She did much the same, carefully spreading out the letters on every surface she could find that was within reach of the warmth of the fire. Some of the ink was beginning to blur, but it looked like they wouldn't be too badly damaged in the end. She knew every word by heart, but she couldn't bear to lose them.

"Thank you," she murmured finally, straightening up and wiping her damp hands on her damp skirt. It was, of course, completely ineffective and more of a nervous gesture than anything else. "Well, now that you've been completely soaked through again, why don't I show you to a room and find that change of clothing?"