Mor had not been sure that Miss Clarke had it in her to be insulting. Her lips twitched in an almost-smile. "That's my job," she pointed out, (although her interest in curses had long pre-dated her role as a librarian.) "My role is primarily research, at Crowdy. Do you go, often?"

  

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set by Bee

She was intimidated by Miss Selden, Effie was quite aware of it – but she was also stubborn enough not to show herself to be daunted by her. “Only occasionally,” Effie said, trying to keep her eyes on the fireplace. “But I may have more time to when I’m married.”

Neither of them had alluded to her engagement yet, but Effie half-hated all the veiled comments and observation, hated dancing around things – so there it was. She was going to marry Brooks Watson, and Miss Selden could despise her or pity her or laugh at her as she pleased.

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A hint of a smile curled up on Morrigan's face, but her facial affect otherwise remained unchanged. She was pleased to see that Miss Clarke could have claws; it was obvious enough that Brooks did not know it, but his fiancee did have a bite to her. "Well," she said, "I am certain that we would both enjoy that."

Morrigan more than Effie, probably.

  

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set by Bee