It would only lead to disappointment, even heartbreak, and her heart was too precious for me to let that happen.

But it was too late now. A lifetime too late. A million wishes too late.

I think in a moment of weakness, you might surprise yourself.

One can't help but marvel at the variety of ways that women had devised to make us look like flaming idiots.

And then another letter had come from Christopher, so devastating that Amelia wondered how mere scratches of ink on paper could rip someone's soul to shreds. She had wondered how she could feel so much pain and still survive.

After a universal silence, Leo was the first to speak. “Did anyone else notice—” “Yes,” Catherine said. “What do you make of it?” “I haven’t decided yet.” Leo frowned and took a sip of port. “He’s not someone I would pair Bea with.” “Whom would you pair her with?” “Hanged if I know,” Leo said. “Someone with similar interests. The local veterinarian, perhaps?” “He’s eighty-three years old and deaf,” Catherine said. “They would never argue,” Leo pointed out.

Some folks are happier not being saved.