"Thank you." She's breathless, and she reaches for the biscuit. She holds it in one hand, but doesn't move to eat it. How could she, with Childermass' words echoing in her ears?

"I made a mistake in coming here," she settles with. "I should have known-" she won't let herself finish, shaking her head, auburn curls slowly drying in the heat from the fire.

She should have known she wouldn't be welcome here. That's what she'll say if bidden.

She takes a long, shuddering breath. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Norrell. If there's some way you could offer me shelter, but only for the night. Or- help me get out of London...? I would be so grateful. Midnight would never do such a thing for me." They would. If she needed it.