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Talking? How did one begin to unravel the knot of questions plaguing one’s heart and mind?

“Then I shall start by showing you the vault” No one but Atticus had seen the secret roo the hter “You will need this” He felt an inner chill when he returned her cloak “It’s bitterly cold out tonight”

She slipped the garled to tie a bow “So cold ers are numb”

“Wind blows over the battle Here, allow me”

A nervous smile touched her lips when he stepped forward to attend to the task “So, you’re skilled at tying ribbons, too?”

“Dressing a woman can be a sensual experience”

“And you have had no end of practice”

“Not as ht think” He stood so close her essence threatened to consume him As soon as the ribbons were secure, he stepped back, keen to maintain some distance “The entrance to the vault can be found near the lake”

“Near the lake?” Excite Lead the way, Mr Daventry, and I shall follow”

“Lucius,” he said as they descended the front steps He took the lantern hanging froressed beyond the need for formality”

“Lucius,” she repeated with a warmth that surprised him “I presume you’re named after a relative”

“My mother chose it That’s all I know” He hadn’t meant to speak so sharply, but it was the reason his father still called him boy

“Well, you will probably protest, but I would rather you callany aardness “You always sound so cross when you refer to me as Miss Atwood”

“That’s frustration, not anger” Still, he wasn’t quite ready to use her given name “You’re as stubborn as you are curious”

“And as reckless as I am stubborn,” she teased “How do you tolerate my company?”