“That sounds dreadful,” says Pal, and he means that sincerely. Whatever his feelings on John Gaius, he’s unsettled by the idea that Cecelia might sense something wrong in the man’s very nature. “In your shoes, I would probably have the same reaction. One doesn’t want to judge a person’s moral character based on gut instinct, or on some indelible part of their make-up.”

Is that what Palamedes is doing by rejecting John and urging his friends to do the same? He doesn’t think so, but it’s a question that will keep him awake at night.

“In this instance, though, your instinct and my experiences have aligned, at least so far.” Perhaps he says that to assure himself as much as to convince Cecelia. “Thank you. I appreciate your consideration, Cecelia. Truly."