She'd been working hard. Harder than ever, in fact. The Academy was running as smooth as glass, the very model of efficiency. She'd even been regarded for national honors, so excellent was her work. Abacus Cinch had seen her will exerted and ensured the utmost excellence was all her school could offer.

It was long, tiring work. But every now and then, a hard-working woman deserved a night off. A pleasurable night, a romantic evening with exquisite company. And she, of all people, most certainly deserved it.