“Perhaps the truth was there was no perfect marriage, just some really good ones.”

“...then tossed the coat into the water. “Hurst! That’s a perfectly good coat!” “Yes, and I have a perfectly good life. One of those two things is not replaceable.”

“It is surprising how many times a good feeling can be confused with a bad one. Often one is unsure which feeling it really is until much later.”

“Shoes really did lead the perfect life. They were polished and taken care of and notexpected to do anything more painful than occasionally step in a bit of mud or a rare puddle. She’dwager her shoes never wished they could just disappear.”

“Well, it is a good thing he died young. Most men don’t have the good sense to knowwhen to quit this earth. At least your husband didn’t drag on and on like some do.”

“My marriage to Kincaid is a bit more complicated than I thought. There are certain things we don’t agreeon, and—”“You wish to change his mind about something,” Gregor finished.“How did you know?”“I’ve noticed that women often have a desire to change men, even the ones they love.”“I’ve noticed that, too.” Dougal frowned.”

“Perhaps I should just leave after all."She whirled on him. "No! I'm just trying to find the right words,and I-oh,it's complicated!""Lies usually are."She wetted her lips. "Lies?"He raised his brow.She sighed, her shoulders slumping, an expression almost of relief crossing her face. "You know."Dougal nodded."Everything?"He nodded again."How we tried to conceal the house's value? And disguised the beautiful paneling in the library? And-""Blocked up the chimneys and hid the good furnishings and served me food a dead man would refuse."She bit her lip. "I'm sorry about that.""No,you're not. You wanted me unhappy and uncomfortable.""Well,yes-but not very uncomfortable.”