The Awakening, Zuleika and the Barbarian Read Online Free PDF Page A

me to purchase a cottage in Brittany for you, and pay for Emilie's school fees," Renée said.
    "I can do it," Marguerite said stubbornly.
    "That is what I fear," her aunt returned.
    "Did you not give up everything for me?" Marguerite said softly.
    "I did it so you wouldn't have to, ma petite," Renée sighed.
    "Bravo!" Josie cried.
    "Can she join us tonight?" Leonie asked.
    "Certainly not!" Madame told them. "Tonight Marguerite will go quietly to bed, and rest after her terrible ordeal."
    A sweet dessert wine was poured as the table was cleared of the dinner plates. Poached pears and tiny meringues were served to conclude the meal. Then both Josie and Leonie hugged Marguerite, kissing her on both cheeks before they left the dining room to go and dress for the evening. Each expressed her delight that Marguerite would be joining them shortly, and promised to share their secrets for success with the gentlemen with her. Madame and her niece returned to Renée's private salon.
    "Why do you have them dress to receive their callers when they are only going to undress?" Marguerite asked her aunt.
    "What a man cannot easily see is far more intriguing than what he can see," Renée replied. "Also, the gentlemen who come here are not ravening monsters whose only concern is to get their cocks into a hot cunt, ma petite . Passion should be cultivated as elegantly as possible. Both Josie and Leonie can discuss the latest politics, and are well read, I assure you. Having been given another road to travel, both would have been considered ladies. It is an illusion men enjoy. As they enjoy seducing my girls. Slowly, and pleasurably. Removing a woman's clothing adds to that, as does the removal of a gentleman's garb. How one treats a lover is far different than how one treats a husband. I would imagine Charles was very polite in his approach to you. And you, chérie , I taught to be obedient after I explained the necessary facts. But did you ever know passion with him?"
    "I loved my husband," Marguerite said.
    "I know you did, ma petite , but did you know passion in his arms? Passion is quite different from love."
    "I do not understand, tante , what it is you mean."
    "No, I did not think you did, Marguerite. Let me see if I can put it another way. Did your husband's desire for you ever make you swoon with pleasure? Did his glance arouse in you a lust to be possessed by him? Did you soar into the skies with the culmination of your love making?"
    The younger woman burst out laughing. "Why, tante , what delicious and girlish imagery you pose. I don't believe I have ever soared, or swooned, in my whole life. Charles had my entire devotion as was proper and suitable. I had his devotion. Marriage is for the purpose of children, tante . The nuns at St. Anne's taught me that as a little girl. How does one soar without wings?" she giggled.
    "You have never known passion?" Renée de Thierry was shocked by her niece's revelation. How like her father she is, the older woman thought. Jules was as cold as ice, but I will not allow my darling child to go through her life without knowing passion. "Ma chérie," she said quietly, "there is much you need to know before you become a proper courtesan. Having had a husband is simply not enough. For now, however, you need to rest yourself. You have had a terribly trying day with that wretched stepson of yours. I will send François to the convent to tell the Reverend Mother Othalie that Lord William Abbott is not to be allowed access to his half-sister, if indeed he discovers where she is." Renée arose from the settee where they had been sitting together. "Come, ma petite , and I will show you to your room. It is at the top of the house, and no one will disturb you there. My clients never venture above the third floor, nor are you to leave the top floor once you have retired in the evening, Marguerite."
    "Will I always live there, tante?"
    "Non . Once I think you are ready to join us in our enterprise, you will be