Page 8 of The Duke's Pet

“Yes, Madam.” Jemima’s heart was trip-tapping at an alarming rate. She couldn’t decide if her fate of spending a week with the duke was better or worse than having to live and work in The Rose and Thorns.

“Oh, don’t look so worried. You’re going to be staying in luxury. A big warm house, food on the table—”

“He will feed me, won’t he?” The thought of continuing to be hungry, having a hot tight ball of discomfort in her belly all the time, was more than Jemima could bear. She’d come here to York to leave that behind.

“What benefit would it be for him to starve you, child?” Madam said.

Jemima released a shuddering breath.

“I will send word with you, to his cook, to make sure you are properly nourished.”

“Thank you.” Jemima guessed that was the best she could hope for. “That is very kind.”

“I am kind to my girls.” Madam picked up her sherry. “And you will learn that when you come back here, to my establishment to work.” She sipped her drink, looking thoughtful. “And when you do come back, fatter, wiser, and able to please a man, you will be a great asset, I’m sure.” She nodded. “Yes, the duke is actually doing me a favor by educating you, and...” She chuckled. “He’s paying me for the service.”

“Wiser. Fatter,” Jemima mumbled.

“Which is perfect.” Emily gave her a quick squeeze around the waist. “So why don’t you get bathing and I’ll source you some food and clothes. You’ll need a few spare dresses to take; I’ll see what the girls have that they can part from for a week.”

“Good idea.” Madam nodded at Jemima’s basket. “What is in there?”

“A blanket my mother made me, and a few of my father’s tools, he was a carpenter as well as a farmer.”

“And you wish to take them?”

“I had no wish to leave them behind, they have sentimental value.”

“Mmm, well, they can stay here. You can use that basket to take some spare dresses, and some clips for your hair, perfume and soap. Perhaps if you make a good impression upon the duke he will send more business my way. And let me tell you, this is going to be the easiest money The Rose and Thorns has ever made.”

Chapter Three

At noon the next day, Jemima stood at the top of the stairs in The Rose and Thorns.

The tavern was already filling and the deep voices of the patrons floated upward, the echoes thudding around the stone walls.

She’d bathed the night before, eaten till her stomach ached, and Emily had plaited her newly washed hair so as she’d slept it had taken on a bouncy curl. Now it sat around her shoulders, the ends landing on the deep burgundy dress she’d been given that smelled of lavender and powder.

---