“It was too quick. Sudden.” And he hadn’t had an address, hadn’t had a way to contact John. He chose not to say so.
“We should have brought her with us. Mother—” John shook his head. “She never speaks of it.”
No, Sam guessed not. Emily had made her choice. No reminders. No looking back. “How is she? Emily.”
“Oh, marvelous and resilient and clever as ever. She’s living with a Florentine banker who could buy this house three times over. He’d find a way to give her the moon if she wanted it. She won’t marry him—or anyone, again—even though he’s asked. He’s a good man.”
“Good,” Sam said, and meant it. “Good.”
John poked a bit of cheddar; it crumbled. “I am sorry. I know it’s not enough. For not being here, for—for this, now. Causing trouble for you.” He did not look up.
“The cheese doesn
