August was surprised, genuinely, when she agreed; perhaps it was not the best decision. But he was also, as a cripple, not much of a romantic item - perhaps she was not thinking of the rumor mill at all.

But August was, and he did not want to cause damage to her reputation.

"We could meet there," he said, almost in an undertone. "Lest others -" he shrugged one shoulder towards the entrance of the maze. The problem was implied.

---