“A wise man, without being a Stoic, considers, in all misfortunes that befall him, their best as well as their worst side; and everything has a better and a worse side.” Your loving Grandmother, Lady Elder Morgan leaned heavily against Arianna’s door and composed himself, forcing his rigid body to relax, trying to swallow the foul taste of the tonic she had him drink. It amazed him how quickly he was completely focused on Arianna and all the wonderful things he wanted to do to her that he forgot all about his cousins below stairs, waiting for him. He chuckled mirthlessly, took a deep breath, and sighed softly. He had wanted to take Arianna so badly his body trembled and ached all over. But he had to stop thinking about that. He had to stop thinking about her. She confirmed what he suspected. She was an innocent. An innocent who had a very healthy and eager yearning to taste desire, but he could not oblige her. Making love to her would bind her to him in a way he wasn’t ready for.
