"I'd say that's a poor showing, except I'd probably have done the same." Or, if he hadn't, Neil or Grantaire might, especially when it was early days still and they had no idea of how to be around one another without flirting or fighting. Mix in truth-telling against his will and he'd have bolted all the faster.

Edgar considered Beth's words, frowning a little but only in concentration. He didn't want to speak for Curtis. Once, he might have felt as though he could but that time had passed long ago. "What's that period with all the rules for mourning? Edwardian? Victorian? Something Ian. Anyway, we're not living then. I think you get to go at your own pace."

It was probably more candid than was right for what they were saying but Edgar said it anyway. "He never liked me holding a torch for him when he was right there. I don't think he'd want you to do it when he's gone too."