"Just to make sure," she said, more an echo of Jack's words than a statement of her own. She was close enough to catch the scent of the coat, which still carried wisps of lavender from where it had been stored. But whatever made Jack Jack? Was quickly overtaking it.

He pulled her close and Reinette felt herself take a half step closer still. She could be nothing but herself. Even still she naturally stopped to allow the expected room required for silks and hoops only to remember they were not there. She could actually feel each one of her fingertips against her waist.

"A test, you think."