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Clara stared, fascinated.
“Clara, you might be surprised at what some seek. All they desire is attention from a person who wants nothing more than money from them.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“One of my clients is a high-ranking government official, close to the Prime Minister. His wish? To be held and coddled, nothing more. He doesn’t wish to copulate. He seeks only a warm body nearby. I hold him like a loving mother would.”
Clara’s eyebrows raised. “He pays you for that?”
“Pays me very well.”
As perplexing as it was at first, Clara realized that she rather understood. She was prepared to trade her virtue and ruin the chance of future marriage—all in order to dispel her own loneliness.
It was more than that, she acknowledged to herself, remembering the deep longing in Mr. Robertson’s eyes when he regarded her. To be wanted so, to want him in return—it seemed a rare thing.
“I have an idea, Clara. What if your first time is not your first?”
Her brows drew together in confusion.
Whispering, Stella continued.“You can take your own maidenhead.”
Clara raised her teacup for an edifying sip as she considered. “How?”
“In those books, do you remember seeing a phallus?”
Her mouth gathering into a moue, Clara remembered. “Yes. But wherever could I find such a ware?”
Stella raised a single eyebrow, slightly darker than her blonde hair. “If you wish to know, Mr. Patton offers a wonderful selection.”
“Mr. Patton, the apothecary?!”
“If only you could see your expression! Yes. Or I should say,Mrs. Patton offers a wonderful selection. These sorts of wares are her specialty, in fact; she maintains a small area in the back. Ah, that reminds me of another matter we must discuss.”
“Oh?”
“You know how talented and wise an apothecary Mr. Patton is. He eased our sisters’s suffering. Mr. Patton is equally known for his skill with herbs and powders to prevent conception.” Stella set her tea cup down. “Clara, close your mouth, you’ll attract undue attention.”
She obeyed.
“Hadn’t you thought about this part of your adventure?”
“I had and intended to seek your guidance on it. I’m merely stunned by the image of Mrs. Patton carrying those items among her offerings, and Mr. Patton applying his knowledge to such areas!”
“Clara, all of London knows that apothecaries do this. It must account for half their profits, if not more! Mr. Patton is among the best—that’s the only difference between his shop and the others. Ladybirds are not his only customers. Many women, including some in this room, surely, seek such relief.”
“So how would I do it? Procure all of that, I mean?”
“Would you like for me to accompany you?”
“What if someone sees me?”
Stella chuckled. “You’ve been seen at the apothecary on previous occasions, I daresay.”
She tilted her head in concession. Once her fragile tea cup settled into its saucer, she looked up resolutely. “I’ve finished my tea. Shall we go now?”
Stella laughed again. “No more cake? Very well, then. Let us seek other treats.”
Once they stood outside Patton & Co., Clara’s bravery stalled, and Stella had to push her through the door.
