My seventy-year-old husband keeps drifting off during our more intimate moments together. Am I allowed to leave him and spend the evening dancing with my friends?
-From a Young Lady married to an Older Gentleman
Well, my dear, Lady C. does hate to be a cliché, but in this case she has no choice—you made your bed, now you must lie in it. You have to do your duty to your husband, and that includes honoring him, especially in public. But take heart—once you do your duty and provide and heir, a discreet life of your own would not be amiss. And there is always the cheerful prospect of widowhood. Look at one of the diamonds of Society today, the Duchess of Wayland. Though she is now wed to her handsome young duke, her third husband, her second husband was an elderly gentleman who no doubt also needed his sleep. So, there is hope for you, as well. (Lady Rogue)
-Lady Cordelia