An Innocent Courtesan by Elizabeth Beacon

Author:Elizabeth Beacon
Language: ron
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Several hours later, Caro’s mind was still reeling from the information Alice had imparted. Maybe it was just as well Rob had sent a vast bouquet of flowers and a note telling her he was engaged on business today. She concluded that this must be one of his wife-hunting days, and fervently hoped he was making no progress on that front whatsoever. Meanwhile, Alice looked a little anxious at the lingering shock in her friend’s tawny eyes.

‘With love, or even strong passions involved, it is truly the most wonderful experience, Caro, but I knew that I should not have told you,’ she finally said, rather hesitantly.

‘No, stupid to let silly girls go to the marriage bed in a state of ignorance and well you know it, Alice. I dare say a good many débutantes would think harder about choosing a husband if they knew what marriage really entails.’

‘Maybe that is the very reason they are kept in ignorance.’

‘All too probably. The idea of such intimacy, even with Rob, could have given me the vapours if I had been unprepared, so what must it be like for some females?’

Caro was so indignant she momentarily forgot what a dreadful awakening to the true facts of what a man and woman did in bed together poor Alice must have had.

‘Unthinkable,’ Alice said with a shudder, revulsion raw in her voice.

‘Oh, Alice, love. How very much I should like to bite that creeping toad.’

Caro hugged her friend, and was relieved to see Alice’s eyes clear of memories as she came back to the present.

‘Ah, but toads taste so foul. Anyway the best revenge is to live well, is it not? And I certainly intend to do that.’ Alice looked uncertain for a rare moment. ‘Will has asked me to marry him, Caro, and I confess that I don’t know what to do.’

‘Marry you?’ Caro fought to keep her incredulity out of her voice, because of course Lord Wrovillton could not find a better woman if he spent a lifetime searching, but marriage?

That honour Alice spoke of was a marvel indeed if it had led to this.

‘How wonderful! I wish you both very happy.’

But Alice still looked uncertain.

‘I said no, but he keeps asking and I don’t know how much longer I can hold out, for I do love him so, Caro.’

‘Of course you do. I could tell that the first time I set eyes on you together.’

‘But it will ruin him in the eyes of the world.’

‘Nonsense, his real friends will accept you for his sake.’

‘A scarlet woman? Don’t be naïve, love.’

‘His wife, the woman he loves. Your Will is not a man to trifle with.’

‘But what about his position? His seat in the House—oh, I don’t know, everything?’

Caro smiled at her friend’s tragic expression.

‘One, I cannot see Lord Wrovillton carving out a political or diplomatic career, whoever he marries. Two, he does not care a fig for his position, nor anyone who is taken in by his title. And three, he loves you, Alice, so stop looking so Friday-faced and be happy about it.

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