We were both disturbed by the confrontation with our hostess. We need fear no opinion but that of the Viceroy, ‘Graven Assembly, or the Sibyl of a seminary, and Lucretia Ladakh could claim none of this authority. Yet we sat, I propped up on pillows in the bed, Dominic in the hard chair beside me, like two unruly Christian novices awaiting the Abbot’s verdict. When supper was brought I was too upset to eat. Dominic sampled the meal off my tray, tempting me occasionally by holding a few choice bits to my lips. Only to please him, I accepted the juicy morsels, keeping his hand at my mouth while I licked and sucked his fingers. In a short time his face was flushed, his chest heaving with deep breaths, but he said nothing, kept his thoughts neutral. He suspected I was not yet strong enough for lovemaking, would not give in to his desire, no matter how suggestive my actions. The scene with Lucretia had had a strange effect on me. It had produced another resurrection, of all my original feelings of love for Dominic, my recognition of him as the only true companion for me.
