Page 82 of A Most Beloved Sister
The three women spent the next hour in cheerful conversation as Jane was primped and pampered. Louisabrought her personal maid in to do Jane’s hair in an elaborate coiffure, although some modifications had to be made due to Jane’s sensitive scalp.
“Oh, Jane.”
Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes as she took in her elder sister’s appearance. Jane stood in front of the fireplace, dressed in a silver satin gown with a dainty lace trim around the neckline and waist. The bottom hem had one ruffle with delicately embroidered daisies and robins, Jane’s favorites.
“Is it time yet?”
Jane’s eager question broke through Elizabeth’s sentimentalities, and she gave a watery laugh. “Almost, dearest.”
“Before we go down, Jane, I thought it might be best to see if you have any questions about tonight,” Louisa asked.
Elizabeth gave Louisa a sharp look. “I was under the impression that Jane’s health was being taken into consideration above all else.”
“That is precisely why I wish to know what she understands about tonight,” Louisa replied calmly. “I cannot imagine you want your mother to be the only one conducting a conversation of this nature?”
Elizabeth blanched. “I concede your point.”
Jane looked between the two women. “I’m confused.”
The other two ladies exchanged glances. Louisa motioned at Elizabeth to begin, who then gently took her sister’s hand and guided her to a chair. “Jane, dearest, do you know how each year Papa has Mr. Long bring his prize bull to our cows?”
Jane nodded. “Yes, so the cows can have baby calves.”
“You know how the bull… mounts the cows?”
Jane’s eyes widened. “Is that… is that how women have babies, too?” She turned to Louisa. “Did Mr. Hurst mount you?”
“Well… not exactly… that is…” Louisa blushed furiously and stammered, then glared at Elizabeth.
“Don’t look at me!” Elizabeth threw her hands in the air. “I’m not the one who actually knows anything!”
The room was silent; then Louisa laughed and was quickly joined by Elizabeth. “I can see I am making a muck of this,” Louisa said, wiping her eyes. “Let me try again.”
Jane’s face was a mix of bewilderment and fear. “I don’t think I want to hear any more.”
“Jane, what will happen with you and Charles is absolutely nothing like what happens between animals. Do the bull and cow hold hands?” Louisa asked.
Jane shook her head.
“Do the bull and cow kiss?”
Another shake of the head.
“Has Charles held your hand? Kissed your hand even?”
Jane smiled dreamily and nodded. “Oh, yes.”
“How did it feel?” Elizabeth asked.
“It was the most wonderful thing. I didn’t want him to stop,” Jane answered blissfully.
“That is what it will be like tonight when you are alone with your husband,” Louisa said. “There are some parts of the human body that are like an animal’s body, but that is the only similarity. I simply didn’t want you to feel scared about that, since his body will be different from yours.”
“Like a bull is different from a cow,” Jane said, nodding in understanding.
“Exactly,” Louisa said. “If you have any questions at all, you can come talk to me at any time. If you feel scared or uncomfortable, you can always ask Charles as well. Your new maid can also help you.”
“A new maid?” Elizabeth asked with a frown.
