"A very dear delusion," he said gently, with that special warmth in his expression and distinct message in his gaze as they paused in the yard.
"So Captain, now that we agree again that you are quite real, and quite yourself, might I ask a question?" "Of course Mrs. Muir, how may I be of assistance?" "This morning, you said you remembered what goes on in a man's mind when a beautiful woman smiles at him, what DOES go on?" she said with a beguiling smile and a distinct glint in her eye.
"Don't we have something else to discuss?" he tried again, attempting to dodge the question. 'Actually, no we do not, not now," she said, her eyes staying trained on his face. "Well, if you insist Madam," he said, looking steadily into her eyes. "It fully and completely depends upon the woman, and the nature of her smile. If, for instance," he paused, pointing a finger at her with a wry grin, "the woman was smiling a smile like yours, the man would be thinking he was very fortunate indeed. And if circumstances were different, the rest of the thoughts could only be shared in a very private, comfortable setting. Does that answer your question M'dear?"
Without blinking, and with a fair amount of satisfaction, he watched her blush, but was exceedingly satisfied that she never once let hey eyes drop. "Well Captain," she said at last, "it answers THAT question. I may have others in future, if you don't mind?"
"I am now and always at your service Mrs. Muir," he said losing himself into her green eyes and the thoughts of what might be someday in their future together.