Just Perfect Read Online Free PDF Page B

she asked.
    Constance shrugged, looking around for a hint toward her next move. She feared sneaking out of the house and coming here might have used up her bravado for the next year at least!
    She watched the serving girls, scandalously clad in low-dipping bodices, and thin swaying skirts, bend over the tables as they joked with the customers. The men seemed to enjoy themselves, though what man wouldn’t want a pair of large breasts practically in his face? That thought brought her back to William, and his apparent pleasure in the state of her own particular breasts.
    He’d caressed and kissed them, teased, and praised them, until she thought she’d die from the pleasure. Had he taken delight in any of the breasts in this room? She tamped down any jealousy that thought might bring and chose to focus on the matter at hand.
    “I need to know some particulars, Sarah. I believe these women will be able to answer my questions.”
    As if on cue, one of the servers, a dark-haired girl no older than Constance, draped herself over a large man seated at the next table. He was dressed like a gentleman, and it seemed as though he and the girl were on very familiar terms. She whispered something in his ear, he tickled her on her backside, and the two of them stood and made their way toward the narrow stairs at the back of the room.
    “I wonder what they’re up to,” Sarah quipped.
    “Hush,” Constance said.
    She lifted a trembling hand to signal one of the serving girls. A tall girl spied her, narrowing her eyes on them, and sauntered over to their table.
    “What are you two birds doing in here?” she asked, pushing her blonde hair back from her face. “Not a place for fine young ladies like you, I wager.”
    Constance held out her hand. “I’m Lady Constance Bridges.”
    “Lady Constance Bridges,” the server said, taking her hand and giving it a shake. “I’m Lizzie.” She glanced over at Sarah, who paled. “I take it the cat’s got her tongue?”
    “She’s my cousin Sarah,” Constance said in dismissal. “I need some information, Lizzie. I think you can help me.”
    Lizzie’s eyes rounded. “Now, listen. I don’t tell tales, you hear? If a gentleman wants to get rowdy, drink some ale, have a bit of fun, who am I to care? I’m sorry if your husband found his way here, but that’s none of my business.” She nodded. “Sad though it is for you.”
    Constance smiled, finding she liked this outspoken woman no matter their differences. “I’m not married and I’m not hunting for my unfaithful husband. I just wanted to know a bit about what goes on … abovestairs.”
    Lizzie’s brows shot up. “Truly? Then you’ll be needing a bit of ale if I tell you that.”
    “Quite a bit,” Sarah said in a small voice.
    Lizzie laughed and turned to walk to the tap. She returned with three tankards and placed them on the table with a thunk . She sat herself down and took a long drink from one of them. “I’m taking a break.”
    Constance fiddled with the handle of the tankard, trying to find her words. “Lizzie, I know a gentleman of my acquaintance frequents this pub. I just wondered if you knew who he was with.”
    “I told you, no telling tales,” Lizzie said.
    “I know, I know. That’s not quite what I’m after. You see, I’m involved with this man and I want to know …” She took a big gulp of her ale, swallowed the cool drink down, and let out a small burp. “I want to know how to please him.”
    Lizzie and Sarah’s mouths both dropped open.
    “Constance!” Sarah hissed.
    “Do tell?” Lizzie asked. “Truly?”
    Constance nodded. “You see, I want a future with this man, and I feel woefully uneducated in certain matters.”
    She obviously didn’t have to say more, for Lizzie took another long drink of her ale and leaned her arms on the table.
    “Who’s this gentleman, my lady?”
    Constance slid her gaze to Sarah, who wore a look of intense curiosity. There was nothing else for it.
    “Lord