“Boston has a robust underground publishing industry,” Charlotte replied with unrepentant delight. “Page forty-seven is particularly enlightening regarding positions that favor a woman with limited mobility in one leg.”
Elisha leaned over to peek at the indicated page, her eyes widening. “Good heavens! Is that anatomically possible?”
“Quite,” Charlotte confirmed, sipping her champagne as if they were discussing the weather. “Andrew was initially skeptical but became an enthusiastic convert.”
Amelia closed the book with burning cheeks, but not before noting the page number for later reference. “This is hardly proper conversation for…”
“Knowledge is power, Amelia,” Elisha stated firmly. “Especially in the bedchamber.”
“Besides,” Charlotte added, “if Hereford is half as experienced as rumor suggests, wouldn’t you prefer to meet him on somewhat equal footing?”
“I doubt Lord Hereford expects any marital relations,” Amelia protested, though the book remained clutched in her hand.
“Darling,” Elisha said, refilling Amelia’s glass, “a man doesn’t look at a woman the way Hereford looks at you if he’s not thinking of marital relations. Even Lancaster has noticed it.”
“How does he look at me?” Amelia asked somewhat eagerly before she could stop herself.
Elisha thought for a moment before replying, “Like you captivate and frustrate him in equal measure.”
“Like he’s torn between wanting to argue with you and wanting to kiss you senseless,” Charlotte added.
Amelia fell silent, remembering the intensity in Hereford’s eyes during their verbal sparring, the way his gaze sometimes lingered on her mouth when she challenged him.
“It doesn’t matter,” she said finally. “Even if there were… inclinations… on either side, this marriage has an expiration date. Becoming physically entangled would only complicate matters.”
“Life is complicated,” Charlotte said simply. “The question is whether the complication brings more pleasure than pain.”
Elisha raised her glass. “To Amelia—may your marriage, however temporary, bring unexpected pleasures.”
“And may the contract ensure you maintain complete control over which pleasures you choose to accept,” Charlotte added, clinking her glass against Elisha’s.
Amelia joined the toast with reluctant amusement, the weight of tomorrow’s ceremony momentarily lightened by her friends’ practical support. The book of illustrations sat beside her on the settee, its presence both scandalous and reassuring. A reminder that whatever happened, she had options.
Options, and friends who would help her navigate them.
“Now,” Elisha said, setting down her empty glass, “let’s discuss what you’re wearing beneath that wedding gown. I’ve brought the most scandalous French silk chemise…”
Amelia’s laughter echoed through the small parlor as the night deepened, the champagne flowed, and three women fortified one of their own for the battlefield of marriage with the most powerful weapons they possessed: knowledge, strategy, and friendship.
