"Years ago, the gnomes invented a penis exciter. The men called it a pocket pussy. It's a tube, made to feel like the inside of a vagina. The male puts his penis in it and then moves the whole thing up and down. With our males, it failed to produce erections. It was shelved, but the concept remains."

Jasmine clapped her hands. "That sound perfect!"

"You would need lubrication. The inside would need to be well lubricated to function. I assume this would be in constant use?"

Jasmine, and now Amy, nodded.

"You will need lubrication that lasts."

Jasmine pondered this for a long moment. "I don't have any solutions.

Perhaps an apothecarist?”

Bitty shook her head. “No. They do not specialise in those kinds of things."

“How do you know?"

Bitty smiled. "There is little gnomes do not know. One of the side benefits of our slavery was that we were the forgotten race. Standing plainly in a room full of strangers while they revealed their secrets.

We were the unseen, unwanted help. Plus, gnomes have studied everything about sexuality, trying to break the curse. Before we were scientists and mechanics and engineers. Now, we are sex experts."

The loud sound of snoring came from Daniel's bedroom. Amy and Jasmine looked fondly toward the door while Amber rolled her eyes.

A knock sounded at their door. They all looked at one another.

"Allow me," said Bitty, and rose and went over to the front door.

She opened it and saw Jennifer standing there, shuffling from foot to foot.

"Can I come in?"

"Certainly. Please enter," replied Bitty, and brought Jennifer over to the couches.

They all said hello and Bitty went to fetch another cup of tea.

Jennifer sat when offered and shared the couch with Amy and Bitty.

They spoke of small things until Bitty returned with a cup of tea for Jennifer. She sipped it and hid a grimace. She set the cup down.

She stared at Bitty for a long moment. "You are a gnome."

"Yes."

"And yet you are sitting here drinking tea with the others like an equal."

Bitty held up a hand when Amy and Jasmine growled. “Please. Let me.”