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be seen by anyone in his present condition.
Monsieur Vallerand, Benedict said, I know what honor means to you Creoles. Are you prepared to
give me your word of honor that the man upstairs is Philippe Vallerand?
Max stared at him coldly. That you would dare ask it of me is an insult.
The lieutenant stiffened, apparently just realizing that he had affronted the most renowned and lethal
duelist in Louisiana. Duels were frowned upon but still widely practiced here. For a hot-tempered
Creole, there was no remedy for an insult except a contest of swords or pistols. I did not intend it as an
insult, monsieur, not in the least. Forgive me.
Max nodded shortly. If you must have it, I give you my word of honor that the man upstairs is my son
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Philippe.
Benedict drew in a shaky breath. It is unbelievable. Why have you not let it be known before now?
Lysette replied, her arm still around Celia s back. Celia wanted to shake it off in irritation but did not
dare, conscious of the lieutenant s prying stare. Our only thought has been for Philippe, Lysette said.
We did not wish to contend with hordes of visitors well-meaning though they might be all crowding
inside the house and demanding our attention and explanations.
Has he been seen to by a doctor? Benedict asked.
He is being given the best of care, Lysette assured him.
Benedict looked from Lysette s pleasant face to Max s implacable one, and lastly at Celia s downbent
head. I must report this to Commander Matthews immediately, he said. I have no doubt he will
require that Philippe be questioned as soon as possible.
Not until my son s health permits, Max replied.
Excuse me, I must leave at once.
I will see you to the door.
The two men left the room. Celia lifted her head and stared at Lysette.
Lysette withdrew her arm and folded her hands together. I told you Max would think of something.
She tried to sound confident, but the effort was not convincing.
Celia could not hold back a spurt of laughter edged with hysteria. She covered her mouth with her hand
and continued to gasp with amusement. Ah,mon Dieu, she finally said, wiping a tear or two from her
cheeks, I knew I had lost my mind, but until now I thought I was the only one. Did Max really say& no,
I am dreaming. Oh, this is the strangest dream I have ever had!
Max had just returned. You re not dreaming, he said sardonically.
Lysette looked up at her husband, who had begun to pace around the room. Max, what will happen
now?
They will watch us closely. From now on they will be aware of all our comings and goings. They ll do
everything in their power to prevent a suspected pirate from eluding them. He went to the fireplace and
braced his arms on the mantel, staring into the empty hearth. Justin isn t well enough to travel or defend
himself. I could not spirit him away from here without being caught. And even if that were possible, there
is no place I could remove him to where I d feel assured of his safety. I d rather have him convalesce
here. He ll masquerade as Philippe until I can come up with a more permanent plan. Max threw a glance
over his shoulder, noting Celia s stillness. It will not last long, Celia.
Masquerade as Philippe, Celia said in a voice so thick and sarcastic that she could hardly recognize it
as her own. Masquerade as my husband& a doctor& a gentleman? Justin would have a difficult time
convincing people he is ahuman being. And how are you going to keep him hidden from all eyes? The
most obvious flaw in this& thisfoolish plan is that twins or not, Justin does not look like Philippe!
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Max began to pace again. Not at the moment, with that beard and absurdly long hair. But Justin and
Philippe were identical twins.
Identical, Celia exclaimed, startled. She looked at Lysette, who nodded slightly. Alors,you think he
can be made to look like Philippe, but what about their voices, their mannerisms, their habits
We ll keep Justin from being scrutinized too closely, Max replied.
Everyone in New Orleans knew Philippe, Celia said. He helped many people, had friends
everywhere. You cannot really believe we will be able to fool them all.
For a short time we can. Max came to the settee and sank to his haunches in front of her. Although his
eyes were golden instead of blue, she was reminded of Philippe. Philippe had looked at people in such a
way, as if he could see through all their fears and pretensions. Celia, Max said quietly, It will not work
without your cooperation. People will not believe he is Philippe if you are not convincing as his wife.
It would not workwith my cooperation either, Celia said. I could not behave as if he were my
husband. I could not regard that& that loathsome beast with any sort of wifely affection, and
furthermore
Celia. Max took one of Celia s hands, holding it firmly. I rarely ask anyone for anything. His voice
was deep and mesmerizing. I am not the kind of man who enjoys being obligated to others. But there is
nothing I will not do to protect my family. Justin is my son every bit as much as Philippe was. In the past I
made terrible mistakes that they both suffered for. As a boy Justin would never accept anyone s help
even when he needed it desperately. I will not fail him now. If Philippe were alive, I know he would ask
you to help his brother. I am asking you in Philippe s stead. Help Justin, not for his sake but mine.
Celia swallowed hard, tearing her gaze away from him. I do not want to, she muttered.
But you will? Max prompted.
No wonder he was known as a persuasive man. He had a talent for putting things in a way that made it
impossible to refuse. Yes, Celia said reluctantly. Because you and Lysette have been kind to me. I
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