“My parents abandoned me to a convent when I was a baby.”
Michael drew in a breath. “Jocelyn, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. It was the kindest thing they could have done. I wouldn’t have had any type of life with them. When I was five, a laundress took me to help with her work. She was a cruel woman. She never viewed me as a daughter, only a source of free labor who didn’t require much food to keep alive. I don’t recall her ever saying a kind word to me. When I was ten, I ran away. I saw Lawrence’s girls. I knew they spent time with men for money. They looked better off than many of the women I saw living on the streets. Their life seemed so easy. One day, when I was eleven, I mustered up the courage to knock on Lawrence’s door. I told him I wanted work as a scullery maid. For some reason, he took me in. It didn’t take him long to realize what I really wanted, and he started training me. I became a maid to one of his more successful girls, and when I was ready, I took my first client.”
“How old were you?”
“Fourteen.”
Bile rose in Michael’s throat. While fourteen might be an appropriate age for marriage, the thought of such a young woman trading in flesh disgusted him. What gave Lawrence the right to strip a girl of her innocence? “I’m sure that was his plan all along. You don’t find it repulsive that he would lure young girls into his bed?”
“First of all, he’s never bedded me. Second, I wasn’t lured into anything. And third, you don’t even know him. I’d prefer it if you wouldn’t slander him. He’s the closest thing to a father I’ve ever had. I owe everything to Lawrence. Anyone else would have put me to work as soon as I knocked on his door. Lawrence waited until I was ready before selling my virginity. He’s always been concerned for my well-being.”
Her words raised a palpable tension in the room. It amazed Michael that a woman as intelligent and shrewd as Jocelyn could be so naïve. “I apologize for offending you. That was not my intention.”
“Without him, I would most likely have starved to death. Instead, he taught me to read, to speak French, and how to conduct myself in high-class company. He never treated me as a whore because that’s never what he intended me to be. I went from struggling to scrape together money to buy bread to buying baubles that serve no purpose other than to be pretty. I even have my own house.” Pride in her accomplishments shone through her eyes and lit her entire countenance.
“I only wish you could have come to your current station in a different manner.”
“Why? What’s so wrong about what I do? Would it be better if I had a father who had sold me into marriage? At least this way, any money my body brings is my own, and the terms of the arrangement are for a night, not a lifetime.”
The logic of her argument annoyed him and made it impossible to argue the point further. “You’ve come a long way. I’m just glad you somehow found me.”
“You should be. You were quite a depressing fellow when I stumbled upon you. Now you’re nothing but smiles. Was court really that interesting today?”
Michael laughed. “Stop your teasing. All my smiles are yours.”
* * *
The weight of Jocelyn’s body against his on the sofa, the warmth of the fire on his skin, and the wine in his belly coalesced into a pleasant feeling that Michael was reluctant to disturb. Jocelyn had succumbed to the drowsy atmosphere and fallen asleep. Her head had lolled onto his shoulder, and she’d eventually ended up wrapped around him. If it were up to him, they would stay like that forever, but her neck couldn’t be comfortable at that angle for any length of time, and Michael was already exhausted. He couldn’t forego another night’s rest.
Carefully, he rose, supporting Jocelyn’s weight until he could lift her into his arms. He laid her gently on the bed. Her dress didn’t appear conducive to sleep, but he wasn’t so bold as to remove it. He pulled the coverlet over her and adjusted the pillow under her head. The firelight danced across her face. She was so beautiful. Michael simultaneously wanted to wake her with his lips against hers and wanted to watch her sleep through the night.
Remembering himself, he grabbed a pillow and stretched out in front of the fireplace. He was beginning to think he would be spending more time in London than he’d initially thought.
* * *
Chapter 6
Jocelyn stretched the weariness from her limbs. Something was not right. She blinked against the sunlight as her eyes struggled to focus. The sheets beneath her hands were foreign. She sat up, trying to clear her mind. She was still in Michael’s room at King’s Head and still fully clothed. Had she really made such a blunder? She’d behaved foolishly, the way she would expect a novice to behave, not a seasoned courtesan.
