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Miss Atwood sat quietly for ato see what my father saw in you, sir You’re remarkably perceptive”

“I had an excellent teacher”

Lucius peered through the , noted they were approaching Curzon Street, and so rapped on the roof He welco hisother than her compliment It was better if Miss Atwood disliked him, better if she found him rude and obnoxious

The jarvey brought the hackney to a halt near Chesterfield House—a Palladian-style th of the street With some reluctance, Lucius offered his hand and assisted Miss Atwood’s descent

“We should walk in silence,” he said, trying to shift his awareness to so the perfume of her hair

She walked next to the arden wall, and he fell into step beside her He didn’t offer his arm, for that would cause proble heavily in his pocket, he couldn’t offer his coat to protect her from the chilly breeze but did insist she draw the blanket across her chest

“I get the sense we’re waiting for so,” she whispered just as he beca behind

“Yes, waiting for proof my theory is correct” He kept his voice low

“What theory?”

“That having appeared at the auction house and declaring a desire to obtain Atticus’ books, you have et” He paused “If I’ followed”

Her eyes greith alar puffs of white ht air “You think he means to do us harm?”

“Keep calm He will make his intention known”

Miss Atwood gulped “As this is a night for honesty, sir, I should inform you that I’ve been followed home numerous times these last teeks”

Fear alrab her upper arainst the wall and demand to knohy she’d not mentioned it sooner

“Are you certain it wasn’t an adhed heavily in his voice “Or Ashby hoping to catch a gli errands?”