noon
With this view , I begged that Lord W -- would think of some remote place in the country , to which we might retire for the present , and he forthwith conducted me to a house on Blackheath , where we were very civilly received by a laughter-loving dame , who seemed to mistake me for one of her own sisterhood . I no sooner perceived her opinion , than I desired Lord W -- to undeceive her ; upon which she was made acquainted with the nature of my situation , and showed us into a private room , where I called for pen and paper , and wrote an apology to my father , for having acted contrary to his will in so important a concern . `` This task being performed , the bridegroom gave me to understand , that there was a necessity for our being bedded immediately , in order to render the marriage binding , lest my father should discover and part us before consummation . I pleaded hard for a respite till the evening , objecting to the indecency of going to bed before noon ; but he found means to invalidate all my arguments , and to convince me that it was now my duty to obey . Rather than hazard the imputation of being obstinate and refractory on the first day of my probation , I suffered myself to be led into a chamber , which was darkened by my express stipulation , that my shame and confusion might be the better concealed , and yielded to the privilege of a dear husband , who loved me to adoration . `` About five o'clock in the afternoon we were called to dinner , which we had ordered to be ready at four ; but such a paltry care had been forgot amidst the transports of our mutual bliss . We got up , however , and when we came downstairs , I was ashamed to see the light of day , or meet the eyes of my beloved lord .