Page 14 of Papa's Desires
Cynny flushed as she recalled another snippet from Cammie’s letter. Why would a papa put his mouth on her kitty? To kiss it? Or perhaps, to lickit?
The two of them moved to sit upon Hyacinth’sbed.
“There are many things which a young bride needs to know to be a proper wife for her papa,” Miss Wickersham said. “Here at Talcott House we have endeavored to teach you all those skills—deportment, posture, good manners, singing, drawing, household management. But the one piece of information which we have kept as a secret from all of you is the nature of the relationship between a man and a woman, of a husband and wife, of a papa and his littlegirl.”
Hyacinth stared at the floor. Already this conversation had made a fluttery feeling start in her tummy and she felt funny in her kittytoo.
“This is because the men who seek out brides from Talcott House are looking for wives who are not worldly and wise. They seek innocent, sweet girls whom they can teach themselves about the ways of men and women. Do you understand,Hyacinth?”
“Yes, but please, Miss Wickersham, I must know. Please, you must tellme.”
“I will endeavor to tell you as much as I can, Hyacinth, but know that your papa will wish to do the majority of the teachinghimself.”
“But what if I do not know what to do?” Hyacinth asked, panic rising in herchest.
“Now, Hyacinth,” Miss Wickersham said, patting her arm, “I am sure your papa will prefer that you not be too well informed in the ways of the world. It would not do for a young lady to be too familiar with marriagepractices.”
It was on the tip of Hyacinth’s tongue to beg for more information, especially to ask what a cock looked like and exactly how large it was, but the conversation was interrupted by the sound of another carriage arriving at the front of TalcottHouse.
“How strange,” Miss Wickersham said as she stood to investigate. “Lord Kensington did not indicate that he was expecting additional guests for thewedding.”
Cynny followed closely behind Miss Wickersham and again saw an elaborate carriage come to a halt in front of Talcott House’s front door. Before the conveyance had stopped moving, one of the footmen had left his post at the rear of the carriage and ran to open the door, only to be nearly knocked to the ground when the door was opened by the occupant who bounded out the carriage and up the front steps of Talcott House in what appeared to be one smooth and eagermovement.
“Good heavens, whatever can he be doing here? And today of all days.” Miss Wickersham’s words echoed Cynny’s panickedthoughts.
Lord Grayson had arrived at TalcottHouse.
