"You like dogs?" Gideon asked.

"I love dogs. I've never been permitted to have a pet, but I've always wanted one."

Thank heaven for small favors, Gideon thought fervently. If sympathy and affection hadn't broken through her icy shock, it might have taken days before she reached this point. She was poised on a very precarious ledge, but at least she was back among the living. He would have to be cautious to make certain she didn't slip back. "Well, I'm sure Frank is glad to make your acquaintance…" He trailed off inquiringly.

"Serena," she supplied absently. "He looks hungry. Have you fed him today?"

Frank always looked hungry and was a con artist of the highest caliber, as Gideon well knew. "Maybe he could use a midnight snack." Gideon reached out his hand and pulled her to her feet. "Let's go scout around the kitchen and see what we can find for him, Serena."

"Okay." Her hand curled around his as trustingly as that of a small child.

"Ross, why don't you make up the bed in the guest room and see if you can find something for Serena to sleep in."

Ross nodded and turned to open the front door. "Right, it may come down to draping her in a sheet, but I'll find something."

Gideon smiled at Serena as he followed Ross into the house and flipped on the light in the foyer. "I believe we can avoid using the sheet, but I'm afraid you'll have to make do with one of my shirts. I don't think we can find a nightgown for you."

She frowned. "But why would I need a nightgown?" She touched the sleek satin of her bodice. "I'm wearing a nightgown." Then emotion flared behind the vagueness of her eyes, raw and hurting emotion that threatened to burn away the comforting veil of forgetfulness.

Gideon silently cursed his lack of luck in making the seemingly innocent remark.