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

explained.
    Marguerite heaved a deep sigh of relief. "Oh, yes, Clarice! How thoughtful you are, and far more sensible than I was in this situation."
    "You were gently raised, madame , and you are not used to such wickedness. For the master's son to have done what he did and left you without a sou , when the master meant for you to remain in your home and raise your daughter comfortably. Well, I ain't got the proper word for it in either English or French," Clarice said firmly.
    "Oh, Clarice, I certainly could not do without either you or Louis. You shall not want, I promise you."
    "We are with you, madame , warm, fed, and dry. We was paid our wages Michaelmas last for the year. You owe us nothing. And even if you did, we would stay by your side," Clarice said loyally.
    "Bless you both," Marguerite told her servant.
    "I should get you ready for bed now, madame . We have both had more than enough today," the maid declared.
    "Yes," her mistress agreed. "We certainly have."
    There was a basin with warm fragrant water for washing. Marguerite bathed her face, hands, and neck as Clarice put her garments away. She brushed her teeth with the silver-handled bristle brush Renée had given her. Clarice wrapped her in a warm night garment, and tied her nightcap beneath her chin with its pink ribbons. Marguerite climbed into bed, sighing gustily as she sank into the featherbed and drew up the satin down quilt. "Ahhh," she murmured, realizing her eyes felt heavy. "I did not know how tired I was until this very minute."
    Clarice smiled, and snuffed the candles. "Bonsoir, madame," she said as she slipped from the room, closing the door behind her.
    "Bonso . . . " And Marguerite was asleep.

Chapter Two
    Renée de Thierry looked about her gold and white salon and smiled with pleasure. The coming of spring always brought out so many of her clients. As much as she disliked the thought of Marguerite joining their little group, she had to admit that she needed another girl. Unlike other brothel owners, Madame Renée did not call attention to her enterprise with a dozen half-naked young women sitting in open windows, boldly importuning gentlemen passers-by to stop. She was discreet, and the young women in her employ were more than just whores, as she had explained to her niece earlier. Often gentlemen visited her home just for an evening of discussion, music, and camaraderie. She allowed them to play cards, provided the stakes were not outrageous and there were no disputes. They drank her most excellent wines and champagnes. And when moved to do so, they went upstairs with Josie or Leonie to exercise their baser natures. Sometimes a gentleman was even allowed the privilege of remaining overnight. However, only the most favored of Madame's clients were accorded that prerogative.
    And there were rules that had to be followed when treating with her girls. Madame made certain that new arrivals understood that, and that her longtime patrons remembered she would allow no brutality or cruelty toward her girls in a gentleman's pursuit of Eros. She was not against the use of the delightful variety of toys kept in the bedrooms that could but encourage pleasure, or add to it. In fact, her girls were frequently the instigators of the use of such games that could but prolong a gentleman's enjoyment, and bring him back for more.
    "Madame." César d'Aubert, the Duc de Caraville, bowed over her hand, kissing it.
    "César! How nice to see you again," she told him. "Have you been in the country, monseigneur?" He was an outrageously handsome man with black hair and bright blue eyes.
    "Worse," the duke replied with some humor. "I have been at the king's beck and call for most of the winter, chérie . I realize that as one of the nobility, I am supposed to rejoice in the restoration, but between us I was quite happy under the republic. King Louis sends his regards, Renée. He says he hopes to visit your home again soon."
    "He is a kind man, César," she replied,