The Master & the Muses Read Online Free PDF

meadow on a pleasant day. Every muscle was intricately carved, portrayed with lifelike precision, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the size of his phallus lying limp against his leg. Having never before been privy to the human male form, I silently wondered if it was realistically proportioned.
    â€œArtistically enhanced,” Mr. Rodin’s voice issued at my side.
    â€œOh, I wasn’t—” I started.
    He raised his eyebrow.
    My cheeks warmed and I looked away.
    â€œDear Miss Bridgeton, when it comes to art, only an intelligent person would have such questions.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Rodin, but how did you know?” I asked.
    â€œYour face reads like an open book,” he replied with a smile.
    â€œI’m sorry, I suppose you find me quite naive.”
    â€œOn the contrary. I think your innocence suits you beautifully.”
    â€œYou have a wonderful way of making me feel at ease with myself, Mr. Rodin.” I smiled.
    He touched my arm. “I want you to feel comfortable in asking me anything. I know already that my brother is going to be as enchanted with you as I am. Your deep-set eyes and that flaming red hair—you’re precisely what the brotherhood has been looking for.”
    â€œYou flatter me.”
    â€œMiss Bridgeton, flattery has nothing to do with it. I am trying to convince you to model for us.”
    â€œUs? Do you paint also?” My heart raced a little faster at the thought.
    â€œMe? No.” He smiled. “I leave the painting to my brother.”
    As we walked through the remaining rooms, I was impressed by Mr. Rodin’s knowledge of art even though he claimed not to be artistically inclined. It seemed he was forever comparing his brother’s works to the early works of Michelangelo.
    After the tour of the gallery, we took in the gallery’s floral gardens. Mr. Rodin plucked a rose from a trellis and handed it to me.
    â€œThank you,” he said, “for coming today.”
    I held the flower to my nose, breathing deeply of its sweet fragrance. “Thank you for asking me. It’s been a lovely day.”
    â€œAnd do you yet have any concerns or questions that you’d care to discuss with me?”
    I studied him a moment, hesitating still to agree to his proposition, knowing it would take far greater convincing of my family than of me. “I beg of you one more day to decide.” My voice tinged on pleading, afraid that my request for delaying my response might change his mind.
    He regarded me with a dubious look.
    â€œPlease, Mr. Rodin. I am humbly flattered. However, you must understand I’ve never received such a proposition before.”
    He smiled, though it appeared guarded. “Of course.”
    I offered a sigh of relief and smiled. Looking away, I held my stomach as I attempted to quell my nerves.
    â€œAre you certain all is well, Miss Bridgeton?” he asked
    I held up my hand. “It’s…I’m fine. Perhaps a little ginger soda would help.” I knew that I would need to take my medicine soon.
    As he searched for a vendor, I scolded myself for getting so nervous.
    Mr. Rodin did not press me further for an answer. We spoke on other topics and later that afternoon, he summoned a carriage and escorted me to the ferry.
    At the dock, he handed me a card with his brother’s name and address on it.
    â€œIf you make your decision, this is where you’ll find me.”
    â€œThank you again, Mr. Rodin.” I smiled. “I promise to think about it.”
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    The next day at work, a young boy came into the shop, self-consciously removing his cap as he pushed forward to the counter where I stood. In his arms, he carried a bouquet of lovely flowers. “There’s a gent outside. He paid me a whole shilling. Says I was to give these to the prettiest girl in the shop.” He glanced around and shrugged. “I guess that’d be you, then?”
    I took the flowers