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It is locked. It will remain so. Is that clear?”
    Wordlessly, Brigitte nodded.
    â€œGood. If you wish to be near Noelle, take the room next to hers.” Eric gripped Brigitte’s elbow and ushered her down to the next room. “I’m sure you’ll find these to your liking. If not, there are a dozen other bedchambers to choose from. One will doubtless suit you.”
    Catching her breath, Brigitte inquired, “Which chambers are yours?”
    His brows arched, anger evidently eclipsed by surprise. “None of these. I reside in another wing. Why?”
    â€œBecause I want to know precisely where Noelle and I areprohibited from entering. That way, we can prevent unpleasant displays of temper like the one you just subjected us to.”
    A flicker of something—was it admiration?—flashed in Eric’s dark eyes. “I suppose that’s prudent. My quarters are at the far end of the corridor in the east wing. As to your limitations, other than the bedchamber you just approached and, of course, my own, you’re welcome to frequent any room you like.” He cleared his throat. “Treat the manor as your home.”
    â€œThank you,” she replied soberly, searching the harsh lines of his face. “Now, if you will just tell me where the kitchen is, I shan’t trouble you again. Noelle, Fuzzy, and I will settle in and begin to get acquainted. Perhaps we’ll explore the grounds. Unless, of course, Noelle shatters that lovely lamp on her nightstand—the one she’s rolled to its side and Fuzzy is vaulting over. In which case, we’ll spend the afternoon sweeping up slivers of glass. Right, Noelle?”
    Noelle jumped, stunned to realize Brigitte was aware of her actions. “How did you know what Fuzzy and I were doing?” she demanded, staring at Brigitte’s profile. “You’re looking at my uncle.”
    â€œI’m smart.” Brigitte grinned, turning to face her. “And so are you. So I’m sure you’ll agree it would be a shame to waste the remainder of this crisp autumn day scooping up pieces of the very lamp by which I planned to read you a bedtime story. I admit that Fuzzy’s antics are amusing. But are they worth sacrificing an outing and an hour’s reading adventure? The choice, little tempest, is yours. And of course, Fuzzy’s.”
    Noelle’s eyes grew wide as saucers. “You’re not going to punish me?”
    â€œFor what? You haven’t done anything—yet.” A conspiratorial wink.
    Slowly, Noelle stood the lamp back in its original spot. “Fuzzy likes to jump,” she informed Brigitte, twining a lock of hair about her finger. “But he likes leaf piles better than lamps.”
    â€œI can understand that. Dashing about the woods presents far more exciting, and safer, possibilities than skippingabout a small nightstand.” Brigitte’s smile reached out to Noelle, enveloped her in its warmth. “If you’ll give me a moment with your uncle, I promise to help you amass the tallest mound of leaves you’ve ever seen—one that will impress even Fuzzy. Would that be acceptable?”
    A decisive nod.
    â€œExcellent. And, Noelle,” Brigitte added with undisguised pleasure, “I’m proud of you. That was a mature and responsible decision. Fuzzy is lucky to have you looking out for him.” With that, she turned back to Eric, nearly laughing aloud at his stunned expression. “The kitchen, my lord?”
    â€œH-m-m? Oh, the kitchen.” He dragged a hand through his thick hair. “It’s directly beneath the pantry area—which is down the stairs to your right. Groceries are delivered once a month, as is coal, wood, and whatever other supplies I require. I presume you can cook?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œFine. Because my own needs are meager and I see to them myself. However, I pay the delivery men well. So order whatever