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She seemed disinclined to move, and he was disinclined to let her, so he dared ask for something more. “I wonder …”
“Yes?”
“Would it be too much of an imposition to ask if you might let me read to you?”
“If it’s another play of Shakespeare’s, then I’m afraid I don’t have hours to spare.” She studied the floor.
“Why not?” he pressed.
“Because I am needed.”
“By whom?”
“By my mother.”
“Does she not have her younger daughter to pay her heed?”
Her chuckle held no amusement. “Seraphina’s presence does not mean she pays my mother heed.”
“She has Becky too, don’t forget.”
A wince crossed her features. “I forgot. We hoped to have a small dinner for Becky’s birthday later this week, with hopes you might attend too, but with Seraphina and Roger here …”
“That could be problematic,” he guessed.
She nodded, pleating the skirt of her gown with restless fingers.
“I’m sure Becky will understand.”
“She finds my sister a little intimidating, I’m afraid. I suppose it will be good for her when you take her away soon.”
He wasn’t ready to think on their departure just yet.
“What was it you wished to read?” she asked.
“Henry V. I read the second part ofHenry IV, but it was not the same as having you read it to me.”
“I thought you offered to read to me.”
“And if you’ll hand meHenry V, then I most certainly will.”
“Do you read plays as well as you tease, sir?” she asked with a half smile.
“You be the judge of that.”
As he’d hoped, she gave a small gurgle of amusement and agreed to stay. “But only for one scene.”
“One scene?” he protested. “One act, at least.”
“One act, then, sir. But you best read it well, else I shall find an excuse to leave.”
“Such a hard taskmaster.”
She smiled more fully as she passed him the volume.
He found the page, checked she was comfortable, and began to read.
Two acts later, she suddenly straightened. “Oh, sir! You read too well, but it is much later than I dreamed. I had best return downstairs else they will all be wondering what has happened to me.”
