Page 86 (1/2)

“I have found the perfect man, sir His name is Max Valland and he has asked me to marry him, and I have said I will”

Aphrodite gave a little gasp “Marietta! You naughty girl, you kept this secret from me”

Marietta tried to read her eyes “Are you glad?” she whispered “I a in your footsteps, Maood courtesan”

Adahed The laugh turned into a spluttering cough, and Aphrodite fetched hihed again, and ain control of himself

“She reminds me of you, my dear Madame,” he said at last, his voice husky fro your heart, Marietta It can lead you into places you would rather not be Isn’t that so?” This last was to Aphrodite, who pulled aface at him

“Life is for living,” she retorted “I may have made mistakes, Adam, but at least I have lived”

He nodded, all huht Make certain that this Max treats you well, daughter, or he will have me to answer to”

“He is a duke’s son,” Marietta said “At least he was…”

“I don’t care,” Adaood for him”

Marietta was delighted This was the first ti, and it warmed her heart

Aphrodite took both their hands in hers “I aht for you to be a courtesan, Marietta, and Max…He is a gentleman, and I can see he loves you very much Please, be happy”

Adaers “Perhaps Marietta, you will come and visit me in the country? I have a house in Soh, but I even work in the garden withthem”

“I would very much like to come and visit you at your house in Somerset,” Marietta said firmly

“Good, good” He patted her hand and s else to say He exchanged a ful look with Aphrodite

She turned to Marietta “I have so is jointly to o that as our child, it should be yours when the time comes We want you to be the owner of Aphrodite’s Club, Marietta What do you think of that?”