"Well, most of my, er, previous dalliances have been - relatively straightforward, contained within a fairly uncomplicated social structure."
Beat. "Which is to say, usually the young wives of wealthy men, who hold their ear and might then talk them into providing patronage and funding for my research and study. It's a lot more - prescribed. Less complicated. Everything is a known quantity."
Another beat. Moriarty rubs the back of his neck absently. "Which is to say that I don't really know how to proceed with a - thing where there is both an emotional involvement and ... er ..." He waves a hand vaguely. "Dalliance-ing."
no subject
"Well, most of my, er, previous dalliances have been - relatively straightforward, contained within a fairly uncomplicated social structure."
Beat. "Which is to say, usually the young wives of wealthy men, who hold their ear and might then talk them into providing patronage and funding for my research and study. It's a lot more - prescribed. Less complicated. Everything is a known quantity."
Another beat. Moriarty rubs the back of his neck absently. "Which is to say that I don't really know how to proceed with a - thing where there is both an emotional involvement and ... er ..." He waves a hand vaguely. "Dalliance-ing."
The blush has spread even further.