these unwanted advances?” How dare the older Mr. Basset put young women in this position?
“Again, I’m not sure. They might want to further their career and see it as part of the cost. Or they might not be able to ward off his…overtures.”
“If my father had known this, he wouldn’t have sent me over here.” I didn’t need a career. Singing at church was all the work I needed.
“Maybe I should have said something to him? I wasn’t sure what to do.”
“No, you’ve done nothing wrong,” I said. “I’m indebted to you. If I’d not been warned, I might not have understood.”
“Please, be cautious.” He backed toward the door. “I’ll see you at five.”
“Yes, I’ll look forward to it.”
After I closed the door behind me, I realized Gabriella was standing there, tugging on her yellow braid. “Gabriella, is everything all right?”
“Oui, oui. It is that I now worry over Monsieur Basset.”
“Do not worry, please. I’ll be fine.”
“This Monsieur West is very handsome, yes?” She gave me a shy smile. “And good, no?”
“I suppose he is.” I smiled. “But he’s not for me.”
“Because he is poor?”
A burst of laughter escaped before I squelched it. Gabrielle’s clear green eyes were earnest, and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “No, because I love someone else. It wouldn’t be fair to Mr. West if I were to pretend otherwise.”
“This is too bad. I should like for you to like Monsieur West.”
Me too, I thought.
“Would you like your lunch before Monsieur Basset arrives?”
“I suppose I should, even though my stomach is in knots.”
“Knots?” Gabriella’s brow wrinkled.
“Nervous,” I said.
“Oh, yes, very good.” She did a small curtsy before heading off to the kitchen. I went back to the piano but didn’t play. Instead, I looked out the window at a fat cloud that moved across the sky. Would it cover the sun and shower rain over the city? Shivering, I felt a bit like an unexpected rainstorm had soaked through my clothes. What would be would be. Regardless, I would have to have courage. When Mama spoke of an adventure, I felt certain she didn’t mean of this nature.