His lashes lowered faintly. In our case, why not? Were alone. Im thoroughly aroused as you can see, he politely said, as if she hadnt noticed several times already. I can tell that youre not exactly indifferent to me. Whats the point in denying ourselves?
So blunt, Lennox, she sardonically observed. No sonnets or odes to charm a lady?
Ah Love! Could you and I with Fate conspire. To grasp this sorry scheme of things entire. Would not we shatter it to bits. And then remold it to our hearts desire. I could also recite it in the original Persian if you like. He smiled. Is that better now? Or would you like more verses to entice you?
Im not sure I wish to be enticed.
Why not? Making love is one of lifes great pleasures.
Or sorrows.
He could have asked, but he didnt want to know. Even while he understood the merits of asking in terms of facilitating a seduction, he didnt. There was something about her, an intrepid heroine willing to stand up for her rights no matter the consequences, that reminded him of things hed rather forget. Right and wrong had nothing to do with the reality of the world, hed discovered. You could be moral to the core and right as rain, and no one cared.
He had his own sorrows when it came to love.
All he wanted tonight was sex.
And if not with Nell, Lady Perceval would do.