A simple lapse in judgment. The wine had flowed too freely. The entire situation was new to her. She had no experience entertaining clients like Michael. Allowances had to be made. This wouldn’t happen again. It meant nothing.
Jocelyn rose and straightened her dress. The bed sat empty. She looked around and discovered Michael asleep on the floor in front of the fireplace. She shook her head at the thought of the gentleman protecting the virtue of his hired whore. His charm wasn’t lost on her. She needed to extricate herself from this situation. It would be best for everyone if he woke to find her gone. Leaving would be difficult if she had to face him. Cowardly? Perhaps. But she couldn’t risk losing herself to him.
On her way to the door, she stopped for a moment to watch Michael. He couldn’t be comfortable splayed on the floor like that. The thought of him placing her in the bed and then taking the floor made her smile. He really was something special, or at least different. She took a long look at him, memorizing his body since she didn’t plan to entertain him again. Years at sea had made him lean and firm. His mouth hung in a loose smile, and she wondered what dreams danced in his mind. He had told her the story of his first fight that had resulted in the crooked nose he now sported. She moved her gaze to the light brown hair that curled around his ears and hung in his gray eyes. Eyes that stared back at her.
“Good morning. I hope you slept well.”
Jocelyn stifled a gasp and felt the heat rush to her face at being caught in her open admiration of him.
Michael guffawed. “I have never seen a woman become so absolutely red before.”
“You should have let me know you were awake.” One moment of weakness, and her entire escape plan had fallen apart.
“What, and miss the pleasure of seeing you blush so deeply and for so long? You won’t need any color on your cheeks tonight.” He continued to laugh.
Jocelyn gathered her wits. “I don’t see why it matters to you whether I wear color tonight or not, unless you are really that concerned about how I look for my other clients.” Her voice cooled her cheeks as well as the air.
Michael sobered. “You are already engaged for this evening?” His voice wasn’t even, despite his obvious efforts.
“Yes, I’m attending a masquerade. My client is a young baron and quite attractive from what I hear. I will be fully occupied for the entire night.” Might as well twist the knife hard to make sure he never came back.
“Well then, don’t let me keep you from your day. I’m sure you have much to do to prepare.” Michael’s voice was hollow. His stony face gave no hint of his earlier mirth. He rose and opened the door for her.
Jocelyn hated to be cruel. One hand clasped her money purse, and the other formed a fist to keep from reaching out to him. She brushed past him and out the door. When she stopped in the hallway to look back at him, the door was already closed. She had gotten what she wanted: a clean break. She hadn’t expected it to make her feel so broken.
* * *
Jocelyn took a final look in the mirror. The light cream satin dress with crystals sewn into the fabric was the fanciest gown she owned, perhaps a little too fancy for a night with a baron, but it was new, and she couldn’t resist wearing it. Her simple diamond necklace drew just enough attention to her bust. She wore an understated mask that added a
n air of mystery without outlandishness. Her hair had been particularly cooperative, and for once, she couldn’t find fault with it. Knowing Michael would love it made her feel beautiful. Except it wasn’t Michael she dressed for, it was Lord Bradley, a man she’d never even met. It felt wrong to dress up for someone else.
Ridiculous. She took great pride in her work. There was nothing wrong with that. She didn’t owe Michael anything. They had no relationship, personal or otherwise. She pushed him as far from her mind as she could, checked to make sure her mask was secure, and left to meet Lord Bradley.
* * *
When they arrived, the banquet hall was a hive of activity. Music played, and guests danced. Jocelyn knew Lord Bradley had hired her for her connections and influence within the court. She would make sure he spoke with everyone of consequence.
