xxiii. dictated

[heloise]

Spike
He came home.

What terrible months we have seen, before even the dog days arrive!

I say we put an end to it, at once. The Castle drinks our joys as greedily as it feeds on our sorrows; we might show it that happiness is what we seek. Happiness beyond bound, which we would gladly offer as payment for our borrowed time, and no more tears.

Summer brings music and merriment to the streets of Rome, gypsies and pilgrims alike dancing together. We can do similarly here.

Comments

[heloise]

[ Precisely. ]

How did you tell?

[gottaknockhard]

Well, if he has hair like mine.

[heloise]

[ She laughs. Spike, please. ]

His is rather tamer by comparison.

[gottaknockhard]

[If only he could make everyone laugh this easily. He used to have a knack for it.]

We all have to start somewhere.

[heloise]

[ She can be his training wheels. ]

But I dislike the people my father has introduced to me. Perhaps we differ thus.

[gottaknockhard]

What kind of people?

[heloise]

Husbands. Suitors.

[gottaknockhard]

Did you go through a lot of those?

[heloise]

A lot of which?

[gottaknockhard]

[Husbands...]

Sorry, it's not really any of my business.

[heloise]

No? That is a first.

I was told you could always read it in a book.

[gottaknockhard]

[Yeah, that's still a weird concept for him.]

I'm not one to spend a lot of time in the library.

[heloise]

Where would you rather spend your time?

[gottaknockhard]

I'm running out of answers for that.

[heloise]

I had hoped you might.

[gottaknockhard]

Run out?

[heloise]

Yes.

Would that be unkind?

[gottaknockhard]

That would depend on your motives.

[heloise]

I wish to know you better.

[gottaknockhard]

I guess my book hasn't been published yet.

[heloise]

Would you have me look through the library to see?

[gottaknockhard]

[That's a chilling thought...]

They'd probably get the details wrong.

[heloise]

I think so too.

If ever you stumble upon my books, never tell me.

[gottaknockhard]

[Thank you, Lucrezia.]

You won't have to worry about that.

[heloise]

But you must promise-- [ What, exactly? ]

To never pity or fear me.