In the story I’m madly working on at the moment, Siren, Elisabeth Tanner is a passionate, virginal bride-to-be, set in the British Virgin Islands in the early 19th century. Having grown up in a marginally less rigid society, with a companion/maid who would these days be considered a couples sex therapist (her reason for being employed in Elizabeth’s parents house provides an interesting secondary story) Beth is determined to enjoy the marriage bed.

The day of her engagement to scientist explorer William Swan – the day before he is to leave on a 6 week voyage – Beth gives her betrothed a notebook and asks him to write her a journal of pleasure while he’s away, to enlighten her in the joys of sex.

He goes one better and also has the sail-maker craft a sex-toy to practice with, and to give herself pleasure. Something like this, and 18th century dildo found in Poland, eight inches long and made of high quality leather with a carved wooden tip.

As usual, I did some digging on-line (hence the photo, above) and found some fascinating information on the history of sex aids.

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