15/03/2026 20:16

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She looked up athim, but he was smiling down at her, very tenderly. Grateful, too,that in his pragmatic way, he seemed to have no problemwith it either; did not appear to feel second best, secondchoice. I wish you'd stay for supper. She did notcome first in his heart: Octavia did.

Agonisingskin. Then he removedTom's shoes and tie, got into the other bed himself and layin the darkness, listening to Tom's snores and worryingslightly that Maureen might not actually be at a hen party. Warm,almost congratulatory. Like some seedy private detective.