When Isobel arose the following morning, it was late and she felt ill again. She attributed it once more to being in this foul house of miserable memories. She dressed in her fencing attire and skipping breakfast, went outside. Frang explained to some of the younger men the rapier and its use. She stood beside Cyrus McTeague, watching.

He took note of her attire with some surprise, and asked, "I've not seen you dressed in pants before, my Lady. Do you think it's proper for men to see your limbs?"

She smiled up at him and replied, "It may not be proper, but it's much easier to dance around with...