We spend the afternoon visiting while she continues to work. A little before five, Gabriella puts her sewing basket away and hides the dress. “I will continue tomorrow while Jonathan is at work. He would not understand and will probably be upset that I am helping you with this crazy idea.”
“Why are you helping me, Gabriella?”
She pauses and then says, “Because you have suffered great loss, and I just want to see you happy. When you told me about your idea, it was the first time I ever saw you genuinely smile.” She smiles. “I will not lie, I want you to have something better than selling yourself, but if this is what you want, who am I to stand in your way? All I can do is to help you get what you want and be there if you need me. So, if mistress to a wealthy man is what you want, then so be it.”
“Thank you, Gabriella, for understanding. I may be horribly wrong, but I believe this is a stepping-stone to getting a better life for myself. And who knows, I just might fall madly in love with him.” She shakes her head as if I have lost my mind, but she says nothing further.
A few days later, there is a knock on my flat door. I open it, and Gabriella is there beaming. “I have finished it. I am so excited for you to try it on,” she says as she walks into my flat, the beautiful dress draped over her arm.
I take the garment from her and run behind the dressing divider to put the dress on. It is perfect! I step out and say, “Oh, Gabriella, it is perfect! Thank you so much.”
“So, Katerina, I have to ask. Do you have any idea where you’re going to start?”
I shake my head. “No, I have not thought that far.”
“It is something you need to think about. There are prostitutes and then there are courtesans. You, my dear, need to be a courtesan. They are higher-class prostitutes and receive a much better clientele.”
“And how do I become a courtesan?”
“Remember when I said I had a past? Well, I have a friend. Jonathan does not allow me to see her much because she has a questionable profession, but I believe she is exactly who you are looking for.
Chapter 5
Paris, France
August 1915
It’s been several months since Gabriella introduced me to Madame LaRue, and although this life is the furthest thing I could have ever imagined for my future, I like it. Not to mention, I am rather good at it. Not the sex part of it all, for I would not know. But I find that my looks and my figure are pleasing to the men who frequent her brothel, so I am often requested.
She has asked on several occasions to use my family background as a draw, but I have refused. I told her my background, hoping it would help in her hiring me, but I personally do not want the fact that I am a Romanov to be public knowledge. Thankfully, she respects my wishes. I think it is really not needed, since her clientele has doubled since I started taking clients.
I actually have acquired regulars, and they shower me with very expensive and valuable jewels, many of which I sell. I do make good money, but the extra income from the jewels gives me a little extra to set aside in the event of another life-altering catastrophe, which I fully expect to happen considering my life so far. You would think I would be quite used to them by now, but the fear of more change is always right there in the back of my mind, reminding me that whatever I may have now can easily be gone tomorrow.
Leonid was livid when he learned of my plan and tried on several occasions to stop me. But when it came down it, the fact remained that if one of us did not provide an income, we would starve. Leonid was older, and although he tried, he was not a good candidate for the jobs available to him. I tried as well, and it was the same as before, no qualifications. When I reminded him he is not my father nor my brother and that I will do what I want with my life, he backed down, giving me a very disappointed look. The money I earn every week ensures the rent is paid on the flat and there is enough to have food on the table. I have also paid back Gabriella and Jonathan. I know my family would be disappointed in me, but one must do what they must to survive, and I think they could understand.
Tonight, I am entertaining Malcolm Jager. This will be our third appointment. He is a member of Abteilung Mobile Division III b, and his work fascinates me. The Abteilung is Germany’s intelligence organization, and Malcolm’s division centers around counterintelligence and foreign defense capabilities focusing on, of course, France, England, and Russia. He deals with counterintelligence in operational and occupied territories, which means he recruits, trains, and works with war spies. I find his work intriguing. I hate that he is German and everything he stands for, but honestly, I really enjoy his company and believe he just may be my salvation.
December 1915
Paris, France
I still work for Madame LaRue, and I still believe I made the right decision taking this path. Malcolm has become more than a regular. He has become a friend. I’ve told him a little more than I probably should have about myself, but I feel I can trust him. He doesn’t know I am a Romanov and that I am also related to Queen Victoria, but he does know I have come from a privileged family and am educated. He knows I speak four languages: Russian, German, French, and English. I have been very selective on what I tell him and feel that is all he needs to know for now.
I live at Madame LaRue’s now. When Leonid came down with the Spanish Flu, it took all the life out of him and he could no longer fight. He passed away three months ago, and I moved in here. Gabriella and Jonathan wanted me to move in with them, but they did not need the extra burden, and living here affords me to take on more clients, which means more money. I’ve never been one to want money, but now that I have lived without it, I realize money is the most important thing in the world, and I intend to never be without it ever again.
One afternoon while we are sharing a drink in my boudoir at Madame LaRue’s, Malcolm totally surprises me when he says, “Katerina, have you ever thought about supporting the war effort?”
I laugh. “Malcolm, you know I am not a big fan of this war. Why on earth would I support it?”
“Just hear me out, please. I think I have something that could get you more respectable work. You would no longer have to sell yourself to eat.”
I have to admit, he has piqued my interest. “Oh?” I do not detest what I do, but if I could acquire something more respectable and still earn a decent living, of course I want to know more.
“Well, love, you know I work in intelligence. We are always looking for good people who can help us gain information. The fact that you speak several languages makes you a perfect candidate for what I have in mind.”
“And what is that?” I walk to the table and pour myself a cup of tea. “Would you like some?” I ask.
“No, thank you.” He walks toward me and rests his hands on my shoulders. “I would like you to spy for Germany.”
“A spy!” I scoff. “Have you lost your mind?”
“No, darling, I think you would perfect.”
I turn and step away from him. “I do not know anything about being a spy, Malcolm. I’m educated, but I don’t have the proper training for a position like that. You know that.”