He looked toward the door between their chambers with longing. It had been longer than he could remember since he had lain with his wife, and he was very sorely tempted now. But the physician had explicitly told him to not overexcite himself or put undue strain on his heart. He had felt winded after a long walk the first week they had been at Margate, and so every day he had added a few steps to his stroll until he was feeling quite healthy. Now, after a full month by the seaside, he felt stronger and more relaxed than ever.

But he knew that nothing compared to loving his wife. It was like a hundred walks along the shore, like climbing a thousand steps. He was not sure his heart could take the exertion and he was not willing to take the risk. But, oh! How he was tempted!

Out of a feeling he was certain was sheer lunacy, he wrote a quick letter to his friend Dr. Withers and asked him explicitly which activities were allowed and which were not. He posted it immediately.

~

Mr. Bennet had never awaited a letter as eagerly as he did the one from his friend Dr. Withers. The first few lines were notes about his general health, what he should be eating and reminding him to avoid spirits. Then, his old friend emerged. He teased Bennet mercilessly about his predicament and how desperately miserable he must be to have such an attractive wife and be frightened to lie with her. Of course, he ended all of this with the advice that if Bennet felt he could traverse a decent distance without becoming winded, if stairs were not an issue for him, and if the lying itself were not too vigorous, he could proceed without undue fear.

Bennet stood at the bottom of the stairs with a look of determination on his face. He had been traversing the steps daily since their arrival, but never with such a goal in mind. He placed one foot on the riser and drew himself up. He felt nothing. He did another, then another, and still nothing. Finally, he took the remainder of the steps in rapid succession, only to arrive at the top slightly winded but not unduly out of breath.

Pleased by his efforts, he promised himself he would try again after tea.

Finally, after three long days of walking greater distances and surreptitiously sneaking off to the stairs, Mr. Bennet was ready. Gathering his nerve, he knocked on the door to his wife’s room.