The Merchant of Vengeance (Shakespeare & Smythe 4)

"For all that you are older, Elizabeth, you know so little of the world," Antonia said. "Do you truly believe that men are faithful to their wives? Who do you suppose patronises all the brothels in the Liberties?"

"Why . I have never even thought about it," Elizabeth confessed. "I would have thought that… well .. men who had no wives, I suppose."

"You mean men like Tuck?" Antonia asked mischievously.

"I cannot believe that Tuck would ever set foot within a brothel," said Elizabeth with firm conviction.

"Yet he is employed within a playhouse," Antonia replied. "And 'tis well known that whores ply their trade in playhouses. Why, the men who own the playhouses often own the brothels that can be found close by."

"I cannot believe that Tuck would ever even venture into such a place," Elizabeth said.

"Well, perhaps Tuck is one of the rare men who would not," Antonia replied. "Indeed, he is as upright as a maypole. And any fool can plainly see he is in love with you. Nevertheless, he is still a man, and sooner or later, a man will have his passion wane should it remain unrequited."

Elizabeth glanced sharply at Antonia. "Are you suggesting that

I should requite his passion?"

Antonia chuckled. "I was thinking more that you should indulge your own, my dear."

"And if I were to do that," Elizabeth replied, "which is not to say I would, mind you, then what if one day I should marry another, a man who could provide for me, as you suggest? 'What then would I say to my proud husband on his wedding night?"

Antonia raised her eyebrows innocently. "'Why, you would lower your eyes demurely and inform him that you were afraid and meekly ask him to be gentle with you."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Indeed! And do you suppose that he would fail to perceive that I was not a virgin?"

"Men are not very perceptive, as a rule," Antonia replied dryly.

"And there are ways to make a man perceive that which you would wish him to perceive."

Elizabeth looked sceptical. "I should think that 'twould take a very foolish man, indeed, to be so gulled."

"Men are often quick to call us women foolish," Antonia replied, "and yet 'tis men who are often made to play the fools. On the morning of your wedding, all you need do is pay a visit to a cunning woman and procure from her a bladder cut from a small sheep and filled with blood. Then, as you prepare to receive your new husband in your wedding bed, conceal your counterfeit virginity within, and as your husband consummates the marriage, the resulting flow shall surely satisfy him of your purity."

Elizabeth stared at her friend with open mouthed astonishment. "God's mercy, Antonia! You take my breath away and nearly leave me speechless! However do you learn such things?"

Antonia shrugged. "The same way that you have learned them now. One woman passes on wisdom to another. 'Tis the ancient way."

"And the woman who passed this wisdom on to you," Elizabeth replied, "would not be a woman by the name of Granny Meg, by any chance?"

It was Antonia's turn to look surprised. "And how would you know of Granny Meg?"

"Mayhap I do not know so little of the world as you may think," Elizabeth said with a touch of defensive smugness. "As it happens, I have had occasion to consult with Granny Meg myself."

"You? Gone to see a witch?"

"Do you find that so surprising?" asked Elizabeth, a bit annoyed that she should be thought so innocent, especially by someone younger than herself.

"What did you go to see her for?" Antonia asked. "Was it to obtain a love potion?"

"I hardly think I should require a love potion," said Elizabeth.

"From what I can see, love brings naught but trouble to its victims.

"

"What then? What did she give you?" asked Antonia eagerly.

"Was it a charm of warding? A binding spell to hold off your father's wishes for you? Or did she, perhaps, work a spell of divination to foretell your future?"