"I mean such a rich green, rather more viridian than emerald, but much deeper than apple...." Her voice trailed off as she stared into the distance. It was another quarter mile before a bump in the road jarred her from her reverie. "Oh dear, my lord, I fear I have been frightfully rude, haven't I. Why, I haven't said a word to you in ages!" Branford smiled as he guided his greys around a mail coach with consummate skill. "Not at all, Miss Chilton. I commend you for not acting like a miss newly out of the schoolroom who feels she must prattle away regardless of having anything worthwhile to say." Alex laughed. "I'm afraid I'm usually prattling on about something, though as for acting like a schoolroom miss, I doubt that's possible at my age." "On the shelf, are you?" he inquired, cocking one eyebrow. The was an almost imperceptible pause before she answered. "Yes, thank goodness, and well glad of it." He slanted a sideways glance at her rigid features, his curiosity piqued by her response.
