Fair Cyprians of London Box Set (Books 1-3) by Beverley Oakley

Author:Beverley Oakley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Beverley Oakley

Chapter 12

“Why so glum, Faith? I think it was a poor plan of Mrs Gedge’s to see you clothed like a parson’s daughter when you’re to be competing with duchesses.” Eloise was curled up on Faith’s bed like a cat, her long hair undressed and pooling about her. She sent Faith a bolstering smile. “Don’t be afraid. Tonight, it will all work out.”

Faith nibbled her nail and nodded. She couldn’t trust herself to answer.

Her vulnerability was like a gaping wound and the future a black, angry, dangerous void waiting to hungrily devour her. She’d be like all the other girls at Madame Chambon’s, with closed heart and open legs, submitting to a line-up of meaningless sexual encounters just so she could keep body and soul together. And then the moment she was no longer giving value, if she got sick or her looks were marred or faded, she’d be thrown into the gutter to fend for herself.

All because she’d not managed to do one simple thing—entice Mr Westaway enough to at least give the appearance to Mrs Gedge that he’d fallen in love with her.

She dusted her décolletage with a rabbit’s foot loaded with fine powder while her brain whirled feverishly. Perhaps she could win him over using honesty. That would be novel.

“I know you’re disappointed he didn’t fall in love with you, Faith, but is he nice, this Mr Westaway?”

“He’s lovely.” Faith had no hesitation in answering. “I like him very much, and if it wasn’t so vital to…everything…that I make him fall in love with me, I’d say I liked him too much to want to make him fall in love with me, if that makes sense.”

“It doesn’t make sense at all.” Eloise shook her head. “But then, nothing much makes sense.”

With a sigh, Faith rose. “How do I look?”

“Like an angel, truly! You don’t need bows and furbelows. In fact, you’re more striking without, and I can now see exactly what was in Mrs Gedge’s mind. Oh, but I do hope it works tonight. If Mr Westaway doesn’t fall in love with you just by looking at you, he’ll never fall in love with anyone!”

With this bolstering pronouncement ringing in her ears, Faith prepared to make her grand entrance at the Grand London Art Exhibition, arriving in Lady Vernon’s hired carriage, which was waiting for her discreetly a little distance up the road.

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