the ton.
She had few duties at the Academy during the summer term, however, since most of the pupils had returned home to their families. So this was an ideal time to go to Londonâin more ways than one.
Most definitely she would be glad to escape Lord Claybourneâs unwanted attentions. And she would find it very satisfying if she could help Fannyâs fellow Cyprians solve their financial problems.
Just as gratifying, Lily reflected with a small frisson of pleasure, she would be starting a brand new chapter in her life. Now that the wedding celebrations were finally over, she could begin charting her own course for a life of freedom and adventure.
        Â
By the time Tess arrived and joined Lily in her bedchamber, she had written a note to Fanny, which sheâd sent off to London by messenger, and had nearly finished packing.
âRoslyn doesnât seem to have suffered from her ordeal, thankfully,â Tess said, taking a seat in a side chair. âBut she tells me you are planning an excursion to London.â
âYes,â Lily replied as she rummaged through her wardrobe for the final items she would need for an extended stay. âI mean to leave this afternoon.â
âSurely that is a bit rashâfleeing home so you can escape Lord Claybourneâs attentions.â
âNot at all. But in truth, I have another very good reason to go. Fanny is in a bit of financial difficulty.â
Tess frowned. âWhat sort of difficulty?â
âIt is a matter of gambling debts, although not Fannyâs. This past spring two of her oldest courtesan friends lost enormous sums at the Faro tables, and the gaming hell owner is demanding repayment now. Fanny is trying to keep her friends out of debtorsâ prison, or worse.â
âYou are speaking of Fleur and Chantel?â
âYes. They took Fanny under their wing when she first came to London eight years ago, so she is not about to abandon them.â Lily glanced back at Tess. âI didnât want to mention their troubles to Roslyn, for then she would feel obliged to get involved, and she deserves to rest after all her endeavors. But I hope to help Fanny myself.â
Tessâs frown deepened. âAnd you intend to stay at Fannyâs rooming house? Lily, that place is little more than a home for lightskirts, run by two famous Cyprians.â
âI suppose so.â
Fleur Delee and Chantel Amour had been the most celebrated courtesans of their day, but they had passed their prime long ago and were now in their sixth decade. When their careers had waned and theyâd had difficulty supporting themselves, Fanny had bought a large mansion to provide them a home. Not wanting to be a burden, they offset expenses by taking in boarders, mainly other members of the demimonde.
âBut that,â Lily explained, âis precisely why their boardinghouse could be an ideal hiding place for me. Claybourne is unlikely to find me there. And if he should happen to learn where Iâve goneââLily smiled a littleââI expect he will be too scandalized to discover me living with lightskirts to want me for his future marchioness.â
Tess shook her head in exasperation. âYou could be asking for trouble.â
That comment made Lily laugh. âI wouldnât mind a bit of trouble to enliven my life. Indeed, that is part of my planâs charm. I mean to look upon it as an adventureâ¦the first of many, I hope.â
âYou couldnât find another adventure besides taking up with Fannyâs notorious friends?â
Lily arched an eyebrow. âYou donât expect me to keep away from them because of any prudish notions I ought to have?â
âI suspect,â Tess said dryly, âthere isnât a prudish bone in your body. But arenât you the least concerned about your reputation?â
âNot overmuch. I doubt I will be recognized,
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