Down the Rabbit Hole

Weston had known this was a subject that, though painful, would interest her.

“The article implies that the rate has stayed the same for the last few years, but that Vinton believes it is indicative of a moral decay that he thinks is rampant.”

“Well, yes, the rate has increased dramatically,” Arbuckle explained, “especially from your perspective. I don’t know the exact percentage, but I would say forty percent of marriages end in divorce.”

“By all that’s infamous, that would be forty out of every hundred?” Weston looked at Alice, who was equally astonished.

“But how can that be? Are divorces not expensive anymore?”

“Not as expensive as they were in the nineteenth century.”

“And there is no social ostracism?” Alice asked.

“No, miss, not as there is in your era.”

“In my life,” she said with a breath that was part laugh and part shock.

“Your life, miss?” Arbuckle asked carefully.

“My parents divorced.” Alice spoke without emotion in a tone that suggested no more discussion.

“Oh, yes, then I see why this would interest you.”

“And no one cares anymore? The marriage ends and people go on with whatever they were doing?” Weston asked.

“Well, it’s never that simple. There is almost always pain, and since marriage is a binding contract, the law is involved. But in time everyone goes back about their lives.”

“What happens to the children?” Alice asked, obviously distressed.

“The court awards custody to one or the other parent, or, more usually, both.”

“If they are not living together, at least I assume they are not living together, then where do the children stay? And the former wife. Does she have a place to live?”

“The children live at one house or the other depending on the custody arrangements.”

“Oh, then that’s not so bad, then. I spent the Season with my aunt, while my father was in London, you understand, and the rest of time I was with him.” Alice relaxed a little.

“And the ex-wife usually is provided for. But not always. Some women actually make more than their spouses, and it’s the ex-husband who must be supported. In both cases that stipend is called alimony.”

“That is both fascinating and overwhelming.” Alice considered for a moment, shook her head and went on. “Can you define moral decay, Mr. Arbuckle?”

The poor man looked as though he could use something stronger than tea.

“Um, I assume they mean the casual attitude toward sex outside of marriage.”

Weston shook his head. “It sounds much like the behavior of the ton during the Season and at most house parties.”

“It is not that simple, my lord. The issue is a much-discussed topic, but as to your point, the more liberal members agree with you.”

Alice laughed. “Best not let anyone hear you’ve turned liberal, Wes. It could upset the balance of power in Lords.”

“Alice, I suspect my views on many things will change after this experience.”

They went on to discuss the openness of homosexual behavior and a dozen other social changes that would shock even the most liberal members of the House of Lords.

The three of them entered into a spirited discussion on the issue of moral decay. It was threatening to become a full-blown argument when Tandy knocked on the door to announce dinner. It was a well-timed interruption.





CHAPTER NINE




Dinner was a delicious experience, but completely different from the way the meals were presented and served in Weston’s day. There were fewer dishes, and no footmen to hold the serving platters. The chicken Cook had prepared was in a white wine sauce over a concoction of brown and wild rice (he’d had to ask what it was) with roasted asparagus and a mix of green leaf vegetables covered with what he suspected was an oil and vinegar topping.