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Aphrodite’s fingers pressed hard. “Of course you can. Take what you want. You say he is a man who makes you ache; satisfy that ache. Satisfy your curiosity. You will always regret it otherwise.”
Vivianna nodded, but she wondered if it was that simple. Somehow Oliver had already entangled himself in the threads of her life. And yet the thought of enjoying him for what he could give her—pleasure and expertise—made her quiver deep inside. A night of unbridled passion and then goodbye. Perhaps it would be worth the pain, to have such memories?
“I want to touch him, too,” she said quietly. “I want to touch that part of him that makes him a man.”
Aphrodite smiled. “Why not? He will not expect you to be trained like a courtesan, so do not be afraid of being bold. Your innocent fingers on him will make him very excited, mon chou. Stroke his shaft, hold him, kiss him. If you like, you can take him into your mouth. Gently, though. That part of a man may appear powerful and strong, but it is his most vulnerable part.”
Vivianna felt a little dizzy at the thought of doing such things to Oliver. But Aphrodite was right. If she did not satisfy her curiosity, if she did not have her night of passion, she would always regret it.
Aphrodite, watching the thoughts flit over Vivianna’s face, wondered if she was doing the right thing. There were those who would be appalled at such advice as she had just given, but Aphrodite had seen much of life. Vivianna needed Oliver Montegomery, and if she wasn’t very much mistaken, Oliver needed Vivianna.
She was no matchmaker, but she had sensed a connection between the two of them from the first. Maybe, with luck, this might do the trick. If not…She shrugged her shoulders, Vivianna would have a night to remember and no harm done. She might think her heart broken for a little while but Aphrodite knew that hearts did not really break, and they were remarkably good at mending.
She knew now that Vivianna was made of sterner stuff. She would endure, just as Aphrodite had endured.
Such is life….
Oliver,
It has occurred to me that, being financially stretched as you are, you might be amenable to an offer from me for Candlewood. I am concerned that the Montegomery name is suffering over this business with the Shelter for Poor Orphans and, being an old and dear friend of your brother, I am anxious to help in any way I can. Would you meet me for discussions as to an acceptable figure?
Yours Most Sincerely,
Lawson
Lawson,
Much as I appreciate your concern and your offer, I am quite content with matters as they are. No need for you to bother further.
Oliver Montegomery
The following day Vivianna went to Candlewood. The Beatty sisters questioned her thoroughly on her progress with Oliver, and it broke her heart to have to tell them that she feared they had lost the battle.
“He is set in his determination to have Candlewood demolished. I wish I could give you hope, but I think…” She could hardly bear to meet their stricken eyes. “I think it best if you go ahead and accept Lord Montegomery’s offer of the other property.”
“Oh no!” Miss Susan cried.
“The Bethnal Green house will have to do, until something better comes along.” Miss Gret
a, more practical, drew a sustaining breath. “I admit I have looked over it.”
“Greta!”
Greta took her sister’s hands and squeezed them gently. “I know, I should not have gone without you, but I thought, if worse came to worst, we would at least know what to expect.”
Vivianna was in agreement. “In hindsight, you were wise. What is it like?”
“I have to say that I do not think, by our standards, that it is the proper place to lodge children. The building is damp and some of the floors are rotten. The roof leaks.”
“Poor little souls.” A tear streaked down Miss Susan’s cheek.
Vivianna, herself close to tears, glanced up at that moment and saw one of the “poor little souls” outside the window, aiming a slingshot at a bird in a tree. It was Eddie, and he released his shot, sending the bird into angry flight. Her sadness lightened, and she actually found herself smiling. These children were resilient, they had had to be. Maybe the Bethnal Green house was far from ideal, but for the time it would have to do, at least until they were able to find somewhere more suitable to carry on their dream.
Back in Queen’s Square, she had barely stepped from the coach when the man who had been monopolizing her thoughts stepped in front of her, blocking her path to the front door.
Vivianna started and said, “What are you doing here?” before she could think to affect indifference. Besides, she wasn’t indifferent, she was angry. Her body began to tingle and melt, as if it were greeting him in its own passionate language, and that infuriated her even more.
“I want to speak with you, Vivianna. I left my card, but you were out.”
