And into my bed? Now or later, certainly, if I wanted to turn the screws, but I no longer want her and will not take her, except for revenge. She's much more amusing as a toy and there's little enough in this world to amuse...
"Wonderful idea, Andr`e!"
Phillip Tyrer was beaming down at him.
"Settry said you cooked the whole thing up with them."
"What?"
"The cancan!"
"Ah yes," Andr`e said. His fingers continued with the waltz, then ended it. "Time for a break, let's have a drink," he said, deciding that now, being almost public, would be a perfect time to bring Tyrer to heel. "I hear a certain lady's contract is worth a Minister's salary," he said in French and saw Tyrer's face redden with embarrassment and look around. "My God, as though I'd be so indiscreet. Phillip, don't worry, my friend, I have your interests in mind." He smiled, remembering their encounter at the Yedo Castle. "Affairs of the heart have nothing to do with affairs of State, though I believe France should share the spoils of the earth with Great Britain, no?"
"I... I agree, Andr`e. Yes, I ... the negotiations are not so good I'm afraid, yes, at a standstill."
"Better to speak French, eh?"
"Yes, yes you're right." Tyrer used his handkerchief as a dandy would to wipe away a sudden sweat. "Never thought it would be so difficult."
Andr`e beckoned him closer. "Listen, I can tell you how to fix that: don't see her tonight even though you've an assignation for the night." He almost laughed aloud as Tyrer's mouth dropped open.
"How many times have I told you there are few secrets here. Perhaps I can help... if you need help."
"Oh yes, yes I do I, yes please."
"Then..."
Both of them glanced at a roulette table that had been set up the other end of the room, where there was a burst of laughter and clapping as Angelique won on double zero--no gambling for money tonight, just worthless, bronze Chinese coins called small cash. Vargas acted as croupier.
Tyrer sighed. "Lucky at gambling and lucky in love."
"She works at it," Andr`e said thinly, irritated with her, "so should you. Listen, break tonight's rendezvous with Fujiko, oh I know Raiko's set it up especially at your pleading --Raiko didn't tell me by the way, it was one of her maids. Don't go, and don't send word that you're not going, just go to another Inn, say the Inn of the Lily, take any girl there, their prettiest is one called Yuko."
"But Andr`e I don't wan--"
"If you don't want to bed her, just make her please you in other ways, or get drunk, or pretend to get drunk, believe me you won't be wasting your money. Tomorrow, when Nakama mentions Fujiko, or anything about the contract or Raiko, act offhand, and tomorrow night, repeat the performance."
"But..."
"Anytime Nakama mentions anything, act casual, say nothing other than that the Inn of the Lily was many times more promising, telling him sharply not to mention it again, particularly to Raiko.
All right so far?"
"Yes but don't you think--"
"No, unless you want to be driven mad, and not have Fujiko at a relatively reasonable price--you're going to get stuck anyway, Phillip, but never mind, it's not fair you should be beggared, it's a matter of face. Do not discuss this plan with Nakama, and keep the pattern up for a week at least."
"My God, Andr`e, a week?"
"Three would be better, old friend." Andr`e was amused at Tyrer's miserable countenance. "I'm not only saving you enormous money but an ocean of aggravation. It's important you act as if you couldn't care less, that you were pissed at the delays and breaking appointments and Raiko's outrageous asking price--particularly to an important official like you! That's a good thing to throw at Nakama once or twice. But not more, he's a sharp fellow, no?"
"Yes, yes he is, and very knowledgeable."
Yes, Andr`e thought, and soon it will be time to share all of it with me, both what he's told you and what I have gleaned for myself. Interesting that he speaks English--thank God my spies have their ears open as well as their eyes. That explains a lot, though I don't know why he won't speak English to me or even Japanese whenever I've caught him alone. I suppose because Willie ordered him not to.
"Now," he continued quietly, "Raiko will ask me a dozen times to intercede and arrange a rendezvous. After a week I'll reluctantly agree. Don't let Nakama do it or let him in on the game and when you see Raiko, act tough, and with Fujiko. You've got to be very convincing, Phillip."
"But..."
"Tell Raiko she was correct to consider her client's interests, yours, first--particularly as you are an important official, harp on that--giving you time to consider the matter carefully.
You quite agree it's better to be prudent, that buying "the woman's" contract now is not a good idea. Use that term and not Fujiko by name-- don't forget from their point of view you're only discussing a piece of merchandise at this stage, not the lady you adore. Thank Raiko, and say with her help you have thought carefully and believe buying a contract would be a mistake. You'll just hire "the woman's" services from time to time, and if "the woman" is busy, shigata ga nai --it doesn't matter--life's too short, etc."
Tyrer had listened attentively and knew that Andr`e was right and groaned at the thought of not seeing Fujiko for a week, already imagining her suffering under the hulk of every gai-jin in Yokohama. "I ... I agree with what you say but, but I don't, I don't think I can do it, I mean the acting."
"You have to and why not? They're acting all the time, all the time! Haven't you noticed they live lies as the truth and the truth as lies? Women have no option, especially in the Floating World.
Men? They're worse. Remember the Bakufu, the Council of Elders, what about them and what about Nakama, especially Nakama? They're past masters at the game, and that's all it is. Why be a pigeon, why let Raiko humble you and at the same time thrust gold you can't afford--can never afford--into her hands just because you are trying to assuage a never-ending ache that God implanted in us."
Andr`e shivered. He knew the trap too well. He was in it. Raiko had pressed him far beyond his own financial limit. That's not true, he told himself irritably. It's all right to twist the truth and lie with other people but don't do it with yourself, your secret self, or you are lost. The truth is I rushed to the limit and beyond, gladly. Seventeen days ago.
The instant Raiko first introduced me to the girl...
The instant I saw her, she of the raven hair and alabaster skin and alluring eyes, I knew I would give Raiko my soul and walk into the Everlasting Pit to possess her.
Me, Andr`e Edouard Poncin, servant of France, spymaster, killer, expert on the vileness of human nature, me the great cynic, in an instant I had fallen in love. Madness!
But true.
The instant the girl had left the room, me helpless and tongue-tied, I said, "Raiko, please. Whatever ask, I pay."
"So sorry, Furansu-san, this matter will cost more money than I care to mention, even if she agrees to be with you--she has not yet agreed."
"Whatever money, I pay. Please ask, ask if agrees."
"Of course. Please come back tomorrow, at dusk."
"No. Please. Now ask--ask now, I wait."
He had had to wait almost two hours. While he waited he fretted and prayed and hoped and died and died again. When Raiko returned and he saw her set face, he began to die once more but rushed to life as she said, "Her name is Hinodeh, meaning Sunrise. She is twenty-two and she says, yes, but there are conditions. Apart from money."
"Whatever Hinodeh want."
"Best to listen first." Raiko was more somber than he had ever seen her. "Hinodeh says she will be your consort, not courtesan, for a year and a day. If on that last day she decides to remain with you, she will give you her inochi, her spirit, and be with you for another year, and another, year by year until she decides to leave or you tire of her.