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"I can assure you," Dunford was saying, humor not at all evident in his voice, "that I have no intention of allowingmy visit to Cornwall"

"I'm sure it won't come to that," Henry replied "Yesterday was a bit of an exceptional case I was, after all, constructing a pigpen I assure you that we allow extra baths after work in the pigpen"

"How positively hygienic of you"

Henry did not miss the sarcasm in his voice Indeed, the veriest dullard would have found it difficult to ht So tomorrow, of course, you will be able to bathe"

"Topen Today is Sunday Even we don't perfor chores on Sunday"

Dunford had to work very hard not to let another acidic coh his lips It looked as if the chit were enjoying herself Enjoying his distress, to be precise He narrowed his eyes and regarded her a little more closely She blinked and looked at him with an expression of pure earnestness

Maybe she wasn't enjoying his distress Maybe they didn't have enough water to bathe every day He had never before heard of such a problem in a well-run household, but land

Hold on just a second, his brain screaland It always rained Everywhere He leveled a suspicious look in her direction

She smiled

He chose his words slowly and carefully "How often may I expect to bathe while in residence, Henry?"

"Certainly once a week"

"Once a ill not be adequate," he replied, his voice deliberately even He saw her falter Good

"I see" She chewed on her lower lip for a moment "I suppose this is your house, so I suppose if you want to bathe with greater frequency, it is your right to do so"

He suppressed the urge to say, "It dah The annoying chit sounded as if the weight of three worlds were on her shoulders "I shouldn't want to take water away fro warmer, you know, and--"

"Yes, I know The aniht They do A sow died last year froain, so I suppose if you want to bathe more frequently"

She paused, quite dramatically, and Dunford wasn't certain he wanted to knoas co next

" well, I suppose I could cut down on my baths"

Dunford recollected her rather distinct scent when they met "No, Henry," he said quickly, "I certainly shouldn't want you to do that A lady shouldthat is to say--"

"I know, I know You're a gentleman down to your very toes You don't want to deprive a lady But I can assure you, I am no ordinary lady"