The downtime associated with integrating fresh troops into their garrison gave him more time to be with Émilie. Given his rank and position he received a stipend for accommodations in town, which he used to secure her on a full-time basis.
Since the service gave him all he needed, Marc saw little value in money. So spending it on the woman he enjoyed spending time with to keep her away from the horrors of prostitution was a win for him.
He supposed their arrangement suited her as well, because she remained true to her word. Émilie kept quiet about their secret and made no attempt to force herself upon him. A part of him hoped that their friendship was built on more than the ability to make payments.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
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