After Cash had left, Adrienne got dressed in her most casual evening wear; she was only going over to her brother’s place next door. She’d have gone over in her nightgown and evening robe if that wouldn’t have sent some of the maids atwitter. On top of bringing news, she also picked up the bouquet of flowers Olympe had brought back from the market. Ari’s place needed some livening up, and though Adrienne knew flowers wouldn’t bring back Asa, she wanted Ari to know that there was still life.

He was where she expected him to be; sketching in his sketch book. Adrienne walked through the floo and hurried over to him, murmuring in French as she did so. “Bonsoir, ma moitié,” she greeted, swooping in to kiss his cheek. She was careful not to make sure he got a face full of the fragrant flowers and transferred them to the arm furthest from him. “I’ve brought you some more flowers.”

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