Sophie vehemently shook her head. “Oh, goodness no, no, no. But he…”
“Gave you another climax?”
Sophie let out a breath. More than one, actually. She nodded.
“Why do you seem so distraught?” Ally asked. “It was my understanding that you enjoyed the climax he gave you before.”
“Well, of course, I did. And I…enjoyed them today.”
“Them? You had more than one?”
Sophie nodded, gulping. “Several, yes.”
“That’s absolutely superb!” Ally smiled.
“Yes, it was…superb, of course. But…”
“But what? What exactly are you trying to tell me, Sophie?”
“What troubles me is that…he smacked my…”
“Your bottom? Did he spank your bum?”
Sophie nodded, wishing she could disappear into the gilt brocade of the divan. No such luck.
“Sophie, dear, many women enjoy playful spankings. In fact, there are clubs where people go to get such pleasure.”
“Clubs?”
“Yes. Of course, I’ve never been to one myself, but I’ve read about them.”
“So you don’t think it’s…odd that I enjoyed the spankings?”
“Not at all.”
“But Ally, after all the two of us went through during our childhood, isn’t it strange that I would enjoy having a man taking hand to me like that?”
Ally hesitated a moment before speaking. “Honestly, Sophie, I cannot say for sure. I do know that many men and women enjoy such things. I really don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about. You and he are both over the age of consent, and if you both enjoy those acts, why worry about it? Grab every bit of pleasure out of life that you can. You can’t know how much it pleases me to know that you’re finding some pleasure. You’ve always been quiet, and I know you’re content with the simple life of being alone, reading, singing to yourself. But I’ve always felt you were meant for so much more. That’s why I wanted you to audition for the musicale. And perhaps you’re meant for more than singing as well. If you enjoy these acts in the bedchamber—”
“Well, not in the bedchamber exactly. First in the alcove, and then in his office at the theatre.”
Ally chuckled. “It’s just an expression. Sometimes those acts outside of the bedchamber are the most pleasurable.”
Sophie smiled. Embarrassment warmed her cheeks and neck. “Perhaps.”
“At any rate, grab every little diversion you can out of this life, sister dear. The tough times will come no matter what. Seize the good when you can. Carpe diem.”
Carpe diem, indeed. “Thank you, Ally. That helps. If you’ll excuse me, I think I want to retire to my chamber for a small catnap before luncheon.”
Sophie left the parlor and strode up the stairway to her chamber. She lay down on her bed and closed her eyes, waiting for blackness to take her away from her muddled thoughts.
* * *
“Out of bed, lassie.”
A strong arm yanked Sophie off of the hard cot she’d been sleeping on. Her father’s rank breath reeked of Scotch and filth.
“Ye’re becomin’ a woman now, and a woman needs to learn how to take a good beatin’. That way I’ll find a decent husband for ye, someone to take ye off my hands so ye’re no longer my problem.”