“Are you sure you won’t join me in snuff?”
“Thank you, no. As I was saying...”
“I would be more inclined to listen were you to share this small vice with me.”
Elena attempted to conceal her frustration with a smile.
“Very well, sir Ambrose. I would be happy to imbibe with such honourable company.”
Sir Ambrose removed the ivory box and held it out to Elena, who took it.
“You know I’ve always been very fond of you, Elena.”
Elena nodded thanks for the compliment as she opened the box, expecting another waft of cinnamon, took a pinch, held it to her nose and snorted. She felt a burning sensation in the walls of her nostril and a sour taste at the back of her throat. She moved to return the box to Sir Ambrose but her hand felt heavy, so it remained on her lap. She opened her mouth to tal
