Tell me Sophia, what is it like to lie with a man? Alice asked.
Well, it's, er, interesting.
“Interesting? Alice repeated. I had hoped it would be more than just interesting.
To tell the truth ladies, I don't know what it is like to lie with a man. Well, actually that is not true. I know what it is like to lie next to a man but I don't know what it is like to feel a man lie on me.
The three ladies gasped. But how can that be, you are married? said Emily.
Yes, the other two added, in unison.
I know, and that is the very worst thing. I am married and I don't know what it is like.
But surely on your wedding night? Alice said.
No, nothing. My husband was not interested.
After Sophia's friends had digested this information they felt a good deal of sympathy for her.
My dearest Sophia, what are you going to do? I mean, if your husband is not interested in you, do you really want to live without a man in the bedroom? Alice asked.
No, I do not. To my friends, I make no secret of the fact that I am utterly frustrated. In fact, to the point where I have been staring at the workmen who built this magnificent house.
You should take a lover, Charlotte joked.
That's a good idea, Alice remarked. Why not? What do you have to lose? If your husband won't make love to you on your wedding night, when on earth will he? Probably never.
Sophia realized what Alice was saying, wasn't without truth. Indeed, if David didn't want her on their wedding night, when everything was fresh and exciting, he would in all likelihood, never want her. Just for arguments sake, say I wanted a lover. How would I go about it?
The Ladies, not being at all expert in matters of this kind, looked at each other with blank looks on their faces. It was Alice who spoke first. A party to which you invite lots of attractive single men.
Yes, a party that's it, Charlotte gushed. Emily nodded in agreement.
You just want a party so you can find yourselves a handsome husband, Sophia retorted. Each of them shook their head. Alright, I will organize a party. I will invite as many unattached men as is possible and take one as a lover.
Alice now regretted her suggestion. Sophia you can't, not really. I said it in jest. You are married, think of the scandal if it were to become known.
But I want to feel a man on me. I can't stand it anymore, Sophia exclaimed.
The three suddenly looked away, embarrassed by Sophia's outburst.
Sophia turned to her sister for assistance in the matter. Her sister had been married for several years and was much more of an authority on love and sex than any of her friends. As they sat in the garden, where Sophia had discussed the same problem with her three friends the previous day, she listened intently to Helen.
I think you should, Helen said. “If he didn't consecrate your marriage on your wedding night, of all nights, he never will. You can't go through life without the touch of a man. It is quite impossible.
Thank you, dear sister. Then I shall go ahead and find a lover.
Make sure it is someone who is discreet, and make it is clear to him that you only want a carnal relationship, nothing more. The last thing you want is your husband finding out, or your lover getting jealous and exposing you to society.
I'm having such terrible thoughts all the time. I look at any man I come across, and simply want to bed him, irrespective of class. I feel......
Deprived is the word you are looking for. Your husband has denied you the most basic of rights. You are feeling what married ladies call, 'The Urge.' That means your body needs a man. Until a man satisfies you, that feeling won't change. Women have needs, just as much as men. Just remember, make sure it's someone who can be discreet.” Helen patted Sophia on the hand. “Have you had news from your husband? Napoleon is marching on the British and Prussian forces. There will be a battle very soon.
No, I have heard nothing from him at all.
The Ballroom on Tavistok Square was splendid. It was large, and had six enormous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. On the evening in question, it was filled with the guests Sophia had invited. Sophia had invited three hundred people, and almost all of them had come. There was nobody over the age of thirty five.
Most of the ladies were wearing the latest fashionable high waistline dresses. There was an enormous variety of colors on display.
What a spectacular ball, Sophia, Alice said. You really have invited all of young society. There are some very handsome men here.
I am pleased you like it. You may find a future husband here if you play your cards right. The number of handsome men really is most overwhelming. The choice is bewildering.
Alice looked at Sophia. She had known her since they were at boarding school together. Alice was quite jealous of her dress. It was white muslin and decorated with a cross pattern of roses. It had puff sleeves which showed off most of Sophia's arms and a low décolleté which enhanced her ample bust. Her hair was parted in the middle and swept up in a spectacular column of curls. Sophia's facial features were fine and delicate, her smile dainty. She looked sweet and innocent, but this evening her intentions were anything but sweet and innocent.