Elliot nodded; he was glad Mrs. Rowle considered herself better off. She almost certainly was. "Dying in the cold is like falling asleep," Elliot said. He shook his head — his eyes refocused on her. "Not that I think anyone should try it," Elliot clarified.

  

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avs by Bee!

Eva made a face that might have tried to be a smile, but came out as a grimace. "No, I wouldn't recommend it," she agreed. "Though I'm sure I'm not the first or the last woman to be in a situation where a disaster is a savior in disguise."

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Set by Bee <3

Elliot nodded slowly, again. He could not claim to have any firsthand experience of situations like Mrs. Rowle's, but he could certainly sympathize with her. "Well," he said. He wished he had a drink in hand for effect, but could handle things without it. "Cheers to you and your — improved circumstances."

  

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Eva huffed a humorless laugh, but said, "Thank you." If nothing else, it was novel to have another person acknowledge something of what she'd been through. Even if it was under the most bizarre of circumstances.

Looking away toward the windows again, Evangeline asked, "I can't tell if it's just wishful thinking, but does the snow coming down seem to be... less intense?" Not stopping, because that would be too simple, obviously, but maybe it was a hopeful sign. Or a dangerous sign, if it made a person reckless.

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Set by Bee <3

Elliot squinted past her, out the window — he couldn't see much of a difference in the darkness, but the howling of the winds seemed to be a little less intense than it had been. Or maybe they were both prone to wishful thinking. "I hope so," he said. "You're an excellent host, but I would like to return to Wales at some point."

  

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Eva smiled wryly. "Nothing is as good as being at home, I understand." She looked from the window back to the fireplace. "Perhaps you can try to use the floo again?"

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Set by Bee <3

Elliot nodded, stood up, and grabbed a pinch of floo powder from the pot on her mantle. He stood in the fireplace and dropped it, waiting for the rush of green flames — none came out. He sighed. "I don't suppose you have a guest room?" he asked, "I'll be out of your home as soon as I can, I promise."

  

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A simple thing was obviously too much to be hoped for, Eva thought ruefully. "I'll go see that something is made up for you," she said. She turned toward the door, this time with the intent to go find a servant. "Hopefully tomorrow things will be better. Sit tight."

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Set by Bee <3