Question A

[Jonetta]

When Cole “purchased” Imogen, did you think there was a chance he wouldn’t make her go through with it?

[Robin]

Unless she was going to speak up and tell him about her situation and why she was working at the Bare Kitten, there was no way he was going to stop. He thought that was her job.

[Jonetta]

Yes, it was naive of me, but I so hoped he’d notice how innocent and inexperienced she was. But, he was hurting, drunk and focused on himself.

[Anita]

If she had spoken up and told Cole she was only a serving maid he might have let it pass. I wondered why she didn't at least tell him her situation.

[Charlene]

I got the idea that, since he rented the room for an exorbitant price,
Ginny's employer would fire her if she refused to participate.

Cole was also three sheets to the wind (a wonder he could perform!), but what do I know?

[Karen ♐]

I did, but he was so out of it, I don't think he paid much attention at the time.

[Lauren]

Considering his drunken state, and his belief in her "profession", I would have been very surprised if he had stopped.

In addition Byrne focuses on the darker and harsher aspects of Victorian times, and Cole's stopping doesn't fit in with that.

[Jonetta]

Good point, Lauren!