Page 29 of The Lady's Guide to Marrying a Viscount
Where were they? At the bottom of the trunk most likely, which would require getting out of bed to rummage for them. It had taken her this long to get warm beneath the covers, so rising held limited appeal.
The only book within arm’s reach was that dreadful guide, which she’d relegated back to its hiding place.
Ah well… perhaps there shall be something in there so awful it shall be of amusement; or, it shall bore me so thoroughly that I’ll fall unconscious with it in my hand.
Propping herself up, she pulled out the drawer, retrieving the edition, and began to flick through.
Between ‘Forks’ and ‘Freckles, was a chapter on ‘Fortitude’, from which Geneviève read:
Believe, and strive, and grasp to your heart what you desire.
For life is too short to waste in regret.
She smiled to herself.
There is a sentiment upon which I can agree. I intend to have no regrets, and I certainly shall be grasping for what I desire.
Idly, she continued her perusal, pausing at a segment headed ‘Poise’:
A lady’s belief in herself—her own strength of will, herself-assurance—is her greatest asset. To believe yourself in control of your destiny is to be so.
Hmmm. Again, I concur.
So, little book, what do you say about making a man fall in love? For a man such as Hugo, and a woman such as I, what do you recommend?
It didn’t take long to find the portion of the volume dedicated to ‘Love’, and a subheading therein, entitled ‘Engaging the heart of the one you crave’.
We fall in love not with charm or beauty, nor with wit.
The heart desires not perfection in its mate, but to receive love, regardless of our flaws.
To be heard, and understood, to be chosen for the person we are, no matter what befalls.
To be loved, unconditionally; what can be more alluring?
Geneviève read it twice through. There was something in it, she supposed, though her experience had been that men were quite fond of wit and charm and beauty. As to whether those qualities inspired genuine love, she did not feel qualified to say.
Was it true, that a man could dote on a woman purely for her loving him despite his flaws, his inadequacies, his mistakes?
It was not a piece of advice she’d heard before, but it made sense in some respects. Men wished to be worshipped, no matter theirweaknesses, to be thought of as gods in their own home. This was surely of that ilk.
The woman must be as tolerant as the Virgin Mary, while her husband indulges in any foolishness, or wickedness, knowing he’ll be forgiven!
There seemed no other interpretation.
She turned back to the frontispiece, searching for the year upon which the pages had been printed.
The publisher was listed as Dalreagh Press, and the date as 1835.
Goodness, how long have you been sitting in that drawer? It’s a wonder the mice haven’t eaten you!
That thought made Geneviève glance about the room, as if a parade of scurrying rodents might suddenly be visible. Fortunately, it wasn’t the case.
She leafed through again, this time more meticulously, and stopped at a chapter enticingly named ‘Bedroom Matters’.
…where affection exists, and a man is patient, physical coupling may become a source of pleasure to both parties.
Geneviève rolled her eyes.
