[ Trahearne pauses, a bit surprised that Beatrix had so pointedly picked out his softening language, and turns to look at her. He's about to correct himself, that all of his books are completely innocent, but that's wrong, too. One of the very first things he picked up for himself after waking in Songerein was a book he so innocently thought would be a biographical account of friends and acquaintances from his home. And oh, he had been so wrong. ]

I must confess, there is a particularly...salacious book I have been meaning to get rid of. [ He pulls more vegetables out--perfect for himself, since he is no cook either--and lines them up neatly on the counter. He glances at Beatrix with a small teasing look of his own; he's not very shy about this, considering he broadcasted a small portion of it over the journals just days after his arrival. ] You're welcome to have it if you like.

[ When she brings up the cat, he looks down at his pet. He sees how expectantly she looks at Beatrix, her eyes wide, and he can't help but smile. ]

That's normally where I stand when I feed her treats. [ With his free hand, he points to the ceramic jar up on the shelf. There's a little paw print design on it. ] Feel free to give her one or two.