August came to a painful, grinding halt when she touched his sleeve. He had been hoping that she wouldn't notice, except that Miss Greengrass would have lost some of her appeal — as a person, not as a debutante he thought was cute — if she were oblivious, he would not have been as intrigued by her.

He leaned on his cane, just a titch more than he usually did. "Miss Greengrass," August said, "Are you at all familiar with the nervous system?"

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