Chapter 14

The chamber in the tavern where Kenna, Bernadette and Daniel had spent the night, had been too small and uncomfortable. But because Kenna had made no reservation, she had to take what had been still available. At least, they had gotten a breakfast. But the place itself and their people were unbearable. More than once Kenna had to defend herself against offensive attacks from drunk customers. At noon, she had decided that she wouldn't spend another night in the tavern. Everything was better than that. But where should she go?

She had thought about to leave France. But she couldn't do that to Daniel. She owed him a home. It was time for him to settle down. But she couldn't go back to the Castle. And she had already broken off contact with friends three years ago. There was no one she could ask for help.

A thought crossed her mind, like a silver lining on the horizon. She recalled that her friend Greer had opened a brothel years ago. She had often visited with Mary at that time and she had even considered to work for Greer. Not as a whore of course, but as employees. And now the brothel seemed to be the last refuge.

Kenna gave the carriage driver the course to the brothel. She was surprised that she still could remember the place. She was glad that the carriage was available. She had given the driver money for his loyalty and his silence about their whereabouts. And she was happy that she could remain mobile that way. In contrast to Mary, she didn't care much about the horse-riding. She preferred to travel standardized.

"Where are we going?" a childlike voice asked next to her.

"To a friend." Kenna replied briefly.

She couldn't explain her son that they drove to a house where the ladies provided their bodies as a service. She was sure that he wouldn't understand the meaning anyway. But Bernadette was old enough to understand.

"Greer is an old friend of mine and Mary." she told the nanny. "We were Mary's maids when we arrived at Court once. There is another friend who had also worked for Mary, Lola. As I have learned she is married with children and lives not far away."

Bernadette nodded while she was looking out of the window, silently.

Kenna knew that the nanny was unhappy about the whole situation. She had felt comfortable on Court. After a long time she had finally found a home. And now she had to live a nomadic life again.

"This is really impressive!" Bernadette exclaimed as they approached the brothel. She frowned, when she saw some men leaving the house laughing. She looked at Kenna, quizzically. "Didn't you say, that your friend lives here?"

Kenna smiled faintly. "That's right. She lives here... lived here at least, three years ago... and she works here, too."

"Work?"

Kenna left the answer open and gave order to the driver to stop.

"Stay with Daniel in the carriage." she said to Bernadette. "I'm going and ask if Greer is there."

Bernadette nodded while she was staring at the men, warily.

Kenna got out of the carriage and walked slowly to the entrance. The door was open, so she didn't knock and entered without hesitation. Inside, it was just as she had remembered. Dim light, heavy pretentious, plushy furniture and among a crowd, men and women chatting and laughing. Kenna stood there and waited for someone to acknowledge her.

"You must be the new girl. The Madam has already announced you." A young woman approached her. She gripped Kenna's waist. "A bit scrawny perhaps. But there are men who like it fine-bond." She smiled. "Come with me! I'll show you your room and introduce you."

"This... this is a misunderstanding." Kenna spluttered embarrassed. The woman actually seemed to believe that she was also a whore. "I'm just visiting someone."

"Visiting?" The whore raised an eyebrow disapprovingly. "I'm afraid that this is not the right establishment for you, honey. We only please men here."

Kenna felt her cheeks burning. This whole situation was humiliating.

"I... would like to speak to your Madam." she said flustered. „Ist she there?"

The whore shrugged. "I'll call her, even though I'm not sure that she can help you." She left Kenna.

It took a few minutes, until Kenna recognized a familar face entering the hall. Relieved she stepped forward to meet her.

"Greer!" she exclaimed. „Forgive me my intrusion, but I need your help...!"