“What of compassion?” Imogene’s voice climbed higher with each incredulous question.
“It’s the same for any quality you could name, I’m afraid. Even riches or beauty.”
“Upside-down,” hissed Imogene.
“Perhaps it is. But I did not make the rules; I have, however, been charged with impressing them upon you.”
“And what of Harold’s innocence? Does his future hinge on it?”
“Who is Harold?”
“The boy! From the shop!”
“Oh. Harold. But did youknowthis boy, Imogene?”
“Of course I didn’t know him. I’ve only just arrived in London. I don’t know anyone but you. And I find you rather tedious, I don’t mind saying.”
“Yes, I’m certain that you do. However, this point cannot be overlooked.”
“Would it have made a difference? Kissing Harold, if I’dknownhim?”
“No. It makes no difference. The only thing that matters is that your reputation remains untarnished.”
Drew paused and took a deep breath. “Is everyone in this carriage aware of the... er,intimacyshared between a husband and wife after they are married?”
Imogene glared at her. “Surely you jest.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes,” articulated Imogene, leveling her with an indignant glare.
“Ivy?” asked Drew.
“Ivy knows enough,” Imogene cut in.
“Very well,” said Drew, appreciating Imogene’s protectiveness of her sister, even now.
Drew continued, searching for the correct words, “That intimacy is afforded only to husbands and wives. Onlythencan they be alone together. Onlythenmay they enjoy closed doors, and stolen kisses, and private conversations in the back streets.”
“You mean afforded to onlywives,” said Imogene. “Husbands may do as they please.Menmay do as they please. Harold is probably already kissing some other girl, not a care in the world.”
“You are correct. This rule applies only to females. Again, I am not the architect of this rule, however, I would be remiss in my duties if we did not review it.”
“And review it, and review it,” droned Imogene.
“Excellent point,” said Drew, “let’s review: In public settings, you may speak with young men, men of any age. Butif you are discoveredalonewith a male... in a garden, in a library, in a street,anywhere...the assumption will be made that you have shared some... some intimacy with him. Even if you’ve done nothing more than stand about, gaping at each another, you’ll be presumed ‘ruined.’”
“It’s a terrible thing to presume about a person,” whispered Ivy, all traces of the emerging confidence she’d shown at Tavertine’s had slipped away.
“It is terrible,” agreed Drew. “Unfortunately, it accurately describes the way a girl is regarded if she violates society’s rules of chaste, respectable behavior. It means she is no longer innocent, no longer suitable for a gentleman, no longer marriageable.”
Ivy looked with concern at her sister, reaching out to take her hand. Imogene was in no mood and flicked her away.
“Do not feel threatened, Ivy,” said Drew. “Despite Imogene’s complaints, the rule doesn’t have to be difficult to follow.”
“Perhaps not difficult for you,” said Imogene. “I like men and having a laugh and larking about. How much fun can anyone expect to have under the watchful eye of sanctioned observers?”
“But, Imogene,” said Drew, “you have your whole life to subvert the watchful eye of sanctioned observers. It’s only now, at age sixteen, without the protection of marriage, that you must be mindful. There is still fun to be had in the company of chaperones. You have so many balls and garden parties and races ahead of you.”
