The Ring [antikvár]

Chapter OneLondon 1750" 'Od's fish, Pru, but I'd rather stay a Cheapside whore than do that to myself evcry day!"Prudence Allbright made a face at her friend Betsy and finished wrap-ping the wide muslin band around her breasts. She held her breath for a moment, gave a final tight, sharp pull on the fabric, then tucked in the ends. If only she weren't quite so full-bosomed, she thought with an edge of discontent. Then chided herself for surrendering to even a momentary vexation. Papa would have been displeased. Didn't God have a purpose in everything he did?"If my meeting tonight at the tavern goes well, Betsy," she said, "I shall be more than delighted to dress as myself again. With a pretty gown and stays. But in the meantime She slipped her shift over her head, tied it high against her throat, and stepped into her petticoat; then she donned a ragged, faded gown and laced it tighdy across her bound breasts. Her figure appeared as straight and shapeless as a boy's. Tying on a worn apron, she smiled at Betsy and shrugged. " 'Tis safer for me on the London docks to be a sexless old woman."Betsy grunted and reached for her pot of rouge. "I suppose. But not near as profitable." She stroked the vivid color on her cheeks and into the hollow between her breasts to accentuate the curves of her rather modest