<span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;">She blinked a moment in confusion when he commented on her jewelry. That she was one to receive jewelry was amusing all on its own but what-- Fiona. Of course. She called Fiona a little pearl, because she considered herself above the rest. A pearl amongst a bunch of nothing. But what hurt her most was not that he did not know who she was referring to...it was what he said afterwards.<br/><br/>"I'll always find your company desirable," Zara blurted out without thinking, causing her voice to hitch as soon as the words were spoken. <em>Stupid Zara! How could you possibly be so dim-witted.</em> She locked her jaw and looked at Atticus for one long moment before she turned and slipped back inside.<br/><br/><em>Yes, Zara. Let us throw our heart out to have it be stomped on,</em> she thought bitterly, the door shutting firmly behind her. When was she going to learn? She needed something to occupy her time...she wondered what the servants were doing! She could use one as a punching bag.<br/><br/>Back Inside. (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=98126.msg4955755#msg4955755)</span>