Before the Blue Moon publishing, this appeared anonymously, in the Grove Press Victorian Library in 1985 as ‘Muriel’. It will not appeal to all seekers of erotic literature because of its uniquely atmospheric style, in which the considerable number of erotic moments are nevertheless far from explicit. If you like Henden’s rather hot-house style, this is an excellent example, but it is necessary to proceed slowly with the convoluted plot and large number of interrelated characters. The plot is built around the activities of a Victorian mother who has a son and two daughters, and whose husband no longer gives her the attention she craves. She seeks solace elsewhere, leaving her husband to the playful and fully liberated attentions of her sister and friends, who also co-operate with the mother in undertaking the sensual education of the budding younger generation. If you’re prepared to take your time, and you enjoy subtle Victorian-style prose, then this is a true gem, even a classic. ( )