Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. (Aldous Huxley)

My duty, and purpose in this life that we live, is to allow myself to be mounted by my husband at his pleasure, so that I might deliver a child of the male gender. This is my job. I do this task with increasing indifference and very little passion, since we are now so many years into our contract. Over those years I have come to understand that my husband is not enamoured with me, nor does he particularly care if my skin is soft, my breasts pleasing or my body fat. All my husband cares about is whether or not he can produce a male heir off me, within the legitimate confines of marriage.

Men, both individually and as a group, are exceedingly skilled in the art of ignoring the facts that do not suit them. Women are, in fact, as clever and capable as they are, yet they blissfully ignore that fact regularly. I have bested many males in games, and in conversation, but once it is over, they will never admit to such a thing.

My husband, who has been dallying with many women, cannot accept the fact that I would seek comfort and pleasure with any other man for any reason other than to spite him. The fact that Charles is superior to my husband, in all ways save position, is a matter which William ignores. It cannot possibly be the Duke's defects as a lover, husband or human being that could possibly bring my attention and affections to another. No, of course not. The explanation must be lodged in my mental defect, or lack of intelligent reason.

The Duke of Devonshire is a man of wealth, good looks, charm and power. But the fact remains that he is utterly devoid of any qualities which would recommend him as a husband or lover. No matter his protestations or his attempts to control my heart and mind, that fact is glaringly obvious to all persons of intelligence and vision. Which, of course, means women.

Muse: Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire
Fandom: Historical/The Duchess
Word Count: 338