Chapter Five
The Comtesse had arranged to take Anne to her tailor’s. Anne was curious to know the purpose of this visit, but the Comtesse refused to tell her anything in advance. “All will be revealed once we get there,” said the Comtesse in the coach.
“Now,” said the Comtesse when they were seated at the tailor’s, each with a glass of wine to hand. “Explain to my friend the poche secrete. How is it fashioned and what is its purpose?”
“Well, my lady,” said the tailor, “the purpose is easily explained. It is a convenience whereby the lady may if she wishes touch herself in an intimate place without the knowledge of those around her.”
“Why would she need to?” Anne asked.
“Really, my dear, you do at times display an astonishing naiveté,” said the Comtesse. “Can you not imagine why a lady
