Livia's steps slowed. "The last thing I want is for him to suffer because of me."
"What happened to you was not your fault, my lady. Unfortunately," Tabitha continued, "fault has very little to do with how society judges a woman. A man may keep mistresses in three counties, father children in every direction, and still be praised for his vigour. But let a woman be seen receiving affection from one man outside marriage, and suddenly everyone becomes deeply concerned about morality."
Livia sank back onto the chaise. "You speak as though I have entertained half the men in England."
Tabitha hesitated.
Livia narrowed her eyes. "What?"
"Well, is that not—" Tabitha stopped, visibly reconsidering the wisdom of the sentence.
Livia stared at her in disbelief. "Tabitha… I have only ever been with the king and His Grace."
