[ It's an apology that seems genuine. And it admits wrongdoing, too, which is surprising. It's the last thing d'Artagnan had expected after speaking with Dorian, who had blamed Lucy for everything.

At the same time, though, he can see Tobias' charm. He can see why someone who talked like this would have appealed to Lucy, perhaps without meaning to. This sort of talk would appeal to anyone. ]

You seem older than I thought.

I don't mean - not in age, but in thinking. Are you like me? Displaced in time?

[ A young man from an ancient time. That's how it sounds. ]

All I want is to keep her from future pain. If you can do that, it's all I care about. There'll be no ill feeling between us.