Tavern Wench by Anne Ashley

Author:Anne Ashley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2002-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

By the time Emma had woken to discover what promised to be yet another perfect early summer’s day, the cloud of happiness on which she had floated up to her bedchamber the night before, if not completely dissipated, had certainly developed rather large holes.

After sliding into bed, she had lain awake for quite some time, turning over in her mind what had passed between her and Benedict, and marvelling over the fact that the man she loved was every bit as much in love with her. Again and again she had recalled his declaration of love, cherishing his each and every word, until eventually it had occurred to her that it wasn’t so much what he had said which might prove of vital importance to her future as that which he had yet to disclose.

A sigh escaped her as she turned over on her back to stare blindly up at the ceiling. She could only wonder at herself for being so unworldly as not to have realised at once that Benedict’s offer to take care of her was tantamount to an invitation to become his mistress. After all, what else could it have been? A proposal of marriage? She shook her head. No, she would be foolish to attempt to delude herself. To be his mistress was the most she could ever hope to achieve.

The problem besetting her now, of course, was that, although she loved him beyond words, was she prepared to give up everything to be with him until he grew tired of her, and searched about for a replacement? Was she prepared to set aside all her rigid principles? Was she willing to risk losing the respect and friendship of those she held dear? Hard though it was, she must face the fact that, if she allowed her heart to rule her head, she would be forever an outcast, looked upon with scorn, and never accepted in polite company. Worse still was the heartrending possibility that, even if their association should prove lasting, Benedict in all probability would one day marry. Would she then be willing to share him with another woman?

Her stomach gave a painful lurch at the mere thought, yet she knew there was little point in not facing this very real possibility. Nor indeed was there any use in trying to avoid the fact that she had a heartbreaking decision to make—either she gave up her self-respect, or she risked losing completely the man she loved.

Tossing the bed covers aside, she swung her feet to the floor, and quickly washed and dressed. After arranging her hair in a neat chignon, she took a moment to glance at her overall appearance in the full-length mirror. The plain gown seemed dowdy compared to the beautiful silk evening dress she had worn the night before. If she did become Benedict’s mistress, all her gowns would be of the finest. Gentlemen, she had heard, were never unwilling to dig deep into their pockets to ensure that their birds of paradise were beautifully clad.

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