An immediate image flashed into his mind: both inappropriate and delicious and involving significantly less clothing than either of them currently had on. Perhaps the Painted Lady’s proprietoress might oblige him later on tonight, being, as she was, that much older and more interesting than any of her girls. After encountering Mrs. Macnair he was far from in the mood for empty-headed girls.

“Oh that I’d have to show you,” he countered, doubting even this redoubtable woman would take up the very obvious invitation. He took a step closer to her nevertheless, not quite crowding, but enough that he fancied he could smell something vaguely sweet and poisonous coming from her. “But then we would both end up on little note paper, the scandal of the room.”

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Indecently attractive set by MJ