City Of Swords. Alex Archer

book dealer, which is now a job that happens mostly on the Internet. I’ve come into an inheritance and need a way to spend it. When I’ve finished with it, the Round Tower is going to be my library. I’ll build the house later. I need to do some research. Is there a local archive?”

      “There is.” She took a deep breath. “I’m a librarian. I spend my time trying to save books no one wants anymore. It’s all about the Internet and e-books and electronic devices. Perhaps if I help you research your manor house, you could save some of my books?”

      He considered her proposal. “Might I call again?” he asked.

      “Of course,” she said. “We’re neighbors.”

      He stood up, thanking her for the tea. He went to the door. “At the risk of sounding forward, might I call in tomorrow for tea?”

      She blushed. Later, he came to think of it as the first thing he learned about her. She blushed when she was pleased. When she was embarrassed, she went ashen.

      Amanda met his eyes, so like the eyes of the man in her dream it made her skin prickle. “I would like that very much,” she said. She came close to dropping a curtsy, but stopped herself just in time.