“I’m not ruining anything, Adrianna. Don’t be silly. Don’t make this a scene.” She smoothed her robe and seated herself delicately on the ottoman beside the bed. “Listen, Jacob,” she said, in a measured tone. “I spoke to you earlier about traditions. We are a family with certain traditions. In the old days—I am talking about several generations ago, in France—most of the marriages were arranged. Girls of a certain standing with noblemen, who were usually much older. The occasion of the wedding night was a rather perilous situation. Do you understand? There was a dowry at issue. These girls were quite innocent. And some of these gentleman—their behavior was somewhat less than honorable. The result was that certain families insisted that the mother of the bride, or a suitable proxy, be allowed to witness the inaugural coupling. There was nothing prurient in this. It was merely an effort to safeguard the experience, which can be so formative.”

I glanced down at Dria, sprawled beneath me, aghast. “Oh God,” she said. “You’re making us sound medieval, maman!”

“I am explaining the situation,” Suzanne said calmly. “This tradition is not limited to our family. It is a widespread and sensible practice. Dria communicates with me about her life, as she will wish her children to communicate with her. She has chosen you. I accept that. I have not asked her to take a vow of chastity until marriage. I have allowed her the freedom to do as she wishes. We are a modern family, Jacob. But she is my only daughter. You must understand.”

“We’re not married,” Dria said miserably. “This isn’t our wedding night.”

“Nor do I expect you to get married. You are young.”

“He’s going to think I’m all crazy.”

“Nonsense,” Suzanne said. “He will think that you are loyal to your family, which is not yet a sin. As a member of our family, I have asked that Dria uphold our traditions. I intend this as no aspersion. You strike me as a perfectly nice young man. I admire your religion. The Jews are an industrious peoples.”

“Just get out, maman! Go back to your room!”