Free Vauxhall Vixen by Cindy Lee

themselves presentable. David reached down to retrieve his cloak and Vivian walked over to the shrub to gather her bouquet of flowers.
    “Thank you once again, David, for my beautiful flowers.”
    “You are very welcome, my dear,” David answered as he pulled back the branch covering the entrance to the hidden glade and indicated that she should emerge before him. “I wish to pose a question to you if I may. The violet fragrance you wear, is it significant other than the corresponding first letters in your name and in your designation?”
    Vivian paused on the pathway until David emerged from the glade and reached her side. She resumed walking and addressed his query. “Actually, Mrs. McCrea, the housekeeper at Huntgate , takes great pride in creating fragrances and she has much skill in mixing scents. She presented me with my first vial of the violet fragrance on my twentieth birthday and I have worn it ever since. But I have to confess, the flower is a symbol of modesty. I do not believe my profession as the Vauxhall Vixen could be described as modest.”
    “How very interesting, Vivian. Certainly another item of interest when I remember the significance of the violet fragrance in my dreams,” David answered with a tone of satisfaction in his voice, resolving not to mention the meaning of the aster flower to her as yet. “However, there must be some form of modesty in your veiled form.”
    Vivian slowed her pace as she observed that they had reached the entrance to the gardens. “I dare say that is possible. And the fragrance is definitely something of note when we discuss our singular connection, David,” she agreed.
    David clasped her gloved hands in his own and looked intently at his veiled companion. “Are you available tomorrow night, my dear.”
    Vivian sighed softly once again as she recognized that each subsequent evening spent in David’s company would make it harder for her to guard her heart from becoming even more emotionally involved with him. “Of course, David, I am free.”
    David gently squeezed her hands as he heard her answer. “I must say that your news fills me with great happiness, Vivian. I realize that I am monopolizing your time. Perhaps we could come to an agreement. You would be my paramour exclusively. I am eagerly anticipating many other evenings enjoying the Vixen’s services.”
    “You are certainly paying for the privilege, David. I will consent to be your personal courtesan for a time,” she answered. “Join me on the South Walk tomorrow near the spot where we first met.”
    “That will suit perfectly, Vivian.” He raised both her hands to his face and placed a light kiss on the upper surface of each of her gloves. “Good night, my dear. I look forward to our next sojourn in sexual pleasure.”

Chapter Five
     
    The following evening David was somewhat tardy arriving at his destination. He was outside Vauxhall Gardens just as the first rockets from the fireworks display were released into the sky. He was carrying a large satchel under one arm and his expression could be described as resolute. He spied Clifford Boots waiting patiently at his post near the entrance. David wasted no time in approaching him.
    “Good evening, Mr. Boots.” The young man turned towards him and quickly bowed. “I must request that you allow me to escort Miss Cassell home tonight.”
    Mr. Boots answered his statement in an eager manner. “My lord, I would be right pleased to hand over the task to you. Miss Cassell told me to come a little later this evenin ’ but I came at the usual time hopin ’ I’d run into her. The Duke of Middlecrest be havin ’ some gentlemen over for drinks. Chadley , the Duke’s butler, is a good sort, Lord Maxton. He been havin ’ no qualms about allowin ’ me to make up my time escortin ’ Miss Cassell by lendin ’ a hand in the Duke’s stables some mornings. But Chadley was in a fit of the jitters when I told ’ im I be leavin ’ for a time this evenin