When Eugenia began lagging, Derek swung her up and onto his shoulders. “Hold on!” Nancy had noticed that when she walked with her fabulous assistant and her puny ward people smiled at them and said hello. She pretended to be equally impressed with their grimy spawn in label-laden clothing. “Have you noticed how friendly people are when you have a child?” she asked Derek, who still had the little girl on his shoulders, her small head resting atop his. “I have observed that.” “They seem to think that capitulating to a biological imperative makes them all so very special.” As always, you are right, Mrs. Carrington-Chambers.” “Still, it’s rather nice when people are nice. I’m all for niceness. What about you?” “I appreciate it when it is directed toward me.” “Well, who wouldn’t be nice to you? You’re so agreeable and gracious. I’m sure no one ever gets angry with you.” His face was averted but she caught that intriguing smirk again. “You would be shocked, Mrs.
