James watched her hand, waiting for that touch, he wouldn't demand it, never would really. Again those protective urges but it was part of their relationship, they did as they could, not demanding more out of the other. It was a relationship many would, over think to be more, even if it wasn't, and he honestly didn't know what he would do without Helen. Having their, close friendship was more than enough if it kept her.

So he just smiled at her some, waiting really for another response, but his face fell slightly. Ah well, that, well he could live with that, so he squeezed her arm gently back, keeping the smile ever so slightly. "It is a gift of the age, Helen, nothing more."

Yes James liked her for who she was, it was really what attracted her to him. An intelligent woman from Oxford, the woman with a sharp tongue and a mind that always amazed him with what it contained. Secret wants, desires of his really to want her for more than a friend, that his flattery was not just idle, that his confidence was not just because of their friendship. But he wouldn't press it, not now.

So he just smiled still, ducking his head down. Oh he would wait. "And it has always been a pleasure to work with you Helen, to be allowed in your home, to work at your side. Nothing could match that."