We've plenty of time to try that later, [of Marcus's (not unappealing) suggestion. It's something he'd reminded himself of even before the dreams; that they have time, as much as anyone else does. That they needn't apologize or hide. Years on, it's still an impulse he's fighting.

But there are better things to dwell on, presently. The image of Marcus Rowntree impatient is a pleasant one, and Julius's look is appreciative before he moves to retrieve the jar of oil Petrana had cleverly fetched earlier.

Marcus had said they were clever, and that's surely true, but they're still learning one another. Julius would rather ask than risk misreading a signal, and so:]

I can picture a few arrangements, with you between us.

[It's not that Petrana can't weigh in too; it's that he trusts her to do so without prompting, so it's Marcus he addresses.]

What do you think? On our sides? Petra on her back and me behind you? What sounds best?

[Even if the words are conversational, the heat in his tone makes clear he's certainly not holding himself aloof. But on the other hand, he wants to make it clear from the beginning that it's three of them, not two plus one. Giving up some direction is the best way he can think of.]