A Midnight Dance Read Free

Sabine” to fix matters. There was nothing “sensible” about this plan. But desperate people were forced to do desperate things. It sickened her that this was all she could come up with to save them from the consequences they faced.
    “If we don’t pay the taxes we owe the Crown, they could arrest us and throw us into debtors’ prison,” she said tightly. “You’ve heard the stories. You know what happens to women confined in cells with all-male guards. They are raped. Repeatedly . And let’s not forget the conditions of the prison. Disease is rampant within its walls. I doubt we’d all survive the incarceration. And if they decide instead to cast us off our land, we’ll starve. One by one. There will be no escaping it. Hunger is still widespread. The realm has yet to recover from the ravages of the Fronde .” The Frond e—the civil uprising incited by a group of ambitious noblemen—had almost dethroned their young King and thrown the country into chaos. Five years since the end of the unrest, and still the realm reeled.
    If only there had never been an uprising.
    If only her father hadn’t sunk them further into debt once they were forced to move out of the city to their country home. If only he hadn’t sent Isabelle away. She’d still have her sister. Then she wouldn’t be so hollow inside.
    “But, Sabine . . . this plan . . .” Gerard’s voice trailed off.
    Why did he insist on arguing with her? He knew the reality they faced.
    “Gerard, if you”—twisting around, she looked back at Robert—“either of you have a better plan, speak of it now.”
    Robert lowered his eyes.
    “Well?” she pressed, demanding a response.
    “I’ve no other plan,” Robert murmured. “Though I wish I did.”
    So did she. Sabine turned her attention to Gerard.
    “What about you, Gerard? Have you something better to suggest?” In the moonlight, she could make out his profile as he stared straight ahead.
    His face was taut and he swallowed hard before he said softly, “No.”
    “Then we’ll proceed with my plan.” Good God. She was really going to go through with this.
    She was going to have to face a camp full of men, convince them that a woman who was still a virgin was an experienced harlot, and persuade their leader to purchase her services. It was the only way to enter the camp. Once inside, she and her cousins would have to make sure every man ingested at least some of their tainted wine.
    Heaven help them. This plan is beyond mad . . .
    She readjusted the neckline of her dress, desperate to distract herself from the terror twisting in her belly.
    This is going to work out in our favor because it has to .
    “A King’s ransom in silver is just ahead. Our plan will work. Be brave.” It amazed her how courageous she sounded while her very entrails quivered and quaked, unsure exactly whom she was trying to reassure more—them or herself.
    “Well, well, what have we here?” The voice came out of nowhere.
    Her heart lurched.
    A dark-haired burly man had appeared from the thicket with several large intimidating friends. He scratched his scruffy chin and grinned. It was mirthless and menacing.
    She met Gerard’s gaze. The fright in his eyes was unmistakable. Her courage faltered.
    “Go on,” she whispered, forcing the words out. There was no turning back now.
    These men didn’t look as though they’d let them simply drive on past.
    Gerard glanced at the men and gave her one last look. Holding his gaze, she silently pleaded for him to proceed before her courage completely gave out, her bottled-up fright so barely contained.
    Finally, he cleared his throat and got down from the cart.
    “Sir, we’re hungry and your cooking fire drew us. Spare us some food and we’ll provide you with wine to wash it down.” Gerard sounded so convincing, it elated her. All those times she and Isabelle used to force him to act in their plays had rubbed off on him.
    The brute chuckled, his comrades joining in.
    Slowly he