What happens when an awkward, naïve young woman has sex? How would she explain it in her own words?

Edward lay in bed next to me, our breathing the only sound in the room. I waited anxiously, believing that my husband would be the one to initiate whatever would happen next. I was terribly naïve and ignorant of what happened in the marriage bed, as most young ladies my age would be. Edward sighed and stared at the ceiling, the only light in the room from the fading fire. "I know this is not ideal," he started, "but I feel it necessary. If our marriage was, um, unconsummated, my family could appeal for it to be annulled. If you are truly my wife in every way, we would be safe."

I began to wonder, why was he so afraid of his family? Why all the precautions? This was about more than my dowry. Something else was afoot, but I did not think it my place to ask. I felt awkward in my new role as wife, as if I was playing a part in a play instead of living it.

I had been lost in thought when I felt Edward touch me; he had moved closer so our bodies were touching. My breath caught. He leaned his head forward and kissed my lips gently. As I returned his kiss, we became more passionate. He ran his hands down my arms to my hips. I felt his tongue in my mouth; it seemed awkward at first and I did not know how to respond. He must have felt me stiffen, because Edward stopped and looked me in the eyes. "All's well, love," he reassured me, "just do as I do."

Doing just as he said, I pushed my tongue into his mouth, seeming to startle him. He soon returned my affections passionately. So lost in our kisses, I did not notice that he began pulling up my night rail until his knee caressed the most intimate part of me. I felt a tingling, and soon I felt as if I was on fire. Was the marriage bed supposed to be thus? I never heard that the wedding night was to be pleasurable. Edward's fingers touched me intimately; I knew I should be ashamed to enjoy it but was too lost in the moment to register what was happened.

Our heated embraces continued as Edward kissed my face, my neck, and soon he moved downward. I was mortified; where was he to put his lips? He licked my nipple, and I felt the fire of pleasure from the breasts to between my legs. His fingers continued to caress me, and one of them entered my body. He continued to rub that intimate spot with his thumb as his fingers caressed the inside of me. I felt full but wanting more. Edward's mouth passed to my other breasts, causing my breathing to accelerate. My hips seemed to move of their own accord, wanting more from Edward's hands. A stinging pain ripped through me, and I startled. Edward must have noticed that I had stopped my ministrations, and upon seeing my face, looked concerned. I told him of my pain, and he looked at my slyly and said, "Well love, you are no longer an innocent. You are my wife."

He smiled, and I soon forgot about the pain. His thumb rubbed me intimately between my legs, and my body soon began to quiver. I felt a wave of pleasure, and Edward caught my cries as he kissed me. I fell against him, wondering what had just happened. "My beautiful lass," Edward murmured, as he spread my legs.

"Do you know how a man and woman make love?" he asked gently.

Glad that the room was dark and he could not see me, I ducked my head against his shoulder and softly told him that I had seen animals mating at the farm. He chuckled, explaining that it was not quite the same. I ran my hands down his chest, exploring his body. After having such intimate moments with him, I was no longer ashamed to lie naked with my husband. Finding his cock, I wrapped my hand around it, causing Edward to moan. "Yes love," he whispered, "do that."

I moved my hand up and down, feeling empowered that I could give my husband pleasure. I felt his cock jerk in my hand and with that, Edward pulled away. I felt foolish; did I do something wrong? "Sorry my love, but you'll have me spent before we finish."

Edward pushed up on his knees, pulling my legs so I was lying beneath him. "I may hurt you my dear, and I am sorry for that. I hope this will be the only time that you do not find this as pleasurable as I do."

I felt him enter me, and it seemed as if I would burst. Thrusting in and out, he rubbed that spot between my legs. It was very sensitive, causing my muscles there to twitch. Edward grunted, so I squeezed myself again. He looked at me with feral eyes and then kissed me so I lost my breath. His body shuddered and he stopped thrusting. Rolling off of me to his side of the bed, Edward tried to catch his breath. He chuckled darkly, puzzling me. I placed my hand on his shoulder to ask what was amiss. "Nothing dear," he sighed, "just solid proof that I am no rake. I cannot make my wife come while making love."

"You think I wish to be with a rake? Always wondering where he is, and with whom?" I replied, shocked that he would regret such a thing.

He turned to me quickly with a questioning look. "How would an unmarried lady know such improper things?"

"I have known a rake's wife, seen sadness in her face, and heard it in the village gossip. No other wife envied her if she had more pleasure or not in the marriage bed. Besides, I am no longer an unmarried lady."

Seeing my solemn face, Edward pulled me toward him. I nestled into his arms, laying my head on his chest. I felt the rumble of his voice as Edward spoke. "You are right, love. But I want you to be happy. You are dear to me."

"We could try again?" I suggested. He laughed and said no, adding that I should rest. "But we shall share our pleasure tomorrow. Now sleep, dearest."