When women drank wine

Those were times of great drinkers. Under the bushels after fettuccini with chicken offal, stew, puntarelle salads heavily dressed in anchovy and garlic  salsa, romanesque artichokes, broad beans and pecorino cheese, all hosed down with liters of tasty white wine. Men and women's jolly laughter echoed as the children watched curiously. There was always some considerate husband that, with tearful and narrow eyes, insisted on filling the ladies' glasses, that till then had avoided, soberly. Cheerful play that became joyous; loud laughter moved the air, languid glances  were omens of passionate hours to follow. Those beautiful women with rosy cheeks were now equal. They drank their wine like those that were re-confirming an oath. That was the party; ties signed and sealed once again and sins forgiven. The alliance was united and the world was a happier place, when the women drank.