Page 13 of Pride, Prejudice & Wicked Pleasure

The third bade me mount upon and straddle two somewhat separated chairs and, seating himself betwixt them, excited by Dubois, lying in his arms, he had me bend until his mouth was directly below the temple of nature; never will you imagine, Mme., what this obscene mortal took it into his head to do; willy-nilly, I was obliged to satisfy his every need… Just Heaven! what man, no matter how depraved, can taste an instant of pleasure in such things… I did what he wished, inundated him, and my complete submission procured this vile man an intoxication of which he was incapable without this infamy.

“That were no gentle reading.”

Nearly falling off the chair, Lizzy turned to see Mrs. Trenwith at the threshold. Though her hostess ought to have been the more embarrassed party for being in possession of such a wicked article, Lizzy felt as if she were the child caught pilfering from the jar of biscuits. Her cheeks coloured.

“Are you mortified, my dear?”

The question confirmed to Lizzy that Abby was fully aware of the book’s presence in her house. Lizzy knew not what to make of the affirmation.

“I cannot deny my surprise, but having no direct knowledge of this novel, my response need be deferred.”

Mrs. Trenwith approached and verified the book that Lizzy held. “I would not recommend it to a novice.”

“You have read it?”

“Setting aside the outrageous events, it is a tale that exposes certain institutions—the aristocracy and the church—and doctrines that the author finds suspect. It is told with remarkable rhetoric.”

“There is intellectual value in this work?” Lizzy asked in disbelief.

“Indeed, though it is no easy matter to stomach the sordid violence, especially as the story begins with a maiden but twelve years of age. My first attempt to read de Sade resulted in such disgust that my sleep was disturbed for several days thereafter.”

Lizzy stared at the book, still attempting to come to some estimation of it all. Was this the ‘strange mystery to which Charlotte had alluded? Perhaps she should have appreciated the warnings of her cousin. His objection was not unwarranted. And yet, the frank admittance of Mrs. Trenwith, as if reading Justine was no more scandalous than perusing a copy of the Lady’s Magazine, confused Lizzy.

“I have no designs to debase your reputation through my association,” Abby said with a careful gaze upon Lizzy. “I should take no offense if you wished to take your leave of me. Lee can return you to the Parsonage, and I promise never to disturb you again.”

Torn, Lizzy said nothing. She had never met anyone like Abby Trenwith before and was still intrigued with the woman, to a greater degree in light of the current discovery. Her instincts told her that Mrs. Trenwith was sincere and without artifice, but was it possible for such a commendable quality to reside in an immoral bosom?

“You referred to me earlier as a ‘novice,’” Lizzy said, buying time to sort through her thoughts, “Though I have never read the likes of Mirabeau or de Sade, I consider myself well read.”

“I did not mean a novice in reading but a novice in the contemplation or pursuit of the libidinous.”

Lizzy caught her breath, and her pulse quickened. Fanny Hill weighed heavily upon her mind. Having been completely alone in her experience, she had a sudden desire to confess. Surely Abby could be that perfect confidante without castigation?

“I have read John Cleland,” Lizzy blurted.

Abby paused, then her eyes took on a sparkle. “How wonderful!”

Lizzy released her breath.

“Provided you enjoyed it,” Abby added. “Did you?”

Blushing, Lizzy nodded. She had never thought she would find herself conversing of Fanny Hill, and with someone practically a stranger.

“My dear, do not be abashed in my presence! The forces of lust reside in us all. No animal is without it, or we would see a quick end to our species.”

“Yes, but…it is a failing, if not a sin, to allow the corporeal to govern us.”

“I will be the libertine in your eyes, but I see more harm in the suppression of our natural urges. Whom have you harmed by reading Fanny Hill?”

“My soul might prove the ultimate victim.”

“A belief I find quite antediluvian compared to the canons of other civilizations far older than ours.”

Was this why Mrs. Trenwith failed to attend church? She was both a heretic and a libertine. Lizzy now fully comprehended the reservations Mr. Collins had of the woman.

“I have said too much,” Abby noted of Lizzy’s pensiveness. “I have known you but a day, Miss Elizabeth, but am struck by your manners and intelligence. It would be deceitful of me to allow you to develop a friendship with me without knowing the entire truth.”

Lizzy raised her brows. There was more?