"Done," she agrees, as if they've just committed to a wager.

(If he is letting himself in again with the intention to stay, she will have to decide whether there is anything in the room which requires being casually packed away during his absence. She is fond of interesting stakes, but there is a difference between risk and straight foolishness—)

Freed of her second boot, Fitcher withdraws this heel too from his grimy hands. Presumably, she can handle the less mud splattered portions of peeling out of sodden clothes herself.

"Mind not to slip on the stairs. It's a long way down."