by Marcus Pierce, Earl of Danvers
- Miss Loring is my penniless ward (as are her two sisters). I am obliged to find suitable husbands for the three sisters, even though they claim they can support themselves teaching comportment, manners, and correct speech at their academy for the daughters of the wealthy merchant class. What kind of life is that for a woman of Miss Loring’s many talents? (Certainly she could be persuaded to utilize her considerable charms in the bedroom, with the resultant children she most assuredly desires.)
- She is a vulnerable female in need of a man’s protection, even if she does possess a sharp left hook that England’s greatest boxing champion, Gentleman Jackson, would have admired.
- A woman of Miss Loring’s impeccable lineage, superb breeding, and enviable beauty (even if, at twenty-four years of age, she is a bit long in the tooth) would bring her a swarm of suitors were it not for the regrettable scandal in her family.
- With her enticing curves and ripe, tempting mouth, Arabella would fire the blood of any man, even one of jaded experience (such as myself?).
- Her feminine softness tends to raise a man’s primal instincts, as well as a distinct member of his eager anatomy. A man values that quality in a woman.
- Arabella’s eyes give off sparks, almost like bloody fireworks. She would be an asset to any man’s marriage bed. (Do I repeat myself here?)
- If I cannot persuade Arabella to marry, I shall be in a bit of trouble. Unfortunately, I cannot help entertaining the image of a willing Arabella in my bed, which simply will not do. As my ward, she is forbidden fruit, and I am not enough of a rake to debauch a gentlewoman under my protection.
- Any woman who can raise the point of her rapier to the hollow of a man’s throat need not worry about domination by her husband. (She would need to concern herself, however, with his ever-present desire to have her sheath his sword.)
I was told I was to convey ten points to support my premise, but I must beg off. I find the need to take a dip in the frigid lake at the moment. My sincerest apologies.