The Marquis laughed.
“You are very young, but you are intelligent enough to know that I am suggesting you change your present protector for one who will make you one of the most famous women in France, in fact a Queen of your own profession.”
Zena felt she could not have heard him aright.
Then she thought that just as Kendric had explained to her that the women of Paris received jewels and gowns from men so that they could parade them like racehorses to arouse the envy of their friends, so the women were prepared to accept such gifts from the highest bidder.
‘I must not be angry,’ she told herself. ‘I must merely refuse the Marquis’s offer politely but firmly.’
That was, however, easier said than done, for she realised that the Marquis had apparently made up his mind the moment he saw
