A Judicious Arrangement

“My love, would you have any particular objection to my ravishing Mr Gisborne upon the davenport?”“The davenport?” echoed Horatia, in tones of such dismay that Mr Gisborne’s heart seemed to stumble within his breast. After a moment, however, she continued, “Y-yes indeed, sir, for only look how slender the legs are! I do not b-believe they could possibly bear it, and you know you yourself were speaking of the shocking expense of rosewood only yesterday. The b-back b-bedroom would be much better.”