“When your sister is not present, it is my task to do so,” she said. “Now speak. You have never been so fearful before, because . . .” At last he surrendered. “Because it was you. Because I feared you would be hurt or even killed—that I would lose you.” “Do you think I did not feel the same?” His expression was carefully neutral. “Felt the same fear for me, you mean?” “Of course, you cautious, beloved fool.” She laughed. “Forty summers and more we have known each other, and you have been like a brother to me—and more than a brother.” She took a breath. “Can you not admit you care for me,
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