August didn't do all of his Christmas Shopping himself — this was one of the perks of having a staff member or two attached to his law practice — but he did do some of it himself, and this was what he was working on today. Unfortunately, it seemed that everyone else in Hogshead had the same idea, because High Street was dreadfully crowded, and August had just about made up his mind to flee when someone caught on his cane.

He was nearly able to keep steady, but she managed to pull it out from underneath him and August found himself landing in a heap of limbs and — fabric? He kept his grip on his cane and placed his free hand underneath himself, ready to push himself back up and accept the woman's apologies — but then he recognized the woman with the tulle dress.

August pushed himself back up to his feet, trying to ignore the twinge of nerve pain radiating from his knee. "Miss Greengrass," he said, startled.

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