Lucius let out a breath that might have been a laugh. Of course; she hadn't lasted this long with him by being easy to cajole. "Well - if you won't allow it," he said, looking at her again with a hint of a smile. "I suppose there's no point in arguing it any further." How nice it would be, just to confide freely. In some ways, it was tempting - he would have a sympathetic ear, impossible to find elsewhere. But there were things he knew wouldn't bring him compassion. "Will you come to bed? I'll bring you up to speed, my dear - as much as you want." As much as he could bear to. He needed to keep her as happy with him as he could manage. The alternative was miserable to think on.