 Lawrence is unwilling to perform his conjugal duties as Elizabeth s husband, telling her that he loves her in a very spiritual and platonic way. Lawrence confides in his publisher, Sir Edwin Partridge, that he finds the sexual act quite repulsive and subtly suggests that Sir Edwin act as his surrogate. The opportunity presents itself when Lawrence throws a soirée for some literary friends at the Kirbridge home in Greenwich. With some heady words and lots of champagne, Sir Edwin is all too able and willing to seduce Elizabeth and oblige Lawrence, his young protégé.