An Introduction to Pleasure Read Free

alternatives are far more unpleasant.”
    Vivien’s eyes shut, and she sat like that for almost a full minute before she sighed. “I suppose if you are in such dire straits then those alternatives would be quite terrible. I would hate to be the one to place you in their path. So yes, if you insist on this course of action, I will help you.”
    Lysandra was seated, but she gripped the arms of the chair as dizzy relief washed over her in an almost uncontrollable wave.
    “Thank God,” she breathed.
    Vivien smiled again, but this time there was a sadness to the expression. “I will need to ask you a few questions in order to best help you.”
    Lysandra refocused and bit her lip. “Of course.”
    “This is delicate, but what kind of experience do you have?”
    Lysandra tried to focus over the increased throbbing of her heart. Here was the difficulty. If she told Vivien the truth, she could easily lose the opportunity she had finally won. If she lied, she could end up far over her head. But better the second than the first.
    “Not much, as I said,” she finally answered. “But I am aware of the expectations placed upon a mistress.”
    Once again, Vivien was quiet for a very long time, simply watching Lysandra through a hooded and nearly unreadable gaze. To Lysandra’s surprise and relief, she did not press the issue, but instead said, “And what do you ask for in a protector?”
    Now it was Lysandra who was silenced by surprise. She hadn’t thought much about that subject, mostly because she had never thought a mistress could demand anything of her protector. Wasn’t it he who held all the power, along with the purse?
    But when it came down to it, wouldn’t she ask for the same qualities in a lover that she had once hoped for in a husband?
    “A kind man,” she said, almost beneath her breath. “One who would not be cruel. One who would take care of me and not mind if I had other…responsibilities.”
    Vivien’s expression grew softer. “A child?”
    She shook her head. “M-my mother. She is quite ill.”
    Slowly, Vivien nodded. “I see.”
    There was one more silence between the two women. Lysandra couldn’t help thinking of her mother, and she had a suspicion Vivien’s thoughts were also of people she loved and had sacrificed for.
    Finally, the other woman shook her head as if clearing her thoughts and said, “I can make you no promises, Lysandra. Leave your information with Nettle, the butler who showed you the room, and I will call you back to meet with me within a week at most.”
    Lysandra clutched her reticule with both hands and pushed to her feet. A week was so long to wait, especially considering her current situation, but she could ask for no more from Vivien.
    “Thank you,” she whispered. “I so appreciate your assistance.”
    Vivien waved her hand as if her help mattered little, but as Lysandra slipped from the room, the swell of emotion that filled her was not to be minimized. This woman, if she could truly help Lysandra, could save her life.
    And for that, she would never be able to repay her debt to Vivien.
     
     
    Andrew sighed as his carriage pulled up to the London estate he had taken almost five years ago. There was nothing wrong with the beautiful home, per se. In fact, many complimented it and envied him its posh situation near St. James’s Park. But regardless, he did not look forward to these quarterly trips to Town. If it were up to him, he would let the place out and stay in the country permanently.
    But his father requested his visits. And he respected the man too much to refuse him, even for very good reason.
    The carriage stopped, and he stepped out to find the main members of his staff lined up and awaiting him. With a forced smile, he greeted each one by name and asked a personal yet empty question about family or illness or whatever else came to mind.
    And as always, he saw the pity and worry flash in their stares before they could cover the reactions. Once those things