Eros Element Read Online Free Page B

leaves waving in the breeze gave the department such a sage air.”
    â€œAh, yes, but it’s destructive.” Bledsoe gestured with his free hand. “The roots eat their way through the rocks and produce small cracks, which turn into big cracks, which can bring down an entire structure more quickly than one would expect.”
    â€œYou sound like you speak from experience.”
    â€œI’ve seen it happen in many circumstances. Whether it’s a building requiring its mortar or a musical ensemble needing a certain amount of trust and understanding, it only takes a few tendrils to bring everything crashing down.”
    Iris listened to his subtext and responded. “And what are these tendrils of which you speak, good sir?”
    â€œDistrust and deception regarding motive and circumstance.” They’d reached the squat stone building that housed the student dining hall with its faculty attachment. Iris stopped herself before heading into the faculty area. Yes, it was summer, but what if one of her father’s colleagues happened to be in there for a mid-morning cuppa or an early lunch? She’d had her fill of lying for the day.
    â€œThank you for accompanying me this far,” she said. “But I’m afraid I must say goodbye. I have a lot to prepare for this journey.”
    The musician tugged her along into the faculty wing. “We haven’t finished our conversation yet, Miss McTavish. I think you’ll be interested in what I have to say.”
    â€œIn that case, I would be more comfortable on the student side.” Perhaps one of Father’s students will see me and rescue me.
    â€œOh no. The tea is much better in the faculty hall, as I’m sure your father told you.”
    â€œHe would bring me here sometimes.” Now Iris had to suppress the tears that wanted to fall. Crying would let on she hid information from him, although she suspected he knew or had found the telegram.
    Sophie had disappeared somewhere between the Aetherics Department and the dining hall. Iris couldn’t blame her—she’d agreed with Sophie that if she got caught, she would take the sole responsibility. However, until she knew with certainty Bledsoe had the telegram, she wasn’t going to let anything slip.
    A pot of tea and plate of scones with little bowls of clotted cream and plum jam appeared on the table, courtesy of the students who worked in the faculty dining hall over the summer. They’re barely older than I am. Would she have to take such a position if this scheme fell through? She couldn’t imagine slinging scones for a living.
    Bledsoe poured the tea for them and took a long sip. “Excellent, as always.”
    Iris thought it tasted bitter, and she added some sugar. When she looked up, she found him studying her.
    â€œSir, your gaze is very forward.”
    â€œI cannot help but notice you haven’t removed your gloves. Are you planning on leaving so soon?”
    Iris swallowed and pulled the corners of her mouth back into a patient little smile. “You are quite right. I forgot myself.” She pulled them off slowly and hoped the teacup hadn’t gained too many impressions since being washed.
    â€œTell me, Miss McTavish,” he said and took the sugar tongs from her plate with surprising gentleness before helping himself to a cube. “Do women’s skirts often have hidden pockets, and when they do, do those pockets always have holes in them?”
    Warm spots flared like two brands had been pressed to her cheeks. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” But she couldn’t look him in the eye.
    â€œI’m trying to figure out if you lied about your father so you could be included on the trip and gain fame and fortune for yourself or if your air of desperation indicates more dire circumstances.”
    â€œNow you’re speaking nonsense.” Put down the sugar tongs. Put them down so I can