It didn’t take long for her to wish the night was over. Every time Bradley’s sweaty hands touched her, she had to control her cringe. He was attractive in a boyish way, but she was beyond boys. However, he was a paying customer, and she owed him her complete attention and the benefit of her experience.
“To our left is the Earl of Pembroke. He often talks with the king about theological issues. They are known to debate late into the night.” Jocelyn steered Bradley in Pembroke’s direction.
“I don’t know anything about theology.” A nervous shake underscored Bradley’s voice.
“It doesn’t matter. Ask him for his opinions.”
“I’m worried I’ll make a fool of myself.”
“Nonsense. He’s the Lord Chamberlain and has the ear of the king. You want to befriend him. You’ll do fine.”
“Ah, Mistress Jocelyn, how nice to see you.” Pembroke nodded as they approached.
“And you, Lord Pembroke. I’d like to introduce you to Lord Bradley. He was just asking me about the king’s work regarding the Holy Bible, and I told him you were much more qualified than I to speak about it.”
“I’d be delighted.” If she let him, Pembroke would talk all night long.
Jocelyn looked around at the masked faces while the two men spoke. She thought she caught a glimpse of gray eyes, but another guest obscured her view. Once the woman moved, Jocelyn got a clear view of a man Michael’s height with his same gray eyes talking to Lady Elizabeth over a glass of wine as they stood privately off to the side. He caught her gaze and winked before returning to his conversation.
She should have known Michael would attend. The king had invited most of the court. It wasn’t important. She had concluded her business with Michael. What he did with his time was none of her concern. She was happy he’d found other female companionship.
Lord Pembroke was still talking, and Jocelyn made an effort to listen. She mustn’t allow Michael’s presence to interfere with her work. Bradley leaned toward Pembroke, nodding and asking questions at appropriate moments. She would rescue him at the first sign of boredom. There were plenty of other people for him to meet.
“Ah, I see the Bishop of Westminster is here. Please excuse me. I have some matters to discuss with him. I hope to speak with you again.” Pembroke smiled at Jocelyn. “It was a pleasure seeing you, Jocelyn.”
“You too, Lord Pembroke.”
Once Pembroke was away, Jocelyn turned to see whom she would introduce Bradley to next and was confronted by a beaming Michael. “Mistress Jocelyn, how nice to see you. Won’t you introduce me?”
Anger rolled in her stomach. How dare he interfere? The fluttering of her heart at his proximity was surely due to indignation. Pushing her feelings aside, she turned to Bradley. “Lord Bradley, this is Lord Barwick.”
“Nice to make your acquaintance, Lord Barwick.” Bradley gave a courteous nod.
“You as well, Lord Bradley. You’re a lucky man to have Mistress Jocelyn on your arm tonight.”
“Yes, she’s a delight. This is my first time at court, and she’s been quite helpful.”
“I bet she has. Would you mind terribly if I stole her from you for this dance?”
Michael overstepped his bounds. As Jocelyn opened her mouth to tell him so, Bradley spoke. “Of course not. I need to speak with Baron Petre anyway, and it would only bore the lady.”
“I’ll return her to you in one piece. My lady?”
Jocelyn wanted to refuse, but to do so would be rude and embarrass her client. Forcing a smile, she accepted Michael’s outstretched hand.
“What are you doing here?” Jocelyn demanded as soon as the dance brought them close enough to be out of earshot of the others.
“Oh, did I forget to tell you that I was attending this banquet?”
“You conveniently failed to mention it.”
“And you conveniently failed to mention that you are one of the most celebrated courtesans in London.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t lie. It doesn’t become you.”
“You knew very well that I was a courtesan from the moment I first approached you. Despite whatever romantic notions you seem to harbor, I never held any interest in you beyond business.”
“Do you lie this poorly to your customers? Or are they all dense half-wits like that Bradley?”
“Bradley is an up-and-coming noble. I’d wager the king himself will speak to him tonight.”
