Philippa stepped closer to the bed, so that her fingertips could graze the indigo quilt. The material was soft and warm. The sort of down blanket that would be lovely to snuggle up inside on a cool autumn’s night. Or to lie naked atop because the low fire and her lover’s touch provided more than enough heat.

Her hair was piled atop her head in artful braids and ringlets, leaving her neck bare for Tommy’s explorations. From behind, Tommy dipped her face to the curve of Philippa’s neck and began a new onslaught of kisses.

Philippa scarcely registered the slow, deliberate descent of Tommy’s fingers at her spine. Her brain could barely process the new sensation of light, sensual kisses where there had never been kisses before. Behind her ear, along the ticklish hairline at her nape, down the back of her neck to where the top of her dress ought to be, but no longer was.

Shivers erupted on her flesh. Tommy’s kisses continued lower down the back of Philippa’s neck until they reached the top of Philippa’s shift, an utterly ordinary article of clothing normally hidden from others’ eyes. The simple linen garment was no longer ordinary nor hidden. It felt provocative and indecent. Philippa’s hands fell from the bed to her sides.

Tommy slid down the lace-and-satin gown ever so slowly. Over Philippa’s breasts…hips…calves…A trail of kisses followed the path of Philippa’s spine, ending just above the curve of her derrière, where there was nothing between Philippa’s flesh and Tommy’s mouth save the linen of her shift.

“Step,” Tommy said softly.

Philippa gripped the bed for balance as the gown was whisked away.

“Now what?” Tommy asked, her voice rough.

“N-now what?” Philippa repeated. “Don’t you have ideas?”

She turned to face Tommy, deliciously aware that her shift barely covered her bosom. Philippa’s stays lifted her breasts to improbable heights, two plump offerings begging to be tasted.

“Mm.” Tommy ran her curved fingers lovingly down Philippa’s side. “More ideas than would fit into a single night. But I want to know about yours. You researched the subject, did you not? What did your Sapphic literature suggest might be an agreeable way for two half-naked people to pass the time?”

“The…literature,” Philippa stammered, “was not explicit enough to obtain a clear picture. The etchings, on the other hand…”

Tommy’s eyebrows shot up. “There are etchings? Did you bring them? Please tell me your valise is bursting with forbidden erotic artwork.”

Philippa shook her head. “They…I hid them…”

“Pity. If you want me to try it, you’ll have to describe to me what you saw.”

“You’re very cruel,” Philippa said. “You know what I want.”