"This is true," Watson says, smiling over the rim of his glass. "And there wouldn't be anyone to throw us in the dock, and this not even a molly-house where such things are expected."

Sometimes that idea makes him feel giddy.

"I cannot promise I wouldn't make a hash out of it, but I do have half a mind to ask you to dance with me, even if that would ruin any pretence of secrecy."