Mysterious Mister Part VII, A Historical Mystery Set in 19th Century New Orleans

As the hazy dusk turned into dark, secretive moonlight Marguerite’s stomach began to flutter. Not in nervousness, but in pure anticipation. She had finished her toilette moments before and had to admit the affect was one of a sultry temptress.

She had chosen a gold gossamer gown which hung to every curve and was cut dangerously low revealing a large amount of white bosom. She wore a pearl choker and earrings which added just a touch of innocence to her appearance. After searching every wig maker and costume shop around the area she decided to go to Randall’s Theatre and negotiate with the owner for a very elaborate wig with piles and piles of auburn, gold, and deep sherry curls which looked very natural and alluring once styled with Sadie’s help. She outlined her cat-like eyes in kohl, dusted on just a hint of rouge, and artfully applied a sinfully red lipstick. Simon surely could not resist she assured herself.

She wrapped herself in an emerald cloak, pulled the hood over her head, and then made her way into the muggy night air that was singularly and deliciously New Orleans .

Once she reached the Pink Rose she was escorted to Madame’s office where she was looked over and given a few ground rules, mainly being that she was at no point ever to reveal that she agreed to let Marguerite set up a sting in her brothel.

After, ditching her cloak and adjusting her décolletage she made her way into the receiving room. She didn’t see Simon yet but she felt ogling, lusty eyes on her person and she realized she had a problem. How was she to refuse the other patrons until she found Simon and enticed him?

A small plump man with a horrible limp and a hideous goiter began walking with purpose toward her. She had to think quickly and her eyes darted around wildly until she spotted the piano. She practically leapt to it. She laid her fingers on the keys and began playing with furious passion. One of the benefits of the convent had been piano lessons and as she played she thanked the nuns for their steadfast dedication to the musical growth of their dependents.

She could still see many eyes piercing her hungrily but they were for some reason rebuffed by the piano playing.

She had almost gone through her mental repertoire when she saw Simon come through the door. Every detail of her drawing had been accurate and she was pleased. He ambled over to the bar looking tacky and gauche in a rumpled brown suit with dusty black boots. He began gulping from the tankard in his hand only stopping to wipe foam from his thin mustache. He looked around until he saw her and he was intrigued. His eyes took on a dreamy look and he licked his lips as if he was preparing to eat Christmas dinner. She stopped playing and closed the top over the keys, angling her body on the piano bench to appear open and inviting.

He made his way over, never taking his eyes from her.

"I must be in a Heaven for I have an angel in my presence." He took her hand and kissed it firmly.

She giggled and affected a babyish, sing song voice that she was sure would simply put him over the edge. "Oh how sweet. I do believe that is the most romantic thing I have ever heard. Please say it again for I feel such a warm, delicious sensation right here" she placed her hand atop her breast.

His eyes bugged and he licked his lips again. "Do tell me, does a creature as lovely as you have a name?"

She giggled again, this time carefully touching his arm and letting her fingers linger there for a moment. "Deidre" she uttered breathlessly

"Beautiful! Simply decadent! I must have you Deidre so I can find out if you taste as sweet as you look."

She smiled, inwardly wanting to kick him in his perverted little head but instead she grabbed his hand and began leading him upstairs.

"There’s only one way to find out.