They sat side-by-side on the bed, Noah stripped down to his breeches, a small heap of malodorous clothing on the floor at his feet. ‘Is he reconciled to it at all, do you think?’
‘He’s very polite when we do see him, which is mostly at mealtimes. He speaks when spoke to. Otherwise, he’s in his room or out riding in the hills with one of the stable lads.’
‘Christ. Well, I’ll have to talk to him. It won’t solve itself, clearly.’
‘Talking to Hal will help, I’m sure.’
‘Not certain Hal’s my biggest supporter at the moment.’
Sam laughed. ‘And he thinks you find him falling short all the time when, in truth, you both think the sun shines out of each other’s arses.’
It was Noah’s turn to laugh, and he leaned in to kiss Sam on the forehead.
‘Perhaps you need to talk to him, too?’
‘Perhaps I
