Page 50 (1/2)

Quesnel turned to Rue "Like to go somewhere more private and be scandalous some more?"

"Absolutely"

Without further ado, theythe twins and Footnote in possession of the field

Percy rounded on his sister "You condone Rue’s behaviour?"

"What did I just say, Percy? Certainly not But when have I ever been able to dissuade Rue from action in any way?"

"Good point"

Quesnel and Rue made their way up the aft ladder to the captain’s quarters – nowhere else on The Spotted Custard seemed safe from interruption

Door closed behind them, Rue crowded in close but Quesnel didn’t reach for her

"You’ve been telling Priether?"

"So to faint I’ve nothing but nice things to say, don’t worry"

Quesnel winced "While that’s kind of you, it’s a little odd to know you are reporting on an affair that should be kept private"

Rue blinked "Oh dear, have I broken some sacred code? You can’t possibly believe that your previous lady friends keep your exploits to themselves?"

Quesnel was blond, so his humiliation was instantly evident above his cravat "Chérie, you are a lady, much as you resent it As such, we should keep up a pretence of discretion"

"Pri if not discreet"

"What have you told her so far?" Quesnel rubbed his face with one hand, as though to wipe away the blush

Rue grinned "That I like your posterior That kissing can be extended to other parts of the body That you are very well shaped in all places"

"Including…" Quesnel gestured to his trousers

"Especially there" Rue couldn’t help but enjoy his disco the more experienced partner; this was the first time she’d had the upper hand

"Crikey"

"How else is poor Pri at Rue with an expression she’d never seen before – half bemusement, half frustrated affection

Finally he said, "I wouldn’t want to interfere in your intimate friendships, mon petit chou However, I aht my wishes be taken into account, just a little?"