Notes and News.

2nd of June, 17XX

During the morning's meal, I looked over the note concerning the Seamstresses, and indeed found no mention of Ms. Fraye's double Sex. And wishing to respect upon her privacy, I made no mention of it to my house staff.

They, however, had no such restraint. "Will you be spending the night at Ms. Fraye and Loome's Sir?" Howard asked, bringing in the morning's paper.

"Are my comings and goings worth being reported about Howard?" I responded dryly, taking it from him and unfurling it. "Ah. Not enough to make the front page, I see."

"Very witty, Sir, but alas no," he replied with his own dry tone. "Ms. Loome had mentioned your dinner invitation to me in passing when I went to market this morning."

I returned a raised eyebrow at him, but said no more, preferring to read the paper. A moment later though, a thought struck me. "Howard, why do you ask if would be spending the night there?" He and Gloria exchanged a look, but did not answer. "Well? Am I expected to be spending the night? Is it a... custom of Madison, that invited guests sleep at their host's homes?"

"Not as such sir," he started, picking the lint from my jacket, "Most of the time, the people here tend to... enjoy each other's company, shall we say, anytime and anywhere they fancy. And should that be within someone's home and the hour is late, the owner of the house is obligated to offer them a place to sleep."

"I don't think obligated is the right word, Howard," Gloria added, clearing the table. "Would it not be more accurate to say that they fell asleep in the same bed and, should they be willing, it makes it easier if they wished to resume in the morning?"

"I see... but you are aware of their... shall we call it inclinations, that does not involve the company of men?"

"We have heard a few things to that nature, yes." Gloria replied, gaining a touch of color to her cheeks.

"And as such, given your arguments, is there any reason I should entertain this request or impose upon them?"

"Yes, I... I see your point," Howard said, nodding somberly. "Forgive my presumption Sir. I, I was not thinking."

"No, no, it's quite alright," I sighed quite heavily. "It may have sounded harsher than I intended, but I am indeed a guest. I do not know the customs of this place. Thank you both for... enlightening me." I let out another sigh and tapped my thumb upon the Table. "Would I actually be imposing, should I wish to sleep at their home tonight?"

"Highly doubtful Sir," Gloria smiled, while Howard nodded along.