The Willow Weaver by Linda Finlay

Author:Linda Finlay [Finlay, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2020-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Eyes narrowed, she surveyed Eliza from head to toe before gesturing for her to turn around. With a deep sigh, she pulled down the front of Eliza’s apron until she was satisfied.

‘You need to show some décolletage; the punters expect it. They’re here to be entertained by women not nuns,’ she hissed. That’s what they pay good money for. And for heaven’s sake what have you done with those laces on your boots?’ Letting out a sigh of exasperation, she bent and loosened them. ‘The whole idea is to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of what’s beneath. Some men have a thing for fetching feet. And you’ve forgotten your pill,’ she said, straightening and giving Eliza a disdainful look.

‘My pill?’ Eliza frowned.

‘Your hat. It was left with your uniform,’ Sophia snapped impatiently.

‘Oh, so that’s what this is,’ Eliza said, producing the scrap of lace from her pocket. The woman snatched it from her and arranged it deftly on top of Eliza’s head.

‘Right, now for your lips,’ the woman said, snatching up a phial and dabbing crimson liquid onto Eliza’s lips. ‘Tonight, you will shadow me, which means doing exactly as I say. Watch what I do, speak only when spoken to, understand?’

Eliza nodded, her stomach turning over for she felt like one of the painted people she’d seen on the stage that afternoon.

‘Come along,’ Sophia urged. She followed the woman down the corridor and through a door that led into the much grander hall hung with the splendid chandelier she so much admired.

As Sophia pushed open a heavy studded door, Eliza found herself in a room with cherry wood panelling. Plush-looking chairs upholstered in burgundy fabric were arranged around small circular tables with crystal ashtrays in the centre. The windows were covered in heavy drapes the same fabric as the chairs and fringed with gold-coloured silk ropes and tassels. Cigar smoke hung heavily in the air and there was the overwhelming smell of liquor fumes. As Eliza tried not to shudder, she became aware that the room had fallen silent. Gentlemen dressed formally in evening attire turned in her direction, their eyes alight with curiosity as they looked her up and down.

‘Good evening gentlemen,’ Sophia purred, skirts rustling as she slowly circled the tables, taking time to smile seductively at each of them in turn. Eliza was relieved to see Clodah and Angelique smiling encouragingly at her. Although they were seated with gentlemen at tables in the corner, it would be comforting to know they were close by. Her attention returned to Sophia who was commanding everyone’s attention.

‘I would like to introduce Eliza Beth. Now I know just how naughty you boys can be,’ she paused as a ripple of mirth ran around the room. ‘However, this is her first night so please be kind to her.’

‘Of course, we will Sophia darling,’ one gentleman called.

‘Bring her over to my table and I’ll be pleased to show her just how kind I can be,’ another suggested with a salacious wink that made Eliza cringe.

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