Page 35 of The Last Necromancer
"What's around the back of the house?" I asked.
"Outbuildings, orchard, walled garden and tennis court."
"Tennis! Do you play?"
"Play?"
"Yes. Tennis. Do you play?"
"No."
"You've never challenged Seth or Gus to a game?"
"There is no time for games at Lichfield Towers."
"How dull. I'm sure the men would appreciate a little time to play games like tennis or cards."
"I've seen them play cards after dinner."
"You've never joined them?"
"Rarely."
"Is that because they don't ask or because you don't want to play?"
His only answer was to increase his speed. I had to trot to remain alongside him.
"You don't talk much," I said. If he wanted to keep a close eye on me, I might as well annoy him. It was my duty as his prisoner.
"You ask too many questions."
"Ha! That's rich coming from you. You only ever ask questions."
"I haven't asked you any today."
"It is only mid-morning. I expect them to come after Seth and Gus return."
"You are probably right."
I glanced sideways at him, but he kept his gaze directly ahead. He did slow down somewhat, which was just as well since I was starting to get a little breathless.
"You've almost finished the book." His attempt at starting a new conversation that had nothing to do with my background surprised me. I was growing used to his silences.
"It's a good book."
"Nor have you asked me the meaning of any of the words."
"So?"
"You're educated."
Ah, there it was. His attempt at digging into my past had begun more subtly this time, but he'd ruined it with that comment. "Very observant, Sherlock."
He said nothing.
"Sherlock is the character in the book I'm reading," I explained. "He's very observant."
"I've read it."
