Page 98 of The Quiet Wife
She sat beside her. “Rosa you said.” She sighed sympathetically.
Frances nodded. “I thought she was a good friend. I’m so shocked I can barely think straight.”
“Has it been going on long?”
“He wouldn’t say. That’s why we argued.”
“Then you should ask her.”
Frances gawped at her sister. “I assure you, I will not be doing that.”
“Then I will.”
“Don’t you dare!”
“Hmph.” Lizzie’s apple cheeks were trembling with fury.
“I really don’t care,” Frances said and was surprised to discover that she really didn’t. “He looked a complete fool, yelling and stomping up and down, stark naked with all his… parts dangling about.”
Lizzie clamped a hand to her mouth and spluttered. Frances’ lips twitched, then they exploded into laughter that overtook them for several moments. Lizzie recovered first, fanning herself with a hand, and Frances dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief, still chuckling.
“Lord, Frances. I really don’t know what to say. That is an image I never wanted in my head, but my God…” she shook her head. “What now?”
Frances sighed, feeling drained by the situation she found herself in.
“According to Frederick we are to say no more on the subject.”
“And what about Jemie and this kiss?” Lizzie ventured.
“Ah.”
“You are blushing.”
Frances sucked in a breath. “Well, I’ve discovered that there are kisses, and there arekisses.”
Lizzie scooped up her hands and held them. “Oh, love.”
“Last night, I decided that what’s good for the goose and all that and went to his room to seduce him.”
For once, Lizzie was lost for words. Her mouth hung open. Frances relished the moment that she perhaps wasn’t quite as much of a prude as her sister had believed.
“He refused me, of course, but in the most wonderful way. But… Lizzie, he kissed me and…” she flushed at the memory. “Oh, Lizzie, I think I understand now.”
Lizzie embraced her. “I’m glad. I have to say, I cannot for the life of me understand how Rosa thought that Fred would be a good or considerate lover though.”
Frances blinked. “Considerate?”
“You’ve never had an affair, have you?” Lizzie said.
Frances shook her head.
“Well, some men are very good lovers, and some… are not.”
“Oh. Should I ask my unmarried sister how she knows this?”
Lizzie grinned, then laughed. “You should talk to Edith more. Apparently, William is a magnificent lover.”
“Good Lord, why is she discussing marital affairs with you? I’m married and she has never so much as hinted at that kind of thing.”
