Chapter 16

“You are still a virgin, Miss Emmeline. I’m very sorry.”

The doctor’s words hit Emmeline like a physical blow, and she felt tears welling up in her eyes.

Even though she had suspected as much, having it confirmed made it all too real.

She covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

“Oh, my dear,” Dr. Ross said softly.

Emmeline felt her pat her knee gently. “I know this must be very difficult for you. Would you like to talk about it? Sometimes it helps to share our burdens with someone.”

Emmeline took a shuddering breath, trying to compose herself. The doctor offered her a box of tissues when she eventually lowered her hands.

She took one gratefully and dabbed at her eyes.

“I just... I don’t understand. We’ve been married for six months, but he’s never... we’ve never...” She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. “He always has some excuse. I thought maybe there was something wrong with me, that I wasn’