Married? How thrilling! So it is conceivable to actually erase the stain of prostitution and leave this life behind at some point. The thought stirs a deep longing within me. I can barely breathe. A future beyond Carnal Pleasures. “So life can be whatever I wish it to be.”
“Of course,” says Phineas, as if I were saying something blatantly obvious.
But for now I am content to remain here with Phineas and Madam Rowena. In a few years, who knows where I may be. Perhaps in Dublin, Amsterdam or Rome! “The world is full of possibilities. My new identity has also caused me to think more about my origins. My mother never spoke of my father, and over the years, I have been called many things due to my dark complexion. Yet my mother did not choose a traditional English name for me. She did not call me Jane, Sophia or Mary. She named me India. We lived in a part of Lower London populated by high numbers of Indian laborers. It is only logical that my father was from that country.” This explains why I feel such a connection with my new persona as India of Rajasthan, because my blood truly is Indian.
“I should like to write a paper about you, India,” says Phineas. “I would conceal your true identity, of course.”
A paper about me to be published in a journal of psychology? “And what of the paper’s title?”
“Imagination and Intellect—A Courtesan’s Sexual Awakening.”
“You must let me read it before it is published!” I laugh.
“I will. In exchange for a few more interviews with you, I would like to offer you two of my facilitators, one for each sex.”
Oh, the things I can do with the fornication facilitators. “Thank you, Phineas.” Yes, I shall put them to good use. “And what about the next article you plan to write?”
“The next one?” he asks.
“Yes, the one you will title Uranians—Pathology, Perversion or Permissible Pleasure.”
Phineas chuckles and Madam Rowena joins in. I wonder how many times Phineas has included her in his research papers.
“Uranians?” asks Madam Rowena. “Whatever have you been up to?”
“Since Phineas helped me broaden my horizons,” I explain, “I helped him expand his.”
Phineas and I exchange conspiratorial glances and he briefly touches my cheek. I have never seen Madam Rowena express consternation before and her wide eyes are amusing to behold.
“Excellent idea, India. A paper of this nature will garner much attention in the world of sexology. I will have to conduct more research, however.”
“With the aid of a certain architect?” I ask in a teasing tone.
He smiles and reclines in his chair. “Ambrose will indeed be invaluable to my research. I am also considering a short compilation of sexual terminology, the Lexicon of Lust, Lechery and Lasciviousness.”
I am about to make a further comment when Madam Rowena draws my attention to the stairs, where a young man in a military uniform is descending, his red coat thrown over one arm.
Mr. Tandenberry. The man I am obligated to bed free of charge. Hmmm. I do not look at him as a chore this time, but as a challenge. I am about to greet him when Madam Rowena stops me.
“Read this first.” She reaches into her long skirts and pulls out a card.
I take it.
Richard Tandenberry
Son of Colonel Darvis Tandenberry, an accomplished military strategist. Richard has always aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps. He is an avid horseman with a passion for stag hunting. He enjoys the company of spirited women who are creative and participate fully in the lovemaking process. Regularly attends the opera and the theater. He has acted small parts in a few plays and had affairs with actresses.
At the bottom are a few hastily added comments.
Recently enrolled in the military (Airship Brigade), granted the rank of lieutenant, will be posted in Deutschland, although he would have preferred India.
This card provides me with everything I need. Why did I not read this before? Well, since he wanted to be sent to India, I can ensure that he spends one passionate night with the daughter of an Indian rajah before he is posted to Deutschland.
I stand at the bottom of the stairs and when he recognizes me, I see bewilderment on his face, followed by a lustful appreciation of my body.
“I don’t believe we have met,” I say.
He seems puzzled. “As a matter of fact—”
“No,” I correct him firmly. “We have not. I am India of Rajasthan.”
He smiles, undoubtedly understanding my game. He knows all about acting a part, after all.
“Before you are posted abroad, I should like us to share an evening together, so I may teach you the secrets of the Kama Sutra.”
His pupils widen. They are a brilliant blue, as blue as the ocean on a summer’s day. “What will be the cost of this private performance?”
“For you, for this evening, there is no fee.” I lick my lips in the most seductive fashion. “Only pleasure. To be given and received.”
His eyes are alight with a fire that I kindled. Richard Tandenberry has fallen for me. He wants me. What methods shall I use to send him to the heights of erotic satisfaction?
“Then I shall see you this evening, India.” He takes my hand, raises it to his lips, and kisses it.
Tonight will be a memorable evening for both Mr. Tandenberry and myself. I will make sure of it. Indeed I have all the power in my relationships with men, just as Madam Rowena stated earlier. And Phineas was correct about the influence of the mind, for a woman’s mind is the most powerful carnal device of all.
About Helena Harker
Helena Harker is a teacher by day, writer by night, a daydreamer who loves to escape to other worlds. Her fiction is populated by strong men, passionate women and lots of paranormal creatures. In her free time she enjoys photography and curling up with a good book. She is multi-published and also writes in other genres.
Helena welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by Helena Harker
Art of Desire
Master’s Submission
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
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Carnal Devices
ISBN 9781419944925
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Carnal Devices Copyright © 2013 Helena Harker
Edited by Briana St. James
Cover design by Fiona Jayde
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Electronic book publication February 2013
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