This was the worst case scenario. Well, not the worst—maybe it was actually the best, but the sudden pounding in her chest sent a jolt of panic through her, and she'd never learned to associate the feeling with anything but the worst. For a long moment Grace remained quiet, processing his offer. He wanted to walk her part of the way home? Wanted to be in her company? She didn't think Mr. Echelon-Arnost disliked her, but neither did she think he thought much of her at all.

Grace finally gave a little nod, a genuine, bashful smile the uncertain one she'd forced herself to wear. "I would like that," she agreed.

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