"They stand close for a while, not touching, but breathing each other's breath."
The Seige, Helen Dunmore
He came down the steps with a relaxed gait, as though nothing at all was amiss. He smiled at me and made a slight bow as though we were meeting for the first time. It reminded me that we weren't supposed to know each other. I gave my most charming smile and lifted my shoulders as if to signal some unspoken request.
"Yes, Miss Spencer. I do know where the gardens are. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to escort you," he said loud enough for anyone listening to hear.
He guided me to the gardens and into a courtyard. There was a simple rectangular pool lit with floating tea lights and flowers. The garden was burgeoning with roses and hydrangea. They perfumed the air with their
