Naturally, they are seated next to each other at dinner, and the commotion of the meal provides a breath of privacy - as much as they are ever going to be allowed until they are officially wed, certainly.

He knows nothing about her, save her name - Beatrice, he reminds himself - and doesn’t know how to begin learning. What’s more, he doesn’t know if he wishes to. “I hope your journey was pleasant,” he says finally, as the wine is poured, taking up his glass gratefully.