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“He wants me,” she answered flatly. “I don’t believe he’s pursuing my company to harm David. And I have rather direct evidence that his interest in me is… not feigned.”
“To use you doesn’t require feigning interest. Couldn’t he want youandto hurt your brother?”
“It’s possible. I have ideas for limiting the risk, but I admit I can’t know all that’s in his heart, even if I know what’s in his trousers.”
Stella closed her eyes on a small laugh. “Very well. Let’s assume for now his intentions are only for you.”
“This J.R. is a powerful man. Not just in his position of business—I mean his character. He overwhelmed me. I must know what to do! I don’t want to lose myself in his presence. And, quite frankly, since I’m risking complete ruination, it must be worth it. I want the utmost from this adventure!”
Stella turned her head, looking at her from the corner of her eye, observing her with rapt attention.
“And if you must know, I don’t want to disappoint him. He knows now that I’m a virgin, but if I present myself for an affair, I want to hold my own. The idea of knowing so little, being so unprepared…it’s disconcerting.”
Sitting back again in her chair, Stella smiled. “You appear determined.”
“Oh, yes, I’ve decided.”
“What,exactly, have you decided?”
“I shall have a grandadventure! For once, I’m going to take whatIwish. As unacceptable as this individual is, his appearance in my life was fortuitous. He’s no one I need ever see again after we resolve our affair. We don’t travel in the same circles. He’s incited a stirring in me, one I cannot deny.ThenI shall be ready to settle.”
“Settle?”
“Yes. After a reasonable period of utter wickedness, I’ll be ready to settle for matrimonial mediocrity.”
Stella blinked, then shook her head, laughing. “Did you truly combine the phrases ‘reasonable period’ and ‘utter wickedness’ in a single sentence? And what is this of marriage? I fear I can’t trust my ears!”
“I’m quite serious. I was presented at court as a girl of eighteen, but I had Violet to care for. Then Violet House. It’s true that I didn’t think I could abide marriage, but if I’m to have a family, marry I must.” She shrugged. “Before being rutted upon for an heir—by someone suitable and probably a half foot shorter—I want to know somethingmore.”
Clara slid from her chair, extending a hand toward Stella, who rose and took it. “Forgive me for being direct, but let’s not avoid the subject of your occupation any longer. Fear not that I’ll judge you. Ican’t. I know your goodness. Your kindness.”
Stella squeezed her hand, and Clara returned the gesture.
“And,” she continued, “I need information!”
It heartened her when her friend laughed, but Stella was soon serious again.
“Clara, you’re speaking of a ‘grand adventure.’ A romantic affair with a man who defied all rules to come to you. My trade is—” She paused, searching for the proper description. She shook her head. “It’snota grand adventure. No, I don’t need sympathy. I’m content with my choice…mostly. But romantic it is not.”
“Is it ever adventurous?”
“It’s quite monotonous, in a good sense. Men are predictable in their needs and interests.”
“Will you share with me what you know, Stella? This man is expecting passion, and that’s what I want as well. But I don’t know how! Can you help?”
Stella nodded.
Her shoulders softened with relief. “Thank you.”
“Clara,” Stella chided. “I know something about the sort of personyouare. When you cared for your aunt, you became an expert on her ailment, learning more than half the physicians in London. You adopted the same approach with the LLS. Now that you’ve decided on your J.R., I expect no less for your time with him.”
“It’s a relief to know you’ll serve as my tutor!”
“I shall try not to disappoint!” She laughed good-naturedly. “Where shall we go? I don’t think Miss Smith’s is the thing.” She raised her chin. “May I offer an invitation to return to my rooms? They’re but a ten-minute walk from here.”
“I’m glad to accept, Stella, thank you.”
They retrieved their cloaks, gloves, and reticules, and informed Mrs. Pyle of their departure. Stella led the way, guiding them a few streets over.
