Mesmerized, Elizabeth doesn't blink and fails to breathe until she manages, "The future as you know it?"

Her large, dark eyes are bright with interest. She rests her fingers on the document, but does not yet take it from his hand.

"My man is outside, and currently in possession of something very dear to me," she reveals, voice low, suspecting he is at least peripherally aware of this. "I would not want him to think I've been forcibly delayed."

Slowly, she takes the pardon and lifts her chin.

"Nor do I wish to depart at this moment. There are things I wish to collect." A shrewd glance. "And things yet to say, perhaps."