Then his attention shifted away again, returning to the conversation at the table. Nothing in it was lacking, but Eleanor felt the absence of sincerity all the same.
She did not dwell on it. She could not afford to, and so she did what was required of her and did it well.
"And you have only just returned to Harrowby," Mrs. Denham said, folding her hands lightly. "It must feel very different without a full house."
"It is what I am used to," Julian replied. "Which I prefer."
"And you, Lady Harrowby?" she asked, turning. "Do you not miss the excitement already?"
Eleanor smiled slightly. This, at least, she could answer honestly.
"I think I would find it all exhausting if it continued indefinitely."
"A very sensible answer," Mr. Denham said. "Though I suspect some would disagree."
"They are welcome to," Eleanor replied.
A small ripple of amusement passed around the table.
"You must have had very little time to settle," another guest added. "Everything has happened so quickly."
"The house required very little adjustment. The staff have been wonderful, and most patient."
"That is fortunate," she said. "Not everyone manages it so smoothly."
"She is well suited to it," Julian said.
It was said simply, without emphasis. Eleanor felt the shift again as attention settled more closely upon them.
"How very fortunate for you both," Mrs. Denham said. "It is not always so aligned."
"No," Julian replied. "It is not."
"And yet," Mr. Denham added, with a glance between them, "one might almost think it had been planned."
Eleanor allowed a small smile.
"I am afraid we cannot claim that level of foresight."
"Then we must hope it continues to appear so," she said. "I have no doubt of it, of course. It has been a long time since we have seen a true love match, and may I be the first to say I am thrilled."
Julian reached for the glass beside Eleanor without looking away from the conversation, passing it to her before she needed to ask.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"Of course."
The exchange was brief, and entirely observed.
"I think," Mrs. Denham said after a moment, her tone light but certain, "that you are very well matched indeed."
Julian did not contradict her. Eleanor felt the words settle more heavily than they ought to have done.
Very well matched.
It was said so easily, and accepted without resistance as though it were something visible, something that could be measured from the outside and confirmed without question.
For a brief moment, she found herself wondering whether there was something in it.