Two artists, Fred and Henry,  immersed in the Pre-Raphaelite art movement, with its yearning for romantic escape from the materialism of Victorian society.  Two men deeply in love with their beautiful models.  But every heart hides a secret and both couples have put certain shameful events behind them, events that, if exposed, could threaten their blissful new life. The Crimson Bed, a family heirloom passed down through the female blood line since Elizabethan times, brings with it ancestral secrets that will eventually affect Fred leading him into the darkness of London slums and a very different world to that of his peaceful home. Passions escalate as he becomes increasingly jealous of his wife’s closeness to her handsome godfather, Lord Percy Dillinger, and when shocking truths finally come to light, their lives will never be the same again . . .

Adult Sexual scenes

The Crimson Bed created by Loretta Proctor an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

The Crimson Bed

Conversation at the next sitting for Ellie's portrait was rather desultory and general but Fred lived in hope that he might snatch a moment to converse with a little more intimacy. It seemed impossible when the 'dragons' whisked her away so fast, darting suspicious glances at him, resenting his presence.  Henry was vastly amused and tried to distract the older ladies but all to no avail.  


'Poor Fred,' Henry told Rosie, 'Those two old dragons are like fierce lionesses guarding their young lady's virtue. I suspect that poor Miss Perrin finds the very air of an artist's studio in some way tainted with immorality. I can see her shudders of misgiving whenever she enters.'


'She don't know the 'arf of it!' chuckled Rosie.


'Just as well, eh?  But, oh Rosie ...if only you could see how poor Fred stares at his Lady Love!  I see no way of his ever getting a chance to speak to the girl. I think his wooing is set to be a non-starter.'


Chapter 15: Fred makes his move at last