Page 28 of The Irish Gypsy
"Afraid? Of course not," she said andlaughed. "I can't wait. Married women have so much more freedom,you know."
"I suppose so, but you will be expected toshare your husband's bed," persisted Kitty.
"Oh, no, I shall insist on my own bedroom.Oh! I know what you're hinting at--the intimacy business," laughedJulia.
"Oh, Julia, don't laugh. It will shock you sodeeply. You have no idea what it's like to be with a man thatway."
"Don't I?" Julia arched her brows. "Whatquaint notions you carry around in that head of yours, Kitty!"
She was brought abruptly back to the presentas Jonathan O'Reilly shook her arm for the second time.
"Yer off somewhere wool-gathering, lass. Be agood girl and open that lunch basket and let's see if we've got'owt worth eating, eh?"
There was some cold chicken and some smalljars of calves' jelly for invalids. A dozen small red tomatoes hadbeen carefully packed to keep them separate from the russetapples.
"What muck!" Jonathan complained. He broughtout his wallet and handed some money to Terry. "Here's a quid, lad.At the next station go and get us some pork pies and a bottle ofhock."
Kitty almost protested, then realized that hewould have his way no matter who put forth objections. However, anhour after he had partaken of the heavy pork pie, he was rollingabout with indigestion.
Kitty was very anxious for him "Mr. O'Reilly,you don't think you are having another stroke, do you?"
"Nay, lass. it's the wind. Next stop get mesome peppermints. Ask for Mint Imperials; they should do the trick.I'm often plagued with wind. You know, life's funny--when I was alittle lad I went hungry many a time, and now that I can affordanything I like, it doesn't like me. By gum, I'm feelingpoorly."
By the time the little party wound its way toHey House, all three were suffering from exhaustion. Terrance soonmade himself scarce and after Mrs. Thomson helped Kitty getO'Reilly to bed, Mrs. Thomson took her into the kitchen, where abright coal fire blazed. "Take a load off yer feet, child, and I'llget you a cup of tea. If himself rings in the next half hour, youjust ignore him. He can be a mithering old devil."
"Oh, Mrs. Thomson, I'm glad I'm back," Kittysaid helplessly.
"They say that there London just seethes withvice. It's nothing but a den of iniquity. Did anything happen toyou out of the ordinary?"
Kitty looked at the bright eyes, avid for ajuicy tidbit. She said slowly, "Just one thing: I stopped being alittle girl.”
Chapter 8
October 1st. was a cool, clear day. Thewedding went off without any hitches until the reception was wellunder way. Julia followed Patrick from the crowded salon into thelibrary, where they would be alone. "My God, Patrick, how could youkeep it from me that Sir Charles Drago is a widower, and here inLondon again? Do you realize when his father kicks the bucket,he'll be the Duke of Manchester? Just think, I could have been aduchess! You made me settle for a viscount," she accused.
"I ought to take my riding crop to you, youmercenary little bitch! How can you say such things when you'vejust exchanged vows? By God, I wouldn't wish you on a fine man likeCharles; he deserves better. Have you taken the trouble to thankhim for that magnificent set of Wedgwood china? Thank God I don'thave the managing of you anymore. Damned women are all alike--wantyour cake and eat it too!"
"Well, there's no need to be offensive to me,Patrick. I swear, I think you must be foxed," she hissed as sheswept from the room.
Patrick sought out his friend in the crowd."Society weddings are all alike, dead boring."
Charles finished off his drink and set theglass aside. "I'm just back from Drago Castle. Things are bad inIreland, Patrick."
"I know. Father shipped all our people toLancashire to work in the mills. Not a very rosy future, but betterthan dying in the streets."
"County Armagh is very bad. Of course, we'vea lot more people than you, but they're leaving in droves. Theyclustered about me thick as flies for news of the West Indies. I'veadvised any who can beg, borrow or steal passage to go. Some ofthem are willing to indenture themselves for years in lieu ofpassage. It fair breaks my heart to see them leave their nativesod. It's hard work on a plantation, but there's plenty to eat andthey'll never be cold again."
"Charles, youaredepressed. After weget rid of the happy couple, let's go along to Madam Cora's andsample some of her soiled doves."
Charles would rather have died than admit toPatrick that he hadn't been able to perform with a woman for over ayear now. He knew it was from the dissipation of life in thetropics. Too much liquor; too many native women. Overindulgence hadrendered him impotent, but he said quickly, "Delightful idea! Whatcould be better than good music, good food, good wine and a badgirl?"
In the early hours of the morning, Jeffreylay awake with his hands behind his head. Despite the maidenlymodesty Julia had displayed, he knew that he hadn't been the first.She had enjoyed it just a little too much for that. It was an ageof complicated standards, where one type of behavior was acceptedfrom men, but the female population was sharply divided into twogroups. Bad girls were expected to be lustful, but good girlsweren't supposed to know anything about sex whatsoever. In politesociety, trousers were called inexpressibles, underwear wasreferred to as unmentionables and legs were whispered of as limbs.It was an age of hypocrisy where even piano legs were covered. Thusit was a shock to Jeffrey to doubt his wife's chastity. A quiet andprudent man, he decided some things were better left unsaid. But healso decided he would never give her the opportunity to beunfaithful to him. He would get her with child immediately, whichwould give him the upper hand by putting her at a physicaldisadvantage. He began to feel better. After all, there wereadvantages besides her money. Having a responsive, passionate womanin bed with you, especially when that woman was your wife, was athing to be desired. He reached over and ran his hand possessivelydown her back and over her buttocks. She roused from sleep, turnedtoward him and opened up to him eagerly.
Jonathan O'Reilly did not consult his doctorin Bolton. After spending the first day home in bed, he arose asusual the second day and went to the mill.
Kitty seized the chance to go visit hergrandfather. She took her Tarot cards so he could give her areading. She was too superstitious to read for herself.
"What burden is weighing your shoulders down,lass? Unload it."
