Volume 4

Lady Petronella Von-Hathsburg’s Guide to Marital Relations

Some Thoughts on Marriage – The Roles of Husband and Wife – A Woman’s Inferiority – Wedded Bliss – The Wedding Night – The Art of Conception – Sterility – Inadvisable Sexual Congress – The Importance of Pleasure – Pregnancy – Family Life – Divorce

Dear Reader, one of the most important events occurring in human life is that of marriage. Indeed, where it is known that True Love exists there will always be found a happy home. This is one in which – we would fearlessly assert – lives the ultimate union of love, truth and faithfulness. These harmonious elements, shared only between a man and a wife, lead to a state of wedded bliss which is thus proclaimed to be the nearest to human happiness that it is permitted for mortals to enjoy on this earth.

Within this sacred bond lies the opportunity for generation: an act of union between the physical bodies that is encouraged by society and which results in the continuation of the human species. The purpose of this volume is to act as guide, confidante and authority on the roles married life assigns to us: to promote its harmony; to delicately define its purpose; and to aid in its success.

Although we are often told of much unhappiness that has been found in wedded life, it seems that this has often been caused by the thoughtlessness of those who have joined their lots together for reasons that do not reflect either the sanctity or seriousness of the bond they have undertaken. The advice given to you in the preceding volumes plainly states that the correct reason for marriage is True Love and advises against any foolhardy unions resulting from a lack of maturity, or for want of True Love, which in all cases – it must be continually asserted – should accompany the marriage vows.

Having attained the marriageable state, and after the conflicting emotions of the wedding day, there must come the wedding night. We think it advisable to present a few delicate hints to the young and to those who are anxiously looking forward to the first consummation of the connubial vow. The advice contained within these pages will not only aid the passing of daily life, but also allows us to discuss the most natural and sacred act itself. Furthermore, we set out the means by which we may not only increase the pleasures of the act, but also equally add to the comfort and happiness of our mates and ensure an offspring that is both healthy and vigorous.

Some Thoughts on Marriage: -

To avoid a unsatisfactory union, the mode of courting in England has given those ‘courting couples’ a more than excellent opportunity for character study. Modern methods of Physiology, Physiognomy, or Phrenology have all aided in deepening an understanding of the character of a person’s intended. Yet in the years before these methods were discovered, men and women understood each other through general experience, analysis and keen observation. Methods you may use to unlock the secrets of your beloved are many, yet it is important to note that whilst some people’s character can be known in five minutes, others require studying for many months. All the charts and fortune-telling alone will not allow you to come to a more adequate conclusion that could not have been reached by a timely observance of the power of conversation. For the success of a marital union relies heavily on the husband and wife having a good knowledge and understanding of each other’s character. Without such an understanding, the union will fail.

Above all things, True Love is of the utmost importance not only for the happiness of the two persons involved, but for the success of their future offspring. Any union where there is a want of love between man and wife will cause barrenness, sterility, or far worse, the propagation of an ill-looking, sour and spiritless offspring. Let this be a warning to the Reader whom we encourage to take most virulent heed of this elemental knowledge. For as it is said, ‘If their hearts are not united in love, how should their seed unite to bring forth a comely offspring, if any at all?’

The Roles of Husband and Wife: -

To begin, let us approach the marital roles of the husband and wife. Sadly, it is important to remember that the art of getting a husband is far easier than the art of keeping him. Men find more freedom in public life than women, and for a wife, the strength of her bond to children, home and furniture will far outweigh the difficulties faced by a truant husband who has gone to the Antipodes or to the dogs. She, the more beholden of the two, is less likely to depart from those responsibilities.

It is important to understand that whilst the lure of public life is often exerted over men, it is the wife who creates the shelter needed when they wish to retreat from it. Her importance to his happiness is paramount and whilst any noodle-headed husband may be gratified by the idea that this means she is his possession, he would be advised to dismiss such ridiculous notions immediately from his mind. The husband provides the domestic hearth and home. It is his duty to render it as agreeable and cheerful as possible within the financial restraints placed upon him. However, once provided, it becomes the domain of his wife. He is not to interfere unnecessarily in household affairs, as this is an intrusion into a department that does not belong to him. Home and hearth are her domain.