“No doubt because of your influence. I hear the king is one of your better admirers.” Jocelyn narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw. Michael continued to grin as if this was all amusing for him. “The ladies were most talkative when I brought up your name.”
“I’m sure they relished the chance to slander me to a sympathetic ear.”
“Now, now, they weren’t exactly flattering, but let’s not pretend what they said wasn’t true.”
Jocelyn had long ago learned to ignore gossip about herself, but Michael mentioning it pricked painfully. “You cur. You didn’t win the girl, so now you’re going to make yourself feel better by proving she wasn’t worth having in the first place?”
Michael’s grin disappeared. “Is that what you think? No, quite the contrary. I’m more determined than ever to win you. You don’t think I know those ladies are going to be bitter toward the woman who has entranced their husbands and suitors? I just needed to learn more about you to better plan my strategy.”
The dance ended, and they walked to the side. “Your strategy seems to be pretty poor, considering you could have just hired me for this banquet yourself that first night.”
“No, I’m not going to parade you around as a hired companion. When I have you on my arm, it’s going to be because I’ve won your heart. Besides, you were engaged for tonight as soon as the masquerade was announced, so stop playing games.”
“Speaking of games, why are you interfering in my work?”
“I was hoping you would agree to meet me at King’s Head after you’re done.”
“I told you before, I’m going to be busy all night.”
“With that boy? What is he, seventeen years old? I’m afraid you’re being a little optimistic if you think you’re going to be busy for long after the banquet is over.”
“Is it part of your plan to insult me?” Her eyes stung. She didn’t like Michael thinking of her that way.
“No, I’m afraid you missed the aim of that insult. I could never insult you. You require more of a man than that boy could ever be. This isn’t easy for me, knowing what that little worm is going to get to do to you later. Makes me want to go rip his head off.”
“You’re not going to take me, but no one else can either?”
“A real man doesn’t pay for love, and I’m not going to take it until you realize you love me too.”
Jocelyn tilted her head. “Michael, did you just tell me you love me?”
Michael’s lips formed a firm line. “Don’t pretend you don’t know my feelings. I’ve made them quite clear. Now, are you going to meet me tonight after you’re done?”
“I’ve already told you I’m hired for this evening. Contrary
to what you appear to think, I’m not a common whore. I don’t take multiple clients a night.”
“Good, because I’ll not pay for your company again. I don’t think of you that way. You know that. You’re anything but common. Now, you’d better return to your business. I’ll be damned if I’ll walk you back and deliver you to him. I may have some self-control, but I’m no saint. You know where to find me if you change your mind. I’ll leave a candle in the window for you, so you’ll know I’m awake.”
Michael walked away, leaving Jocelyn stunned. Just as she gathered herself and took a step to rejoin Lord Bradley, Michael turned back and grabbed her wrist. “Oh, and, Jocelyn, you look like an angel tonight.” He placed a kiss on her hand and was gone.
* * *
Chapter 7
Lawrence watched as Jocelyn left Bradley’s side. The man who danced with her was unknown to him, but it wasn’t difficult to guess his identity. His presence clearly flustered her. Jocelyn was always in control of her emotions, but Lawrence sensed a change in her energy as soon as the man approached her. There was no doubt in Lawrence’s mind. This man was Baron Barwick.
He was bold, Lawrence would give him that. Bold and foolish. The man controlled one of the most important ports in England. He should be spending his time getting to know the other lords, not following Jocelyn like a lovesick pup.
The previous Baron Barwick had been much better at the court game. Lawrence had met him on several occasions, though he didn’t think Jocelyn ever had. Richard hadn’t been one to chase after pleasure. He had been happily married—a rarity. His visits to court were short but always fruitful.
“Lawrence, how fare you this fine evening?”
Sir Thomas Wentworth approached. He was a man of principle and a relatively inconsequential Member of Parliament, but Lawrence had a feeling Wentworth would become a force to reckon with. “Very well, Sir Thomas. And yourself?”
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