"I wouldn'tt know," Lambert says, honestly. While Childermass may grumble, he just sounds uncertain. "I've never felt this way about anyone before."

"Lambert..." Celandine stirs in Childermass's arms, sighing. She's loathe to give up her spot -- she was quite comfortable where she was, thanks very much -- but she'll crane her head up to look at Childermass. Even if it is only half of him.

"You do know I'm not a substitute for him, right?"