Which one are you sleeping with, the baron or his sister? Percy looked amused. Both, on occasion. Together? The smile widened. His teeth were still good, Grey saw, though somewhat stained by wine. Occasionally. Though Cecile-my wife-really prefers the attentions of her cousin Lucianne, and I myself prefer the attentions of the sub-gardener. Lovely man named Emile; he reminds me of you … in your younger years. Slender, blond, muscular, and brutal.
In this exchange, Percy is questioned about his romantic entanglements, specifically whether he is involved with the baron or his sister. His nonchalant response reveals a playful attitude towards relationships, indicating that he has been with both at different times. This banter suggests a casual and open approach to intimacy, hinting at a world where such affairs might be more trivial than serious.
Further in the conversation, Percy lightheartedly discloses that, while his wife Cecile has a preference for her cousin, he himself enjoys the company of a sub-gardener named Emile. The way he describes Emile, with fondness and nostalgia, connects the character's youth and charm to Grey, showcasing both humor and a deeper longing for lost youth. This exchange encapsulates themes of love, jealousy, and the complexities of relationships in a whimsical manner.
