Evelyn felt her face turning bright red. “It was quite…enlightening…”
“Well, just don’t think it tells you everything there is to know,” Dorothy said with a knowing smile. “That book is all well and good but it’s awfully concerned with the holy act of marital coitus and not at all concerned with all of the other ways one can enjoy oneself.”
Evelyn recalled the reference the book had made to “abnormal” acts and wondered what on earth Dorothy was referrring to. A very public cafe did not seem like the place to ask.
“Of course, the only way to find out is to try it for yourself.” She winked at Evelyn, who sought a response and found none.
“Oh, Dorothy, you say I’m a corrupting influence, but you’re far worse and you know it.” Lilian looked indignant.
“And maybe both of us should just let Evie find the way herself.” Dorothy was smiling at Evelyn again. “I’m certain she can find it.”
“Thank you,” Evelyn replied, hoping the conversation would now move on.
“I suppose the question is, have you set eyes on anyone who makes your heart beat faster yet, Evie?” Dorothy asked in a light-hearted manner. Evelyn was not sure if she was asking seriously or just to tease.
“Of course she hasn’t,” Lilian answered before Evelyn could draw breath. “Don’t be absurd, Dorothy, she’s barely met anyone yet.” But Dorothy was not looking at Lilian; she was still maintaining eye contact with Evelyn. Evelyn was convinced Dorothy gleaned something of the truth in that moment, and found herself rather glad. She did not like it being a secret and she did not appreciate Lilian’s assumptions about her. “And here’s our coffee.”
The waiter approached the table and set down a tray bearing a large coffee pot and three small cups and saucers, plus a jug of cream and a bowl of sugar crystals. The matching items of china were decorated with black triangles on a dark green background, the handles gilded. The rich aroma of the fresh coffee was enticing, and Evelyn breathed it deeply.
Lilian reached for the coffee pot and poured coffee into all three cups. Dorothy took hers and added a lump of sugar, while Lilian poured cream into the two remainining cups and offered one to Evelyn. She thanked Lilian and took a tentative sip. The coffee was hot and strong, but the cream softed both the taste and the heat. The bitterness was at first jarring but demanded a second taste. Evelyn swallowed it gratefully, enjoying the warmth.
“Oh, look, there’s Vernon,” Lilian suddenly exclaimed, setting her cup down clumsily. “I simply must tell him about my new song.” She stood up and waved a hand until Vernon noticed her. When he finally did so, Vernon made for their table, coming to stand between Evelyn and Dorothy.
“Ladies, what a pleasure. And Lilian too.” Vernon made a small, ironic bow. Today he was wearing a suit which was entirely mustard yellow, his cravat dark blue. Extraordinary though he looked, Evelyn could not help but smile. Her eyes were drawn to his face, where she saw the resemblance to Jos. Evelyn thought of Jos again, remembered the way her fingers had felt against her skin, and felt the heat rising inside her again.
“Vernon, you really are too much.” Lilian pretended to pout but instead seemed quite pleased to be singled out.
“It’s far better than being not quite enough, don’t you think?” He flashed a brief smile. “How are you all? Dorothy?”
“I’m quite well, thank you, Vernon. Although I’m not sure your coffee is helping matters.”
“Never satisfied, Dorothy, dear. That’s why I love you so. It’s a challenge to satisfy a woman like you.”
“Not one you’ll have the pleasure of taking on either.” Dorothy’s eyes twinkled.
Unlike Lilian, who seemed flattered and captivated by Vernon, Dorothy seemed to view herself as very much on a par with him and able to hold her own in any conversation. Evelyn much preferred her approach and envied the easy confidence, especially as Vernon turned his attention to her. Those blue eyes, so much like Jos’s, sent a small thrill through her.
“And Evie? How is London treating you?”
“Very well, thank you.” There really wasn’t an appropriately witty response to such a simple question.
“You’ve not yet fallen under any terribly corrupting influences, then? Or felt the urge to flee back to your rural idyll?”
“Certainly not. I’m not so easily corruptible,” Evelyn retorted.
“You’d be surprised who is easily corruptible,” Vernon said darkly, “providing you’re in the sway of the right person.” As though he read something in her expression that connected him directly to her emotions, Vernon ran a finger over the back of Evelyn’s neck, unseen to Lilian, though attracting Dorothy’s keen-eyed gaze. Evelyn caught her breath; to be touched in so overtly sensual a manner sent an involuntary shiver of pleasure through her body.
Dorothy frowned her disapproval. “I don’t think you’ll find it’s your job to corrupt every woman in London,” she said, pointedly.
Vernon removed his hand from Evelyn’s shoulder but appeared unabashed. “You’re only envious, Dorothy, since I gave up upon realising you’re an unassailable fortress. These days.”
“What a flattering description.”
Although she was listening to them, Evelyn was still silent, dumbstruck by the way Vernon’s touch had made her feel. She had no interest in Vernon, yet to be caressed by him, to receive any kind of sensual attention in her current state of mind, was horribly compelling. She began to understand why, in this world, no one waited until they were married to experience such things. If you didn’t have to love the person for the rest of your life, why not enjoy the sensual pleasure with them in the moment?
“Flattery is all part of my plan.” Vernon turned his attention to Lilian. “You’re quiet, my dear.”
“Only waiting for you to notice me.” There was an edge of the sullen child in her tone.
“How could I forget you? You wound
