The three suddenly looked away, embarrassed by Sophia's outburst.
Sophia turned to her sister for assistance in the matter. Her sister had been married for several years and was much more of an authority on love and sex than any of her friends. As they sat in the garden, where Sophia had discussed the same problem with her three friends the previous day, she listened intently to Helen.
''I think you should,'' Helen said. “If he didn't consecrate your marriage on your wedding night, of all nights, he never will. You can't go through life without the touch of a man. It is quite impossible.''
''Thank you, dear sister. Then I shall go ahead and find a lover.''
''Make sure it is someone who is discreet, and make it is clear to him that you only want a carnal relationship, nothing more. The last thing you want is your husband finding out, or your lover getting jealous and exposing you to society.''
''I'm having such terrible thoughts all the time. I look at any man I come across, and simply want to bed him, irrespective of class. I feel......''
''Deprived is the word you are looking for. Your husband has denied you the most basic of rights. You are feeling what married ladies call, 'The Urge.' That means your body needs a man. Until a man satisfies you, that feeling won't change. Women have needs, just as much as men. Just remember, make sure it's someone who can be discreet.” Helen patted Sophia on the hand. “Have you had news from your husband? Napoleon is marching on the British and Prussian forces. There will be a battle very soon.''
''No, I have heard nothing from him at all.''
*****
The Ballroom on Tavistok Square was splendid. It was large, and had six enormous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. On the evening in question, it was filled with the guests Sophia had invited. Sophia had invited three hundred people, and almost all of them had come. There was nobody over the age of thirty five.
Most of the ladies were wearing the latest fashionable high waistline dresses. There was an enormous variety of colors on display.
''What a spectacular ball, Sophia,'' Alice said. ''You really have invited all of young society. There are some very handsome men here.''
''I am pleased you like it. You may find a future husband here if you play your cards right. The number of handsome men really is most overwhelming. The choice is bewildering.''
Alice looked at Sophia. She had known her since they were at boarding school together. Alice was quite jealous of her dress. It was white muslin and decorated with a cross pattern of roses. It had puff sleeves which showed off most of Sophia's arms and a low décolleté which enhanced her ample bust. Her hair was parted in the middle and swept up in a spectacular column of curls. Sophia's facial features were fine and delicate, her smile dainty. She looked sweet and innocent, but this evening her intentions were anything but sweet and innocent.
''Your dress is beautiful,'' Sophia complimented.
''Thank you. Like you, I love white, it is so clean and I think it shows men what they are missing. Wearing white means I am young, untouched and available.''
''Heavens, Alice, you sound as desperate as I.''
''I would very much like to meet a man. It will be this evening, I hope,'' Alice said.
''Look at them. For example, that group of men there.'' Sophia pointed to a group of five young men engaged in conversation close to them. ''They are so handsome in their evening dress. Which one would you choose, Alice?''
''I like tall men, with long slender legs and a strong upper body. I like that man there, the one with the red waist coat.''
''Yes, he is quite dashing. He is handsome. I will have him sent notice that you want to dance with him.''
''Sophia, no. That is quite indelicate. He should ask me''
''Very well, then you should at least stand close to him that he may see you. Go closer and catch his eye. Smile at him.''
''And you, dear Sophia. Have you seen anyone you would like to be your lover?''
''Sssh, not so loud. The fact I am looking for a lover should be a secret. To answer your question, yes. I have seen someone I like. But I have no idea who he is. He was certainly not on my list of invitees.''
''Where is he?'' Alice asked, most curious to find out.
''The man in the blue tailcoat next to the group we have just been talking about.''
''The man with the glass in his hand?''
''Yes, do you know him?''
''Oh Sophia, I hate to disappoint you but please do not involve yourself with that man. He is dangerous. He is one of the richest men in London, the Duke of Beaufort. He came with Charlotte's brother. He is married and a full time philanderer. If you involve yourself with him, you will find it very difficult to end the affair should you want to. He has ruined many a lady.