Food and Lady Scarlet

It is a long trip from the bathhouse in the back of the brothel all the way up to the third floor. Christine was more than a little concerned by her lack of clothing, the simple shirt she wore was the only thing that covered her otherwise naked body. She wasn't sure if it was reassuring or even more alarming when she passed other young women who were much more scantily clad than her.

From the balcony of the second floor she looked down at the common room with renewed interest as she watched women plying their trade in small, portioned cubicles open from above where just about anyone could see. The second floor was separated into proper rooms and was much quieter. Alice explained that this is where the richer guests are entertained in complete privacy. Outside each door was a sand timer bolted to each wall, and two or three of them had sand slowly passing through the glass.

Yet they continued up the stairs to the third floor. Scarlett lived on this floor, as well as Avi who was a rich Jew and Scarlett's business partner. Christine was billeted in the next room. She didn't know it yet, but she was going to be Scarlett's personal project.

Alice was the last girl to be treated this way by Scarlett. However, Alice wasn't jealous, she just wanted to help the shy young woman survive the first few months. It will be easier for her because she was Merthin's special woman, but he would tire of her and then this poor thing would learn that any man with the right amount of money would be allowed to spread her legs. Should handle that transition, Alice had no doubt Evelyn would be a success. Her beauty and innocent nature would ensure that men would love to defile her - and pay well for the privilege to do so. Once the girl became accustomed to playing the role of the innocent victim, she could then enjoy the trappings and the benefits of being a mistress to the rich and powerful.

No Alice wasn't jealous, Alice was hopeful. Perhaps now Scarlet would reward her for reeling in this lovely little morsel, perhaps even let her start learning the trade of running a brothel instead of just laying on her back and giggling. As expected, Scarlet was waiting for them when Alice escorted Evelyn into her room. A tray of pastries and cheese with a bottle of wine sat on the bedside table.

The madam looked up and smiled more to herself than at Christine. Scarlet had changed from the stiff brocade gown into a silk and lace robe that was as loose and sexy as what many of her girls wore and Christine realized with a start that even though the woman was as old as her mother that she was still strikingly beautiful

"Well, don't you clean up pretty." Scarlet patted the bed by her side, "Come dear, sit by me and tell me all about how you met Master Merthin." The slightest tilt of her head sent Alice from the room and Christine approached cautiously.

"Why did Merthin bring me here?"

"Why, to keep you safe of course." It felt to Christine almost like when her father chided her for asking a question without thinking. "Bishop Anthryl's tentacles reach into almost every nook and cranny of this city, but as long as you keep out of sight, you'll be safe here."

"Is he ... will I have to ..." Christine blushed fiercely as she tried to get the question out. "Alice told me that I was going to be Merthin's special girl. Does that mean he's going to use me ... like the girls downstairs?"