Chapter 2: The White Scarf

By tradition there were three ways a bride might be presented with the honor of the White Scarf.

If the Patron or Prince gave the Scarf to the bride then the matter was settled; she would sleep in his bed and the Patron had given instructions to the groom; Gina would have no say in the matter.

Alternatively, if the Patron’s wife and the bride’s mother brought the scarf to the bride together, it meant that the bride would sleep in the Patron’s (or Prince’s) bed, but the bride could send her mother to the groom with one to three names he might choose to ask to take his bride’s place on his first night. The groom was not limited to one choice, both knew the bride might benefit if he had several teachers. The bride’s mother, or her maids, or a relative were common choices who were likely to agree, but the bride could suggest others. In that case Gina would need to have some names.

The third way was for the Patron to send the White Scarf with a peer of the bride, such as a bridesmaid or sister. In that case it was not an order but a suggestion. The bride could return the scarf and sleep with her groom, on the assumption that they would learn what they needed by themselves. Or if she put the White Scarf on she could make whatever arrangements she wished for the groom, including asking that he spend the night alone.

This was why Gina’s sister suggested watching their mother, to see if she approached with Eve. In that case Gina would have to provide some names. They spent a few minutes looking around, but could not spot their mother at the moment.

Gina was about to say something to her sister when the Patron appeared behind Gina’s shoulder, and draped the White Scarf across her shoulder, claiming her body for the night.

Old traditions called for the bride to wear only the White Scarf once it was presented, she was to undress where the Patron indicated, reveal her body, don the scarf (which covered nothing of consequence) and then bow accept the applause of all who watched celebrating her beauty. Since about 1900 the undressing had become optional - the bride undressed on the spot only as she wished. Gwen had been rather inspired for her second martial marriage, when she was at the peak of her physical beauty. She undressed on the stage to her skin and spent half the day - a very cheerful day for all - wearing only the White Scarf. To this day many recalled, like it was yesterday, how beautiful Gwen was for her groom. It was said that there were a record number of children conceived that very night.

Gina was not that inclined to show herself unclothed, her mother made the dress and it was beautiful on her.

Gina was raised properly, so she said “thank you,” and bowed to the young Patron as she accepted the honor and what it meant. As their eyes met she knew they were each imagining the other naked, but she declined to make it so just yet. That would come soon enough.