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Scarlet
Date: 9/7/2015, Categories: Historical, Author: Saucymh, Rating: , Source: LushStories
tried to tell her I was sorry, nothing at all came out. “Look at me. Look at me, Anne.” Eyes brimming with tears, I slowly raised my head. “What do you see?” I gazed at her, mute. Her voice was quiet. Why? Why wasn’t she shouting? Where was the raging tantrum I so justly deserved? “Do you see a whore?” “No Miss,” I croaked, tears staining my cheeks. “Why not?” My brow furrowed. I didn’t understand. “I asked you a question. Why not?” “Because he loves you,” I blurted out. Miss Scarlet’s mouth turned up at the corners. “Loves me?” “Yes.” “Don’t be so naive Anne. He thinks he loves me but he doesn’t. I give him what he needs but he’ll tire of me eventually.” “Miss…” “No, Anne. Don’t you pity me, don’t you dare. I admit, I’m rather fond of ‘im, but someone else will take ‘is place.” She snorted, “Probably one of the stuck-up pricks who keep telling ‘im I’m a cheap tart.” There was an awkward silence. “Be honest Anne. What do you think of me?” “I think you’re beautiful.” I meant it and as soon as I said those words Miss Scarlet’s eyes shone with moisture. Her guard dropped, just for a moment. “Well, Anne,” she said, with wry smile. “I’ve got a proposition for you. I’m tired of Mrs Baxter so I think I’d like to keep you. What do you think? Can you handle me?” Wiping my eyes with the backs of my hands, I smiled, “Yes Miss, I’ll try.” “One rule Anne; no more spying, is that clear?” “Yes Miss, very clear.” “Unless I say you can,” she added with a smirk. “I do like an appreciative audience.” When my mouth dropped open, Miss Scarlet laughed. “Oh come on, stop gaping and ‘elp me. I need to look like one of them toffs by the time I leave this room and I’m running out of time. Can you perform miracles?” Her fingertips brushed against my arm and she moistened her lower lip. It was enough. She’d ensnared me as completely as Sir Henry Brooke and, somehow, I knew our bond would be lasting.