Member-only story
Tigress of the Shrubland (13)
A slender man in a black suit, presumably the butler, smiled and made a short bow upon seeing the man. “Good morning, sir. You are ever welcome.” He led them down a hallway laid with an intricately designed red carpet and hung all through with paintings, which were of no little interest to Charles, though he found himself disappointed that all were unremarkable landscapes.
The butler seated them in a parlor whose richness far outdid the home of Charles’ new companion. The crystal chandelier scattered light over silken chaise, seven-foot painting framed in gold, white fur, and mahogany table. Charles, faintly dazzled but rarely fazed, sat in the enormous armchair the butler directed him to with thanks.
“How shall I announce you, sir?”
“Just Charles will do.”
