Laura Kinsale

ornate silver goblets

you will end a whore upon the streets in your recklessness

How depraved of you

You look alike to my mama

who can appreciate your superiority

her heart would know of its own accord

FOUR

Lady Melanthe had warned her of poison. Beware what you eat, the countess had said. Take heed of what you drink.

She touched the marks, stroked them, overcome with a rush of tenderness and shame.