“Can't say I'm surprised you were here. You have the curiosity of a cat and the common sense of a goldfish.”

“You have the curiosity of a cat and common sense of a goldfish.”

“Miss Fitt, you know curiosity gets men killed."I grinned. "Then I daresay it's good I'm a woman."He groaned-an amused sound. "No wonder Allie finds you confusing. You've a retort for everything.""No,only for Wilcoxes."He rolled his head back and laughed. "All right, all right. If you promise to keep my secrets and enjoy this drive"-he opened his hands to gesture at the sun-dappled carriageway before us-"then I will explain."I blinked. Really? All it took to get an answer was a witty turn of phrase? It only it were that simple with men like Daniel Sheridan.”

“How long have you been standing here?""Only a moment." I fluttered my lashes. I am as innocent as a baby bird, I tried to say with my eyes."Really." He spoke it as a statement, and frowned. "You know, eavesdropping is most unladylike."My jaw dropped. "Eavesdropping? I was doing no such thing.""No?""Certainly not, Mr. Wilcox. And false accusations are most un...most un-manly-like." The retort was a stuttered failure, but I puffed out my chest anyway. "What were you doing outside?""Getting fresh air."My eyebrows shot up as if to say "Really?" He squinted at me, and I glowered back.”

“I can't believe she listened to you." I turned a wide-eyed gaze on Clarence. A grin tugged at his lips. "Yes, I imagine I'm the only person she'll listen to.""Well,I'm impressed." A warmth eased through my body. Despite his perfect features, he was not so difficult to talk to."No doubt you'd do the same with your brother.""Not precisely." I smiled ruefully. "To be honest, I don't take orders well.""Then I shall be sure I never give you any.”

“Why do you ask?""Because I can.""You can what?""I can go in the private collection!" I scurried toward him. "My father had a lifetime subscriptioin, Mr. Sheridan, and not just that, but he had special privileges. I'm certain I could use his name to get you into the private collection."Daniel's jaw fell. "Why didn't you say so before?""What?" I recoiled. "How was I supposed to know you needed it?""We could've gone ages ago!"My enthusiasm transformed into outrage. "In that case, why didn't you say you needed it?""Because I didn't know you had a subscription!""Aha!" I cried, thrusting a finger at him. "Your argument's a circle!"Daniel sprang up. "We wasted all this time-""Silence!" Joseph roared. "You are like squawking parrots, and I have had quite enough. Miss Fitt, I would ask that you take Mr. Sheridan to the library immediately. Daniel, I would ask that you keep that big mouth of yours silent.”

“What did you drop?""Nothing. Stand aside, Empress.""So you were hiding."He set his jaw, and I noticed his face was freshly shaved. It made his skin look soft."I've places to be," he growled. "So if you don't step outta my way, I will move your imperial figure myself.”