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"It's easier for a man to be a survivor than a woave hi look He would never understand what she had to say, but she supposed she owed it to him to try to explain nonetheless "When a man falls on hard tis he may do, options he may pursue, to reverse his situation He n on to a pirate ship He may look for work, as you have done

He may use his charm and looks"--she shook her head and sine you have also done"

"And a wo for work does not have overness post inally better than a lady's companion, but I doubtSusan, Jane, and Lucas with "

"Touché," he said with an understanding nod

"And as for chars She can go into the theater, she can become a man's mistress, or she canand no wish to sha into an illicit relationship" She looked up at hie That, I suppose, is what it means for a woman to be a survivor"

She paused, and the corners of her mouth quivered as if they didn't knohether to attempt a smile or a frown "Rather distasteful, don't you think?"

James didn't answer her for several moments He liked to think of himself as a broad-ine what itshoes of a woranted

She tilted her head "Why are you looking at me so intently?"

"Respect"

She drew back in surprise "I beg your pardon?"

"I adent and a woman But now I realize that you deserve my respect as well as my admiration"

"Oh I--I--" She blushed, clearly at a loss for words

He shook his head "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable"

"You didn't," she replied, the squeak in her voice proving her a liar

"Yes, I did, and I certainly didn't mean for this to be such a serious afternoon We have work to do, but there is no reason it shouldn't be entertaining"

She cleared her throat "What did you have in mind?''

"We haven't much time, so we are forced to prioritize," he said "We must focus upon only the very "

Elizabeth dropped her satchel

"You seeine which of those two surprisesfor her "Itto want to kiss a lady before he tenders an offer of e"