Temperance folded her hands.
“And if it is not love, then it is certainly headed in that direction.”
Maria shook her head, words tumbling out fast, “It is not yet love forhim, at least.”
That sharpened all their attention.
“How can you be so sure?” Alethea asked, startled. “You cannot know the exact measurements of another person’s heart.”
Maria opened her mouth, then shut it.
“I… I only mean…he is kind. But love is a very large word. He has not said it.”
“Men seldom say the largest words first,” Prudence commented. “I suppose it would be enough if he says good night.”
“He saysgood nightvery well,” Maria admitted, then bit her lip.
“Does he look for you when he enters a room?”
“He looks for the teapot first,” Maria said, remembering all the mornings that they would meet for breakfast.
“Second, then,” Temperance allowed.
“Sometimes,” Maria hesitated.
“Frequently?” Prudence probed.
“And when you speak, does he make haste to finish your sentence for you, or does he give you the time to finish it yourself?” Alethea leaned forward.
“He waits,” Maria said, and felt the warmth on her cheeks.
“An unhurried man is a hopeful sign,” Temperance was nodding now.
“He has notdeclaredanything,” Maria tried one last objection.
“Declarations are for formal things,” Prudence said. “Husbands declare by habit.”
“Has he any?” Alethea asked, eyes alight. “Habits that prove the case?”
Maria’s protest weakened.
“He remembers to tell me where he will be and returns when he says. And he does not detest me, at least. And I know that he keeps his words, always.”
“I am content to rest my argument,” Charity was grinning now.
Maria covered her face with one hand and laughed despite herself. “How am I to argue when you seem to have made up your mind about this?”
“We are not insisting you call it love. We are only saying that if it is not, it is its nearest neighbor,” Prudence replied.
“Change the topic before I forget how to breathe,” Maria pleaded.
“As you wish,” Prudence conceded. “We can discuss his arrival, then.”
Maria narrowed her eyes again, suspicion renewed. “You promised natural behavior.”
“We won’t cause any sort of trouble,” Charity laughed.
“Enough,” Maria said, though she was smiling. “If he comes, you willnotinterrogate him.”