Page 78 of Love Abandoned

“No, I do not. And I won’t give one, because I have none to give. It is not something I crave. Although, I do enjoy your boys, the thought of any of my own…” Sophia scrunched her face in disgust, visibly shivering, and Elizabeth laughed.

“So,bella, you can have youramore.”

“I don’t want—”

Sophia held up her hand. “One does not always choose if the arrow strikes the heart,” she said. “Or when. To be prepared will bring no harm. To not be prepared…” She let the sentence drift.

They switched to sherry as Sophia divulged her secrets, talking of barrier devices and pessaries.

“If you soak the sponge in brandy, it is even better. You become a tasty snack,” Sophia said, smiling wickedly.

Elizabeth could hold her laughter back no longer, and Sophia joined in.

“It is valuable information, Sophia, but it is wasted on me,” Elizabeth said when their laughter subsided, wiping at the tears in her eyes.

“But you will come to the masquerade?”

“I will if I can come up with a costume,” Elizabeth said, putting another obstacle in the way despite her promise to attend.

“Ah, but I have already thought of everything and have brought you the material to make it so. You will be virtue. Lady Virtue,” she said triumphantly.

“Considering our conversation the past hour, you would have me be Virtue Fallen,” Elizabeth said.

“Perfetta!” Sophia clapped her hands excitedly.

Elizabeth couldn’t, could she? Be so daring? So bold? Invite a liaison?It is clear which woman he prefers, isn’t it?Even with that reminder ringing in her head, she didn’t think she could, but she was going to the masquerade. She would dance and enjoy some company, at least for one evening. If somewhere down the road she changed her mind and did find another, it would only be her body engaged. Her heart was forever closed.

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