Free Rules of Passion by Sara Bennett - Greentree Sisters 02 - Rules of Passion

much for her. “Aphrodite, what are you thinking?”
    The courtesan fixed Marietta with her dark gaze. “I am thinking that this is nothing but another romantic dream, mon petit puce. The life of a courtesan is not romantic. To survive in her world, to thrive in her world, a courtesan needs to be practical and clever and cold-hearted, just as I was a moment ago, when I wondered whether the attack on poor Lord Roseby would be bad for business. There is nothing of romance in it, or if there is, then it is very fleeting and must be…suppressed. You see, Marietta, romance is love and a woman cannot be a courtesan and love only one man. Many prosperous careers have been destroyed through falling in love.”
    Marietta could not help but ask, “Have you ever fallen in love with just one man, Aphrodite?”
    Her mother smiled, and there was something about that smile that reminded Marietta of Vivianna when she looked at Oliver. “Ah yes, I have loved, and it was love that finally led me to end my career.”
    Marietta wanted to ask more, but the need to discuss her own plans had greater urgency.
    “How can I make you understand? I don’t care about love anymore. I have ruined myself for love, and I have had my fill of it. I do not mean ever to put myself into a man’s power again, or to place my trust in his keeping.”
    “You want to remain in control of your own destiny,” Aphrodite said softly. “You want to protect your heart. I understand that.”
    “Yes!” she answered with relief. “And if I did not take this path, then what else would I do, Aphrodite? Stay at home and dream of what might have been? Allow Uncle William to lecture me on my scandalous behavior? I cannot, I will not. I want to live my life as fully as I can.”
    Aphrodite smiled. “Is there no other choice between these two extremes?”
    “I cannot see it.”
    The courtesan sighed. “Being my daughter has destroyed all your chances of happiness. I see it now, and it is all my fault.”
    “No!”
    “ Oui, oui, it is. Because I was selfish and wanted children of my own. That is so, Marietta.”
    “How can Gerard be your fault? I was young and silly, and I let myself be swept away by him. He was a clever cad, but if I had been wiser, more cautious, Iwould have seen through him. No, I ruined myself. It is my fault and mine alone, and I accept that, just as I accept that I will never allow myself to love and trust a man again. But I do not intend to let any of those things spoil my life. I want to live , Madame, surely there is nothing wrong with that?”
    Aphrodite sighed. “Marietta, you cannot just wish for a thing and have it happen to you. A courtesan does more than smile and take a gentleman’s coat and hat. You know this.”
    She stepped closer. “Of course I do. I know what men want, and I’m sure I have some aptitude—I am your daughter, after all. I do not pretend I am very experienced in these matters. But I think I can learn, I want to learn. That is why I have come to you.”
    Aphrodite cast up her eyes, but she was smiling.
    “Do you see now why I think I would make a very good courtesan, madame? I am not looking for romance, I am very practical, and my reputation is already in tatters.”
    Now Aphrodite laughed aloud, but sobered as quickly. “You say these things, but you do not really know—”
    “That is why I want you to teach me!”
    The courtesan’s dark gaze slid over her, before returning to her face. She was reading her, judging her sincerity, and suddenly it was extremely important that Aphrodite take her seriously.
    “Aphrodite, please,” she sounded as desperate as she felt. “I don’t know what else to do but ask you again to help me.”
    “Hush, child, listen to me for just one moment. Have you truly considered what it is you are askingof me? You will be stepping well outside the boundaries of polite society. You think you are beyond them now, but you are not. Being a courtesan is to be a woman apart. Is