Free No Regrets: A Novel of Love and Lies in World War II England (The Thornton Trilogy Book 1) by Mary Christian Payne Page A

decent sort. I did think it peculiar that a man who I’d only just met, would go on and on about this ‘soulmate’ thing, but he was so convincing. I could have sworn he meant every word he was saying. He had such a sincere demeanor. That does take the cake, doesn’t it? There he was, engaged to the girl back home. I should tell her what a cad she’s planning to marry.”
    “On no, Elise. Don’t do that. I agree. He’s a rogue, but don’t get involved with his personal life. It could put my job in jeopardy. The Thorntons think he hung-the-moon. They’d never listen to anything negative about him, and, of course, would take his side. They adore Anne. If you said something that caused her to question the engagement, it wouldn’t be their son who’d be blamed. It would be you. From what you’ve said, he’s quite a smooth talker. He’d get out of it someway – probably by denying he ever said such things.”
    “Of course. You’re right. I guess she’ll have to find out for herself. I do feel sorry for her though.”
    “Perhaps it was some momentary lapse of judgment on his part. You know, he’d been wounded. Perhaps he was in shock. Don’t people sometimes say strange things when they‘re in that condition?”
    “Yes, I suppose that could be, but he seemed very rational. No matter. It isn’t really any of my business. I’m sure he never thought he’d see me again. I doubt I will see him, even though I’m living in the town named for his family. I certainly don’t want to see him. You know how wary I am of men. Mon Dieu , Giselle. Are they all liars?”
    “It seems so, doesn’t it? I think it’s good to be wary of men. Better safe than sorry.”
    “Do you think you’ll ever fall in love, Giselle?”
    “I’d like to. It’s hard to imagine though. I’ve known so many men and wouldn’t have considered any of them as a future husband. Of course, if I’m honest, the sort of man I’d want wouldn’t be found in a brothel. At least I hope not,” she smiled ruefully.
    “No, that’s probably not the ideal place to search for a mate.” Elise couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m not sure there is an ideal place. Look at poor Anne. She’s known the rascal all of her life – grew up with him –knows his family. Yet, apparently she still doesn’t really know him.”
    “That’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? She probably trusts him implicitly. If you can’t trust someone you’ve known all of your life, who can you trust? Perhaps it’s better to spend your life alone, than to have your heart broken by a cheat.”
    “You might be right, Giselle. With what I’ve been through, I much prefer being alone. I suspect, however, that someday you’ll marry. You’d make a wonderful wife and mother. And, of course, you’re beautiful. Surely there’s some decent man in the world who’ll be good to you and make up for the sad times in your life.”
    “That would be nice. But he’ll never know about the sad times, I can promise that. At least not all about them. I was such a little fool, Elise. I don’t know how I could have been so spiritual and not have known I was committing the worst sins.”
    “You were very young. And foolish, yes. There are people in the world who take advantage of a young girl’s innocence – especially one with no parents. You were searching desperately for love.”
    “I wasn’t raised with the religious values I grew into. When I was in Paris, I believed I wasn’t hurting anyone – that what I did with my own body was my business. That’s the way most of the girls I worked with thought. By the time I found God, I’d already made a mess of my life.”
    “But Giselle, our religion teaches forgiveness of sins. I know you’ve been forgiven. You really need to try and believe you’re a new person.”
    “I do believe that. But I’m afraid if I ever meet a good man, he won’t understand. How could I tell him such a thing?”
    “Don’t worry about it now. You