Sarah sighed. She pressed two fingers against her closed eyes. “That’s what I was afraid you would say.”
Meg made her way over the fireplace to warm herself. “It’s going to hurt terribly, isn’t it?”
“No.” Sarah cleared her throat. “I mean, not necessarily.”
Meg turned to face her. “That’s hardly comforting.”
“Forgive me. This is my brother we’re speaking of. It’s not a comfortable subject for me. If I don’t mistake my guess, Hart’s had, ahem, a great deal of experience, and I would venture to say he knows exactly what he’s doing in bed.”
“That’s not comforting, either,” Meg said, her stomach performing a somersault this time.
“Yes, it is.” Sarah smiled. “An inexperienced husband can be a nightmare. Trust me. I’ve heard as much from other married friends.”
Meg’s eyes widened. “Surely not Lucy, Cassandra, and Jane?”
Sarah snorted. “No. Not them.Noneof them. We’re the fortunate ones.”
Meg continued to rub her arms. “I’m sorry if I cannot summon the enthusiasm to be happy about this.”
Sarah floated over to her and patted her shoulder. “Iknow, and I apologize if I’m not making it better. Just know that whatever happens, I’ve no doubt Hart will be gentle with you. I’m certain he’ll make it pleasant for you. Do you want me to tell you the details so you’ll be prepared?”
Meg swallowed hard.Didshe want Sarah to tell her the details? “I’m not certain. If I know the details will I be apt to drink more or less?”
Sarah wrinkled her nose. “You have a point. Perhaps I should leave it to your imagination. I know if someone had toldmethe details before my first time I wouldn’t have believed them.”
Meg gasped. She pressed a palm to her cheek. “It’s that outlandish?”
Sarah shrugged. “Rather.”
Meg glanced about. “Oh heavens, where is my champagne glass?”
“It can be excessively pleasant, too,” Sarah hastened to add.
“Can be?”
“When you’re with the right partner. I, myself, look forward to it and I know Lucy, Cass, and Jane do, too.”
Meg wrinkled her brow. “Are you certain about that?”
“Yes, why?”
“Because my mother hasn’t mentioned much to me but from the few things shehassaid, I got the distinct impression it is something she has in no way ever looked forward to.”
Sarah twisted her hands together. “Oh dear, that’s unfortunate. It depends entirely upon your partner, I’m afraid.”
Meg sighed and stared into the fireplace. “He hasn’t looked at me. He won’t talk to me.”
“Which causes me concern. I think you need to speak with him, privately, before… you know. Try to explain what happened.”
Meg rubbed her arms more quickly. “How can I explain it when I don’t even know myself?”
“You must explain to him how you intended to tell him you loved him that night.”
Meg rubbed the back of her hand against her forehead. “Oh yes. It’s not possible thatthatwon’t sound entirely made up at this point. He’ll never believe me.”
Sarah placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You have to tell him, Meg.”
Meg blinked back tears. “No. I don’t. I can’t. I never will.”
