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kinds of designs had been awakening in Elise. There was something so tender about Genevieve that excited but irked her. Desire and wilfulness filled her as she looked at her fair companion. Elise subdued her excitement as she slipped her arm around Genevieve’s trim waist and led her towards the chateau. Casually she allowed her hand to rest around Genevieve’s ribs, her fingers settling on the soft swell that formed the lower cup of one of the girl’s breasts. She monitored the warmth of the girl’s body and the detectably quickened pace of her heart, and smiled to herself. The cute doe was stirring with each subtle trick of the huntress. It was strange how all seemed to slip so easily into plan.
    In Genevieve’s virginal eyes Elise could see the girl’s soul yearning secretly for someone strong to take her in hand. She wanted to be used by someone and as someone else pleased. She wanted to be bestowed with pleasures that she had never experienced yet quietly cried out for... to none but Elise.
    Inside the chateau the girls found the count standing before the fireplace. He greeted them briskly. Madame Coubette had just arrived and burst into a smile as they entered.
    â€˜Elise, as beautiful as ever and growing more like her mother every day!’ she chimed. Kissing Elise’s cheek, the handsome woman beamed at her and then turned to Genevieve. ‘And what a delightful young friend you have.’
    â€˜Genevieve is the daughter of the late Marquis de Montvert,’ the count explained. ‘I don’t think you have been introduced yet. The de Montverts, old friends of mine, have fallen victim to these mad times. Genevieve is now my charge.’
    â€˜My poor orphaned angel,’ sighed Coubette, her elegant face at once assuming an expression of deep pity. Her silk-gloved hand rose and lightly settled on Genevieve’s cheek. She studied the girl’s eyes, her fingers drifting against her cheekbone and cupping her chin.
    â€˜De Montvert and I had been the closest of friends.’ The count frowned. ‘Nobody is safe these days.’
    â€˜Oh, what a tragedy... and that such a beautiful young thing should be visited by such great sorrow.’ Coubette’s hand was still on Genevieve’s cheek, and the girl looked up at the tall woman. An elaborate wig covered her hair, sparkling here and there with small gemstones, but what struck Genevieve most was the size of the woman’s breasts and hips. She was so trim of waist, yet so large of bosom and rump.
    â€˜I do hope you’re taking good care of your friend,’ Madame Coubette said, turning to Elise.
    â€˜Why, naturally.’ Briskly Elise took hold of Genevieve’s arm, and Madame Coubette’s lively eyes flickered over them thoughtfully.
    â€˜Perhaps, it might be opportune to let you young ladies know of a decision I have been weighing up for some time,’ the count interrupted. ‘The situation in France, as you may know, is becoming too dangerous. Over the last few months I have been in contact with friends outside, in England and in Portugal. In fact, my close Portuguese friend, the Conde de Agora, recently sent his son to visit us to discuss the safest itinerary and timing of a journey to that land. Rodolfo, he came to dinner, as you girls know.’
    â€˜Yes, of course,’ Elise replied, and Genevieve blushed at the mention of his name.
    â€˜I am now of the opinion that leaving France will be inevitable for us. I have in mind the end of this month as the date of our departure. As it happens, Rodolfo, at his father’s request, has kindly agreed to help us on our trip serving as both guide and escort.’
    Madame Coubette’s eyes turned cold.
    â€˜I would also like to let you know of my decision to invite you, Madame Coubette, along with us. I know it might seem like a strange proposal with little notice, but in the period of our friendship I have learned to trust