"It's never really in men to behave, is it?" They reminded her of boys in that instant, those who had known each other for so long that they were naturally comfortable with one another. Instead of focusing on the sudden wave of jealousy she assumed that he meant their previous conversation. "There was always a bit of a power between myself and my mother, it wasn't until about three years ago that we settled it. She left the Lady of the House duties to me and she ... I don't know, drank small children's tears for all I know." It cost her a black eye for a week and a terrible headache, but no need to go that deeply into it.

"The one exception was visiting Lena, her family makes everything a celebration. This is the same woman who owes me a puppy and is not as kind as you, Bert, she will tell Roland every little terrible thing about me if I let her. I'm sure she would be up here if she could."