Tremaine studied her for a second by means of the sunshine of a reflected sconce, then shrugged out of his jacket and draped it round her shoulders. “We have to speak, Polly, and this isn't where to do it. ” No, they didn't have to speak, yet Tremaine it seems that had to jabber at her. “Where are we going? ” “My room,” he stated, taking her by means of the wrist. “It’s hot and personal, and never faraway from yours should still Allie take a suggestion to wander. ” “She won’t wander, Tremaine, and you'll simply… cease. ” She shook her hand freed from his and glared at him. “I are not dragged approximately like this, and we’re unlikely on your room at this hour. ” At any hour. He crossed his fingers, taking a look as implacable as a Highland warrior and as imperious as a French king. “Then the place? ” “The library. It’s virtually as hot because the kitchens. ” additionally choked with fortifying stories. He winged his arm at her, and Polly approved the extra decorous model of escort. “You glance drained, Polly Hunt, yet you’re portray brilliantly. ” “My topics are amazing, once they carry nonetheless. ” He patted her hand, and rattling the fellow, during this frigid hall, his fingers have been hot. “They’re not only lovely humans although, are they? ” “Not to me. A portrait isn't really a nonetheless lifestyles with human, or it shouldn’t be. ” “It isn’t intended to be,” Tremaine agreed, ushering her into the library. “Or it isn’t any further. This was once a great first undertaking, even though, if you’re discovering the paintings stress-free. ” “I am,” Polly stated, although anything in even these phrases had Tremaine eyeing her heavily. “What? ” “The paintings goes good. ” Polly went to the fireplace and unfold her palms out towards the hearth. The blaze was once roaring, as though in instruction for the grasp of the home to take a late-night nap at the lengthy couch. “It’s tough too. ” “What’s not easy? ” “Being clear of domestic. ” Tremaine used to be Reynard’s surviving brother, and he knew precisely who was once relating to whom and the way, so Polly provided the extra sincere sentiment. “Being clear of Allie and Sara. ” “I observed the miniature of that cat on your room. ” Tremaine stood beside her, her palms. “Allie did it? ” “She did, and don’t you begin getting principles approximately that kid, Tremaine. She wishes time to develop up and make her personal offerings concerning her paintings. ” “She would possibly not get these offerings. She’s now the stepdaughter of an inheritor to an earldom, Polly, and should you idea she’d be raised in bucolic obscurity, you’re fallacious. ” His phrases have been not easy, although his tone used to be uncharacteristically light. “She’s already been raised in a few bucolic obscurity. ” Polly collected her evening gown extra heavily round her heart, even though the fireplace gave off a wonderful warmth, and the library smelled comfortingly of previous books. “And she loves it. She’s counting the times until eventually Beck and Sara permit her have a pony, and she’s secure, Tremaine. secure from the entire Reynards on this planet, secure from what acknowledging me as her mom might price her. ” “For now. yet how outdated have been you while Reynard came upon you and so casually destroyed all your life? ” no longer her complete existence—she nonetheless had her art—but Reynard had destroyed her innocence.