I graciously accept a delicate porcelain cup, wrapping my hands around it for warmth. “What brings you here, Sebastian?”

He looks at me as if I’ve grown an extra head. “To offer my condolences, of course.” Only now do his eyes track Magdalena as she departs, waiting for the door to close behind her before he continues. “And to check up on you. You were in quite a state last night.”

“Yes, well…” I take a sip of the coffee. It’s too hot, and it burns my tongue ever so slightly. “I must apologize for my behavior. It was unseemly.”

Sebastian shakes his head again. “No need. I lay the blame not at your feet.”

There’s something about the way he says it that doesn’t sit quite right. “Then at whose?”

“The company you keep, of course.”

I open my mouth to protest, but he barrels onward.

“Now, I know the girl is like family to you, but I worry about you, Eustaquia. Kiki.”

The girl. Like Ana isn’t even worthy of her name gracing his lips. And the sound of my name—the one that’s always felt more real—feels obscene coming from his mouth.

“Her name is Ana. And she is not responsible for my actions.” I stand, brushing invisible dust from my skirts. “I have no one to blame but myself.” White-hot pain cuts through my temples. It must show on my face because Sebastian rises, concern etched into his.

“Kiki, are you—?”

“I’m fine.”

I am absolutely not fine.

His brow crinkles.

“I’m sorry.” Sebastian actually has the nerve to look abashed. “I’m afraid I’m bungling this terribly.” He places the delicate cup back on the tray. The clink of porcelain against silver feels like a dagger straight through my skull. “I was worried about you. With the loss of your brother, I cannot imagine your suffering.”

That I believe. I do not think Sebastian has ever suffered a single day in his life. He has always lived a thoroughly blessed experience. And until recently, so had I.

“I merely wanted to make sure that you were all right.” He reaches out to take my hand. “I knew him,” Sebastian says. “Your brother. Not well, but I did know him.”

“We all know each other. It’s a small circle in which we all move.”

“He was a good man.”

Those were not the words I was expecting him to say. They are true but … unexpected is all.

“I … thank you.”

“Please. Condolences are the least I can offer.” He looks around at the library. “An impressive collection. I take it your father has been collecting books for quite some time.”

“Actually, the books are mine.”

Sebastian blinks at me. “All of them?”

“Women are perfectly capable of basic literacy, I assure you.”