"Thank you."
She voiced her gratitude awkwardly, not knowing where to place her hands or feet.
When he saw her hand resting on the side of the chair, Adam Walker's fingers hesitated for a moment… then reached over and covered hers.
The Duchess's arm trembled slightly, but she didn't move.
He then tightened his grip, holding her hand in his palm.
The Duchess stole a glance to see that on his hand which held hers, the ring finger was adorned with a ring.
It was made of gold and set with a red gemstone… the very one she had given him as a wedding ring.
His palm was slightly rough, and the inside of the ring gently scraped against the back of her hand.
"COCO…" Adam Walker began softly, "The Croatian New Year is coming up… If you have the time… why don't you come to Bitterford for the New Year?"
"Sure… Sure!" the Duchess replied softly, "I… I was actually planning to spend the Spring Festival in Bitterford!"
"Then… I'll make… dumplings for you!"
"Okay."