This is no place for a lady

Alex frowns and shakes his head. “This is no place for a lady to stay. It is not an inn; it is a house of ill repute.”

The girls look at the building with renewed interest. Tabitha appears to be revolted at the sight, but Cinda bears a delighted smile and seems to be looking intently for some evidence of Alex’s words.

“And what were you and Sir Roderick doing here,” asks Tabitha. “Is this the sort of place the defenders of Mirantia’s virtue come to spend their time and money?”

Alex tries not to give away anything with his expression. He remembers Roderick’s advice and says, “Perish the thought! We were passing by and were delayed on official Kingdom business. That is the only reason you found us here by this ... brothel.” He spat out the last word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth.

Tabitha considers this explanation. Cinda says, “Of course, Tabitha. After all, do you think a handsome, strapping squire such as Master Alex would have need to purchase female companionship? He must have women throwing themselves at him everywhere he goes!”

Alex hopes his cheeks don’t look as hot as they feel. He busies himself by rechecking the connection between the horses and the carriage. As he does, he tries in vain to get his pounding heart under control. Just think about it! Only a day ago he was a simple farm boy. Now, he is a squire, and these beautiful, wealthy ladies are talking about how desireable he is!

“Is this true, Master Alex?” asks Tabitha. “Do you have women throwing themselves at you?”

“Please, just call me Alex,” he says. “There’s no sense standing on formality since we will be traveling companions. As for your question, well, a gentleman does not boast about such things.”

He notices the girls exchange knowing looks, and Cinda jabs her sister with her elbow, as if to emphasize some secret prior discussion.

“In any event, we shall not stay here tonight. We must make haste and get as much distance in as possible before sunset,” Alex declares, as he mounts the carriage and sits in the middle of the driver’s bench. With a snap of the reins, the trio sets off toward Central City and away from Kelly’s. Alex gives the place one last look, and his crotch throbs at the memory of his experience there. If his first day as a squire brought such adventures, what did the next day have in store for him?

They make their journey for a couple of hours without incident. As the sun gets low in the sky, Alex must make a decision as to whether they should try to make it to the next village in hopes of finding accommodations, or if they should make camp for the night.