Ah, now,” crooned Adam, “here we are, then.” With infinite care, as though he were handling a babe, he lifted the sword out, and a sigh seemed to go through him. “Ah, my lovely, it’s been far too long.”<br /><br />“Shall I leave you two alone, then?” Eliza’s lips twitched. She’d never seen such a look of reverence mixed with old familiarity. It was nearly indecent.<br /><br />Adam spared her a glance. “Quiet woman, a man’s relationship with his sword is a sacred thing.”<br /><br />“So I’ve heard.